4WD

For you, travelling off-the-beaten-track is much more than a wish, it is a religion! No matter if you are a novice or an expert in driving a 4WD, you are looking for the ultimate immersion experience. We have created an attractive offer for you, including several routes on secluded tracks around the country. As an example: Bendigo and its gold rush era’s remains; Dansey's Pass and its multi-coloured hills; or Molesworth, the longest, which is 180 km long and crosses through the South Island’s mountains. If you love unique experiences, buckle up, you will not regret it!

Southern Discovery 4WD - 7 Days* - From $1,490NZD per person (based on 4 people)
 

DAY 1 : CHRISTCHURCH CITY - BLENHEIM 

Distance : 310 km / Duration : 4h20

Start your trip by driving on the spectacular coastal road towards the North, surrounded by amazing landscapes. On your way, stop in Kaikoura to eat some crayfish, why not hop on a whale watch cruise or a scenic flight, before heading to Blenheim. 

This town is the epicentre of Marlborough, NZ’s largest wine producing region of NZ, where you can finish the day tasting some great wine and food at a renowned vineyard.

Night at Chateau Marlborough - cooked breakfast included. 

DAY 2 : BLENHEIM - HANMER SPRINGS

Distance: 180 km / Duration: 4h00

Today, drive on Molesworth road, the longest track in the country. It is more than 180 km long but it doesn’t include any particularly challenging sections. The Historic Molesworth Cob Cottage is a good location option for your lunch break.

Surrounded by mountains, take the opportunity to tramp in stunning places. Later on, you will reach Hanmer Springs, where you can soak and relax in a hot pool filled with geothermal water. The perfect way to end an active day!

Night at Cheltenham House - cooked breakfast included. 

DAY 3 : HANMER SPRINGS - MT SOMERS - MT SUNDAY - GERALDINE

Distance : 380 km / Duration : 3h30

Mount Sunday - also known as Edoras in the Lord of the Rings trilogy - offers an idyllic setting including mountains, lakes and rivers. No doubt you will enjoy those sights even if you are not a fan of Peter Jackson’s movies.

You can easily reach Mt Sunday’s summit at 611 meters, offering expansive views on the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Night at The Vicarage - cooked breakfast included. 

DAY 4 : GERALDINE - MT COOK VILLAGE - LAKE TEKAPO

Distance : 210 km / Duration : 2h45

Today you will explore the Mackenzie region and its natural wonders: turquoise-blue lakes, glacier-carved alpine valleys, snow-capped mountains… The scenery here is simply jaw-dropping. At Lake Pukaki you can buy fresh or smoked salmon. This is the highest salmon farm in the world!

At 3754 metres, Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest peak of the country, where kiwi mountaineer Edmund Hillary led many expeditions. If you want to tramp in the area, let us know, we will recommend the best track according to your taste and/or level of fitness.

Night at Three Rivers Lodge B&B - cooked breakfast included. 

DAY 5 : LAKE TEKAPO - KUROW - DANSEYS

Distance : 155 km / Duration : 2h00

Today you will experience two easy tracks, only known by locals. You will start with Hakataramea Valley, a trail that alternates between valley and highlands from Tekapo to Kurow. 

You will have the opportunity to take amazing shots of the mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.

Then you will drive on to Danseys Pass track, one of our favourite trails. As you progress on the track, the scenery gets more and more spectacular with colourful hills covered with tussock. This native shrub, typical of the South Island, changes colour from beige to brown depending on the season, and seems to float in the wind. Another great spot to take photos!

About twenty kilometres further, you will reach the improbable Danseys Pass Hotel, a very authentic atmosphere, where you will overnight.

Night at Danseys Pass Coach Inn - continental breakfast included.

DAY 6 : DANSEYS - NASEBY - MANIOTOTO - WANAKA

Distance : 150 km / Duration : 2h00

Start your day with a game of a curling in Naseby, a tiny little village known for its international curling rink before setting off to your next adventure. Ask us to book the practice session for you, it's on us, we can guarantee you’ll have a fun time!

The Maniototo region is the historic heart of the 1860s gold rush and the European and Chinese immigration that came along with it. Unlike Queenstown, which became a modern tourism hub, this region has kept a real authenticity. You will drive to Bendigo, on another one of our favourite tracks. This very little-known place rose and shone with the discovery of gold in the region. It became very prosperous, with even one of the most lucrative gold mines in the country. The 1085 hectares are now a protected historic reserve.

Stroll among the ruins for a true return to the past, while enjoying the mountain views across Lake Dunstan towards Wanaka.

Night at Edgewater - buffet breakfast included.  

DAY 7 : WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT

Distance: 60 km / Duration: 1h00

A short section through Crown Ranges via Cardrona, which is one of the highest and most scenic roads in the country.

On your way, stop for photos at the Cardrona Hotel and then at the Crown Terrace for a unique view over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Make your way to Queenstown Airport via Arrowtown, you will be delighted by this historic, charming and quirky place - a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.

End of your trip.
 

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include GST. Accommodation based on twin share. Travel (flight, transfers etc) to and from Wellington not included, Once Upon A Trip are able to arrange travel to and from on request.