South Island self drive tour suggestions

Christchurch to Queenstown West Coast Explorer

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Cross the Southern Alps by the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then down to the Glaciers and Westland National Park. 2 nights allows time to explore the region on one of the guided walks or relax and marvel at this unique region.
Then travel the West Coast through Mt. Aspiring National Park and onto Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Continuing further south and onto Fiordland National Park and the famous Milford Sound. Explore the Milford Road before enjoying a Nature Cruise on the Sound. Return to Queenstown to depart.

The Southern Circle

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Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour travels the Canterbury Coastline through Timaru, Oamaru and Moeraki to Dunedin. A full day Nature cruise takes you to the Albatross and yellow eyed penguin colonies. Cross the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. On to Queenstown for two nights, a steamship cruise, dinner and a farm tour on your first evening. The following day an exhilirating tour deep into Mt. Aspiring National Park on a Dart River Wilderness Safari. Mt. Cook National Park is a definite highlight made even better with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and a landing on a glacier. Then cross the Mackenzie high country through Lake Tekapo and back to Christchurch.

Coast to Coast

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Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mt. Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

A Taste of the South

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A short highlights tour driving the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and the West Coast. Visiting Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier you return to Christchurch via the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

The Southern Circle

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Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour travels the Canterbury Coastline through Timaru, Oamaru and Moeraki to Dunedin.  Time to explore Dunedin and the wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. Mt. Cook National Park is a definite highlight before you cross the Mackenzie high country through Lake Tekapo and back to Christchurch.

A Taste of the South

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A short highlights tour driving the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and the West Coast. Visiting Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier you return to Christchurch via the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Queenstown Southern Loop

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South Island National Parks

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A comprehensive South Island tour that visits or travels through each National Park and 2 World Heritage Sites. Travelling from Christchurch through Kaikoura to Abel Tasman National Park you have the option of exploring Kahurangi National Park. Through the Nelson Lakes region to the West Coast and Paparoa National Park before visiting Arthur's Pass National Park. Then to the Glaciers and Westland National Park before heading into Mt. Aspiring National Park. Fiordland National Park is not to be missed and here you enjoy both a cruise on Milford Sound and an overnight on Doubtful Sound. Into the deep south and onto Rakiura National Park or Stewart Island as it is more commonly known. 2 nights in Dunedin before heading to Mt. Cook National Park and then back to Christchurch.

Coast to Coast

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Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mt. Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers

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Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo before heading on to Mt. Cook National Park. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next before you return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.