New Zealand South Island Tours - Self drive itineraries & coach tours

This 9 day scenic route will give you a wonderful introduction to the natural wonders of the South Island. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park and Milford Sound. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your  South Island holiday. more

See the South Island by coach and railway on this 5-day tour, travelling round-trip from Christchurch. Hear informative commentary on your sightseeing coach, gaze at the scenic Southern Alps while aboard the TranzAlpine train, and visit the World Heritage–listed Fiordland on a Milford Sound cruise with lunch. Overnight stays in Fox Glacier and Queenstown allow for plenty of free time to explore New Zealand’s magnificent glaciers and national parks before you return to Christchurch through the beautiful region of Mount Cook. more

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 you 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. more

A 6 day introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers.  Highlights are the renowned Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey and the Milford Sound Nature Cruise. more

Explore Wanaka and the West Coast Glaciers before taking the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch. more

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. more

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Mt Cook. From Mt Cook journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau.  From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford sound, where you will take a scenic nature cruise. Next day you will travel through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin before heading back to Christchurch. more

Spoil yourself with a trip to beautiful fiords, stunning glaciers and the best scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. more

The 9 day Southern Spotlight tour explores the wonderful scenery of the South Island. The city of Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier and you take the world famous Tranz Alpine train from Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. With lots of opportunities to enjoy the many great optional tours and activities this is the ideal tour for those wishing to see the best of the South Island at a relaxing pace. more

Explore the dramatic South Island on this 9 day tour. Crossing the Southern Alps to the Wild West Coast and Franz Josef Glacier. Travel through Mt Aspiring National Park to Queenstown, the Alpine Resort town is renowned for its exciting activities and spectacular scenery. Enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound before crossing the rolling hills of Southland towards Dunedin, 'the Edinburgh of the South'. Through the Waitaki region and onto Mt Cook National Park and the magical high country of Mackenzie before returning to the garden city of Christchurch.
  more