Self Drive Holidays 16 Day Queenstown South Island Highlights Self Drive

Private transfer Queenstown airport to your hotel

Welcome to Queenstown
Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities 'Queenstown' is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. 

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Collect your rental car

Explore Queenstown and surrounds

Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola and Luge

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour

Following the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables mountain range towers over you as you approach township of Kingston. You'll venture into Southland before crossing the rolling tussock-lands of Mossburn (deer capital of New Zealand) and shortly arriving into Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Stay 2 nights Te Anau

The road to Milford Sound offers some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country. 

Milford Sound Nature Cruise
A two and a half hour nature cruise of spectacular Milford Sound. On board one of three purpose built vessels you'll experience tumbling waterfalls, towering peaks, lush rainforest and native wildlife. Learn about the region, its history and natural surroundings while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. As you cruise, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins - frequent visitors to the fiord.

Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn. Following Lake Wakatipu north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach Queenstown, before heading east over the historic Kawarau Bridge. Visit the Gibbston Valley's many vineyards which are open for tastings.

The Kawarau Gorge guides you towards Cromwell which sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. Continue along Lake Dunstan until you reach the historic and scenic Bendigo Reserve.

The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The towns of Omarama and Twizel are the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mt. Cook Highway along the shores to the village.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook

Stay 1 night Mt. Cook

Your first stop today should be the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. 

Lake Tekapo also has the reflective quality of Pukaki, making the waters a bright turquoise on certain days.

From here you descend from the high country through Burkes Pass and into rich farmland. Beautiful Valley guides you to the town of Geraldine before you cross the vast Canterbury Plains towards Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.

The Harbour itself is teeming with wildlife and a nature cruise is a must do activity. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Stay 1 night Akaroa

Head to Christchurch today crossing the hills with spectacular views of the harbour. 

Explore Christchurch City
Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Gondola

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - International Antarctic Centre General Admission

Stay 1 night Christchurch

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Whale Watch Kaikoura

Stay 1 night Kaikoura

Kaikoura to Blenheim
Heading north from Kaikoura, the road hugs the shore for approximately 50 kilometres and offers many opportunities to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. As you drive you will have turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean to your east and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Crossing the ‘dry hills’ of the Marlborough ranges you head towards Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. Blenheim sits right at the heart of Marlborough.

Blenheim to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive
A short drive from Blenheim to the busy port town of Picton, and its here from that the Interislander ferries arrive and depart. Queen Charlotte Drive travels the Marlborough Sounds coastline between Picton and Havelock. 

Crossing the Bryant Range you arrive onto Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson.

Stay 2 nights Nelson

Nelson is a great city to explore on foot. Visit the historic areas, the famous Cathedral or relax and enjoy the atmosphere at one of the many cafes on Trafalgar Street. Nelson is also noted for its many artists, and galleries displaying their work can be enjoyed by following one of the Art trails listed locally. Around 45 minutes drive away is Abel Tasman National Park. The region offers countless opportunities to explore for visitors of every age and capability, from enjoying the golden sand beaches and clear warm waters to guided kayaking trips viewing seals and dolphins, to exploring some of New Zealand's finest walking tracks.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Seals, beach cruise and walk including picnic lunch

The drive today takes through the enchanting Nelson Lakes National Park of rugged peaks, forests and glacial lakes. Your journey will take you along the Buller Gorge, to town of Murchison which is a quiet place and a great lunch stop. Continuing on the drive today takes you along the Lewis Pass, the least travelled of the 3 main routes over the Southern Alps. A scenic journey passing through forests and the famous Maruia Hot Springs. 

The alpine village of Hanmer Springs has been a favourite holiday destination for New Zealanders for many years.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Jet Boating Hanmer Springs

Stay 1 night Hanmer Springs

Today you’ll travel through the Waipara Valley, the fastest wine growing region in New Zealand and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You’ll pass vast grassy plains and parched farming landscapes as you make your way over the Weka Pass and past small towns such as Amberley and Leithfield before arriving into the largest Port in the South Island, Christchurch.

Rental car drop off
This evening leave your rental car keys with the reception at your accommodation. 

The next morning, the staff will collect the rental car from your accommodation. You will be transferred to the Christchurch Train station.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Private transfer hotel to Christchurch train station

Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth
Considered one of the worlds great train journeys, the TranzAlpine scenic train travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.

Collect your rental car

Greymouth to Franz Josef
Leaving Greymouth today you will head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and follow the coast through several small towns before catching a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive into the town centre.

Stay 1 night Franz Josef Glacier

Heading south you pass through the second glacier town of Fox Glacier. At Knights Point Lookout elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the massive Haast River you turn inland and head into the valley climbing through mountains littered with waterfalls.

Lakes Wanaka and Hawea guide you into the township of Wanaka before you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks, and many stops en route.

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Dart River Wilderness Safari

Drop your rental car at the Queenstown airport today and farewell New Zealand.