Taste of the South

Sitting beside the beautiful Lake Wakatipu surrounded by awe inspiring scenery, Queenstown showcases the best of what the South Island has to offer.  This 4 night itinerary with Budget Rental Car and hotel style accommodation gives you a brief look into this experience packed destination, with a cruise in the world famous Milford Sound, driving through Mount Cook finishing with time to spare in Christchurch.

Day 1: Arrive Queenstown

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand.  On arrival to Queenstown Airport collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your hotel.

QUEENSTOWN - is the South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she was called Queenstown.

Tourist Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Garden View room, 2 nights
Deluxe Accommodation: St Moritz Queenstown MGallery, Guest Room Lakeview, 2 nights

Day 2: Queenstown

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown.

Suggested Optional Activities (not included in package price)

Dart River Jetboat Safaris Wilderness Safari (6hrs duration ex Queenstown) 7.40am or 11.40am ex Queenstown
The world famous Dart River 1/2 day option, Jetboat, short guided bush walk and 4WD backroad adventure.  A total wilderness experience.  Things to know - Always dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes/boots and bring eyewear (sunglasses or prescription glasses). Bring a sunhat and sunscreen in summer and warm hat and gloves in winter.  If using Safari transfer to Glenorchy, approximately 45 minutes is allowed for refreshments prior to the coach departing Glenorchy for Queenstown.  Upon completion of your tour you will be returned to your Queenstown accommodation.

$135.00 per adult, $100.00 per child to 30 Apr 2013  

Appellation Central Wine Tours Boutique Wine Tour (12pm-5pm)
Today you will be collected by a representative from Appellation Wine Tours and spend an afternoon among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago, a perfect introduction to the region.  Included in today's tour is Tasting at 4 wineries in the Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn regions, a delightful platter style lunch at Carrick Winery restaurant.  A visit to historic Old Cromwell Town (time & weather permitting) and stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge whilst learning about the early pioneering history of this rugged region.  Before completing your tour and returning to Queenstown view the historic Kawarau Bridge and the original AJ Hackett Bungy Jump.

NZD$158.00 per person to 30 Apr 2013  

Tourist Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Garden View room
Deluxe Accommodation: St Moritz Queenstown MGallery, Guest Room Lakeview

Day 3: Queenstown/Mount Cook Region (Approx. 263km)

Depart Queenstown and travel through the centre of the South Island to Twizel or Mount Cook. Enjoy the changes of scenery from Mirror Lakes to rugged ranges.  Travel through the rugged high country of the Mackenzie Basin before arriving at New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook. 

Tourist Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn Twizel, Deluxe Room, 1 night
Deluxe Accommodation: The Hermitage, Standard Room, 1 night

Day 4: Mount Cook Region/Christchurch (Approx 331km)

Depart the mountainous region of Mount Cook and travel through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch – New Zealand’s “Garden City”. 

Optional activity en route (not included in package price): 

Air Safaris Grand Traverse Mount Cook & Glacier Scenic Flight (50min flight time) ex Tekapo
The flight of a lifetime, the "Grand Traverse" is a spectacular scenic flight seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. The recognized premier Aoraki Mount Cook flight seeing experience, this magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery.

NZD293.00 per person to 31 Mar 2013 

Tourist Accommodation: Ashley Hotel Christchurch, Run of House 1 night
Deluxe Accommodation: Chateau on the Park, Premier Room 1 night

Day 5: Depart Christchurch

Breakfast is included this morning in your hotel.  Today return your rental vehicle to the Budget Rental Car representative at Christchurch Airport before your departure flight.

Tourist Class 

Deluxe Class 

NZD10.00 per person documentation fee to be applied to the above rates.

Travel is to be completed within the season.  Any travel that falls over both seasons will be priced on application.

Costs include

• Accommodation in hotels as specified, share twin subject to availability.  4 person rate based on 2x share twin rooms unless otherwise specified.
• Goods & Services Tax 15%, subject to change
• Budget rental car throughout (CDAR for 2 pax / FDAR for 4 pax) – Full terms and conditions of rental will be provided at time of documentation
• Basic vehicle insurance (subject to insurance excess)

Costs exclude

• Airfares National or International
• Airport Tax
• Personal expenses & tips
• Drinks during meals (except water/tea/coffee)
• Any items of personal nature
• Optional activities
• Foreign speaking assistance
• Fuel for car
• Additional rental car charges
• Insurance excess

Subject to

• Subject to surcharges beyond our control
• Accommodation subject to availability 
• Minimum 2 pax travelling
• Increase in Goods & Services Tax, currently 15% and subject to change
• Special Event / Holiday surcharges