18 Day South Island National Parks Self Drive

Arrive in Christchurch where a private transfer brings you to your hotel and you can begin your South Island adventure. Christchurch blends leafy parks, creative new precincts and heritage charm — ride the historic tram, stroll the Botanic Gardens, or visit the unique Transitional Cathedral.

Collect your rental car and enjoy a full day to explore Christchurch’s highlights or take short scenic drives into the surrounding countryside. Try punting on the Avon River, ride the gondola for panoramic views, or discover local wine regions and coastal towns nearby.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Gondola
Ascend to the Port Hills summit for sweeping views of Christchurch, the surrounding plains and distant mountain peaks.

Suggested Activity – Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour
A guided city tour featuring Christchurch’s architectural, historical and cultural highlights, including earthquake rebuild stories.

Head north through the Waipara wine region and rolling countryside before arriving on the dramatic Kaikōura coastline. This scenic drive often reveals seals and seabirds along the bay, setting the tone for your marine wildlife experiences.

Enjoy a marine adventure off Kaikōura’s coast, then continue north along the Pacific to Abel Tasman National Park. Ocean views, turquoise waters and coastal forests highlight this beautiful transition from marine to coastal rainforest landscapes.

Suggested Activity – Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Encounter sperm whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds up close on an unforgettable marine wildlife cruise.

Spend a full day in Abel Tasman National Park, known for golden beaches, coastal inlets and marine life. Relax on pristine sands or combine seaside walks with scenic cruising and kayaking.

Suggested Activity – Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip with Wilsons (Lunch Included)
Kayak sheltered bays, enjoy a picnic lunch and spot seals and penguins, then explore forest trails and lagoons on foot.

Drive along the Buller Gorge through diverse landscapes, from alpine river valleys to rugged West Coast scenery. Stop at seal colonies and rainforest walks before arriving at Punakaiki to see the iconic pancake rock formations.

Travel south through West Coast towns like Greymouth and Hokitika, with opportunities to explore rainforest trails and jade workshops. Arrive in Franz Josef village, a vibrant gateway to ancient glacier landscapes.

Today’s adventure combines a glacier heliski experience with optional kayaking in tranquil wetland landscapes. Whether you’re scaling icy crevasses or exploring serene lagoons, this region offers dramatic natural contrasts.

Walking tracks in and around Franz Josef

Franz Josef offers a range of walking tracks, from gentle rainforest strolls to more challenging hikes with spectacular glacier views, with up-to-date information available at the DOC Visitor Centre in the village.

Included Activity – Franz Josef Glacier Helihike
Fly high above rugged alpine terrain and explore glacial ice formations on a guided heli‑hike adventure.

Suggested Activity – Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip
Paddle through New Zealand’s largest unmodified coastal wetland, rich in birdlife and scenic beauty.

Travel south along dramatic coastal rainforests and over Haast Pass, stopping at reflective Lake Matheson and the Blue Pools. Continue your scenic journey through alpine valleys before arriving in the lakeside town of Wanaka.

Travel through the scenic Clutha River valley and over the tussock‑covered Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin, passing through Omarama and Twizel before arriving at Lake Pukaki with its spectacular views of Aoraki / Mt Cook. In Mt Cook Village there are plenty of alpine experiences, from scenic flights and glacial kayaking to a range of walks for all abilities.

Explore New Zealand’s highest mountain and its dramatic alpine landscape with a host of scenic walks and excursions available from the village. The region also offers stargazing opportunities under one of the clearest night skies in the world and fascinating insights into mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Walking Tracks in Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park

Aoraki-Mt Cook Village features a variety of short scenic walks for all ages and abilities, with track conditions, local insights, and wildlife information available at the DOC Visitor Centre.

Bowen Bush Walk: 10-minute return

Glencoe Walk: 10-minute return

Red Tarns Track: 2-hour return

Kea Point Walk: 2-hour return

Sealy Tarns Track: 3 - 4 hours return

Please be aware that at Aoraki/Mount Cook, you will need to pay for parking at the White Horse Hill car park. The cost is $5 per hour or $25 for the full day. A 20-minute free period is available for quick drop-offs.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Highlights – Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing
Take a spectacular scenic flight over Aoraki / Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier for unforgettable close‑up views of icefalls, peaks and alpine terrain.

Leave the high country and drive through Omarama and the Waitaki Valley, stopping in Oamaru to explore its characterful white stone buildings and possible penguin sightings at dusk. Continue along the east coast past Moeraki’s unique boulders before arriving in Dunedin, a city rich in Edwardian and Scottish heritage.

Walking tracks on the Otago Peninsula

Sandfly Bay
Walking Time: 1 hr return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 25 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Tunnel Beach
Walking Time: 1 hour / 2km return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 15 minutes south from the centre of Dunedin.

Sandymount
Walking Time: Lovers Leap 50 min return walk from carpark or Sandymount Circuit 1 hr return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 30 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Allans Beach
Walking Time: 5 min walk to the beach from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 40 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Suggested Activity – Penguin Tour with The Opera
Learn about the endangered Yellow‑eyed Penguin and meet other native wildlife on this immersive conservation‑focused experience.

Journey across classic Southland plains and explore the dramatic Catlins coastline with its stunning cliffs and sea views before continuing through Invercargill, Riverton and Colac Bay. Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and your base to explore pristine wilderness ahead.

Suggested Activity – Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
Cruise across Lake Te Anau and discover limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of glowworms on this guided cave exploration.

Head along the famously scenic Milford Road with an expert nature guide, taking in alpine views, glacial valleys and lush rainforest before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy a nature‑focused cruise with stunning views of waterfalls and wildlife, then take guided short walks to hidden gems in Fiordland’s wilderness.

Experience one of New Zealand’s most pristine fiords with a full‑day adventure from Manapouri across Lake Manapouri, over Wilmot Pass and into Doubtful Sound. Cruising aboard the Commander Peak, enjoy waterfalls, rainforest and mountain scenery, with the ‘Sound of Silence’ moment on the return journey.

Drive through rolling tussock landscapes and past the iconic Devil’s Staircase as you approach Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand set on Lake Wakatipu. The Remarkables mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop for the adventure and leisure opportunities that lie ahead.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw to a high‑country farm for a gourmet BBQ dinner with live farm demonstrations.

Spend a full day discovering Queenstown’s combination of scenic beauty and thrilling adventures, from lakeside walks and historic steamship cruises to adrenaline activities like jet boating or heli‑hiking. Alternatively, indulge in fine food, boutique shopping and panoramic views via the gondola.

Suggested Activity – Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
A high‑adrenaline jet boat ride into Mt Aspiring National Park’s remote river canyons, combining speed with stunning alpine scenery.

Enjoy your final morning in Queenstown before returning your rental car at the airport depot and beginning your onward journey. Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand with memories of majestic peaks, pristine fiords and unforgettable nature encounters.