South Island Itineraries and Road Trips

 

Looking for an unforgettable South Island road trip experience, that also comes with comprehensive 24/7 in-country support?

With our COVID-19 booking flexibility, you can trust the locals at First Light Travel to create an amazing South Island experience.

Take a look at our South Island self drive tours below and select from a variety of driving routes, durations, and tour themes to experience your dream NZ holiday.

Then enquire with our team who can tailor any of these itineraries or create a bespoke one just for you. 

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Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
9 Days
Accom
4 Star Accommodation

This South Island Road Trip will maximize your experience in New Zealand's South Island, this self-drive itinerary allows you to see and do those iconic New Zealand site-seeing and activities New Zealand is famed for the Must-do's.

From $2624
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
14 Days
Accom
4 Star Accommodation

Explore New Zealand's South Island on this classic 14 Day southern circuit, an awe-inspiring self-drive sightseeing tour. Highlights include a 4WD experience in Mount Cook National Park, wildlife experience on a remote island in Lake Wanaka, a helicopter flight over both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound with a Scenic flight over Fiordlandand much much more...

From $4499
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
21 Days
Accom
4 star motels and self contained

This is the ultimate tour of the South Island, with three weeks to complete the full loop from north to south, and east to west - you are going to fall in love with this perfectly formed travellers paradise. Your trip will see you travel the spine of the Southern Alps on both coasts, with time in rainforests, wild coastal beaches, alpine lake environments taking part in wilderness trips that will provide the full range of New Zealand's mountain and coastal environments. 

From $6249
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
7 Days
Accom
3,4 and 5 Star Options

For a tantalising taste of alpine splendour, you can't go wrong with our 7 Day Southern Alps Circuit Itinerary. Discover two of our most celebrated glaciers, journey through magnificent mountain passes, and bed down in our prettiest alpine towns each night! A spectacular Tasman Glacier flight (complete with snow landing) will make you feel on top of the world, and an included hot pool excursion will warm up your fingers and toes in a flash.

From $1415
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
10 Days
Accom
4 Star Accommodation

Incredible scenery with bespoke guided experiences and great accommodation. These experiences link the stretch of New Zealand between cosmopolitan Christchurch and the alpine beauty of Queenstown on this unparalleled ten-day self-drive journey of the spectacular South Island.

From $4499
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
7 Days
Accom
3, 4.5 & 5 Star Options

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.

BEST OF THE SOUTH IN 7 DAYS

From $2050
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Queenstown
Transport
Car
Duration
12 Days
Accom
3, 4 & 5 Star Options

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 $3410
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
15 Days
Accom
4 Star Accommodation

Explore New Zealand's South Island on this classic 15 Day southern New Zealand circuit, an awe-inspiring self-drive sightseeing tour. Highlights include a 4WD experience in Mount Cook National Park, wildlife experience on a remote island in Lake Wanaka, a helicopter flight over both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound with a Scenic flight over Fiordlandand and much much more...

Price on Application
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
14 Days
Accom
4.5 Star Accommodation

Fall in love with the South Island's magnificent mountains, giant glaciers, untouched wilderness and delectable cuisine. With comfortable hideaways, jaw-dropping views and welcoming locals, this unique holiday destination is guaranteed to win your heart.

Price on Application
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
10 Days
Accom
A Mix of 5 Star Hotels & Luxury Lodges

Beginning and ending in Christchurch, The highlight of your 10 day South Island luxury self-drive tour will undoubtedly be the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Experience a TranzAlpine Train excursion through the Southern Alps. In Dunedin enjoy high tea at Larnach Castle, a wildlife excursion with Monarch Cruises, and a unique star gazing experience at Mount Cook.

 

Price on Application
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Queenstown
Transport
Car
Duration
9 Days
Accom
3, 4 & 5 Star Options

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 $2486
per person low season
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
7 Days
Accom
3,4 & 5 Star Options

Watch Kaikoura's whales breach the ocean surface, cruise the golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park, unwind in Punakaiki's coastal rainforests and traverse the Southern Alps by train on the world-renowned TranzAlpine scenic railway. This superb 7 day itinerary showcases the amazing contrasts to be found at the top of New Zealand's South Island.

From $1357
per person low season
Starts
Queenstown
Finishes
Queenstown
Transport
Car
Duration
22 Days
Accom
3,4 & 5 Star Options

Embrace your wild side on this unforgettable journey to the South Island's isolated hidden gems. Be awed by the Marlborough Sound's secluded bays, the rugged Catlins Coast, and the majestic fiords of Milford Sound.

Featuring three New Zealand Great Walks tracks, hand picked for their unsurpassed beauty, your itinerary includes a 5 Day hike along the famous Milford Track with expert guides by your side.
 

From $6919
per person low season
Starts
Picton
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
18 Days
Accom
3,4,and 5 Star Options

New Zealand is home to some of the rarest and most unique birds on earth. With a stunning backdrop of golden bays, vast wetlands, mountain ranges, and ancient forests, you'll travel the full length of the South Island for unforgettable encounters with our best-loved and most endangered species in their natural habitats.

From $4245
per person low season
Starts
Queenstown
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
16 Days
Accom
Luxury Lodges

Tour the finest Luxury Lodges of New Zealand's South Island, where you will bask in outstanding locations with onsite and local activities to delight any luxury-lover. World-class cuisine and exceptional Kiwi hospitality will greet you wherever you go. With plenty of time in the itinerary to relax and enjoy our beautiful country, you'll never want this sensational self-drive holiday to end.

Price on Application
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Transport
Car
Duration
14 Days
Accom
Motels

You and your family will fall in love with the South Island's magnificent mountains, giant glaciers, untouched wilderness, and delectable cuisine. With comfortable accommodation, jaw-dropping views, and welcoming locals, this unique holiday destination is guaranteed to win your heart.

Price on Application

Want Your Very Own Custom Itinerary?

We can customise any of our online itineraries or create your own from start to finish

Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price