10 Day Southern Adventure Self Drive

Private Airport Transfer & Free Time

On arrival at Queenstown Airport, a private driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

Spend the remainder of the day discovering Queenstown, widely regarded as New Zealand’s adventure capital. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown balances high-energy thrills with relaxed alpine charm. Wander along the lakefront, explore boutique shops, enjoy alfresco dining or soak up the scenery from the waterfront gardens.

Suggested activities:

Skyline Gondola & Luge – ride to Bob’s Peak for sweeping lake and mountain views, then enjoy a thrilling luge descent.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner – cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic steamship to a lakeside high-country farm for a gourmet BBQ and farm demonstration.

Collect Rental Car & Explore

Collect your rental vehicle this morning. Your tour includes an intermediate-sized car, with the option to upgrade to suit your travel style.

Enjoy another day in Queenstown. Choose from jet boating, canyon swings, ziplining, heli-hikes or simply relax with a wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley.

Suggested activity:
Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris – a high-energy jet boat journey deep into the pristine landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park.

Travel through the Kawarau Gorge, past the historic bungy bridge, then continue through Central Otago’s wine country and fruit orchards. Cross the tussock-clad Lindis Pass into the vast Mackenzie Basin before reaching Lake Pukaki’s vivid turquoise waters and the alpine village of Mt Cook.

Included activity:
Glacier Explorers – Tasman Glacier Lake
Cruise among ancient icebergs calved from New Zealand’s largest glacier, surrounded by towering ice cliffs and alpine scenery.

Suggested activity:
Glacier Highlights Scenic Flight with Snow Landing – soar above the Southern Alps and land on a glacier for an unforgettable alpine experience.

Later, travel north via Lake Tekapo and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.

Drive over the Port Hills and around the dramatic coastline of Banks Peninsula, a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity and rich in French heritage.

Included activity:
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat
Spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, penguins and seabirds while cruising beneath towering volcanic cliffs.

Cross the Canterbury Plains, stopping in Timaru or Oamaru, famous for its historic white-stone architecture. Continue south via the Moeraki Boulders before arriving in Dunedin.

Discover Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, vibrant café culture and striking architecture. Highlights include the historic railway station, street art trails and coastal viewpoints.

Included experience:
Castle to Cruise Tour with Monarch
Cruise around Taiaroa Head to see the world’s only mainland nesting colony of royal albatross, visit Larnach Castle and explore a conservation area home to rare yellow-eyed penguins.

Follow the scenic southern coastline through The Catlins, stopping at Nugget Point if time allows, before continuing through Invercargill and Manapouri to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Included activity:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves – cruise across Lake Te Anau and drift silently through underground caverns illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

Drive the spectacular Milford Road, one of New Zealand’s most scenic routes, passing alpine lakes, waterfalls and the Homer Tunnel.

Included activity:
Milford Sound Nature Cruise (Lunch Included)
Cruise beneath towering peaks and cascading waterfalls while learning about the fiord’s unique geology and wildlife.

Return to Te Anau for the evening.

Travel north through Mossburn and along Lake Wakatipu via the Devil’s Staircase, enjoying panoramic views back toward Queenstown.

Drop off your rental car at Queenstown Airport and farewell Aotearoa New Zealand. As the locals say, mā te wā — see you again soon.