Self Drive Holidays 7 Day South Island Express Self Drive

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will collect your rental car from the airport.  Enjoy the afternoon in the city at your own leisure for the remainder of the day.  We recommend that you visit the ReStart Mall in the city, the International Antarctic Centre or the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Overnight Accommodation in Christchurch

Drive across the Canterbury Plains on this day as you make your way to the beautiful town of Lake Tekapo.  Once here, you can take your time to explore and visit such sites as the Earth and Sky Observatory, enjoy a scenic flight over Mt Cook or visit the Church of The Good Shepherd and Collie Dog Memorial.  Included in this self drive package is an entry pass to the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools so take advantage of this while you are here!

Overnight accommodation Lake Tekapo

Leave Lake Tekapo in the morning and travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook. Enjoy a short walk in the area or sign up for one of the sightseeing activities at the Hermitage Hotel.  Take your pick from various boat cruises on the Tasman Lake that will take you to see the Tasman Glacier. Other activities include ski plane flights, helicopter flights or you could visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. After your stop at Mt Cook, you can continue over the scenic Lindis Pass and travel through the towns of Twizel and Cromwell as you head for Te Anau.

Overnight accommodation in Te Anau

Depart in the morning and travel along the scenic Milford road to the Fiordland National Park. Make sure that you stop several times along the way to make the most of the many photo opportunities of the Mirror Lakes, Lower Hollyford Track and other sights. Drive through the Homer Tunnel and enjoy a nature cruise at Milford Wharf. 

This cruise around Milford Sound takes 2 hours and your onboard guide will take you to see the best sights including waterfalls and wildlife. After your cruise, you will head back to Te Anau and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Three nights accommodation in Queenstown

Once in Queenstown, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy as many of the local activities as you can. Jetboat riding on the Shotover River, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning and visits to the high country farm are some of the most popular activities in the area. The city also has  several ski fields open during the winter months (mid June to early October) so, if you visit during this time, you can enjoy some snow and skiing fun.

You will have an additional day to explore Queenstown and enjoy even more of the local activities. An evening ride on the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak will let you enjoy the very best panoramic views of the city as well as the Remarkables mountain range. Tuck into a buffet dinner at the Skyline restaurant, at the top of Bob's Peak, before enjoying a gondola ride back down.

Enjoy your final day at leisure in Queenstown before returning your rental car and continuing with your trip or returning home.