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Explore South Island New Zealand - 5 to 9 Day Tours

New Zealand's South Island is made for touring holidays. These shorter holiday ideas explore the must see locations such as Christchurch, Mt. Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound & the West Coast Glaciers.

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8 days Map
  • Motels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Experience the ultimate South Island family adventure as you journey from the starry skies of Lake Tekapo and the wonders of Milford Sound to the anci...

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    Experience the ultimate South Island family adventure as you journey from the starry skies of Lake Tekapo and the wonders of Milford Sound to the ancient ice of Franz Josef, concluding with a breathtaking ride on the iconic TranzAlpine train.

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NZD$3,325

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’...

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    This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$4,029

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8 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Starting in Christchurch this tour will see you tour through the centre of the South Island, a real slice of paradise. From the bustling centre of Chr...

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    Starting in Christchurch this tour will see you tour through the centre of the South Island, a real slice of paradise. From the bustling centre of Christchurch's redeveloped CBD to the crystal clear waters and clear night skies of the McKenzie.

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NZD$7,264

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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country past Lake Tekapo before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.

price pp from

NZD$2,869

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8 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • Uncover the secrets of Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand, with a luxury lodge stay, Kepler guided walk, and Doubtful Sound cruise.

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NZD$7,330

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8 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • Retreat into the heart of Central Otago, where historic gold-rush towns host boutique stays, world-class vineyards, and serene alpine views.

price pp from

NZD$4,585

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9 days Map
  • Boutique Lodges & Hotels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island, from vibrant cities and serene lakes to majestic mountains, fiords, and glaciers. Perfect for...

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    Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island, from vibrant cities and serene lakes to majestic mountains, fiords, and glaciers. Perfect for those with limited time, this itinerary showcases the region's top highlights.

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NZD$5,764

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This magnificent self-drive loop is a golden compilation of South Island highlights, journey to see towering alpine peaks, majestic fiords, and powerf...

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    This magnificent self-drive loop is a golden compilation of South Island highlights, journey to see towering alpine peaks, majestic fiords, and powerful glaciers, capped off with the world-famous experience of the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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NZD$4,529

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7 days Map
  • Hotel 3 star
  • 7 days/6 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • Experience the best of Queenstown's world-class golf courses, complemented by stunning scenery and local luxuries for a memorable New Zealand escape. ...

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    Experience the best of Queenstown's world-class golf courses, complemented by stunning scenery and local luxuries for a memorable New Zealand escape. This is a holiday built for golfers seeking the ultimate trip.

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NZD$4,534

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7 days Map
  • Motels
  • 7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving i...

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    From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  You’ll then enjoy two nights in Queenstown surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas.  Its then on to the West Coast glaciers, where there’s time for a scenic flight if you choose.  The final leg of your travels takes you along the rugged coastline to Greymouth where you board the TranzAlpine for your scenic train journey back to Christchurch.

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NZD$2,091

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Motels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Get a 'taste' for the South Island of New Zealand on this 8 day scenic journey.

price pp from

NZD$3,190

twin share/double
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6 days Map
  • Motels
  • 6 days/5 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue so...

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    This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue south to the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown

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NZD$1,741

twin share/double
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6 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 6 days/5 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Explore two of the South Island’s popular wine regions while enjoying the magnificent views of the Waipara Valley, Mt Cook National Park and Cen...

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    Explore two of the South Island’s popular wine regions while enjoying the magnificent views of the Waipara Valley, Mt Cook National Park and Central Otago.

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price pp from

NZD$3,071

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Luxury Lodges
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Experience the best of Christchurch and Queenstown in this incredible South Island adventure. 

price pp from

NZD$5,899

twin share/double
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7 days Map
  • Motels
  • 7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • Leaving Christchurch you will journey into Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with vi...

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    Leaving Christchurch you will journey into Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to the ‘adventure capital’ of Queenstown. From Queenstown you will take a luxury coach to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a scenic nature cruise in the pristine fiord. You then travel north stopping at Franz Josef for a night to explore the glacier, before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

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NZD$2,686

twin share/double
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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
  • A classic South Island itinerary taking you through the dramatic scenery surrounding the Southern Alps.

price pp from

NZD$3,294

twin share/double
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5 days Map
  • Motels
  • 5 days/4 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This five-day tailored adventure links the majestic Southern Lakes to the wild West Coast, culminating in one of the world's most scenic rail journeys...

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    This five-day tailored adventure links the majestic Southern Lakes to the wild West Coast, culminating in one of the world's most scenic rail journeys to Christchurch. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive pace balanced with truly iconic New Zealand experiences.

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NZD$1,956

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Motels
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Beginning with the world famous Tranz Alpi...

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    This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Beginning with the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey from Christchurch to the West Coast town of Greymouth.  From there you will explore the countryside of the West Coast, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and Canterbury.  Along the way highlights include the glaciers of the West Coast, adventure in Queenstown, Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park and magnificent Mt Cook National Park.  You'll also explore the south's two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin.

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price pp from

NZD$2,279

twin share/double
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8 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Overdue for a little downtime? Take a load off, relax and discover the serenity of the South Island.

price pp from

NZD$3,945

twin share/double
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9 days Map
  • Motels
  • 9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • This 9 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of e...

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    This 9 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination.

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price pp from

NZD$2,999

twin share/double
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7 days Map
  • Hotel 4 star
  • 7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
  • From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving i...

    Read more

    From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.

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price pp from

NZD$3,021

twin share/double
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Did you find what you were looking for?

We can modify any of the touring holiday ideas suggested here to suit you perfectly. In fact 95% of our guests have a tailor made itinerary created for them by our team of New Zealand specialists. So if you have a specific interest or want to stay longer in a specific location, stay in a luxury lodge one night and camp the next night, hike one of our world famous trails or tick off that scary bucket list experience our team can make it happen.
We are based in Wanaka, right in the heart of the South Island. We regularly explore New Zealand checking out the places to see, where to stay and what to do. We live and breath everything New Zealand so to get the best local advice on your New Zealand holiday get in touch with the team today.

Why choose New Zealand self drive tours?

At NZSD we have built a business based on one simple belief - that every customer deserves excellent service and honest, accurate advice. Since 2004 we have been creating New Zealand holidays for visitors from all over the world. In fact that's all we do. We are the absolute experts at creating great touring experiences across the North & South Islands.
So how does it work? Well our site contains over 200 great self drive itinerary ideas. You can see exactly where you are going, where you will stay and how much it will cost. But we also know that even with 200 great ideas such as these most visitors want something slightly different or something to suit them specifically. Our team of travel specialists are absolute experts at designing great New Zealand touring holidays. All you need to do is get in touch with us and one of the team will make contact and chat with you about the kind of experience you are looking for. We tailor make a proposed itinerary for you which you can tweak and adjust as much as you wish. When you are happy with the plans you go ahead and book using our secure systems. A deposit payment is needed to book with the balance payment due before you travel. We ensure everything is booked accurately, we ensure that all your timings work, and your itinerary is uploaded to our custom APP so you get lots of great information and features as you travel. While you are here we also provide in country support and help if you need it.
So why work with us? Because we are dedicated to ensuring your New Zealand holiday experience is the best holiday experience you will ever have.