9 Day Must Do South Island Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Settle into New Zealand’s second-largest city, where heritage architecture, green spaces, and a revitalised dining scene create a relaxed introduction to the South Island. 

Inclusions at a glance: 

• Private airport transfer 

• Explore at your leisure 

• 1 night in Christchurch 

Make it yours
Choose to discover the best of Christchurch with a heritage tram ride, peaceful punting cruise or panoramic gondola views. 

This is a Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock. Mt Cook National Park, known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park.

Star Gazing Tour
Tonight enjoy a Big Sky Stargazing tour and experience why this area also has World Heritage status as a SkyPark for the purity and lack of light pollution.

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 2 Nights

A day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park reveals stunning alpine landscapes, highlighted by a Tasman Glacier boat cruise offering close-up views of floating icebergs. The journey continues with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, where visitors gain insight into the region’s natural environment, rich cultural stories, and the remarkable achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary. Blending adventure with reflection, this unforgettable experience invites nature enthusiasts to connect deeply with one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and inspiring wilderness destinations.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the stunning Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s premier destination, offering everything from adrenaline adventures to golf, gourmet food, wine tours, and romantic hot air balloon rides. 

Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for sweeping views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. At the top, enjoy three thrilling Luge rides down purpose-built tracks, perfect for all ages and skill levels. Between runs, soak in panoramic scenery from viewing decks or relax with a café treat.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Enjoy today a Shotover Jet Boat Trip and discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area through a combination of exciting jet boating. 

Then step back in time aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired vessel ferrying passengers for over a century. Kids are captivated by the engine room and glowing fireboxes. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, enjoy a BBQ Dinner and experience rural life firsthand - pet lambs, watch sheepdog demonstrations, enjoy sheep shearing, and explore the farm’s animals in a true taste of New Zealand countryside.

Included Meals: Dinner

Franz Josef Village, home to just 500 locals, lies only ten minutes from the glacier that shares its name. The Franz Josef Glacier, in Westland National Park on New Zealand’s West Coast, is remarkable for descending from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst lush temperate rainforest. Together with the nearby Fox Glacier, it stretches 12 kilometres long, ending 19 km from the Tasman Sea. The glacier naturally advances and retreats, shaped by snowfall and meltwater. This afternoon, take time to walk to the glacier’s dramatic Terminal Face and experience its icy grandeur up close.

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 220 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Franz Joseph - 2 Nights

Steep and dramatic or vast and remote? Take our Twin Glacier flight and you won't have to choose – you'll experience two very different glacial formations and a snow landing. This is the perfect trip to encounter two jaw-dropping glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef; giving you the opportunity to take in all the epic surroundings.

This is the ultimate scenic flight journey featuring New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the second-highest, Mt Tasman.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Start your day with a scenic coastal drive to Greymouth, stopping in Hokitika to browse artisan shops featuring locally carved pounamu (greenstone), sacred to Māori—a handcrafted pendant makes a meaningful keepsake. In Greymouth, return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey with Scenic Plus upgrade, an elevated experience offering panoramic seats, fine dining, and exclusive access to observation carriages. Travel through dramatic gorges, river valleys, and towering viaducts across the Southern Alps, arriving in Christchurch with breathtaking alpine views complemented by city charm.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. We are sure you will enjoy your New Zealand short break holiday, our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.