9 Day Must Do South Island Self Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Christchurch

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.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

The Quest Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square in the heart of the commercial, arts and tourist precinct. This purpose built property is on Christchurch's famous inner city Tram Loop and features a mix of new and heritage architecture. Incorporated in the complex are a variety of retail shops, cafes and restaurants. All of the serviced apartments have fully equipped kitchens.

Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook

Travel across the Canterbury Plains, through the turquoise lakes and immerse yourself in this dramatic alpine region, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Inclusions at a glance:

Dinner
Church of the Good Shepard & Lake Tekapo
Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing Experience
2 nights in Aoraki/Mount Cook

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

The Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge is located in the heart of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and offer a range of accommodation style to suits your requirements. All rooms have ensuite facilities and most have spectacular views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The lodge is hugged by mountains and surrounded by native bush and bird life, this is the perfect place to relax.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Cruise across the glacial waters of Tasman Lake, where floating icebergs drift beneath towering mountains that have long inspired exploration and a rich mountaineering heritage.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast, Dinner
Hooker Valley walking track
Tasman Glacier boat cruise
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre entry

Make it yours
Seeking views on another level? Experience the alpine landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and unforgettable views of Fiordland from a private helicopter ride.

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

Aoraki/Mount Cook to Queenstown

Discover Nature’s Serene Haven, where adventure, relaxation, exceptional food and wine, and unforgettable scenery come together. This afternoon, enjoy dramatic mountain views from Bobs Peak with an included gondola & luge ride.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic Lindis Pass
Skyline Gondola & 3 luge rides
2 nights in Queenstown

Make it yours: Elevate your Skyline experience with a premium dinner as you take in sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at sunset.

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Highview Apartments - Queenstown

Highview Queenstown Apartments is a stylish, self‑contained accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand. It offers modern one‑ and two‑bedroom lake view apartments, many with balconies overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Guests enjoy a quiet location a short walk from town, with kitchens, free parking, and easy access to local activities.

Queenstown

Speed your way through narrow river canyons on a jet boat ride and soak up an authentic taste of rural New Zealand while enjoying the beautiful lakeside surroundings.

Inclusions at a glance:

Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Shotover Jet experience
TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise
Walter Peak Farm visit

Make it yours
Chasing thrills? Take on the infamous Nevis Swing - one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating adventure attractions.

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Journey along one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives as you travel to Franz Josef, where towering glaciers descend through lush rainforest almost to sea level.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lake Wanaka stopover
Haast Pass
West Coast Rainforest scenery
2 nights in Franz Josef

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only moments away from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel comprises two wings, the Douglas and Graham wing - offering a variety of room types. The hotel's Canavans Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner using fresh, local produce. Next door, the Moa Bar offers a cozy spot to relax next to an open fireplace after a day of exploration.

Franz Josef

Take in sweeping views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on a helicopter flight as you experience the raw beauty of New Zealand from a new height.

Inclusions at a glance:

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

Make it yours
Take your journey further with a kayak-and-walk experience, discovering Franz Josef’s dramatic scenery from land and water.

Franz Josef to Christchurch via Greymouth

Travel north along the rugged West Coast through river valleys, alpine passes, and mountain landscapes on your return journey to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
TranzAlpine rail journey
Arthurs Pass alpine & river landscapes
1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours: Add a stop in Hokitika Gorge to witness striking limestone rock formations and powerful ocean blowholes shaped by the wild West Coast.

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

Christchurch

Your journey comes to an end today. Reflect on the glacier landscapes, alpine adventures and scenic rail journeys that have made your South Island experience unforgettable.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer

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.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: The South Island is beautiful and secluded - this 9 day trip gives you the opportunity to see so much of this easily travelled island. You will circumnavigate the Southern Alps which run the length of the South Island - allowing you to experience coastal rainforests and alpine environments and everything in between.

Enquire Now