South Island self-drive ideas 10-14 days

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for your Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose. You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

You’ll begin this journey with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch.  In Dunedin there’s time to explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then you’ll follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island.  On the western side of the island highlights include a nature cruise on the famous Milford Sound, the spectacular West Coast Road edging the Tasman Sea and the remarkable Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.  The top of the South Island brings the calm aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds before you return to the Pacific Ocean.

Explore the diverse vista of the South Island on this self drive adventure. This circuit takes you from Coast to Coast and all that is in-between.

Self drive tour with the family as you explore the South Island's natural wonders and National Parks

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps to the ruggedly beautiful West Coast with its spectacular glaciers.  Other highlights of this fantastic adventure include a nature cruise in the pristine Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, the adventure capital of Queenstown and the magnificent mountains of Mt Cook National Park.

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a journey past the mountains of the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  Next you venture further south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Here you’ll explore the pristine wilderness on a Milford Sound nature cruise.  In Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, there’s time to enjoy the scenery and endless activities on offer before returning to Christchurch via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers.

The perfect South Island adventure for those wishing to explore the wilderness of the south and meet the wonderful marine wildlife of the southern waters.  You’ll enjoy five very different cruise experiences including the pristine Milford Sound, an exciting iceberg encounter on the Tasman Glacier Lake, gliding through subterranean waters of a glow worm cave and two wildlife cruises with the chance to see dolphins, seals and royal albatross.

Taking you south from Christchurch, this 10 day includes the majestic scenery of the lower South Island.  Beginning with the large open spaces of the McKenzie Country and Mt. Cook National Park, you then travel to the coast and the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin with its nearby wildlife havens.  In Fiordland there is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise, before you continue to the mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region.

A relaxed 10 day tour exploring the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, with its wonderful architecture and the magnificent peninsula. You cross the historic Central Otago goldfields region to the alpine town of Queenstown, where adventure beckons. Travel to the West Coast glaciers via the majestic forests of Mt Aspiring National Park. After exploring the glacier region you’ll return to Christchurch on board the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

From the North Island you’ll cruise across the Cook Strait, passing through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton.  From here you’ll journey south for an exploration of mountains, glaciers and coastlines that are home to a range of marine wildlife.  Highlights of this tour include, Mt. Cook National Park, the spectacular West Coast and the grand finale which takes you across the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Highlighting the best of what New Zealand's South Island has to offer this 12-day tour takes you through the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound and the "adventure capital" Queenstown.

Self drive this classic South Island route and enjoy some of the finest day walks in New Zealand. Plus of course, time to enjoy everything else the region has to offer.