11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Explorer Self Drive

Your South Island adventure begins in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, a compact and creative city on a deep natural harbour. With its thriving food, arts and culture scene, it’s a great place to relax and explore before your road trip begins.

Private Transfer Wellington Airport to Your Accommodation

On arrival, you’re met by a professional driver who transfers you directly to your Wellington hotel in comfort. This hassle‑free start lets you unwind after your flight and begin exploring straight away.

Welcome to Wellington

Wellington’s vibrant streets blend café culture, boutique shops and scenic waterfront paths that are fun to stroll. From the historic Cable Car to creative laneways, there’s plenty to discover before your South Island journey begins.

Today is all about discovering Wellington’s cultural highlights, with museums, galleries and waterfront walks on the agenda. Whether you’re into interactive exhibits or quirky art spaces, the city offers a rich mix of experiences for all ages.

Explore Wellington Museums

Wellington’s museums blend art, history and natural science in creative ways that engage every visitor. Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum with hands‑on exhibits, and the Wellington Museum and City Gallery showcase local stories and contemporary work.

This morning you’ll be collected and taken to the ferry terminal for a scenic crossing of Cook Strait into the Marlborough Sounds. The journey is one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world, with opportunities to spot dolphins, seabirds and dramatic coastline.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Board the Interislander ferry and watch as the rugged coastline and crystal waters of the Sounds unfold around you. From lighthouses to sheltered bays, this cruise sets the scene for your South Island adventure.

Collect Rental Car

Once in Picton, collect your rental car and prepare for your self‑drive journey south. With a comfortable vehicle chosen to suit your trip, you’re free to explore at your own pace.

Today’s drive follows the stunning Kaikōura Coast, where rocky headlands meet the Pacific Ocean and marine life is never far away. You’ll have chances to see fur seals, seabirds and, with luck, dolphins or whales along the route.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Gondola

Just outside Christchurch, the Gondola ride takes you nearly a kilometre above sea level for sweeping views of the city, harbour and Southern Alps. At the summit, enjoy a café or walk one of the easy nature trails.

Prepare for dramatic scenery today as you travel through Canterbury plains and high country roads into Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park. Turquoise lakes and snow‑capped peaks set the tone for this stunning alpine region.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers

Head out onto the Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake on a small boat tour to see towering icebergs up close. It’s one of the few places in the world where glaciers meet the water, making it a rare and memorable adventure.

Suggested Activity – Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum & Theatre Explorer Pass

This centre celebrates the life and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary while showcasing regional history and mountaineering heritage. With documentaries, interactive exhibits and a custom‑designed theatre, it’s both educational and inspiring.

Today you head southeast through iconic South Island landscapes, past glacial valleys and into coastal scenery. Dunedin’s rich heritage and wildlife encounters make it a rewarding stop on your route south.

Suggested Activity – Monarch Wildlife Cruise from Wellers Rock

Boarding the Monarch boat from the Otago Peninsula, you’ll see Northern Royal Albatross and other seabirds nesting on dramatic cliffs. Keep an eye out for fur seals, sea lions and playful dolphins.

Suggested Activity – Wildlife Peninsula Encounter Tour & Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

This small‑group tour takes you to remote beaches for sea lion spotting and to yellow‑eyed penguin conservation areas. It’s an intimate and exciting way to meet native wildlife and soak up stunning harbour views.

Today’s drive winds through Southland farmland and rugged coastal scenery of The Catlins, with optional stops at Nugget Point and Kaka Point. You’ll then continue through Invercargill and lovely lakeside Manapouri before reaching Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland.

The Milford Road is one of the world’s great scenic drives, with reflective lakes, rainforest and alpine peaks lining your route. Milford Sound’s towering cliffs and plunging falls bring nature’s drama into full view.

Milford Sound Cruise with RealNZ – Lunch Included

This relaxed cruise brings you closer to waterfalls and sheer rock faces, with plenty of outdoor viewing as you sail through the fjord. Informative commentary and included lunch make it a thoroughly enjoyable way to experience Milford.

Today’s journey takes you through tussock land and peaceful countryside toward Queenstown. As you round the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables rise into view — a grand introduction to New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Experience heart‑pounding twists and turns through narrow canyons as you skim over river water at high speed. This iconic ride delivers excitement and unforgettable views of Queenstown’s rugged terrain.

Queenstown is renowned as the adventure capital of New Zealand, but there’s so much more to enjoy beyond adrenaline thrills. From scenic gondola rides to historic cruises and vibrant dining, there’s variety for all interests.

Suggested Activity – Gondola and 3 Luge Rides with Skyline Queenstown

Take the gondola up Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve for awe‑inspiring views, then race down the luge track for fun that’s suitable for all ages. It’s a perfect mix of scenic appreciation and playful thrills.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship before dining on a gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak high country farm. Enjoy local produce and farm demonstrations before returning under the Southern Alps’ evening glow.

Enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps a walk along Queenstown’s waterfront before you head to the airport. This is your chance to soak up a few more alpine views or grab a last coffee in town.

Drop off your rental car at the airport depot before your flight departs. Staff are ready to assist so you can finish your journey smoothly.

Bid farewell to Aotearoa, taking home memories of towering peaks, serene lakes, wild coastlines and warm Kiwi hospitality. In Māori, mā te wā isn’t goodbye — it means “see you again soon.”