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

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

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

This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey. more

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

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown more

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving into Queenstown. Take a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys. more

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, Visit Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park. more