Discover New Zealand's South Island

Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy a scenic flight and cruise of Milford Sound
Take a helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Join the mail run by boat around the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound
Visit three of Marlborough’s best wineries on a gentle cycling tour
Best time to travel November to April

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
GPS Device
International Flights

13 nights from £5,499 per person

Lucy

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Australasia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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A New Zealand South Island self-drive tour comes highly recommended to anyone wanting to discover this stunning nation for the first time. But for those who have already fallen for its charms, this can also be the perfect way to get to know it more personally.

Giving you the chance to immerse yourself in both stunning nature and metropolitan cities, this tour provides the best of both worlds. Starting and ending in bustling Christchurch and passing through Queenstown and Nelson, you’ll get to visit stunning natural landmarks including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman National Park, and the Franz Josef Glacier.

Of course, a tour this varied and exciting presents an incredible range of activities and excursions for you to enjoy along the way. From stargazing, bungee jumping and kayaking to helicopter flights over Milford Sound and Fox Glacier, our Travel Specialists can book your dream activities and tailor-make every aspect of your New Zealand luxury tour.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

On your arrival in Christchurch, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city. Punt on the Avon River, stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens or visit the International Antarctic Centre.

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Entry Hall at Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand

Day 2 Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (160 miles)

Lake Tekapo

Your South Island road trip adventure really starts today. Depart Christchurch for the three-hour drive to Lake Tekapo, the most scenic route is via Darfield. You will cross the Canterbury where endless views of wheat fields giving way to views of the magnificent Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. This evening we recommend a star gazing experience with Dark Sky Project. Overnight: Lake Tekapo Lodge

Day 3 Lake Tekapo to Queenstown (230 miles via Mt Cook)

Visit the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park where Australasia’s highest peak sits majestically at 3,755m. Adventures at Mount Cook include glacier boat cruises, guided valley walks and scenic flights, including glacier landings and heli-hikes. From Mount Cook continue your drive to Queenstown.

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main lodge at rosewood matakauri new zealand

outdoor pool at matakauri lodge new zealand

Day 4 Queenstown

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and snow-capped peaks, deep river gorges and New Zealand’s third largest lake, Wakatipu, Queenstown offers year-round adventures. Enjoy jet boating, river rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and paragliding. More serene experiences include boutique wine tasting tours, golf courses and lake cruises.

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Day 5 Fly to Milford Sound plus cruise

Fly over spectacular mountain scenery and see Coronet Peak, Skippers Canyon and Lake Wakatipu from above. See endless snow-covered peaks and glaciers at Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a scenic cruise of Milford Sound to spot fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins before your scenic flight back to Queenstown.

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Day 6 Queenstown to Franz Josef (220 miles)

Franz Josef

Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park are packed with wild native forests, towering mountains and long river valleys. Here, you can hike, bike, kayak, jetboat and even visit a working sheep station. Travel over the spectacular Haast Pass to the west coast and Glacier Country.

Staying at

Day 7 Franz Josef

Franz Josef

Enjoy a full day immersed in nature. With Mount Cook reflected in the surface of Lake Matheson or join a guided hike to the Franz Josef Glacier. We have included a scenic helicopter flight to view both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from the air. End your day with a soak at the Glacier Hot Pools.

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Day 8 Franz Josef to Murchison (225 miles via Punakaiki)

Murchison

Stop in Hokitika, a goldrush frontier town. Visit Greymouth’s shantytown, a replica gold mining town, or take a tour of Monteith’s brewery, one of New Zealand’s oldest. Further north you’ll find the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, formed 30 million years ago. Hotel - Maruia River Retreat

Day 9 Murchison to Moteuka (80 miles)

Abel Tasman National Park

Pay a visit to Buller Gorge where you can cross New Zealand’s longest pedestrian swing bridge. Continue your journey north to Tasman Bay. This region is outstandingly beautiful and includes Abel Tasman National Park, boutique wineries and local arts and crafts stores. Hotel - Kina Beach Vineyard & Cottages

Day 10 Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park

Take a full day to explore Abel Tasman National Park. There are many ways to see the region, either on land or by water. You can charter a private yacht for an exclusive sailing experience, hike along part of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track, or join a guided kayak trip. Hotel - Kina Beach Vineyard & Cottages

Day 11 Moteuka to Blenheim (114 miles via Picton)

Blenheim

Your drive will take you through Nelson, the South Island’s oldest city. Stop at Cullen Point Lookout for breathtaking views. Arrive at Picton in time for the 1.30pm Magic Mail Run boat cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound while the skipper delivers mail. Hotel - Peppertree

Day 12 Half Day Guided Biking Wine Tour

Blenheim

Enjoy a leisurely ride along country roads and through vineyards on this guided half-day tour of New Zealand’s largest wine region. You’ll visit three of Marlborough’s premium wineries, guided by an expert winemaker, and enjoy a special wine accompanied lunch. Hotel - Peppertree

Day 13 Blenheim to Kaikoura (80 miles)

Kaikoura

Enjoy a scenic drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura, where the road has the Pacific Ocean to one side and the spectacular Kaikoura Ranges to the other. Kaikoura is a hub for wildlife experiences; private kayak tours, scenic whale watching flights or whale and dolphin encounters on the water can be arranged. Hotel - Bendamere House

Day 14 Depart Christchurch

Enjoy a morning in Kaikoura, maybe walk to one of the fur seal colonies or take a whale watching cruise, before your 115-mile drive to Christchurch. Pass through wine and olive growing country and the surf beaches of Amberley and Waikuku before dropping your rental vehicle at the airport in time for your return flight.