Search Cars → Change your itinerary Pickup Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch Queenstown Dunedin Drop Off Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch Queenstown Dunedin Choose trip duration --- 4 Days 10 Days Want to change the duration of your journey? Change trip duration 4Days 10Days 10Days Christchurch to Queenstown in 10 days Driving Tour So you’ve hit the South Island and arrived in Christchurch – the Garden City. This is a great place to start your South Island adventure which is going to take you on a 10-day tour ending up in the adventure capital of the world – Queenstown. Let’s hope you’re all set and let’s GO! If you’re still in the planning stage of your trip, make sure you check out the great deals on car rental in Christchurch or our hire cars in Queenstown – we’re not one of New Zealand’s favourite rental car companies for no reason! Contents Route map with key locations Recommended vehicle for this trip Trip itinerary Christchurch Hanmer Springs Formerly the Blackball Hilton Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Hokitika Franz Josef Wanaka Milford Sound Queenstown Trip Itinerary 1Christchurch So you’ve picked up your GO Rentals hire car and you’re ready to hit the road but before you do, be sure to check out the delights of Christchurch first. Christchurch Complete Guide If you have more time, there is plenty to do in and around Christchurch from the fantastic Botanical Gardens to the tranquil Avon River. Christchurch also hit the international headlines following a series of earthquakes that destroyed many homes and businesses – you can check out some of the work taking place to rebuild areas destroyed by the earthquakes or even lend a hand. With so many things to do both in Christchurch and the surrounding areas, make sure you check out our Christchurch section for great ideas if you are staying in this area longer. International Antarctic Centre If you’ve just picked up your GO Rentals car, one thing we can definitely recommend is the International Antarctic Centre which is located a stone’s throw from the airport. Wrap up warm and experience a true Antarctic storm in the specially designed room which even features a snow slide before heading off to see the cutest little penguins you will have ever seen in the penguin encounter. Finish your visit off with a hagglund ride and you can be sure this will be a trip not to forget. Brrrrrrrr. Related Blog Posts 15 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids The 17 Best Things to Do in Christchurch for Couples The 5 biggest cities in New Zealand and what to do there Christchurch to Picton – Exploring the Alternative Route 2Christchurch to Hanmer Springs  (134km – 1 hour 55 mins) After a gentle introduction to the South Island in Christchurch, it’s time to hit the road and head north where a day relaxing and soaking in the alpine air will get you in the mood for your South Island road trip. Surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps with crisp alpine air, relax and unwind in the award-winning thermal pools or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Hanmer Village and surrounding areas. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa The thermal pools and spa complex in Hanmer have been soothing peoples’ aches and pains away for the best part of 125 years and all those who have been before you can’t be wrong! Relax in one of 15 open-air pools or try out one of the 3 aquatherapy pools. Families and children are catered for too since a recent redevelopment has added three waterslides and a lazy river to keep even the liveliest of kids (and adults!) entertained. Wai Ariki Farm Park If getting crinkly is not your thing, there are plenty of other attractions in Hanmer and one of the best is the Wai Ariki Farm Park. Offering a hands-on experience, Wai Ariki is home to some weird and wonderful animals which are sure to keep kids and adults amused for the morning. The Tibetan Yaks are a particular favourite! Alpine Pacific Centre With rural roads and towns ahead of you, this could be one of your last chances to put some quality shopping time in before you hit the road. With a fantastic range of boutique outlets including the quirky ‘Up the Garden Path’ and ‘Wink’, we’re sure you’ll find the retail therapy as relaxing as a trip to the thermal pools. Monteith’s Brewery Bar Monteith’s is a Southern Island gem and the Monteith’s brewpub in Hanmer gives you a perfect chance to wet your whistle and sample a few of their delightful ales, relax and unwind. Situated right in the heart of the town, there’s a great vibe to match the great beer so whatever you’ve been up to during the day, this is a great place to end your night. We recommend the Monteith’s Southern Pale Ale. When in Rome as they say! 3Hanmer Springs to Greymouth via the Lewis Pass (215km – 2 hours 51 mins) Leave Hanmer Springs heading west on SH7, leaving the east coast behind as it’s time to get your skates on and head over west-side. This is a day for beautiful scenery as you cross the Lewis Pass in search of the rugged West Coast. Maruia Thermal Springs (112km – 1 hour 29 mins from Hanmer Springs) Depending on your activities in Hanmer Springs, Maruia Thermal Springs could be a good option if you’re looking for some relaxation but didn’t have the time to spend in Hanmer. Located right on SH7, Maruia Thermal Springs is located in the natural and tranquil surroundings of the Maruia River. With pools of varying size and temperature, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks whilst your body recovers with the healing powers of these thermal waters. Hmmm that sounds perfect…can we join you? Reefton (63.6km – 51 mins from Maruia) Reefton is a fantastic place to break up your journey across the Lewis Pass and if you’ve not had the opportunity to check out some of the gold mining in this area yet, here is a great chance at Oceana Gold’s open pit. If that’s not your scene, there are plenty of other things to keep you amused in Reefton not least the freshwater fishing which is some of the best throughout NZ. For the more adventurous, why not give kayaking a go or even try some mountain biking down the Devil’s Tail to the Clematis suspension bridge. Ikamatua Golf Club (26.8km – 21 mins from Reefton) For a rather surreal experience, why not give the Ikamatua golf course a try if that’s your thing. A rather charming 9-hole club situated midway along the Lewis Pass, you‘ll be guaranteed a warm welcome and a friendly smile. Travellers have been known to be invited to play in local club competitions so bring your A-game! Formerly the Blackball Hilton (30.2km – 39 mins from Ikamatua The last stop off on your route over the Lewis Pass should be at the rather enchantingly named Formerly the Blackball Hilton (Google it and you’ll see why this is enchanting!). With individually decorated rooms, The Hilton offers a unique experience for travellers and if you have time, you may want to consider a stopover. The town of Blackball is a former mining town and was the scene of controversy throughout the early 1900s with illegal strikes and a communist turned capitalist adding to the history of the place. The bar and restaurant offer fantastic food and if you’re lucky enough to stay the night, you may be treated to one of the many themed nights held here with a plethora of fancy dress outfits to choose from. 4Greymouth to Franz Josef via Punakaiki (262.1km – 3 hours 31 mins) After your day driving across the Lewis Pass, you may have arrived in Greymouth late last night. Although it’s the biggest town on NZ’s west coast, Greymouth is more of a stopping off point for many travellers either by road or rail as the famous Tranzalpine railway to Christchurch heads off from Greymouth. There is however still plenty to see and do in the area and probably the most popular is the Monteith’s brewery tour and tasting (that’s right folks, more beer tasting!). Monteith’s is one of NZ’s most famous exports and the master brewers will talk you through the process of creating multi-award winning beers…and then you’ll get to try them for yourself. Winner. On yer bike! Adventures also offer some fantastic off-roading fun in their quads, go-karts, argo and hagglunds through amazing rainforest trails and flowing creeks. If you still haven’t checked out the gold mining history in these parts, GO Play partner Shanty Town offer a 5% discount for a tour back in time – definitely worth a look. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (45.1km – 37 mins from Greymouth) Hmmmm pancakes as Homer would say! Although your day is going to take you south along the west coast to Franz Josef, we highly recommend a detour north to start your day. These 30-million-year-old limestone formations are nothing to be scoffed at. They’re towering cliffs of rock that really do look like a sky-high layer of grey pancakes stacked one on top of the other. We reckon Homer would be pretty happy with these bad boys. With a well-maintained path leading out to the best spots, this is a great chance to see the huge waterspouts that blast out towards the sky from blowholes. GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity Hokitika (83kms – 1 hour 10 mins from Punakaiki) Hokitika (what a great name… go on, say it again!) is the last ‘big’ town you’ll pass on the drive south from Greymouth but make sure you don’t just drive on by. Hokitika is NZ’s major centre for the working of greenstone. Why not get involved yourself and try some jade carving at the Just Jade Experience? You may also want to go and check out the glow worm dell (although this is best seen at night) where you’ll see the lit-up worms suspended by their sticky threads – if you’ve not seen anything like this before, the glow worms are a truly magical sight and well worth a look. Lake Mahinapua (16.2kms – 36 mins from Hokitika) You and the GO Rentals car should be getting to know each other by now so before you know it, you’ll come across Lake Mahinapua which offers a fantastic stop-off point for a picnic and a stretch of the legs. Once a coastal lagoon it’s a lovely place for a swim and the water is surprisingly warm. A great place for families, there is a suitable wading area for young children and bigger kids love jumping off the jetty or launching a canoe to explore. For the twitchers out there, you’re likely to see black swans and mallard ducks and if you’re extremely fortunate you could also spot a magnificent white heron or the rare fern bird if that floats your boat. There are a number of short walks or if you have the time try the two-hour Mahinapua walkway which traverses board-walked wetlands and forest following a historic logging tramway. The final pitstop of the day should be at Ross (27.2km – 22 mins from Hokitika) which was made famous in 1909 when NZ’s largest-ever gold nugget was mined weighing in at an impressive 2.807kgs. Your drive from here cuts back inland, passing many beautiful lakes before finally arriving at Franz Josef (107km – 1 hour 23 mins). West Coast Complete Guide 5Franz Josef After the longish drive down the West Coast the previous day, you’ll be glad to be out of the car (the car will surely have a name by now) and stretching your legs and what a sight to wake up to – the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The Glacier was first explored in 1865 by Austrian Julius Haast and it has been advancing and retreating ever since. Exploring the glacier There are several ways to explore the glacier from independent walks to heli-hikes but however, you choose to take in the sights and sounds of the stunning glacier, make sure you pack your bag for all weathers as things can change quickly up at the glacier. Independent walks There are a number of independent walks you can make which provide great viewpoints of the glacier. The best is probably Sentinel Rock which is 10 minutes from the car park or the Ka Roimate o Hine Hukatere walk which is a more energetic 40-minute walk that leads to the terminal of the glacier. Guided walks Without a doubt, the best way to experience the glacier is to walk on them. Small group walks with experienced guides and equipment provided (amazing socks!) can be booked in the town of Franz and offer half or full-day trips up onto the glacier. We cannot recommend highly enough taking the full day hike as this will allow you to get further up the glacier with the chance to find new routes or even undiscovered ice caves. With your crampons on and your ice picks at the ready, this is another great snap for Facebook to show you as the true ‘explorer’ so don’t miss out on this one. Franz Josef Glacier Guides are also a partner of GO Play, offering a 10% discount for guided tours on the ice – cool! 5% off Use your GO Play card here Shantytown Heritage Park Heli-hikes For those with a few more dollars to spare, a heli-hike offers two fantastic opportunities; see the sheer scales of the glacier from the skies but also get onto the glacier much higher up where the ice is much purer. Here you’ll get the chance to discover blue-ice caves, seracs and pristine ice formations and let’s face it, a trip in a helicopter is pretty cool. Aoraki Mount Cook Taking things one step further, Aoraki Mount Cook is within reach of Franz by helicopter with a number of companies running tours to see the highest peak in NZ. These tours can often be combined with a heli-hike on either Franz Josef or Fox glacier and are the ultimate Southern Alps experience. If you do head out on one of these amazing trips, be sure to let us know so we can all be super jealous in the office! 6Franz Josef to Wanaka (285kms – 4 hours 53 mins) After a full day on the glacier, it’s time to hit the road proper and get some miles under the belt (these GO Rentals hire cars love a good run out!). The drive to Wanaka takes you down the West Coast before cutting inland along the Haast Pass towards Wanaka. There are some spectacular viewpoints on the way but be sure to pick one or two or you may never arrive in Wanaka! Lake Matheson (27.8kms – 27 mins from Franz Josef) GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity As you head out of Franz Josef, one-stop that cannot be missed is a detour to Lake Matheson. If you’re looking for a photo to put on Facebook to make all your friends jealous, then this is it. Better still, send your photo in to our GO Snap Happy competition for a chance to win back the cost of your rental – can’t say fairer than that! Take the road west at the popular Fox Glacier township and you’ll be rewarded with views that take your breath away and make you question why you ever want to go back to whatever it is you do when you’re not touring around NZ’s South Island. Famous for reflecting a near-perfect image of Aoraki Mount Cook in its waters, Lake Matheson was formed around 14,000 years ago when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major advance towards the sea. If we had to guess, we reckon you’ll end up with 39 photos give or take on your camera – the best view is always just around the corner! As you carry on down the Haast Pass, there are loads of forest and lakeside walks you can take along the way depending on how you’re doing for time. Lake Paringa offers a great pitstop location for lunch with some stunning scenery in all directions. The highway then makes its way back out to the coast at Bruce’s Bay and a stunning drive awaits. Monro Beach (125kms – 2 hours 8 mins from Lake Matheson) Enjoy the views along the rugged coastline as this is your last chance to take in the splendour of New Zealand’s West Coast – it’s soon time to turn east and head inland towards the lakes and mountains. Be sure to stop off for the walk down to Monro Beach just before you hit the Haast Pass going east where between July and December it’s possible to see the tawaki (Fiordland crested penguin). Make sure you cover up though as the venomous sand flies can be brutal at most times of the year. From here, your GO Rentals beast should be singing along as the road takes a meandering route through the Mt Aspiring National Park and on to Wanaka. Blue Pools (78kms – 1 hour 30 mins from Monro Beach) Just north of the Makaroa Tourist Information Centre is a hidden gem (not so hidden since it made it into the top 10 things to do in NZ list!) for Kiwis and tourists alike. The Blue Pools walk can be accessed directly from the Haast Pass and is well signposted along the route. Follow the track into the forest where you’ll find a series of crystal clear pools that have been carved out of the rocks by centuries of erosion. The glacier-fed water in these deep pools is the colour of deep azure blue, and so clear that you can see right to the bottom. Jumping in looks tempting but it’s not advised as it will be a particularly cold shock to the system as well as upsetting the resident brown trout and you don’t want to mess with a brown trout unless you like a wet face slap. 7Wanaka and around After a long drive down from Franz Josef, you’ll be ready to leave the car at home and stretch your legs a bit and Wanaka is the perfect spot for a whole range of leisure activities. Although Wanaka offers many of the same adrenaline-fuelled adventures as Queenstown, from snowboarding to mountain biking, it’s also the perfect place to relax and chill out by the side of the lake. Rob Roy Glacier If you do fancy a stretch of the legs there are over 750km of walking tracks in and around Wanaka whether you want a short stroll or a full day hike. About an hour’s drive from Wanaka is Rob Roy Glacier, an ideal entry point to the Mt Aspiring National Park. From the Rasberry Creek car park, you will find a stunning walk up the valley that brings you outstanding views of Rob Roy Glacier. It’s about a 4 hour round trip so this one is not for the faint-hearted. Puzzling World A trip to Wanaka is just not the same without a trip to Puzzling World and it is a definite favourite of the GO Rentals team. With 1.5km of passages in the ‘Great Maze’, it’s a great place to get lost for a few hours and act like a big kid as you race your mates to the four corners and back to the middle. It’s also really funny when someone gets themselves lost! Throw in a few weird and wonderful illusions like water running uphill (what’s that all about?!) and this makes for the perfect start to any day. Wanaka Beerworks Beer fans take note! For something a bit different, why not have a drive out to the Wanaka Beerworks where you can sample the local beers and ales as well as take a tour and find out about the history of beer making (it’s actually harder than you think!). Make sure you take home a sample selection to keep you going throughout the rest of your trip. Cinema Paradiso This small classic movie theatre located in Wanaka is a real find. With comfy old sofas and 3 seats in an old Morris Minor, this is a truly quirky place to spend a few hours unwinding. There is a cafe and bar serving delicious meals before, during or after the movie, homemade ice cream and some world-famous hot cookies baked fresh for every intermission. Expect a warm and friendly welcome from the staff to boot. Mercure Oakridge Resort After another full-on day, it’s great to relax and unwind and there’s no better place than the Grand Mercure Oakridge resort where you can make the most of the heated outdoor rock pools and spa complex. We’ve heard this sort of thing goes down really well with the ladies so why not treat the special one in your life to a day pass (you can always take the beer tour!) or even better, splash out and stay the night. Win-win. Speight’s Ale House A perfect place to grab a bite to eat is at the Wanaka Speight’s Ale House. A traditional Kiwi experience awaits along with the full range of Speight’s ales. Highly recommended come the fish and chips served in a traditional paper bag washed down with a pint of Speight’s Summit Lager – delicious! You wanted the full-on Kiwi experience – it doesn’t get much more Kiwi than that. Queenstown Complete Guide 8Wanaka to Queenstown (68.6kms – 1 hour 12 mins) Unless you’ve been living under a rock up until now, you will have heard all about Queenstown and its reputation as the adventure capital of NZ, if not the world. Well, that’s certainly true and for you adventure junkies out there, there’s certainly plenty to get your pulse racing. The good news for you is that it’s a really short drive from Wanaka to Queenstown giving you more time to get stuck in! AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity AJ Hackett was the pioneer of Bungy across the world, and the Kawarau Bungy was the first commercial bungy in the World. However, it’s the Nevis Bungy that is like no other. The Nevis is Australasia’s Highest Bungy with a 134m (440 feet) drop and 8.5 seconds of freefall the ground rush is like no other. Getting there is an adventure in itself with a 40-minute drive off-road through a sheep station and then you find yourself dangling on a high wire cable across a large valley – for true adventure junkies, this is the ultimate thrill. Skippers Canyon Jet Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with New Zealand’s world-famous Skipper Canyon Jet – the ultimate jet boat experience. Reaching speeds of up to 85mph, feel your adrenalin surge as you accelerate into the towering Shotover River Canyons. You may think that the driver is a lunatic, but rest assured, he is an expert and will have you skimming over the shallows, doing 360-degree spins and take you closer to the edge of the high sided canyon walls than you would think is possible! $20 off Use your GO Play card here Safari of the Scenes Wakitipu Coronet Peak Ski Resort Coronet Peak is New Zealand’s top Ski Resort. Whether you’re a seasoned downhill pro that would give James Bond a run for his money, or a mere novice who wouldn’t know a snowboard from a surfboard, you’re sure to have a ball here. It’s only a 25-minute drive from Queenstown so give it a go. The Apres-Ski can be good fun too! 9Milford Sound (288kms – 4 hours 24 mins from Queenstown) Described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is THE MUST DO for anyone visiting the south island. A great chance to give the GO Rentals hire car a final run out, the 4+ hour drive from Queenstown is well worth the early start to check out the magnificence of this most spectacular fjord carved out by glaciers during the ice age (that’s a long time ago by the way!). Boat trip Hop out of your GO Rentals hire car and straight onto a boat as this is a must once you get down there. With a number of companies offering day or night cruises, you’ll not be short of options for exploring the water when you arrive. Find yourself ‘ooooing’ and ‘ahhhing’ at the spectacular waterfalls, some of which are over 1000 metres high so be sure to pack the camera but also make sure you pack your wet weather gear as inevitably it rains down at Milford Sound. Some say this makes the waterfalls even more spectacular but we’re not too sure about that one! Kayaking For those wanting a more hands-on experience of Milford Sound, why not give kayaking a go. There’s nothing quite like taking to the open water and paddling yourself out into one of the most inspiring places on planet earth. Real Journeys offer a 4-5 hour trip out onto the water taking in the serene Harrisons Cove and the magnificent Mitre Peak offering some spectacular views up to the Pembroke Glaciers. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory Due to its unique underwater environment, Milford Sound is home to species of black coral usually found at depths of 500m or more, including magnificent 300-year-old ‘trees’ and the best way to check these old timers out is at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. The Discovery Centre will send you on a journey back through the history, geology and wildlife of the Sound where you will also learn about the culture and heritage of this awe-inspiring place from local guides. 10Relax in Queenstown Hopefully, you packed all your adrenaline-fuelled activities into your first day in Queenstown leaving your final day in Queenstown and the South Island for relaxing. Some people find it hard to believe but there is more to Queenstown than jumping off mountains and pulling doughnuts in a jet boat. Take your time to take in the stunning scenery and with a wide variety of walks to suit all abilities, get yourself out and enjoy the pure south island air. Ben Lomond Accessible from the town centre is the 4+ hour walk to the summit of Ben Lomond. With awesome views of the lake and mountains as well as the summit of Mount Aspiring, this walk is perfect for those who have just landed and want to get an idea of the geography of the area. If you’re fit, consider hiking to the top of Ben Lomond’s summit for an extra-special panorama. Don’t forget the camera! Skyline Gondola For those who want the best of both worlds, give the Skyline Gondola a go. The luge is a fantastic place to take the kids, grab a picnic and let the racing commence! We also reckon the top of the gondola is one of the best places to take a date – amazing views which will blow them away – go on, give it a go! Arrowtown Hop in your GO Rentals car and in less than half an hour, you’ll find yourself in historic Arrowtown. It was the heart of gold rush territory in the south and a true step back in time. At the heart of Arrowtown is Buckingham Street, a tree-lined step back in time dotted with shops, bars and great places to eat with no international chain store in sight. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, there are some great walks and biking tracks which can be accessed from the town centre. Nightlife At the end of a busy day, Queenstown is a great place to unwind with a huge range of bars to suit everyone. Depending on the time of year, you will either be welcomed into a roaring fire or sit out enjoying the sun setting over Lake Wakatipu. Related Blog Posts 15 Fun Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids When do you need snow chains in New Zealand? 8 Scenic Drives From Queenstown The 10 Great Walks of NZ (with photos from Instagram!)
10Days Christchurch to Queenstown in 10 days Driving Tour So you’ve hit the South Island and arrived in Christchurch – the Garden City. This is a great place to start your South Island adventure which is going to take you on a 10-day tour ending up in the adventure capital of the world – Queenstown. Let’s hope you’re all set and let’s GO! If you’re still in the planning stage of your trip, make sure you check out the great deals on car rental in Christchurch or our hire cars in Queenstown – we’re not one of New Zealand’s favourite rental car companies for no reason! Contents Route map with key locations Recommended vehicle for this trip Trip itinerary Christchurch Hanmer Springs Formerly the Blackball Hilton Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Hokitika Franz Josef Wanaka Milford Sound Queenstown Trip Itinerary 1Christchurch So you’ve picked up your GO Rentals hire car and you’re ready to hit the road but before you do, be sure to check out the delights of Christchurch first. Christchurch Complete Guide If you have more time, there is plenty to do in and around Christchurch from the fantastic Botanical Gardens to the tranquil Avon River. Christchurch also hit the international headlines following a series of earthquakes that destroyed many homes and businesses – you can check out some of the work taking place to rebuild areas destroyed by the earthquakes or even lend a hand. With so many things to do both in Christchurch and the surrounding areas, make sure you check out our Christchurch section for great ideas if you are staying in this area longer. International Antarctic Centre If you’ve just picked up your GO Rentals car, one thing we can definitely recommend is the International Antarctic Centre which is located a stone’s throw from the airport. Wrap up warm and experience a true Antarctic storm in the specially designed room which even features a snow slide before heading off to see the cutest little penguins you will have ever seen in the penguin encounter. Finish your visit off with a hagglund ride and you can be sure this will be a trip not to forget. Brrrrrrrr. Related Blog Posts 15 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids The 17 Best Things to Do in Christchurch for Couples The 5 biggest cities in New Zealand and what to do there Christchurch to Picton – Exploring the Alternative Route 2Christchurch to Hanmer Springs  (134km – 1 hour 55 mins) After a gentle introduction to the South Island in Christchurch, it’s time to hit the road and head north where a day relaxing and soaking in the alpine air will get you in the mood for your South Island road trip. Surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps with crisp alpine air, relax and unwind in the award-winning thermal pools or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Hanmer Village and surrounding areas. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa The thermal pools and spa complex in Hanmer have been soothing peoples’ aches and pains away for the best part of 125 years and all those who have been before you can’t be wrong! Relax in one of 15 open-air pools or try out one of the 3 aquatherapy pools. Families and children are catered for too since a recent redevelopment has added three waterslides and a lazy river to keep even the liveliest of kids (and adults!) entertained. Wai Ariki Farm Park If getting crinkly is not your thing, there are plenty of other attractions in Hanmer and one of the best is the Wai Ariki Farm Park. Offering a hands-on experience, Wai Ariki is home to some weird and wonderful animals which are sure to keep kids and adults amused for the morning. The Tibetan Yaks are a particular favourite! Alpine Pacific Centre With rural roads and towns ahead of you, this could be one of your last chances to put some quality shopping time in before you hit the road. With a fantastic range of boutique outlets including the quirky ‘Up the Garden Path’ and ‘Wink’, we’re sure you’ll find the retail therapy as relaxing as a trip to the thermal pools. Monteith’s Brewery Bar Monteith’s is a Southern Island gem and the Monteith’s brewpub in Hanmer gives you a perfect chance to wet your whistle and sample a few of their delightful ales, relax and unwind. Situated right in the heart of the town, there’s a great vibe to match the great beer so whatever you’ve been up to during the day, this is a great place to end your night. We recommend the Monteith’s Southern Pale Ale. When in Rome as they say! 3Hanmer Springs to Greymouth via the Lewis Pass (215km – 2 hours 51 mins) Leave Hanmer Springs heading west on SH7, leaving the east coast behind as it’s time to get your skates on and head over west-side. This is a day for beautiful scenery as you cross the Lewis Pass in search of the rugged West Coast. Maruia Thermal Springs (112km – 1 hour 29 mins from Hanmer Springs) Depending on your activities in Hanmer Springs, Maruia Thermal Springs could be a good option if you’re looking for some relaxation but didn’t have the time to spend in Hanmer. Located right on SH7, Maruia Thermal Springs is located in the natural and tranquil surroundings of the Maruia River. With pools of varying size and temperature, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks whilst your body recovers with the healing powers of these thermal waters. Hmmm that sounds perfect…can we join you? Reefton (63.6km – 51 mins from Maruia) Reefton is a fantastic place to break up your journey across the Lewis Pass and if you’ve not had the opportunity to check out some of the gold mining in this area yet, here is a great chance at Oceana Gold’s open pit. If that’s not your scene, there are plenty of other things to keep you amused in Reefton not least the freshwater fishing which is some of the best throughout NZ. For the more adventurous, why not give kayaking a go or even try some mountain biking down the Devil’s Tail to the Clematis suspension bridge. Ikamatua Golf Club (26.8km – 21 mins from Reefton) For a rather surreal experience, why not give the Ikamatua golf course a try if that’s your thing. A rather charming 9-hole club situated midway along the Lewis Pass, you‘ll be guaranteed a warm welcome and a friendly smile. Travellers have been known to be invited to play in local club competitions so bring your A-game! Formerly the Blackball Hilton (30.2km – 39 mins from Ikamatua The last stop off on your route over the Lewis Pass should be at the rather enchantingly named Formerly the Blackball Hilton (Google it and you’ll see why this is enchanting!). With individually decorated rooms, The Hilton offers a unique experience for travellers and if you have time, you may want to consider a stopover. The town of Blackball is a former mining town and was the scene of controversy throughout the early 1900s with illegal strikes and a communist turned capitalist adding to the history of the place. The bar and restaurant offer fantastic food and if you’re lucky enough to stay the night, you may be treated to one of the many themed nights held here with a plethora of fancy dress outfits to choose from. 4Greymouth to Franz Josef via Punakaiki (262.1km – 3 hours 31 mins) After your day driving across the Lewis Pass, you may have arrived in Greymouth late last night. Although it’s the biggest town on NZ’s west coast, Greymouth is more of a stopping off point for many travellers either by road or rail as the famous Tranzalpine railway to Christchurch heads off from Greymouth. There is however still plenty to see and do in the area and probably the most popular is the Monteith’s brewery tour and tasting (that’s right folks, more beer tasting!). Monteith’s is one of NZ’s most famous exports and the master brewers will talk you through the process of creating multi-award winning beers…and then you’ll get to try them for yourself. Winner. On yer bike! Adventures also offer some fantastic off-roading fun in their quads, go-karts, argo and hagglunds through amazing rainforest trails and flowing creeks. If you still haven’t checked out the gold mining history in these parts, GO Play partner Shanty Town offer a 5% discount for a tour back in time – definitely worth a look. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks (45.1km – 37 mins from Greymouth) Hmmmm pancakes as Homer would say! Although your day is going to take you south along the west coast to Franz Josef, we highly recommend a detour north to start your day. These 30-million-year-old limestone formations are nothing to be scoffed at. They’re towering cliffs of rock that really do look like a sky-high layer of grey pancakes stacked one on top of the other. We reckon Homer would be pretty happy with these bad boys. With a well-maintained path leading out to the best spots, this is a great chance to see the huge waterspouts that blast out towards the sky from blowholes. GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity Hokitika (83kms – 1 hour 10 mins from Punakaiki) Hokitika (what a great name… go on, say it again!) is the last ‘big’ town you’ll pass on the drive south from Greymouth but make sure you don’t just drive on by. Hokitika is NZ’s major centre for the working of greenstone. Why not get involved yourself and try some jade carving at the Just Jade Experience? You may also want to go and check out the glow worm dell (although this is best seen at night) where you’ll see the lit-up worms suspended by their sticky threads – if you’ve not seen anything like this before, the glow worms are a truly magical sight and well worth a look. Lake Mahinapua (16.2kms – 36 mins from Hokitika) You and the GO Rentals car should be getting to know each other by now so before you know it, you’ll come across Lake Mahinapua which offers a fantastic stop-off point for a picnic and a stretch of the legs. Once a coastal lagoon it’s a lovely place for a swim and the water is surprisingly warm. A great place for families, there is a suitable wading area for young children and bigger kids love jumping off the jetty or launching a canoe to explore. For the twitchers out there, you’re likely to see black swans and mallard ducks and if you’re extremely fortunate you could also spot a magnificent white heron or the rare fern bird if that floats your boat. There are a number of short walks or if you have the time try the two-hour Mahinapua walkway which traverses board-walked wetlands and forest following a historic logging tramway. The final pitstop of the day should be at Ross (27.2km – 22 mins from Hokitika) which was made famous in 1909 when NZ’s largest-ever gold nugget was mined weighing in at an impressive 2.807kgs. Your drive from here cuts back inland, passing many beautiful lakes before finally arriving at Franz Josef (107km – 1 hour 23 mins). West Coast Complete Guide 5Franz Josef After the longish drive down the West Coast the previous day, you’ll be glad to be out of the car (the car will surely have a name by now) and stretching your legs and what a sight to wake up to – the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The Glacier was first explored in 1865 by Austrian Julius Haast and it has been advancing and retreating ever since. Exploring the glacier There are several ways to explore the glacier from independent walks to heli-hikes but however, you choose to take in the sights and sounds of the stunning glacier, make sure you pack your bag for all weathers as things can change quickly up at the glacier. Independent walks There are a number of independent walks you can make which provide great viewpoints of the glacier. The best is probably Sentinel Rock which is 10 minutes from the car park or the Ka Roimate o Hine Hukatere walk which is a more energetic 40-minute walk that leads to the terminal of the glacier. Guided walks Without a doubt, the best way to experience the glacier is to walk on them. Small group walks with experienced guides and equipment provided (amazing socks!) can be booked in the town of Franz and offer half or full-day trips up onto the glacier. We cannot recommend highly enough taking the full day hike as this will allow you to get further up the glacier with the chance to find new routes or even undiscovered ice caves. With your crampons on and your ice picks at the ready, this is another great snap for Facebook to show you as the true ‘explorer’ so don’t miss out on this one. Franz Josef Glacier Guides are also a partner of GO Play, offering a 10% discount for guided tours on the ice – cool! 5% off Use your GO Play card here Shantytown Heritage Park Heli-hikes For those with a few more dollars to spare, a heli-hike offers two fantastic opportunities; see the sheer scales of the glacier from the skies but also get onto the glacier much higher up where the ice is much purer. Here you’ll get the chance to discover blue-ice caves, seracs and pristine ice formations and let’s face it, a trip in a helicopter is pretty cool. Aoraki Mount Cook Taking things one step further, Aoraki Mount Cook is within reach of Franz by helicopter with a number of companies running tours to see the highest peak in NZ. These tours can often be combined with a heli-hike on either Franz Josef or Fox glacier and are the ultimate Southern Alps experience. If you do head out on one of these amazing trips, be sure to let us know so we can all be super jealous in the office! 6Franz Josef to Wanaka (285kms – 4 hours 53 mins) After a full day on the glacier, it’s time to hit the road proper and get some miles under the belt (these GO Rentals hire cars love a good run out!). The drive to Wanaka takes you down the West Coast before cutting inland along the Haast Pass towards Wanaka. There are some spectacular viewpoints on the way but be sure to pick one or two or you may never arrive in Wanaka! Lake Matheson (27.8kms – 27 mins from Franz Josef) GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity As you head out of Franz Josef, one-stop that cannot be missed is a detour to Lake Matheson. If you’re looking for a photo to put on Facebook to make all your friends jealous, then this is it. Better still, send your photo in to our GO Snap Happy competition for a chance to win back the cost of your rental – can’t say fairer than that! Take the road west at the popular Fox Glacier township and you’ll be rewarded with views that take your breath away and make you question why you ever want to go back to whatever it is you do when you’re not touring around NZ’s South Island. Famous for reflecting a near-perfect image of Aoraki Mount Cook in its waters, Lake Matheson was formed around 14,000 years ago when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major advance towards the sea. If we had to guess, we reckon you’ll end up with 39 photos give or take on your camera – the best view is always just around the corner! As you carry on down the Haast Pass, there are loads of forest and lakeside walks you can take along the way depending on how you’re doing for time. Lake Paringa offers a great pitstop location for lunch with some stunning scenery in all directions. The highway then makes its way back out to the coast at Bruce’s Bay and a stunning drive awaits. Monro Beach (125kms – 2 hours 8 mins from Lake Matheson) Enjoy the views along the rugged coastline as this is your last chance to take in the splendour of New Zealand’s West Coast – it’s soon time to turn east and head inland towards the lakes and mountains. Be sure to stop off for the walk down to Monro Beach just before you hit the Haast Pass going east where between July and December it’s possible to see the tawaki (Fiordland crested penguin). Make sure you cover up though as the venomous sand flies can be brutal at most times of the year. From here, your GO Rentals beast should be singing along as the road takes a meandering route through the Mt Aspiring National Park and on to Wanaka. Blue Pools (78kms – 1 hour 30 mins from Monro Beach) Just north of the Makaroa Tourist Information Centre is a hidden gem (not so hidden since it made it into the top 10 things to do in NZ list!) for Kiwis and tourists alike. The Blue Pools walk can be accessed directly from the Haast Pass and is well signposted along the route. Follow the track into the forest where you’ll find a series of crystal clear pools that have been carved out of the rocks by centuries of erosion. The glacier-fed water in these deep pools is the colour of deep azure blue, and so clear that you can see right to the bottom. Jumping in looks tempting but it’s not advised as it will be a particularly cold shock to the system as well as upsetting the resident brown trout and you don’t want to mess with a brown trout unless you like a wet face slap. 7Wanaka and around After a long drive down from Franz Josef, you’ll be ready to leave the car at home and stretch your legs a bit and Wanaka is the perfect spot for a whole range of leisure activities. Although Wanaka offers many of the same adrenaline-fuelled adventures as Queenstown, from snowboarding to mountain biking, it’s also the perfect place to relax and chill out by the side of the lake. Rob Roy Glacier If you do fancy a stretch of the legs there are over 750km of walking tracks in and around Wanaka whether you want a short stroll or a full day hike. About an hour’s drive from Wanaka is Rob Roy Glacier, an ideal entry point to the Mt Aspiring National Park. From the Rasberry Creek car park, you will find a stunning walk up the valley that brings you outstanding views of Rob Roy Glacier. It’s about a 4 hour round trip so this one is not for the faint-hearted. Puzzling World A trip to Wanaka is just not the same without a trip to Puzzling World and it is a definite favourite of the GO Rentals team. With 1.5km of passages in the ‘Great Maze’, it’s a great place to get lost for a few hours and act like a big kid as you race your mates to the four corners and back to the middle. It’s also really funny when someone gets themselves lost! Throw in a few weird and wonderful illusions like water running uphill (what’s that all about?!) and this makes for the perfect start to any day. Wanaka Beerworks Beer fans take note! For something a bit different, why not have a drive out to the Wanaka Beerworks where you can sample the local beers and ales as well as take a tour and find out about the history of beer making (it’s actually harder than you think!). Make sure you take home a sample selection to keep you going throughout the rest of your trip. Cinema Paradiso This small classic movie theatre located in Wanaka is a real find. With comfy old sofas and 3 seats in an old Morris Minor, this is a truly quirky place to spend a few hours unwinding. There is a cafe and bar serving delicious meals before, during or after the movie, homemade ice cream and some world-famous hot cookies baked fresh for every intermission. Expect a warm and friendly welcome from the staff to boot. Mercure Oakridge Resort After another full-on day, it’s great to relax and unwind and there’s no better place than the Grand Mercure Oakridge resort where you can make the most of the heated outdoor rock pools and spa complex. We’ve heard this sort of thing goes down really well with the ladies so why not treat the special one in your life to a day pass (you can always take the beer tour!) or even better, splash out and stay the night. Win-win. Speight’s Ale House A perfect place to grab a bite to eat is at the Wanaka Speight’s Ale House. A traditional Kiwi experience awaits along with the full range of Speight’s ales. Highly recommended come the fish and chips served in a traditional paper bag washed down with a pint of Speight’s Summit Lager – delicious! You wanted the full-on Kiwi experience – it doesn’t get much more Kiwi than that. Queenstown Complete Guide 8Wanaka to Queenstown (68.6kms – 1 hour 12 mins) Unless you’ve been living under a rock up until now, you will have heard all about Queenstown and its reputation as the adventure capital of NZ, if not the world. Well, that’s certainly true and for you adventure junkies out there, there’s certainly plenty to get your pulse racing. The good news for you is that it’s a really short drive from Wanaka to Queenstown giving you more time to get stuck in! AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity AJ Hackett was the pioneer of Bungy across the world, and the Kawarau Bungy was the first commercial bungy in the World. However, it’s the Nevis Bungy that is like no other. The Nevis is Australasia’s Highest Bungy with a 134m (440 feet) drop and 8.5 seconds of freefall the ground rush is like no other. Getting there is an adventure in itself with a 40-minute drive off-road through a sheep station and then you find yourself dangling on a high wire cable across a large valley – for true adventure junkies, this is the ultimate thrill. Skippers Canyon Jet Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with New Zealand’s world-famous Skipper Canyon Jet – the ultimate jet boat experience. Reaching speeds of up to 85mph, feel your adrenalin surge as you accelerate into the towering Shotover River Canyons. You may think that the driver is a lunatic, but rest assured, he is an expert and will have you skimming over the shallows, doing 360-degree spins and take you closer to the edge of the high sided canyon walls than you would think is possible! $20 off Use your GO Play card here Safari of the Scenes Wakitipu Coronet Peak Ski Resort Coronet Peak is New Zealand’s top Ski Resort. Whether you’re a seasoned downhill pro that would give James Bond a run for his money, or a mere novice who wouldn’t know a snowboard from a surfboard, you’re sure to have a ball here. It’s only a 25-minute drive from Queenstown so give it a go. The Apres-Ski can be good fun too! 9Milford Sound (288kms – 4 hours 24 mins from Queenstown) Described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is THE MUST DO for anyone visiting the south island. A great chance to give the GO Rentals hire car a final run out, the 4+ hour drive from Queenstown is well worth the early start to check out the magnificence of this most spectacular fjord carved out by glaciers during the ice age (that’s a long time ago by the way!). Boat trip Hop out of your GO Rentals hire car and straight onto a boat as this is a must once you get down there. With a number of companies offering day or night cruises, you’ll not be short of options for exploring the water when you arrive. Find yourself ‘ooooing’ and ‘ahhhing’ at the spectacular waterfalls, some of which are over 1000 metres high so be sure to pack the camera but also make sure you pack your wet weather gear as inevitably it rains down at Milford Sound. Some say this makes the waterfalls even more spectacular but we’re not too sure about that one! Kayaking For those wanting a more hands-on experience of Milford Sound, why not give kayaking a go. There’s nothing quite like taking to the open water and paddling yourself out into one of the most inspiring places on planet earth. Real Journeys offer a 4-5 hour trip out onto the water taking in the serene Harrisons Cove and the magnificent Mitre Peak offering some spectacular views up to the Pembroke Glaciers. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory Due to its unique underwater environment, Milford Sound is home to species of black coral usually found at depths of 500m or more, including magnificent 300-year-old ‘trees’ and the best way to check these old timers out is at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. The Discovery Centre will send you on a journey back through the history, geology and wildlife of the Sound where you will also learn about the culture and heritage of this awe-inspiring place from local guides. 10Relax in Queenstown Hopefully, you packed all your adrenaline-fuelled activities into your first day in Queenstown leaving your final day in Queenstown and the South Island for relaxing. Some people find it hard to believe but there is more to Queenstown than jumping off mountains and pulling doughnuts in a jet boat. Take your time to take in the stunning scenery and with a wide variety of walks to suit all abilities, get yourself out and enjoy the pure south island air. Ben Lomond Accessible from the town centre is the 4+ hour walk to the summit of Ben Lomond. With awesome views of the lake and mountains as well as the summit of Mount Aspiring, this walk is perfect for those who have just landed and want to get an idea of the geography of the area. If you’re fit, consider hiking to the top of Ben Lomond’s summit for an extra-special panorama. Don’t forget the camera! Skyline Gondola For those who want the best of both worlds, give the Skyline Gondola a go. The luge is a fantastic place to take the kids, grab a picnic and let the racing commence! We also reckon the top of the gondola is one of the best places to take a date – amazing views which will blow them away – go on, give it a go! Arrowtown Hop in your GO Rentals car and in less than half an hour, you’ll find yourself in historic Arrowtown. It was the heart of gold rush territory in the south and a true step back in time. At the heart of Arrowtown is Buckingham Street, a tree-lined step back in time dotted with shops, bars and great places to eat with no international chain store in sight. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, there are some great walks and biking tracks which can be accessed from the town centre. Nightlife At the end of a busy day, Queenstown is a great place to unwind with a huge range of bars to suit everyone. Depending on the time of year, you will either be welcomed into a roaring fire or sit out enjoying the sun setting over Lake Wakatipu. Related Blog Posts 15 Fun Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids When do you need snow chains in New Zealand? 8 Scenic Drives From Queenstown The 10 Great Walks of NZ (with photos from Instagram!)
