South Island New Zealand Self Drive Holidays - 5 to 9 days long
Enjoy a taste of the South Island of New Zealand on a Pure Journeys self-drive tour. Our 5 - 9 day South Island holiday tours range from Southern Lakes family tours, seeing the incredible Alps, islands, glaciers and Sounds, to our premium luxury South Island self-drive tour, taking in the island's natural beauty. Fantastic wine and food on offer, with amazing activities and adventures. Kiwi-flavoured self-drive tours, with customised itineraries planned around NZ's South Island, giving you control of what you want to see and do.
8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring
One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine, Wildlife & nature
This 9 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination.
6 days/5 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine
Explore two of the South Island’s popular wine regions while enjoying the magnificent views of the Waipara Valley, Mt Cook National Park and Central Otago.
8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Boutique lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
Explore the South Island on this 8 day circumnavigation. Visit Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the West Coast Glaciers. Complete your trip with a train journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Boutique lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
This itinerary is one of our most popular South Island tours. In just 9 days capture the essence of the South Island's cities, lakes, mountains, fiords, glaciers and many more attractions.
6 days/5 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring
This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue south to the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 3 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Mt Cook. From Mt Cook journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau. From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford sound, where you will take a scenic nature cruise. Next day you will travel through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin before heading back to Christchurch.
8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Beginning with the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey from Christchurch to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From there you will explore the countryside of the West Coast, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and Canterbury. Along the way highlights include the glaciers of the West Coast, adventure in Queenstown, Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park and magnificent Mt Cook National Park. You'll also explore the south's two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Family touring, Wildlife & nature
Ideal for those wanting to get off the beaten track away from the tourist centres. Spectacular scenery in some of the South Islands most picturesque spots! Well, to be honest we could say that about pretty much every tour, the place is that good! Punakaiki to the glaciers, beautiful Wanaka and majestic Aoraki Mt Cook. Stunning New Zealand at its best!
9 days/8 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Walking & hiking, Wildlife & nature
A classic South Island itinerary taking you through the dramatic scenery surrounding the Southern Alps.
8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Luxury Lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
A short highlights tour that takes you to the most magnificent locations in Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and the West Coast. Visiting Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Christchurch and Franz Josef Glacier and including two scenic flights, a thrilling iceberg encounter on the Tasman Glacier Lake and the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.
6 days/5 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Food & wine, Wildlife & nature
Explore two of the South Island’s popular wine regions while enjoying the magnificent views of the Gibbston Valley, Wanaka and Queenstown.
8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring
One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Islands beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, Te Anau. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your 'taste of the south'.
9 days/8 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Walking & hiking, Wildlife & nature
Starting and finishing in Queenstown this tour begins with a journey to the world famous Mt. Cook National Park, where Sir Edmund Hillary prepared to conquer Everest. You then continue onto the evolving city of Christchurch, where you'll have a day to explore this remarkable city. From Christchurch take the spectacular Tranz Alpine Scenic Train to Greymouth. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Then back to Queenstown where you'll have time to relax or enjoy the countless activities on offer here.
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 4 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin exploring some great wildlife locations on the way.
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
Get the whole family excited as you traverse the mountains and alpine lakes of the South Island on this family tour from Christchurch to the adventure capital of Queenstown.
6 days/5 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
Experience the mountains and alpine lakes of the South Island on this family tour, based from the Adventure Capital of Queenstown.
8 days/7 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 3 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring
This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country past Lake Tekapo before arriving into 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 Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.
8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Boutique lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
This 9 day scenic route will give you a wonderful introduction to the natural wonders of the South Island. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park and Milford Sound. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your South Island holiday.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Luxury Lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Food & wine, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
Discover two of the South Island’s highly regarded boutique wine regions while exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps, Southern Lakes and West Coast on this 9 day adventure tour.
9 days/8 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Boutique lodges & hotels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Luxury touring, Wildlife & nature
In just 9 days capture the essence of the South Island's cities, lakes, mountains, fiords, glaciers and many more attractions.
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Lake Tekapo. You will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to Queenstown. Your first night in Queenstown you'll cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Station for a farm show and gourmet BBQ. From Queenstown you will enjoy a spectacular flight to Milford Sound. Once in Milford sound you will take a scenic nature cruise, before flying off to Mt Aspiring National Park for the amazing Dart River Safari. Next day you will be travelling north stopping at Franz Josef before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.
8 days/7 night Journey from Queenstown to Queenstown
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Hotel 3 star
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring
Leaving Christchurch you will journey into the Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to the ‘adventure capital’ of Queenstown. From Queenstown you will take a luxury coach to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a scenic nature cruise in the pristine fiord. You then travel north stopping at Franz Josef for a night to explore the glacier, before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.
7 days/6 night Journey from Christchurch to Christchurch
Prices start from pp (low season, specific configuration)
Accommodation style on this tour suggestion is Motels
Interests: Classic driving tours, Family touring, Wildlife & nature
From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park. 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.