The 15 Day Best of the South Island Itinerary

Discover the charm of New Zealand’s second-largest city, where historic streets, leafy parks, and a thriving food scene offer the perfect South Island welcome.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
Explore Christchurch through a punting experience on the Avon River, a guided city tour, or a ride aboard the iconic vintage trams for a unique view of the city’s historic architecture.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel via train alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn.

Inclusions at a glance:

• TranzAlpine rail journey 
• Rental vehicle collection
• 2 nights in Fox Glacier

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

This morning, explore the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, where vast ice fields and dramatic alpine landscapes showcase some of New Zealand’s most striking natural scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Twin Glacier helicopter flight
• Snow landing experience
• Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier

Make it yours
Feeling adventurous? Upgrade to a full-day ice climbing experience and explore the steep, dramatic terrain of the glaciers, up-close.

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Today, discover the natural beauty of Lake Wānaka with a scenic cruise to Mou Waho Island. Explore native bush, encounter rare wildlife, and take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains on a guided nature experience. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Haast pass
• Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk
• 1 night in Wānaka

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey through the breathtaking Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest main road, where stunning alpine scenery, winding mountain passes, and panoramic viewpoints make for one of the country’s most scenic drives.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, Gourmet BBQ Dinner
• Scenic Crown Range 
• TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a coach journey through spectacular mountain scenery, then a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls, and a breathtaking return flight over Fiordland’s impressive landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning tea, lunch
• Glass roof coach tour
• Milford Sound nature cruise
• Scenic return flight to Queenstown

Discover the beauty of Lake Tekapo, where turquoise waters, golden tussock landscapes, and views of the Southern Alps create a stunning mountain backdrop, before experiencing world-renowned stargazing beneath the pristine skies of the Dark Sky Reserve.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Lindis Pass 
• Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo

• Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing Experience

• 2 nights in Lake Tekapo
   

Approximate Distance: 255 km | 158 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a return day trip to the Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Explore alpine trails, glacial scenery, and dramatic mountain views at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Tasman Glacier viewpoints
• Return day trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
• Time to explore Mount Cook National Park at your leisure

Approximate Distance: 100 km | 62 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins (each way)

Today, travel to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where forested hills, crisp mountain air, and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Alpine Thermal Retreat
• 2 nights in Hanmer Springs

Approximate Distance: 360 km | 223 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Relax and restore in Hanmer Springs’ renowned thermal pools and spa, soaking in naturally heated mineral waters while taking in the surrounding scenic mountain views.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool Entry
• Spa and wellness experiences

Make it yours
Feeling restless? Try a 2-hour guided rafting adventure on the Waiau River before unwinding in the Hanmer Springs thermal pools for the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Happily situated on the Northern Coast of the South Island, explore the vibrant creative hub known for its galleries, artisan stores, and craft breweries.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Alpine-to-coast drive
• Time to explore Nelson at your leisure
• 2 nights in Nelson

Approximate Distance: 295 km | 183 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a return day trip to Abel Tasman National Park and a guided kayaking adventure along the sheltered coastline of Abel Tasman Bay, exploring golden beaches, caves, and Split Apple Rock.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided Abel Tasman kayak tour
• Coastal scenery & wildlife
• Split Apple Rock 

Approximate Distance: 60 km | 37 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Travel through scenic rural landscapes to a dramatic coastal town where mountains meet the sea and rich waters offer year-round whale and dolphin encounters.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Coastal drive
• Dolphin swim experience
• 1 night in Kaikōura

Make it yours
Why stop at dolphins, when you can elevate the experience with a whale watching heli-tour, offering a breathtaking new perspective on Kaikōura’s rich marine life from above.

Approximate Distance:  255 km | 158 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 
 

Return to Christchurch today and ease back into the rhythm of the Garden City. With time at your leisure, you may like to explore the revitalised city centre, where modern architecture blends with historic landmarks. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Time to explore Christchurch at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
End your journey with one final wildlife encounter on a Guided Kiwi Tour, offering a rare chance to see New Zealand’s iconic kiwi in its natural-style habitat.

Approximate Distance: 180 km | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Your unforgettable South Island journey comes to an end. Reflect on the alpine adventures, glacier landscapes, native wildlife encounters, and take with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental vehicle return
   

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.