Te Waipounamu is the Māori name for the larger of New Zealand's two main islands. The South Island, affectionately referred to as the Mainland by its inhabitants, is nearly one third larger than the North however less than one quarter of the population lives there. We've handpicked all the must-see spots and most popular attractions for your driving holiday itinerary in the South Island. And remember, all our tour itineraries are infinitely customisable free of charge. So, you'll see everything you want to see regardless of how long you have. Take a look at our South Island New Zealand Self Drive Tours and start the road trip of a lifetime now.

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Tour type:
Self Drive,
Island:
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4
Days

4 Day Queenstown Snow Fix

 
Ski Queenstown ap
Location
South Island
Accommodation
Travellers Lodge
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
There's no better place in the South Pacific to soak up the winter vibe than the 'Adventure Capital of the World''. Ski or board 3 different world-class mountains – The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona – in 3 days, there's ample time to get your adrenalin rush.
Price on Application
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5
Days

Queenstown - A Little Bit of Luxury

 
5 Day Queenstown Map
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
This sophisticated all-season town enjoys the best of both worlds offering bespoke and authentic luxury experiences in beautifully natural settings hosted by our warm and welcoming people. Here is a suggested five days in Queenstown that won't disappoint!
From $3598
per person
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7
Days

Queenstown - A Winter Playground Tour

 
7 Day Winter Playground Ski Tour
Location
South Island
Accommodation
4 Star Hotel
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
Picturesque views, endless snow-capped mountains and world-class resorts – a skier’s paradise! Let your hair down in New Zealand's adventure capital. Cruise Milford Sound, take a gondola ride for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and get your adrenaline pumping on a jet boat ride, all with spectacular scenic backdrops.
Price on Application
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7
Days

South Island Culture and Heritage Tour

 
7 Day South Island Heritage Culture Tour Map
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
New Zealand is a small island nation, with a fascinating history. This self drive itinerary embraces the heritage and culture of New Zealand's South Island. Historic accommodations have been selected to provide a sense of place, and the landmark locations that celebrate the architecture, art, history and culture of New Zealand are included in this itinerary.
From $1173
per person
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7
Days

A Quick New Zealand Fix - South Island

 
7 Day Quick New Zealand Fix Map
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Christchurch
Next Departure
Departs Daily
Short of time but want to maximize your experience in New Zealand's South Island, well without going over the top and leaving you breathless at the end of your journey, we have compiled a couple of New Zealand Short Break self-drive itineraries that allow you to see and do those iconic New Zealand site-seeing and activities New Zealand is famed for - the Must-dos.
From $1950
per person
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8
Days

New Zealand Winter Family Holiday (South Island)

 
Family self drive itinerary
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Christchurch
Next Departure
Departs Daily
The New Zealand Winter Family Holiday is designed for family fun, with an interesting array of activities and experiences to keep your kids engaged, while also keeping it enjoyable for parents. Family adventures both off and on the snow that have been tried and tested for years by own children. 
Price on Application
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8
Days

Stunning LoTR NZ Self Drive Itinerary

 
Stunning LOTR Self Drive
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
It took two years to film the LoTR trilogy, but many millions of years to build the sets.....This 7 Day LoTR New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary gets you up close and personal with the grand landscapes that inspired Director Peter Jackson to make the majority of the Trilogy in New Zealand's South.
From $1840
per person
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9
Days

The South Islands Ultimate Day Hikes

 
Ultimate day hikes
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Christchurch
Next Departure
Departs Daily
Routeburn and Milford Tracks, Glaciers & More. The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for walkers and hikers. This self-drive New Zealand itinerary focuses on easy going guided walks for hikers of modest fitness who love being in the bush and the natural environment. No hiking experience is necessary.
From $2299
per person
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9
Days

A Relaxing New Zealand Journey – the South Island

 
New Zealand Relaxing Journeys Self Drive Itinerary
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Nelson
Next Departure
Departs Daily
Just relax and enjoy, feel like you have really had a holiday – no rushing around on this itinerary. The South Island Relaxing Journey is designed for those needing space and relaxation. Enjoy exceptional scenery, stunning lakes, wild rivers and our remote Southern Alps.
From $2802
per person
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10
Days

Lake District, Wild Rivers & Coastal Treats

 
lake district wild rivers coastal treats
Location
South Island
Accommodation
4 Star Accommodation
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Christchurch
Next Departure
Departs Daily
This tour will delight the traveller who is interested in New Zealand's varied alpine and marine environments. Explore the wild West Coast, the top portion of the Southern Alps and the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - and return via Kaikoura to Christchurch.
From $2533
per person
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10
Days

Coastal Trails of the Upper South Island

 
9 Day Kayak and Hike South Island Map
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Wellington
Next Departure
Departs Daily
This is a moderate to easy 9-day walking and/or kayaking adventure (you have option) with the best accommodation available in these remote regions. Enjoy spectacular scenery & wildlife and the well groomed coastal tracks of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and the magnificent Queen Charlotte Sound.
From $3339
per person
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11
Days

Contrasts: Two Strikingly Different – Comfortable Hikes

 
11 Day South Island Contrasts Map
Location
South Island
Accommodation
3.5 Star Accommodation
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
We are often asked to create walking itineraries that cover the diverse spectrum of New Zealand's unique and natural environments, within a manageable time frame. Experience the magical Hollyford Valley and the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound – Both considered 'A'-list New Zealand hiking experiences.
From $2465
per person
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12
Days

NZ Southern Wilderness Camping Adventure

 
14 Days New Zealand Wilderness and Camping Tour
Location
South Island
Accommodation
Wilderness Camping/Huts
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily

Embark on a journey into some of New Zealand's finest scenic destinations, secluded in the great wilderness areas of the West Coast and mighty Southern Alps of the South Island. This is a camping and adventure tour for intrepid lovers of nature as well as those seeking a unique snapshot of our great outdoors.

Price on Application
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12
Days

Relaxed Adventure in the Scenic South

 
12 Day Relaxed Luxury South Island Map
Location
South Island
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Christchurch
Next Departure
Departs Daily
This 12 day New Zealand relaxed adventure itinerary will provide you with unspoilt landscapes both at the unique properties chosen and the locations experienced. We purposely keep you away from the tourist traps, allowing you to savour the peace and tranquility that New Zealand is famed for.
From $2599
per person
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12
Days

Milford Track & World Heritage Westland

 
12 Day Milford Track and West Coast Map
Location
South Island
Accommodation
Premium Hiking Lodges
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
This is a world-class scenic landscape and a treasure trove of awesome geology, rare flora and fauna. Walk, fully guided, the Milford Track. Then explore the Wild West Coast experiencing its glaciers, forests and wildlife.
From $5259
per person
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13
Days

South Island Winter Adventure Circuit

 
13 Day South Island Winter Adventure Circuit
Location
South Island
Accommodation
4.5 Star Accommodation
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily

In June as the ski season draws to a close in Europe and North America and summer in South East Asia starts to heat up, it's time to adventure down to New Zealand’s South Island and enjoy our exhilarating pristine powder paradise. If you really want diversity when carving up the white stuff, it is here you will undoubtedly experience heaven.

Price on Application
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16
Days

Luxury Lodges of NZ - South Island

 
South Island New Zealand luxury lodge self drive tour.
Location
South Island
Accommodation
Luxury Lodges
Tour Type
Self Drive
Departing from
Queenstown
Next Departure
Departs Daily
Tour the finest Luxury Lodges of New Zealand's South Island set in outstanding locations offering onsite and local activities, complimented by world-class cuisine and exceptional hospitality. Experience truly unique and interesting places and meet genuinely friendly people. Have plenty of time to relax and enjoy being in our beautiful country - wish you didn't have to leave.
Price on Application
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