South Island New Zealand Self Drive - 10 to 15 days

Highlighting the best of what New Zealand's South Island has to offer this 12-day tour takes you through the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound and the "adventure capital" Queenstown.

Starting and finishing in the alpine resort of Queenstown, this 15 day tour explores the best of the South Island, going as far north as the remarkable Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.  Continue south to Fiordland Lodge and Milford Sound for you Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region from your base at Blanket Bay Lodge. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose.  You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Experience the best of the South Island with time to explore Mt Cook National Park and a fully guided four-day Milford Track hike. From alpine trails to glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, this journey is rich in natural wonders.

Explore the South Island's heart taking in all the iconic scenery that makes this such a beautiful destination.  From Christchurch you cross the Southern Alps on the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey.  On the West Coast you'll travel from the rainforests of Punakaiki to the Glaciers of Franz Josef.  3 nights in Queenstown allow time for a fabulous flight over Milford Sound and Dart River Safari, before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps to the ruggedly beautiful West Coast with its spectacular glaciers.  Other highlights of this fantastic adventure include a nature cruise in the pristine Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, the adventure capital of Queenstown and the magnificent mountains of Mt Cook National Park.

This 13 day tour is full of activities the whole family will enjoy, including adventure in Queenstown with a Shotover Jet boat ride and an iceberg encounter in Mt Cook National Park.  You’ll also get up close to our wonderful wildlife including penguins and magical glow worms.  With many activities included and fantastic family friendly accommodation this is the South Island family holiday you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Self drive this classic South Island route and enjoy some of the finest day walks in New Zealand. Plus of course, time to enjoy everything else the region has to offer.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mount Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour.  You begin with an Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise which takes you out to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south towards Fiordland National Park.  Experience the ‘Sound of Silence’ with an overnight cruise in the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound. No South Island trip is complete without time spent in the alpine playground of Queenstown then you continue to the beautiful West Coast.  Here you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

From the North Island you’ll cruise across the Cook Strait, passing through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton.  From here you’ll journey south for an exploration of mountains, glaciers and coastlines that are home to a range of marine wildlife.  Highlights of this tour include, Mt. Cook National Park, the spectacular West Coast and the grand finale which takes you across the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

The perfect South Island adventure for those wishing to explore the wilderness of the south and meet the wonderful marine wildlife of the southern waters.  You’ll enjoy five very different cruise experiences including the pristine Milford Sound, an exciting iceberg encounter on the Tasman Glacier Lake, gliding through subterranean waters of a glow worm cave and two wildlife cruises with the chance to see dolphins, seals and royal albatross.

Explore the bottom of the South Island, the scenery will take your breath away, and the attractions ensure a smile stays on your face, and the accommodation is boutique to give you that at-home feeling.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mt. Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Along the way you will stay at magnificent luxury retreats set in breath-taking locations.

Starting in Queenstown, the adventure capital, spend some time relaxing or enjoying the many wonderful activities here. A full day trip to Doubtful Sound including a Wilderness Cruise is included. Head north to the wild West Coast and the unique glacier region before crossing the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean and its abundance of wildlife at Kaikoura. A day to sample the fine produce of Marlborough before heading into Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden sand beaches, great walking tracks and kayaking. Complete the coastal loop by exploring the history rich north west coastline from Westport to Greymouth before taking the Tranz Alpine train across the Alps and into Christchurch.

Hike the world-famous Routeburn Track, bike the stunning Dunstan Trail, explore wildlife in Otago Peninsula, and take in the alpine beauty of Mt Cook before finishing your South Island adventure in Christchurch.

Visit the less explored upper South Island, home to amazing wildlife, including whales in Kaikoura and the delightful seal colony in Abel Tasman National Park.  In Blenheim, you’ll sample the region’s best known export, the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before heading south to the West Coast.  Your journey takes you down to Franz Josef where you’ll have a once in a lifetime glacier adventure, then over to Arthur’s Pass National Park where you stay at the Wilderness Lodge an amazing place to discover natural New Zealand and experience life on a high country station.

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights at The George Hotel in Christchurch, at Fiordland Lodge and Queenstown's Matakauri Lodge you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a journey past the mountains of the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  Next you venture further south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Here you’ll explore the pristine wilderness on a Milford Sound nature cruise.  In Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, there’s time to enjoy the scenery and endless activities on offer before returning to Christchurch via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers. 

Discover the South Island’s natural beauty with time at Mt Cook, a fully guided 3-day Routeburn Track hike, and glacier adventures—ending with the stunning TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

Starting in the resort town of Queenstown, you'll enjoy a trip on the TSS Earnslaw crossing Lake Wakatipu, a Nomad Safari 4WD trip and a Shotover Jet Boat ride plus much more.

Discover the South Island’s spectacular landscapes with time at Mt Cook, a fully guided 4-day Milford Track hike, and glacier exploration—capped off with a journey on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Experience two of the South Island's wine regions while exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps, Southern Lakes and West Coast on this 10 day adventure tour.

From Christchurch cross the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Explore the magnificent glaciers and rainforest and enjoy a scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing.  Continue south to the resort town of Queenstown for 3 nights. Enjoy a trip on the TSS Earnslaw crossing Lake Wakatipu, a Nomad Safari 4WD trip and a Shotover Jet Boat ride. A highlight is a full day trip to Doubtful Sound before you head north to Mt Cook National Park and the glacier lake.  Your adventure ends with a relaxing visit to the French settlement of Akaroa, including a cruise on the beautiful Akaroa Harbour.

Explore the South Island’s alpine highlights with time at Mt Cook, a guided 3-day Routeburn Track hike, and glacier adventures—finishing with the scenic TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.

Explore the magnificent Akaroa Harbour and its wildlife, the mountains and glacier lake of Mt Cook National Park before heading to the resort town of Queenstown for 3 nights. Enjoy a trip on the TSS Earnslaw crossing Lake Wakatipu, a Nomad Safari 4WD trip and a Shotover Jet Boat ride. A highlight is a full day trip to Doubtful Sound before you head north to the West Coast. Explore the magnificent glaciers and rainforest and enjoy a scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing. Return to Christchurch crossing the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Experience the ultimate 10 day South Island journey, curated for the discerning traveller. Discover iconic landscapes and indulge in a truly memorable stay at the remote and beautiful Waitai Lodge in Fiordland.

Taking you south from Christchurch, this 10 day includes the majestic scenery of the lower South Island. Beginning with the large open spaces of the McKenzie Country and Mt. Cook National Park, you then travel to the coast and the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin with its nearby wildlife havens. In Fiordland there is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise, before you continue to the mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region.

Explore New Zealand’s South Island on this accessible tour, designed for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Enjoy iconic sights and breathtaking landscapes with comfort and ease – car rental included.

Begin your adventure in Christchurch and explore the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. Visit iconic destinations like Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Pancake Rocks, Abel Tasman, and more while discovering the region's unique wildlife and natural beauty.

Visit the less explored upper South Island, home to amazing wildlife, including whales in Kaikoura and the delightful seal colony in Abel Tasman National Park. In Blenheim, you’ll sample the region’s best known export, the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before heading south to the West Coast and Punakaiki Rocks. You return to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass National Park, where you stay at the Wilderness Lodge an amazing place to discover natural New Zealand and experience life on a high country station.

Discover icons of the South Island, from Aoraki-Mt Cook and turquoise alpine lakes to Milford Sound, Queenstown adventures, and the stunning West Coast Glaciers, on this unforgettable self-drive tour.

Discover New Zealand’s South Island, from Christchurch to Milford Sound, with stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the West Coast Glaciers. A perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Dunedin you have time to explore the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, before continuing south to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound where you’ll cruise the length of the fiord. This South Island tour wouldn’t be complete without two nights in the ‘Adventure Capital’ Queenstown before you follow the Southern Alps north to Mt Cook National Park and back to Christchurch.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of New Zealand’s South Island on this unforgettable journey. From the majestic Southern Alps and pristine glaciers to the vibrant cities of Dunedin, Queenstown, and Christchurch. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.

A 13-day loop of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch this tour takes you to Mt Cook, the Southern Lakes and along the rugged West Coast. Experience Milford Sound, Queenstown and explore the wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. With plenty of two night stays you won't feel rushed and have plenty of time to soak up the true "kiwi culture" and hospitality before ending your journey on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

A relaxed 10 day tour exploring the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, with its wonderful architecture and the magnificent peninsula. You cross the historic Central Otago goldfields region to the alpine town of Queenstown, where adventure beckons. Travel to the West Coast glaciers via the majestic forests of Mt Aspiring National Park. After exploring the glacier region you’ll return to Christchurch on board the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

The ultimate combination of luxury and adventure, this 10 day tour travels from Christchurch to the Wilderness Lodge in Arthurs Pass, the West Coast Glaciers and the alpine resort town of Wanaka. Further south to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, then Te Anau gateway to Fiordland National Park, before Queenstown where your journey concludes. This itinerary offers a great balance of relaxation and adventure with plenty of time to enjoy other activities as you wish.