Discover New Zealand's South Island on a 10-day self-drive holiday, with itineraries departing from Christchurch or Queenstown. Explore alpine landscapes, glaciers, scenic lakes and coastal destinations, with routes featuring highlights such as Aoraki/Mount Cook, Wānaka, Queenstown and Fiordland. Choose from family adventures, scenic road trips and regional escapes, with accommodation and rental car arrangements included. All itineraries can be customised to suit your travel preferences.
Explore the Highlights of New Zealand's South Island
Ten days provides an excellent opportunity to experience some of the South Island's most memorable landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes to dramatic fiords and rugged coastlines.
Depending on your chosen itinerary, explore the alpine scenery of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, discover the lakeside towns of Wānaka and Queenstown, or travel through Fiordland to experience Milford Sound.
Other routes focus on the northern South Island, where you can discover the Marlborough wine region, Nelson and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
With a choice of Christchurch self-drive holidays and Queenstown self-drive holidays, you can select a journey that suits your preferred destinations and travel style.
Choose Your 10 Day South Island Self Drive Holiday
Our 10-day South Island holiday packages offer different routes and experiences, allowing you to explore the regions that interest you most.
Choose from scenic journeys through the Southern Alps, adventures featuring glaciers and fiords, family-friendly road trips or itineraries exploring the northern South Island.
Each package includes a planned driving route, accommodation and rental car arrangements, with selected activities included depending on the holiday.
Browse the available packages below to compare destinations, travel experiences and accommodation options.
10 Day South Island Self-Drive Holidays
Compare 10 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays
Not all 10-day South Island holidays follow the same route. Compare these four options to find an itinerary that suits your interests, preferred destinations and travel style.
| Self Drive Holiday | Main Experience | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Day Southern Sojourn Self Drive | Southern South Island scenery and coastal heritage | Travellers interested in scenic drives and regional attractions |
| 10 Days Top of the South Island Self Drive | Northern South Island landscapes and destinations | Travellers wanting to explore beyond the traditional southern touring routes |
| 10 Day Southern Explorer Christchurch to Queenstown Self Drive | Alpine scenery between Christchurch and Queenstown | Travellers seeking a classic South Island road trip |
| 10 Day Fiords, Glaciers & Mountains Family Adventure | Family activities, mountains, glaciers and fiords | Families wanting a varied South Island holiday |
All self-drive itineraries can be customised to suit your preferred destinations, accommodation requirements and available travel time.
Why Choose a 10 Day South Island Self Drive Holiday?
A 10-day South Island self-drive holiday offers an excellent balance between sightseeing, scenic driving and time to explore. Discover alpine landscapes, coastal towns and some of New Zealand's most memorable natural attractions without committing to a longer itinerary.
Travelling independently gives you the freedom to enjoy scenic stops, explore local attractions and discover destinations along your chosen route.
Benefits of our 10-day South Island self-drive holidays include:
- Customisable itineraries: Adjust destinations, accommodation, activities and holiday duration to suit your preferences.
- Spectacular driving routes: Experience alpine passes, lakeside roads, rugged coastlines and mountain scenery.
- Accommodation choices: Select accommodation that suits your preferred comfort level and budget.
- Hybrid rental vehicles: Our self-drive packages include hybrid rental vehicles, with electric vehicles available as an option, subject to availability.
- Optional experiences: Add scenic cruises, wildlife encounters, guided walks or scenic flights to enhance your holiday.
Explore More South Island Self Drive Holidays
If you have more or less time available, compare our other South Island self-drive holiday options.
| Holiday Duration | Travel Experience | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | Shorter journeys featuring selected South Island highlights | Travellers with limited time |
| 14 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | More comprehensive South Island touring with additional overnight stops | Travellers wanting a broader range of experiences |
| 21 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | Extended journeys exploring more of the South Island | Travellers preferring a more leisurely holiday |