16 Day Queenstown to Queenstown South Island Highlights Self Drive

Arrive in New Zealand’s alpine playground and begin your South Island adventure with ease. Your private driver will meet you at Queenstown Airport and take you directly to your hotel.

Welcome to Queenstown, a lively town framed by Lake Wakatipu and the dramatic Remarkables mountain range. This beautiful lakeside destination offers adventure, fine dining and spectacular scenery to start your tour with impact.

Suggested Activity — Gondola and 3 Luge Rides with Skyline Queenstown
Ride the gondola for panoramic views over Queenstown then race down thrilling luge tracks through bends, tunnels and dips. This combination of scenery and fun makes for an exciting afternoon.

Today is all about exploring Queenstown at your own pace and discovering what made this town famous. Wander the lakefront, browse local markets or embrace the adrenaline with classic Kiwi activities.

Queenstown offers options from serene strolls to heart‑pounding experiences, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. Whether you choose relaxed sightseeing or thrill‑seeker fun, the day is yours to savour.

Suggested Activity — Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Skim through the narrow Shotover River canyons at high speed with twists, turns and 360‑degree spins. The river’s rocky gorge and rushing water make this one of Queenstown’s most iconic thrills.

Suggested Activity — TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and watch farm demonstrations in a scenic setting. This classic Kiwi experience blends food, culture and beautiful surroundings.

Today’s drive takes you through classic Southern scenery from lakeside views to open tussock lands. Your destination is Te Anau, the peaceful gateway to Fiordland National Park.

This quiet town is surrounded by rich natural landscapes and sets the scene for your visit to Milford Sound. Te Anau’s lakeside charm makes it the perfect base for exploring nearby wonders.

Suggested Activity — Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
Cruise across Lake Te Anau and explore a cathedral of glowworms in limestone caverns with calm waters reflecting thousands of lights. This magical experience blends nature, mystery and guided insight.

Today you’ll follow the breathtaking Milford Road through forests, mountains and pristine lakes. The scenery along this route is world‑renowned and packed with opportunities to stop and soak up the views.

Your journey reaches Milford Sound where steep cliffs, waterfalls and mirror‑like water await. With a scenic cruise planned, you’ll enjoy Milford at its dramatic best.

Suggested Activity — Milford Sound Cruise with Real NZ (Lunch Included)
Relax on a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, spotting waterfalls, sheer rock faces and protected rainforest. Enjoy lunch onboard as you glide through fiord scenery few get to see up close.

Departing Te Anau, today’s drive weaves through Central Otago’s dramatic landscapes and historic vineyards. You’ll travel through tussock‑covered valleys and small towns before reaching the majestic Mackenzie Basin and Lake Pukaki.

The snow‑capped peak of Aoraki Mt Cook signals your arrival into one of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine regions. With options for glacier flights, walks and scenic experiences, this area delivers unforgettable mountain scenery.

Suggested Activity — Glacier Explorers
Board a purpose‑built boat to explore ancient icebergs on Lake Tasman, seeing towering ice cliffs and floating blue ice. This unique experience brings you closer than most visitors ever get to a glacier’s edge.

This morning begins with lakeside panoramas at Lake Pukaki and the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo. Continue your drive down through Burkes Pass and across the fertile Canterbury Plains toward Banks Peninsula.

Akaroa’s French heritage and scenic harbour offer a delightful contrast to the high country you leave behind. The atmosphere here is relaxed, historic and perfect for discovering local wildlife and scenery.

Suggested Activity — Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat
Cruise the harbour in search of the rare Hector’s dolphin, little penguins and fur seals against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs. This wildlife adventure offers memorable encounters in a peaceful natural harbour.

Your drive today takes you through rolling hills and around the scenic harbour rim toward Christchurch. Taking the route via Gebbies Pass offers panoramic outlooks over bays and beaches before you reach the city.

Christchurch’s urban regeneration and cultural attractions offer plenty to explore when you arrive. The city blends heritage and modernity with ease.

Suggested Activity — Christchurch Gondola
Ascend to the summit of the Gondola for sweeping views over the city, harbour and Southern Alps beyond. At the top, enjoy walks and refreshments while taking in the panorama.

Suggested Activity — International Antarctic Centre General Admission
Experience simulated polar weather, see real little blue penguins and learn about life in Antarctica at this immersive visitor centre. It’s a fun, informative stop for all ages.

Drive north through rolling North Canterbury hills and the Waipara wine region toward Kaikōura’s dramatic coastline. A stop in Hanmer Springs for mineral thermal pools is an ideal break before the coastal descent.

Kaikōura’s rugged shore presents abundant marine life and dramatic ocean views. This seaside town is famous for whale watching and seafood experiences.

Suggested Activity — Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Head out to sea for a close encounter with sperm whales, dolphins and seabirds against the backdrop of the Kaikōura Ranges. The blend of wildlife sightings and coastal scenery makes this a highlight of your tour.

Start your day driving along the rugged Kaikōura coastline with the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountain ranges on the other. Enjoy stops for wildlife viewing or vineyard visits before heading inland toward Marlborough.

Blenheim is perfect for a winery lunch or tasting session before continuing to sunny Nelson, a hub of arts, nature and gourmet experiences. You'll arrive ready to explore the top of the South Island.

Today is yours to discover the best of Nelson’s vibrant arts scene, stunning beaches, and gateway access to Abel Tasman National Park. With sunshine, nature and creativity all around, it’s easy to see why this region is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Whether you choose coastal walks, a relaxing lunch, or an active day out, there’s no shortage of things to do in this sunny paradise.

Suggested Activity — Seals, Beach Cruise and Walk
Cruise into the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, spot fur seals, and hike through native bush to stunning Bark Bay. This tour blends marine wildlife with a dose of scenic coastal walking.

Travel through the rugged beauty of Nelson Lakes National Park and follow the Buller River through deep gorges and untouched bush. A stop in Murchison gives you a taste of West Coast life before climbing over the scenic Lewis Pass.

Arrive in Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village famous for its thermal pools and forest walks. It's the perfect spot to relax midway through your journey.

Suggested Activity — Jet Boating Hanmer Springs with Hanmer Springs Attractions
Speed through narrow gorges and shallow braids of the Waiau River with spins and thrills at every turn. This high-adrenaline adventure offers unforgettable views and a serious rush.

Cross through the Waipara Valley wine region as you return to Christchurch across the wide Canterbury Plains. Rolling hills give way to vineyards and rural charm as you near the city.

Take the rest of the day to explore Christchurch’s parks, culture and evolving cityscape.

Travel by shared transfer to Christchurch Railway Station to board the world-renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Your journey crosses the Southern Alps, passing braided rivers, beech forests and mountain peaks.

After reaching Greymouth, collect your rental car and follow the wild West Coast highway south to Franz Josef Glacier.

Suggested Activity — TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Add-on — KiwiRail
Upgrade to Scenic Plus for regionally inspired cuisine, open-air carriages, and panoramic seating as you cross the Alps. This experience adds a touch of luxury and comfort to your rail journey.

Head south past Fox Glacier and the wild Tasman Sea before turning inland through the Haast Pass. The journey is filled with waterfalls, river views and lakes, including Wānaka and Hāwea.

Cross the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, and descend into Queenstown where alpine beauty and vibrant energy meet.

Make the most of your final full day by enjoying Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you're craving adventure or scenic calm, the town has it all.

From wine tastings and mountain views to adrenaline sports and iconic boat rides, today is all about doing Queenstown your way.

Suggested Activity — Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
Travel into Mt Aspiring National Park on a thrilling jet boat ride combined with remote bush walks. This adventure reveals untouched corners of one of the South Island’s most stunning regions.

Suggested Activity — Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump with AJ Hackett
Tick off an iconic New Zealand experience by leaping from the original commercial bungy jump bridge. This 43-metre drop into the Kawarau River is both exhilarating and unforgettable.

Take time for a relaxed breakfast or last-minute shopping before heading to Queenstown Airport. Return your rental car and prepare to say goodbye to New Zealand — for now.

Mā te wā — until next time. The memories of South Island’s lakes, mountains and coastal wonders will stay with you long after you’ve left.