Exploring New Zealand’s Southern Alps

New Zealand has become the stuff of legends over the last couple of decades. The country is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, seemingly untouched wildlife and an overall friendly and welcoming atmosphere that places it at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. The fact that it served as the setting for all the Lord of the Rings movies doesn’t hurt.

There’s no place that encompasses all the glory of New Zealand than the Southern Alps. A self-driving tour through the regions is one of the best ways to experience the region and all of the amazing vistas it has to offer. New Zealand Self Drive Tour provides some of the best itineraries available with the insider tips and access to premium accommodations and the best guided tours.

Beginning at Christchurch, you’ll make your way across the Mackenzie high country while stopping to explore popular sights like Mt. Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo, where you can discover glaciers or partake in a 4WD tour. Next, your trip will take you to the heart of Queensland to join a wilderness safari.

After Queensland, the driving tour heads into the Cross Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand, and the path to Wanaka and Mt. Aspiring National Park. The west coast of the country is heavily covered in ice and is home to numerous glaciers. You’ll spend plenty of time to enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the region.

Finally, the last leg of the trip is spent on the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, which will take you back east to west through Arthur’s Pass National Park on the return to Christchurch.