The South Island is home to much of New Zealand's iconic landscapes. From the incredible peaks of the Southern Alps, its crystal clear lakes, glaciers reaching into the rainforest, ice-carved fiords, golden sand beaches and much more. Our Self Drive tours are specifically designed to let you experience the amazing variety of activities and sights to see, along with the best local advice from our NZ Travel Specialists.
Enjoy a taste of the diverse beauty of New Zealand's South Island. Visit iconic destinations and stay in beautiful luxury retreats in remarkable locations.
See the best of the lower South Island, allowing time to explore and truly appreciate all the magnificent sights that you encounter including a sensational overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound.
Journey south from Christchurch through Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park. From here you’ll then enjoy two nights in Queenstown surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas. Its then on to the West C...
Read moreJourney south from Christchurch through Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park. From here you’ll then enjoy two nights in Queenstown surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas. Its then on to the West Coast glaciers, where there’s time for a scenic flight if you choose. The final leg of your travels takes you along the rugged coastline to Greymouth where you board the TranzAlpine for your scenic train journey back to Christchurch.
HideExperience the essence of the South Island on this 9 day itinerary and marvel at the world-renowned scenery, with plenty of opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful wilderness.
This 14 day tour explores the best of the South Island's walks and adventures. After crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train you journey north to the remarkable Pancake Rocks. From there you head south for two of the most scenic road trips in the world, the West Coast R...
Read moreThis 14 day tour explores the best of the South Island's walks and adventures. After crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train you journey north to the remarkable Pancake Rocks. From there you head south for two of the most scenic road trips in the world, the West Coast Road and the Milford Road. You'll also walk sections of the Milford Track and Routeburn Track. Be sure to have your camera at the ready for the spectacular wilderness you'll encounter.
Hide'Not all those who wander are lost...' Explore the South Island and experience its role in creating Tolkien's Middle Earth. See why it was perfectly cast as Middle Earth and integral to bringing Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life in film. During your 2 week adventure you’ll explore a var...
Read more'Not all those who wander are lost...' Explore the South Island and experience its role in creating Tolkien's Middle Earth. See why it was perfectly cast as Middle Earth and integral to bringing Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life in film. During your 2 week adventure you’ll explore a variety of landscapes from the films, including Beorn’s House, the Anduin River and the Misty Mountains to name a few. With many guided tours, scenic flights and jet boat rides, this is a thrilling way to discover Middle Earth for yourself.
HideThis tour is a celebration of the beautiful places, natural wonders and outstanding lodge retreats that the South Island is home to. In remote and unspoilt locations you’ll discover what makes this part of the world so special and why our luxury lodges are so well regarded. With many ama...
Read moreThis tour is a celebration of the beautiful places, natural wonders and outstanding lodge retreats that the South Island is home to. In remote and unspoilt locations you’ll discover what makes this part of the world so special and why our luxury lodges are so well regarded. With many amazing inclusions from breath-taking flights to glaciers and cruises through the azure blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park, you’ll have something to look forward to every day. In the evenings you’ll dine and relax at welcoming lodges situated in unique and wondrous locations.
HideYou’ll begin your journey taking in magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch. Explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island. On the western side of the island highlight...
Read moreYou’ll begin your journey taking in magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch. Explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island. On the western side of the island highlights include a nature cruise on the famous Milford Sound, the spectacular West Coast Road edging the Tasman Sea and the remarkable Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. The top of the South Island brings the calm aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds before you return to the Pacific Ocean.
HideJourney south through the Mackenzie high country past Lake Tekapo before arriving into Aoraki 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 and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guide...
Read moreJourney south through the Mackenzie high country past Lake Tekapo before arriving into Aoraki 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 and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
HideTravel the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park and then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Continue south to Fiordland Lodge and Milford Sound for your Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital&...
Read moreTravel the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park and then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Continue south to Fiordland Lodge and Milford Sound for your Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region from your base at Blanket Bay Lodge.
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