New Zealand Self Drive Tours

Don't miss this stunning short-stay South Island wildlife encounter: you'll discover the very best spots to see New Zealand's whales and dolphins frolicking in the wild. Get up close and personal with the ultra-rare Hector's Dolphin in Akaroa and watch giant whales in beautiful Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea.

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.

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.

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

Rugged coastlines, snow-capped peaks, jewel-toned lakes, and towering fiords are a feast for the senses on this scenery-filled 7 day South Island journey. From the harbourside charm of historic Akaroa to the lonely majesty of Milford Sound, every day reveals another facet of New Zealand's astounding natural diversity.

The New Zealand Winter Family Holiday is designed for family fun, with an interesting array of activities and experiences to keep your kids engaged, while also keeping it enjoyable for parents. Family adventures both off and on the snow that have been tried and tested for years by own children. 

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.

Enjoy South Island's very best alpine vistas, tranquil towns, and award-winning championship golf courses. From the spring-fed lakes of Clearwater, to the mountain backdrops of Jacks Point, each course is an experience in itself. With a full day in Queenstown, a flight to Milford Sound, and one of the top scenic drives in the country, this nine day tour truly has it all.

This tour will delight the traveller who is interested in New Zealand's varied alpine and marine environments. Explore the wild West Coast, the top portion of the Southern Alps and the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - and return via Kaikoura to Christchurch.

See New Zealand like the locals do: a South Island Campervan adventure is as "Kiwi" as it gets. In your comfortable Motorhome you'll sleep under the starry skies of Mt Cook National Park, wake up to Wanaka's astonishing mountainscapes and slumber next to glorious glacier views that no hotel could possibly offer. Pure, untouched New Zealand at its best.

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

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.

Grab your hiking boots and swap everyday life for the towering mountains, high country lakes, and ice-carved fiords of New Zealand's iconic backcountry. Featuring spectacular day hikes on the Milford and Hooker Valley Tracks, plus a fully guided three-day Routeburn Track adventure, this South Island itinerary takes you to the beating heart of the New Zealand wilderness.

This classic South Island Road Trip is what Motorhomes were made for. Wind your way through scenery as pretty as a postcard, bedding down in your comfortable campervan with New Zealand's natural wonders at your door. Wake up to mountain landscapes, ice-carved fiords, golden bays and vast blue lakes: you'll be pinching yourself to check if it's real.

Start with a sensational coastal journey from Sydney to Melbourne: laid-back beach towns, soft white sands and Australia's unique native wildlife greet you around every bend. Then fly to New Zealand for alpine beauty beyond your wildest dreams: magnificent Mt Cook, peaceful Milford Sound, and towering Franz Josef Glacier will take your breath away.

Explore the Western Australian coast and the South Island of New Zealand: wildly different, yet equally stunning. In W.A., drive along the iconic Coral Coast to the Pinnacles Desert, Coral Bay, Monkey Mia and the world famous Ningaloo Reef. Flying to Christchurch, you'll be treated to NZ's rugged coastlines, snow-capped peaks, jewel-toned lakes, and towering fiords.