A Luxury Road Trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound

In your Hertz rental car, the beauty of the South Island is just at your fingertips. Beginning in the adventure capital of New Zealand, collect your vehicle from Queenstown airport and then get on your way to discovering the hidden gems and luxury escapes peppered throughout this sensational road trip adventure.

Embrace the Natural Beauty of Queenstown 

Nestled into the shores of Lake Wakatipu and backdropped by the Southern Alps, Queenstown has garnered a reputation over time for its vast range of adventure-based activities. As the first stop on your luxury road trip, why not try your hand at bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge to get your adrenaline pumping? However, if indulging in beautiful food and wine and exploring the calming nature of the scenic landscape is more your kind of holiday, Queenstown’s extensive selection of activities also makes it a hidden gem of luxury getaways. Venture to the heart of the rolling mountains by Shotover River and breathe easy as you relax into a boutique Onsen Hot Pool experience. You can also take in the stunning surroundings on a scenic helicopter flight with Alpine Luxury Tours to really see the best of what the region has to offer. This unique experience will whisk you over Gibbston Valley to Mt Rosa Wines, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting, backdropped by sensational scenery.

Journey Back in Time in Arrowtown 

The next stop on your luxury road trip will take you to the historic village of Arrowtown. A smooth half an hour drive north of Queenstown, this character-filled oasis is brimming with history and natural beauty. Make the most of Arrowtown by visiting some of the cottages, shops, hotels and churches built during the height of the Otago gold rush, over 150 years ago. Journey further into the mountains and pristine natural wonderland that surrounds Arrowtown on a self-guided electric bike tour - it’s both an easy way to be active and an exciting way to take in the sensational scenery. To top it all off, have a swing at a game of golf at The Hills Golf Club. This exclusive golf course stuns with a backdrop of majestic mountains and glacier valleys.

Relax by Picturesque Fiords in Te Anau 

A little over two hours from Arrowtown, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This playground of natural beauty boasts an intricate network of fiords, complemented by stunning waterfalls and even snow-capped peaks. You’ll want to spend at least a day exploring the national park - the glacier-carved valley is truly a sight to behold. Prepare to be enthralled on a scenic cruise around the fiords, or make the most of the after-dark hours by participating in a stargazing experience by Fiordland Eco Retreat’s guided Dark Sky Tours. Back in Te Anau, the town is also brimming with a range of activities and eateries. Visit the mysterious glowworms at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, or indulge in some of the local cuisine straight from the ocean. If you find the time in your itinerary, take your adventure one step further on a Fiordland Historic Cruise. This overnight charter will offer a perspective on the region you can’t get anywhere else, all packaged up in a beautiful historic boat.

Witness the Wonders of Milford Sound  

As you cruise into your last stop at Milford Sound, a little under two hours from Te Anau in your rental car, prepare yourself for a landscape of otherworldly beauty. Nothing compares to the majesty of this corner of the country - the region is famous for the plethora of natural awe awaiting you around every corner, from soothing waters to mist-clad mountains. The best way to experience some of what Milford Sound has to offer is on a luxury cruise or flight. While a premium cruise, like with RealNz, will bring you up close and personal with the serenity of the water and the swathes of tumbling mountains that surround it, a helicopter scenic tour, like with Milford Helicopters, will journey you to the sensational views on offer at Mitre Peak - one of Fiordland National Park’s most iconic mountains. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to find stunning landscapes wherever you go.

Whether you’re seeking a calming experience of onsens and golf or looking to embrace the majestic beauty of the South Island’s landscapes, this luxury road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound in your Hertz rental car is the most premium way to explore the region. If you’re in the mood to discover more of the South Island, there’s also a range of other scenic road trips to try.