Coastlines to Alps Elite Discovery: Dunedin to Tekapo
Christchurch → Hanmer Springs → Oamaru → Dunedin → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Wanaka → Tekapo → Christchurch
$189,25/Person
Designed for travellers who love coastal beauty, wildlife, charming historic towns, and alpine lakes. This itinerary blends relaxation, culture, wildlife encounters, and dramatic nature.
Highlights
- Hanmer Springs thermal hot pools
- Oamaru Victorian architecture & penguin colony
- Dunedin’s Scottish heritage & Otago Peninsula wildlife
- Queenstown adventures
- Milford Sound cruise
- Lake Tekapo’s starry skies
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable driver/ guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city or agreed locations
- Flexible sightseeing stops as per the itinerary and time availability
- Bottled water during the tour
- Entry tickets or admission fees for any attractions or activities
- Charges for optional experiences such as cruises, adventure activities, or guided attractions
- Meals, snacks, and personal refreshments
- Accommodation and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Any activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
DAY 1 — Christchurch → Hanmer Springs → Oamaru
- Start with a drive to Hanmer Springs, NZ’s famous alpine spa village. Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by mountains.
- Continue to Oamaru, known for its preserved Victorian Precinct, quirky Steampunk art, and little blue penguin colony. Explore boutique shops, limestone buildings, and scenic harbour views.
DAY 2 — Oamaru → Dunedin → Queenstown
- Travel to Dunedin, a city with rich Scottish heritage and striking architecture. Visit highlights like the iconic Railway Station, Baldwin Street, or the spectacular Otago Peninsula, home to albatross, seals, and penguins.
- Then continue through rolling hills and vineyards to Queenstown, where mountain views greet you on arrival.
DAY 3 — Queenstown → Milford Sound → Queenstown
- Journey deep into Fiordland, stopping along mirror lakes, deep valleys, and ancient forests. Cruise through Milford Sound, famous for its waterfalls, steep cliffs, and wildlife.
- Return to Queenstown surrounded by incredible alpine scenery.
DAY 4 — Queenstown → Wanaka → Tekapo
- Head across dramatic mountain roads to Wanaka, where you’ll enjoy lakeside walks and views of the Southern Alps.
- Continue through Lindis Pass, known for golden tussock landscapes, and onward to Lake Tekapo, where you can explore the lakefront, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, or enjoy relaxing hot pools.
DAY 5 — Tekapo → Christchurch
- Enjoy the turquoise lake, scenic viewpoints, and optional short walks around Tekapo before returning to Christchurch.
- Star lovers may visit the Mt John Observatory (optional).
