During this leg of your tour to New Zealand you travel through Christchurch to Queenstown to Milford Sound. First by car and to Milford Sound by helicopter.

Christchurch

At Christchurch, the architecture of the Victorian times leaves little doubt in your mind that this is the place where the English had first settled. So leave your car as the ubiquitous Tram, whose tracks criss-cross Christchurch’s most famous landmarks, is arguably the best mode of transport you can choose to sight-see this great City.

Pay NZ$ 25 and hop into any one of these 19^th Century travel modes and have a quick scan of this great city. Sadly, you encounter some terribly dilapidated structures on the way that are destroyed by the recurring earthquakes here (the area being prone to regular seismic shifts).

So, travelling on a guided double decker bus tour is another option you can try. Don’t miss the famous Botanical Garden and a cool walk through Hagley Park while in Christchurch even if you are faced with paucity of time.

Christchurch Gondola

Next day, on the way to Queenstown, right on the outskirts of Christchurch, is this wonderful Gondola which you may not like to miss. With NZ$ 28 this Gondola takes you atop Mt. Cavendish. From here you can witness the fascinating panoramic view of City’s landscape along with the sunning Southern Alps.

Later, a complementary remote controlled toy car ride in the dark time tunnel, takes you back in time as it moves slowly amidst prototype volcanoes, native forests, early Maori settlements and ship voyages that ostensibly helped early settlers reach Christchurch.

Finally, coffee at the café up there and few souvenirs from the gift shop compound your thrill.

Christchurch to Queenstown

Driving towards Queenstown, you never realize how seven hours have lapsed. The exceptionally scenic lakes of Tekapo, Pukaki & Wakatipu & then the Mackenzie Country & Omarama keep you occupied before you reach the alluring Mercure Resort situated on the bank of the gorgeous Wanaka Lake in Queenstown.

Queenstown

Imagine you been allotted a spacious & lavish room overlooking this picturesque lake nestled among spectacular glacier rounded hills & dramatic rugged mountain peaks. I bet, you would never ever like to end this trip.

No one misses the fabled Milford Sound when in Queenstown. It is an approx. 51/2 hour drive from Queenstown. As the map suggests, this road passes through amazing picturesque locations.

Milford Sound by Helicopter

However, there is an alternative mode of transport as well. Tired of driving, you make a few clicks on Google and find a helicopter tour to Milford Sound as an substitute. Moreover, the enticing 50% discount (Normal price was 800 NZ$) offered at that moment was also irresistible. So you press the Book button, and decided to venture there through the Arial route.

Next Morning, “An ideal weather” announces the pilot as he starts the helicopter’s rotor. The six seated flying machine then ascends dramatically & an hour long breathtaking tour to Milford Sound commences.

The Pilot, unquestioningly seasoned & experienced, then grazes this chopper nonchalantly, akin a child riding a tricycle, through the incredibly stunning glaciers, rugged hills & in-between steep gorges.

The occasional intentional dive into the valley is when your heart gets into your mouth, literally. You fret, but the unfazed smile on the pilot’s face assures you that all is well.

As the helicopter loses its height, you now get a lucid view of the mirror lakes, flowing, foaming rivers, thick rain forests and endless serpentine roads circling the never-ending mountains.

The pilot then points to his left. There you could see ‘Milford Fjord’ and the famous ‘Bowen Waterfall’ right below. No one can miss to capture the amazing splendor. So you keep clicking the camera button in an endeavor to capture as many pictures as possible.

The pilot then suddenly circles atop one of the mountain and descends to land over it for a 10-15 minutes halt. As you alight the helicopter, you see captivating/outstanding view of the vast silent sea on one side and the enchanting hills/mountains/rivers on the other.

Queenstown Gondola

Queenstown Gondola called Skyline Gondola is even more exciting than the one in Christchurch. Up there’s a restaurant famous for its cuisine. If you try to book the table here at the last moment, you may well be disappointed. Most likely you may be told ‘No Seats’.

‘Lunge’ rides is sliding on specially prepared slopes atop. These too seem to be incredibly amusing that are an added attraction for both, kids and elders alike.

Once back from the Gondola, and into the famous Ballard Street you come across numerous shopping stores, ATMs, fast food counters & varied restaurants, including those with Indian cuisine, to satiate your hungry palate.

Wine Tasting Tour

Another major attraction while is Queenstown is to visit its fabled vineyards here. At 200 NZ$/person, you can opt for a day’s guided bus tour wherein you visit a few favorite Vineyards around. Every vineyard allows you to taste their exotic wines, included as the part of the tour, before you are treated for a sumptuous Lunch.

It’s time now to reach Christchurch for a return flight back home. However, there’s a last halt on the way, at the famous picturesque 3724 Mts high,  Aoraki / Mount Cook.

So here you go……