The 15 Day Best of the South Island Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and Welcome to New Zealand.

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.  Stop in at the Riverside Market - a 7-day-trading, indoor market, linked to a vibrant network of boutique retail, restaurants, cafes & bars. Alternatively step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing Private Punting Trip down the Avon River. It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Make the most of your free time, your New Zealand short break starts tomorrow.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Travelling via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. Climb aboard the TranzAlpine. This rail journey is truly something special. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid countryside from the Southern Alps to Greymouth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

Collect your rental vehicle on arrival into Greymouth and continue on to the west coast glacial village of Fox Glacier.

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

Accommodation: Fox Glacier - 2 Nights

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier on a spectacular helicopter tour that includes a landing right on the snow. Seeing both glaciers on a single helicopter flight offers an incredible perspective and understanding of New Zealand’s massive ice sheets, and you touch down on one of the glaciers to snap up-close photographs of the frozen terrain.

Highlights

• Spectacular aerial views of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
• The live pilot commentary points out landmarks and unique features below
• Walkout onto the snow after an exciting glacier landing
• Bring home photographs of the glaciers and the stunning Southern Alps

Today you'll tour the Isle of Mou Waho, one of only five islands to be found in the vastness of Lake Wanaka. Accessible only by a 35-minute boat cruise, Mou Waho is an island nature reserve with a difference. With no predators or pests roaming here, New Zealand's rare & endangered species can live in peace, giving you the opportunity to observe them up close. Walking with a long-time local guide, the well-formed track leads you through the native bush to Tyrwhitt Peak.

Here you will find Arethusa Pool, a beautiful miniature lake with small islands within it. Impress your friends by telling them you have visited an island in a lake, inside an island in a lake, inside an island in the ocean! From Tyrwhitt Peak, you'll be spellbound by the 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka surrounding you, and the mountains beyond. Don't forget your swimwear: on a hot day, it's hard to resist a swim in Mou Waho's cool clear waters.

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

Accommodation: Wanaka - 1 Night

The drive to Queenstown is stunning, leading you over the rugged Crown Range on the highest main road in the country. Take your time and enjoy the scenic lookouts en route - your camera will get a workout.

Full Steam Ahead
All aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw this old coal-fired beauty has been ferrying passengers around the lake for over a 100 years. Experience fascinating and love watching the stokers at work in the engine room and seeing the glowing fireboxes.

On arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu, you will get a real taste for rural New Zealand. Feel free to pet and feed the lambs (during Spring - Oct to December) and other farmyard animals, watch the sheepdog's round-up a flock of sheep, and see a shearing demonstration. The high country air works up a healthy appetite, so the trip includes morning or afternoon tea with fresh scones with jam. 

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

For the most engaging way to experience the riches of Fiordland National Park. This option includes three modes of transport (land, sea & air) making this the ‘holy grail’ of combination tours.

Coach: Board a luxury coach for a journey into beautiful Fiordland. The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, and then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes and through the rough-hewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.

Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise of the entire length of Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. The purpose-built cruise boat offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks, and comfortable lounges.

Fly: Experience the “Absolutely Stunning” scenery as you fly over Sutherland Falls and over beautiful Milford Sound and lakes Te Anau and Lake Manapouri on your way back to Queenstown.

Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on Lake Tekapo's shores and the views to our highest mountain, Mt Cook, are remarkable.

Spend the evening with a stargazing experience discovering our illustrious night skies at the world's southernmost research observatory, located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.  

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

Accommodation: Lake Tekapo - 2 Nights

Make a return day trip to Mt Cook Village at the heart of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park and spend the day exploring at your leisure.

Named for our country's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park is exquisitely beautiful. The Maori name for Mt Cook is Aoraki, meaning ‘Cloud Piercer’: at 3,755m tall (12,016ft) this lofty peak deserves its name!

A day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers a rich connection with nature. Explore alpine trails, glacial rivers, and scenic lookouts with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply soak in the dramatic surroundings. As night falls, the park’s clear skies provide an exceptional stargazing experience. Whether you seek adventure or quiet reflection, this spectacular landscape caters to every nature enthusiast with unforgettable moments. 
 

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

Today your drive brings you to the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters. Take in the crisp mountain air as you stroll through the village and enjoy entry into the hot pools for a relaxing soak in the naturally heated mineral waters. 

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

Accommodation: Hanmer Springs  - 2 Nights

Soak in the famous, mineral-rich waters in hot pools surrounded by native gardens with mountain vistas. Find a water spout or jet to soothe your aches and pains. Or, if you have some energy to burn, hit the family leisure area. It’s complete with hydro slides, the South Island’s only aqua thrill ride and freshwater pools featuring waterfalls, spouts, and a giggle-filled lazy river.

Heading North head to the relative calm of New Zealand's sunniest town: Nelson. 

Nelson

Happily situated on the Northern Coast of the South Island, Nelson is a creative city known for its many galleries and artisan stores. The jeweler who created the One Ring for the Lord of the Rings movies is based here, and you can even buy your own identical replica. At the edge of town, you can climb Botanical Hill to find a lookout right at the geographical centre of New Zealand. Recover your energy with one of Nelson's outstanding craft beers at a local brewery.

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

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Make a return day trip to Abel Tasman National Park. Paddle a safe, sheltered section of the Abel Tasman Bay coastline. See lots of good stuff in a small area including islands, caves, beaches and of course, Split Apple Rock. Loved by families and the cruiser in all of us for the last 18 years. Two hours on the water of guided kayaking.

This trip has a strong emphasis on fun and enjoyment. We don’t just show you the best spots to travel to, you will have a great time with a group of people in a beautiful area. Like all of our short trips we paddle at a relaxed pace and pause often to enjoy views, stories and conversation.

• No experience necessary.
• Enjoy the most sheltered part of the Kaiteriteri coastline.
• A great option for family fun.

For families with younger children we would recommend the morning tour. The afternoon tour can quite offen be breezy due to the sea breeze which picks up around midday.

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

Today you'll journey through the beautiful rural scenery to the town of Kaikoura, a marine wonderland where towering mountains meet the sea. Kaikoura's most famous residents are the many whales and dolphins who feast on the abundant seafood in its waters. Sperm whales visit year-round, while the mighty humpback is a regular visitor in June and July.

Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter
Dolphins are some of nature’s most extraordinary and captivating creatures. They’re even more amazing close-up. Choose swimming or watching and immerse yourself in their world with Dolphin Encounter; an unforgettable experience in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking destinations.

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

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night
 

Your final destination, Christchurch, is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the South Island's capital. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is our "Garden City", blessed with beautiful parks and gardens right in the heart of town. English heritage buildings sit side by side with innovative post-earthquake regeneration in this vibrant place.

This afternoon why not relax with a punting trip down the Avon River? Gliding gently along in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic attractions and botanic gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

Make the most of your last night in New Zealand by exploring Christchurch's foodie scene. With everything from relaxed cafes to fine dining on offer, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to mull over your memories of the Land of the Long White Cloud.

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.