Explore New Zealand's South Island with our 21-day self-drive holidays and extended itineraries ranging from 16 to 21 days. Discover destinations such as Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Fiordland and the West Coast glaciers, depending on your chosen route. Packages include accommodation and rental car arrangements, with sightseeing experiences varying by itinerary. All holidays can be customised to suit your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Explore New Zealand's South Island Over Three Weeks
A three-week South Island self-drive holiday provides time to discover New Zealand's varied landscapes, from the Southern Alps and glacier valleys to coastal regions, lakes and fiords.
Depending on your itinerary, highlights may include Queenstown, Wānaka, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound and the scenic West Coast.
Longer holidays also provide opportunities to explore destinations beyond the main tourist routes, including Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Dunedin and the Catlins.
With additional time available, you can enjoy longer stays in selected destinations, include optional sightseeing experiences and balance scenic driving with opportunities to relax.
Why Choose a 21 Day South Island Self Drive Holiday?
Travelling through the South Island over three weeks allows greater flexibility when planning your route and choosing where to spend your time.
Rather than concentrating on a few major destinations, a longer itinerary can include more varied regions and experiences.
Benefits of an extended South Island holiday include:
- More time to explore national parks, lakes and coastal regions.
- Opportunities to include destinations such as Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikōura or the Catlins.
- Additional nights in selected locations for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Flexibility to incorporate scenic cruises, wildlife experiences and guided activities.
- A more comfortable balance between driving days and time spent exploring.
All our New Zealand self-drive holiday packages that include car rental feature hybrid vehicles as standard. Fully electric vehicles (EVs) are also available as an option, subject to availability.
16-21 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays
| Self Drive Holiday | Duration | Starting City |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Day Classic South Island Self Drive | 21 days | Queenstown |
| 21 Day South Island Self Drive Tour | 21 days | Christchurch |
| 18 Day South Island National Parks Self Drive | 18 days | Christchurch |
| 16 Day Southern Coast & Stewart Island Nature | 16 days | Christchurch |
| 16 Day Queenstown to Queenstown South Island Highlights Self Drive | 16 days | Queenstown |
Choosing Your South Island Self Drive Route
Christchurch and Queenstown are popular starting points for extended South Island holidays.
A Christchurch self-drive holiday can provide convenient access to Canterbury, the Southern Alps and other South Island regions.
Alternatively, Queenstown self-drive holidays offer opportunities to explore Central Otago, Fiordland, Wānaka and surrounding alpine landscapes.
Your preferred starting point, available travel time and destinations will help determine the most suitable itinerary.
Compare South Island Self Drive Holiday Durations
If you are considering a shorter holiday, Go New Zealand also offers a range of South Island self-drive packages.
| Holiday Duration | Travel Experience | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | Shorter itineraries exploring selected South Island highlights. | Travellers with limited time. |
| 10 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | Scenic road trips combining several popular destinations. | Travellers seeking a balance of sightseeing and driving. |
| 14 Day South Island Self Drive Holidays | Extended itineraries covering a wider selection of South Island regions. | Travellers wanting a more comprehensive holiday. |
Each holiday can be customised to suit your preferred travel dates, accommodation requirements and interests.