13 Day New Zealand’s South Island Self Drive

Welcome to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand's spectacular South Island. Collect your rental car and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's beautiful gardens, vibrant laneways, riverside cafés and innovative attractions before your self-drive adventure begins.

Optional Activity: Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
Discover Christchurch's rich history aboard the iconic heritage tram before enjoying a relaxing punt along the tranquil Avon River through the heart of the city. This classic combination offers a unique perspective of Christchurch's beautiful gardens, historic landmarks and charming riverside scenery.

Travel across the sweeping Canterbury Plains into the breathtaking Mackenzie Country, where vivid turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains create unforgettable scenery. Arrive at the picturesque alpine village of Lake Tekapo and enjoy time to admire the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and stunning lakeside views.

Optional Activity: Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
Journey to the summit of Mt John by scenic vehicle for an exclusive stargazing experience in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Guided by expert astronomers, observe distant galaxies, planets and sparkling constellations through powerful telescopes while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views above Lake Tekapo.

Spend a relaxing day discovering the natural beauty of Lake Tekapo, whether strolling along the lakeshore or soaking up the peaceful alpine atmosphere. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, this spectacular destination is the perfect place to slow down and appreciate New Zealand's remarkable landscapes.

Included: Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Unwind in naturally heated alpine hot pools overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding Southern Alps. The soothing mineral-rich waters provide the perfect place to relax and recharge while taking in one of New Zealand's most spectacular mountain settings.

Journey south through ever-changing landscapes, from the golden tussock plains of the Mackenzie Basin to the rolling countryside and dramatic coastline of Otago. Arrive in Dunedin, a vibrant city celebrated for its Scottish heritage, historic architecture and thriving arts and café culture.

Optional Activity: Wildlife & Penguin Tour
Discover the spectacular wildlife of the Otago Peninsula on a guided tour through a private conservation reserve, where you may encounter the rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), kororā (little penguins), seals, and native birdlife in their natural habitat. Explore a unique network of viewing hides and trenches while learning about the reserve's dedicated conservation efforts to protect these remarkable native species.

Spend the day discovering Dunedin's fascinating history and the scenic beauty of the Otago Peninsula. From grand heritage buildings to spectacular coastal views, this charming city offers a wonderful blend of culture, nature and wildlife.

Included: Larnach Castle & Gardens
Explore New Zealand's only castle and uncover the fascinating story of the Larnach family as you wander through its beautifully restored rooms, grand ballrooms and elegant period interiors. Your visit also includes the award-winning gardens, where vibrant floral displays, tranquil pathways and sweeping views across the Otago Peninsula create an unforgettable setting.

Travel through Southland's rolling farmland and peaceful countryside to Te Anau, the picturesque gateway to Fiordland National Park. Spend the evening relaxing besides New Zealand's second-largest lake or exploring the welcoming township before tomorrow's unforgettable adventure.

Optional Activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau before exploring a fascinating underground network of limestone caves, sculpted by flowing water over thousands of years. Deep inside the caves, marvel at a magical display of thousands of tiny glowworms illuminating the darkness like a star-filled night sky.

Experience one of the world's most spectacular scenic journeys as you travel through Fiordland National Park to the breathtaking Milford Sound. Towering peaks, ancient rainforests and cascading waterfalls make every moment of the journey as memorable as the destination itself.

Included: Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise
Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery on a coach journey through Fiordland before boarding a nature cruise beneath towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. Cruise the length of the fiord while watching for seals, dolphins and native birdlife, with a delicious lunch served on board.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the South Island, passing mountain ranges, crystal-clear rivers and charming rural towns before arriving in Queenstown. Nestled besides Lake Wakatipu, this vibrant alpine resort is renowned for its stunning scenery, excellent dining and endless adventure opportunities.

Optional Activity: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner – TSS Earnslaw
Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a memorable gourmet BBQ dinner. Savour premium New Zealand meats, fresh seasonal produce and delicious desserts before enjoying a traditional farm demonstration and a scenic return cruise to Queenstown.

Spend the day discovering Queenstown at your own pace, whether exploring the lively waterfront, browsing boutique shops or enjoying one of the region's many optional adventures. Surrounded by The Remarkables and the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu, every direction offers postcard-perfect views.

Included: Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride the Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob's Peak for breathtaking panoramic views across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding alpine peaks. Take time to admire the scenery, enjoy the mountaintop facilities or simply relax while soaking up one of New Zealand's most iconic vistas.

Travel along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives via the spectacular Haast Pass, where waterfalls, native rainforest and alpine landscapes create unforgettable views. Arrive in Franz Josef, where lush rainforest meets ancient glaciers on the rugged West Coast.

Optional Activity: Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise
Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika, where mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier create breathtaking scenery. As you explore this pristine glacial lake, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the region's rainforest, wildlife and rich natural history.

Spend the day exploring the remarkable glacier region, where dramatic ice formations, native rainforest and wild West Coast scenery combine to create an extraordinary landscape. Choose from scenic walks or optional adventures to experience this unique natural environment up close.

Optional Activity: Fox Glacier Heli Hike
Take a spectacular helicopter flight to the breathtaking Fox Glacier before joining a guided hike across its ancient ice, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Discover impressive ice formations, deep crevasses and ever-changing glacial landscapes on this unforgettable adventure.

Drive north along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth before boarding one of the world's great rail journeys for your return to Christchurch. Cross the magnificent Southern Alps, travelling through dramatic river valleys, native beech forests and the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge.

Included: TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Relax in comfort as the TranzAlpine carries you across the heart of the South Island, showcasing some of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. Panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage provide unforgettable views throughout this iconic rail experience.

After checking out of your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore Christchurch or browse for last-minute souvenirs before your onward journey. When it's time to leave, return your rental car and make your way to Christchurch Airport with unforgettable memories of alpine lakes, dramatic fiords, historic cities and breathtaking South Island landscapes.