21 Day Classic South Island Self Drive

Queenstown welcomes you with alpine scenery and a buzz of adventure from every angle. It’s the perfect place to kick off your South Island journey in style.

Private Transfer – Queenstown Airport to Accommodation
A friendly driver will meet you on arrival and take you straight to your Queenstown stay. A relaxed and easy start to your holiday, no navigation needed.

Set against Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, Queenstown blends natural beauty with high-octane thrills. From food and wine to jet boats and gondolas, it’s all here.

Suggested Activity – Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
Travel deep into Mt Aspiring National Park on a thrilling jet boat through untouched wilderness. It’s the perfect mix of storytelling, speed and scenery.

Today’s drive is a highlight in itself, crossing the Crown Range and passing through the beautiful Wānaka region. You’ll wind along lake edges and through ancient rainforest on the West Coast.

Suggested Stop – Blue Pools Walk, Makarora
An easy return walk to glacier-fed pools surrounded by native beech forest. A refreshing nature break with picture-perfect views.

Franz Josef blends icy landscapes with lush rainforest, offering something for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Walks, hot pools, and glacier views fill your day here.

Suggested Activity – Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours
A relaxed, guided walk through glacier valleys and forest, rich with history and local wildlife. It’s like stepping into another world – especially if the mist rolls in.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Soar above both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and land on the ice for jaw-dropping views. There’s no better way to see the scale and majesty of this frozen world.

Travel north along the coast, past gold mining towns and Hokitika’s artisan stores before turning inland. The climb through Otira Gorge into Arthur’s Pass is dramatic and unforgettable.

Suggested Stop – Hokitika Gorge
A short detour to see turquoise waters and swing bridges in lush forest. A hidden gem and a photographer’s dream.

Walking tracks in Arthurs Pass National Park

Within Arthur's Pass there are many short walks to suit all ages and abilities. Listed below is a selection of short walks.
1. Millennium Walk - Time: 10 minutes return
2. Devils Punchbowl Waterfall Walk - Time: One hour return
3. Arthur's Pass Walking Track - Time: One hour 20 minutes (one way)
4. Dobson Nature Walk - Time: 30 minutes return
5. Old Coach Road Walk - Time: 30 minutes return
6. Cockayne Nature Walk - Time: 30 minutes return

Leave alpine scenery behind as you head east to the Canterbury Plains and then north along the rugged Pacific Coast. Today’s contrasts are some of the South Island’s finest.

Suggested Stop – Castle Hill Scenic Reserve
Walk among giant limestone boulders in this otherworldly landscape. Popular with climbers, photographers, and those chasing epic views.

Kaikōura is a coastal haven where whales breach and seals lounge just metres from the shore. Whether you’re exploring by boat or on foot, marine life is the star here.

Suggested Activity – Whale Watch Kaikōura
Spot giant sperm whales, dolphins, and more on a cruise with expert guides. It’s a world-famous marine encounter you won’t forget.

Suggested Activity – EcoZip Kaikōura Zipline Tour
A thrilling zipline journey with panoramic views, native forest, and local stories. Adventure meets conservation in a breathtaking setting.

The road hugs the coast before turning inland to Marlborough’s wine country. With ocean views, seals, and world-class vineyards, this is one of the most scenic drives on the island.

Suggested Stop – Ohau Point Seal Colony
Watch pups play in pools and adults sunbathe just off the road. A short and easy wildlife stop packed with charm.

Suggested Activity – Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Marlborough’s celebrated wine region with guided visits to three or four carefully selected wineries. Enjoy tastings of award-winning wines while learning about the area’s winemaking heritage and the distinctive techniques that make each vineyard unique.

Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal drives. With endless bays and viewpoints, today’s journey is as beautiful as the destination.

Suggested Stop – Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
Stretch your legs with a forest walk to waterfalls and river pools. A great mix of native bush and picnic spots.

Golden beaches, crystal-clear water, and native bush make Abel Tasman a favourite for Kiwis and travellers alike. Choose to kayak, cruise, walk – or all three.

Suggested Activity – Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Kayak Trip - Lunch Included
Paddle past coves and wildlife hotspots before cruising back in comfort. It’s the best way to discover the park’s hidden corners.

Suggested Activity – Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Day Pass
Discover the best of Abel Tasman National Park with a flexible cruise and walk experience that lets you set your own pace. Choose from a range of routes including golden beaches, lush native bush, seal colonies, and scenic highlights like Cleopatra’s Pool or Bark Bay Falls—all with the backdrop of stunning coastal views.

This scenic drive cuts across the top of the South Island and follows the wild Buller Gorge. You’ll reach Punakaiki, home to the world-famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, nestled in lush coastal rainforest.

Suggested Stop – Whites Creek Swing Bridge
Cross the country’s longest swing bridge for sweeping views over the Buller River below. On the far side, short bush walks and gold mining relics tell the story of the area’s rugged past.

Drive south along the coast to Greymouth where you’ll board the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. This breathtaking journey carries you across Arthur’s Pass and into the heart of Canterbury.

Suggested Stop – Shantytown Heritage Park
Step back in time in a recreated gold mining village complete with vintage trains and replica buildings. It’s a fun and interactive stop that brings West Coast history to life.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Greymouth to Christchurch
This unforgettable rail journey crosses mountains, rivers and high-country valleys in comfort and style. You’ll travel through tunnels, viaducts and open plains with panoramic windows to soak it all in.

Post-quake Christchurch is a mix of innovation, art and green spaces, with a relaxed yet creative vibe. Explore the rejuvenated city centre or take a short drive to nearby natural attractions.

Suggested Activity – Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Get close to New Zealand’s rarest wildlife, including the kiwi in its natural habitat. This interactive reserve is great for families and offers insight into conservation efforts.

Today’s drive takes you over scenic hills and volcanic landscapes to the French-inspired harbour town of Akaroa. With its waterfront cafés, colonial buildings and marine life encounters, this peaceful gem is well worth the detour.

Suggested Activity – Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat
Cruise the calm waters of Akaroa Harbour to spot Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seabirds. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs and tranquil bays, this is a wildlife experience like no other.

Cross the Canterbury Plains and into the high country, where turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks guide your way. A scenic detour to Aoraki Mt Cook offers unforgettable views of New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Suggested Activity – Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre & Theatre Explorer Pass
This museum and planetarium pays tribute to Hillary’s legacy and the region’s mountaineering history. Watch immersive films and explore exhibits that celebrate Aoraki Mt Cook’s dramatic landscape.

Drive through the Waitaki Valley toward the coast, stopping to explore geological and cultural landmarks along the way. Dunedin awaits with its strong Scottish heritage, striking architecture and wildlife-filled coastline.

Suggested Stop – Moeraki Boulders
These perfectly round boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach are a geological mystery. They’re one of the South Island’s most photographed natural features, and easily accessible from the main highway.

Dunedin is home to grand buildings, quirky street art and one of the world’s steepest streets. A drive out to the Otago Peninsula rewards you with close-up wildlife viewing and rugged coastal beauty.

Suggested Activity – Wildlife Peninsula Encounter & Cruise
This small-group tour offers a rare chance to see penguins, sea lions, albatross and seals in their natural habitat. With expert guides and stunning scenery, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Suggested Activity – Speights Brewery Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes look at one of New Zealand’s oldest breweries and sample a range of local brews. It’s a fun and flavourful way to wrap up your day in the city.

The route to Te Anau weaves through green pastures, quiet country towns and remote coastline if you choose the Catlins detour. Your destination is the gateway to Fiordland, surrounded by mountain views and lake serenity.

Suggested Stop – Nugget Point Lighthouse
This short walk leads to a clifftop lighthouse with panoramic views of rocky islets below. Keep an eye out for seals, penguins and seabirds along the way.

Milford Road is one of the world’s most scenic drives, carved through glacier valleys and rainforest. Every bend offers a new vista on the way to the towering cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Milford Sound Cruise (including lunch)
Glide past sheer rock faces and thundering falls while learning about the fiord’s formation. You might even spot dolphins, seals or penguins during the journey.

Travel north through open plains and along the dramatic shores of Lake Wakatipu. Scenic stops like the Devil’s Staircase offer prime photo opportunities before arriving back in Queenstown.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak BBQ Dinner
Step aboard a historic steamship for a cruise across the lake, followed by a gourmet barbecue dinner on a high country farm. With farm demos and lakeside views, this is a true Southern experience.

Spend your final morning soaking up the alpine air or grabbing a coffee with a view. It’s time to return your vehicle and take with you memories of a truly epic South Island journey.

Drop-off – Rental Car Return at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before catching your flight home. It’s a smooth and simple end to your unforgettable road trip.