8 Day Southern Highlights Wellington to Queenstown Self Drive

Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city set around a picturesque harbour and surrounded by rolling green hills. Known for its creative energy and compact layout, it offers a great introduction to the country’s culture and lifestyle.

Included: Private Transfer Wellington Airport to your Accommodation with In Style Executive
Enjoy a smooth arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to settle in with ease and begin exploring the capital without any stress.

Take time to stroll the waterfront, discover local cafés, and visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to enjoy a mix of culture, history, and harbour views.

Travel from Wellington to the South Island aboard one of the world’s most scenic ferry crossings. The journey through the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds offers breathtaking coastal and island views.

Included: Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal and Interislander Ferry with Premium Plus Lounge
Enjoy a seamless transfer to the ferry terminal before boarding your scenic cruise to Picton. The Premium Plus lounge provides added comfort with refreshments and panoramic views throughout the journey.

Included: Collect Rental Car and Self Drive to Blenheim
Collect your rental vehicle in Picton and enjoy a short drive through Marlborough’s vineyard landscapes. This easy journey introduces you to one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions.

Included: Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour with Sounds Connection
Spend the afternoon visiting boutique wineries and tasting award-winning wines. This guided experience offers insight into the region’s winemaking heritage and unique growing conditions.

Enjoy a relaxed coastal drive to Kaikōura with stunning ocean views on one side and towering mountains on the other. This scenic drive offers frequent opportunities to spot marine wildlife along the shoreline. The route is one of the most scenic in the South Island.

Spend time in Kaikōura discovering local cafés, coastal walks, and wildlife viewpoints. The area is well known for its abundant marine life and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Begin your day with an unforgettable wildlife experience before continuing south to Christchurch. The journey transitions from coastal scenery to the rolling landscapes of North Canterbury.

Included: Whale Watch Kaikōura Experience
Head out onto the ocean for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with whales, dolphins, and seals. This unique experience showcases one of New Zealand’s most remarkable marine environments.

Travel along the coast before heading inland through wine regions and rural countryside. The changing landscapes make for a varied and enjoyable drive.

Suggested Detour to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
Take a relaxing break in Hanmer Springs and enjoy its thermal pools. It’s a great way to unwind while adding a scenic detour to your journey.

Travel across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes define this stunning alpine region.

Enjoy a scenic journey through farmland, alpine passes, and glacial lakes. The drive offers some of the most iconic landscapes in New Zealand.

Suggested Stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Pause to admire the vibrant blue waters and mountain backdrops of these iconic lakes. Both locations provide incredible photo opportunities.

Included: Glacier Explorers Tasman Glacier Experience
Get up close to ancient icebergs on a guided boat tour across the Tasman Glacier lake. This unique experience offers rare access to one of the country’s largest glaciers.

Leave the alpine region and travel through Central Otago’s striking landscapes. This journey features high mountain passes, historic sites, and scenic valleys.

Drive through Twizel, Omarama, and over the Lindis Pass before reaching Queenstown. The route is known for its dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscapes.

Suggested Stop at Kawarau Gorge or Cromwell
Pause to explore historic gold mining areas or enjoy local wineries. These stops add character and variety to your journey.

Spend the day enjoying Queenstown, a destination known for both adventure and relaxation. Surrounded by mountains and set beside a lake, it offers a perfect balance of scenery and activity.

Enjoy the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. From scenic walks to adrenaline activities, there is something for everyone.

Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience high-speed thrills through narrow canyons on one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventures. The ride combines speed, spins, and spectacular scenery.

Suggested Activity: Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides
Take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views before enjoying thrilling luge rides. This experience is both scenic and fun.

Suggested Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship and enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner. The experience combines stunning scenery with authentic local flavours.

Your journey comes to an end in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. Take time to enjoy a final glimpse of the lake and mountains before departure.

If time allows, enjoy a lakeside walk or visit a local café. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your South Island adventure.

Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your rental vehicle at the airport depot before continuing your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.