Classic Self Drive Tours

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.

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.

This comprehensive tour carves a figure eight through spectacular South Island scenery.  You'll experience all New Zealand's south has to offer, from wildlife and wilderness to vineyards and heritage.

Taking you south from Christchurch, this 10 day includes the majestic scenery of the lower South Island.  Beginning with the large open spaces of the McKenzie Country and Mt. Cook National Park, you then travel to the coast and the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin with its nearby wildlife havens.  In Fiordland there is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise, before you continue to the mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Dunedin you have time to explore the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, before continuing south to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound where you’ll cruise the length of the fiord.  This 11 day tour wouldn’t be complete without 2 nights in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown before you follow the Southern Alps north to Mt Cook National Park and back to Christchurch.

Visit the less explored upper South Island, home to amazing wildlife, including whales in Kaikoura and the delightful seal colony in Abel Tasman National Park.  In Blenheim, you’ll sample the region’s best known export, the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before heading south to the West Coast and Punakaiki Rocks.  You return to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass National Park, an amazing place to discover natural New Zealand including the cheeky Kea which is regularly seen in the park.

Self drive this classic South Island route and enjoy some of the finest day walks in New Zealand. Plus of course, time to enjoy everything else the region has to offer.

Starting and finishing in the 'adventure capital' of Queenstown This comprehensive South Island itinerary visits every South Island must see location including Milford Sound, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson, and the West Coast Glaciers.

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

From the North Island you’ll cruise across the Cook Strait, passing through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton.  From here you’ll journey south for an exploration of mountains, glaciers and coastlines that are home to a range of marine wildlife.  Highlights of this tour include, Mt. Cook National Park, the spectacular West Coast and the grand finale which takes you across the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Self drive tour with the family as you explore the South Island's natural wonders and National Parks

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.  Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for you 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. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose.  You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Explore and enjoy some of New Zealand's unique flora, fauna and scenery on this 15 day South Island tour.  You begin with an Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise which takes you out to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south towards Fiordland National Park.  Experience the ‘Sound of Silence’ with an overnight cruise in the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound. No South Island trip is complete without time spent in the alpine playground of Queenstown then you continue to the beautiful West Coast.  Here you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

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

A classic South Island itinerary taking you through the dramatic scenery surrounding the Southern Alps.

This comprehensive tour of the South Island begins with a West Coast exploration, including the majestic glaciers.  You then carve a figure 8 through Arthur's Pass to Kaikoura and on to the top of the South Island.  Enjoy a detailed exploration of Abel Tasman National Park before heading south to Punakaiki and the upper West Coast.  After boarding the TranzAlpine scenic train you travel through to Christchurch, where you have a free day to explore.  Then continue south along the East Coast to Dunedin, then onto the Magical Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound before you return to Queenstown after your epic South Island adventure.

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.

In just 9 days capture the essence of the South Island's cities, lakes, mountains, fiords, glaciers and many more attractions. This holiday enables you to see and experience the highlights of New Zealand's South Island on a small timeframe. Contact us today if you wish to alter this itinerary to meet your personal needs and budget.

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.

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!

The towering snowcapped mountain peaks, deep blue lakes, ancient native rainforest and wide open plains of the South Island provided the setting for many Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies most dramatic scenes. Take a journey through the real Middle-earth!

'Not all those who wander are lost... ' Experience the awe-inspiring scenery of the South Island (Middle Earth) on this action packed 14 day vacation.

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.

This tour is all about the icons of the South Island. Head to Mt Cook before passing the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes. Beyond the Alps spend time in Te Anau and visit the pristine Milford Sound. Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, gives time to enjoy endless activities before looping back via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers.

From Christchurch, you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park.  You’ll then enjoy two nights in Queenstown surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas.  It's 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 before you head back to Christchurch through stunning Arthurs Pass.

This loop of the lower South Island follows much of the spectacular coastline where wildlife abounds.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south along the wild Catlins coastline to the deep south.  A real highlight of this tour is exploring the remote Stewart Island. As well as the iconic Milford Sound, you’ll also venture into Mt Aspiring National Park on a Dart River Jetboat Safari from Queenstown.  On the beautiful West Coast you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

Starting and finishing in the alpine resort of Queenstown, this 15 day tour explores the best of the South Island, going as far north as the remarkable Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

Starting and finishing Christchurch this tour visits Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers before taking the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey across the Southern Alps.

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

See the South Island by coach and railway on this 5-day tour, travelling round-trip from Christchurch. Hear informative commentary on your sightseeing coach, gaze at the scenic Southern Alps while aboard the TranzAlpine train, and visit the World Heritage–listed Fiordland on a Milford Sound cruise with lunch. Overnight stays in Fox Glacier and Queenstown allow for plenty of free time to explore New Zealand’s magnificent glaciers and national parks before you return to Christchurch through the beautiful region of Mount Cook.

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, Visit Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park.

Experience the South Island like never before on this 13 Day New Zealand Expedition, designed to showcase the most uniquely beautiful destinations. This off-the-beaten-track small group tour allows you to explore the South Island in a more relaxed and less structured way. With no more than 24 guests, this tour combines the ‘must see’ highlights with many exclusive activities. Stay in quality hotel accommodation and enjoy dining at some of New Zealand’s leading restaurants and wineries.

See the South Island's highlights including the garden city, Christchurch, mighty Mt. Cook, Lake Tekapo, the wonderful city of Dunedin, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park including a Milford Sound cruise, Queenstown, the West Coast and Franz Josef Glacier and the world famous Tranz Alpine train journey.

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

This 7 day tour is great for people who wish to experience as much as they can as they journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Begin with the renowned TranzAlpine scenic train, then there is time to explore the west coast glacier regions, the alpine-adventure town of Queenstown and the breath taking Milford Sound.

Highlights include: Queenstown • the Gibbston Valley • Lakes Wanaka and Hawea •  Visit Franz Josef Glacier • the wild West Coast • The world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Discover and explore the best Queenstown and Fiordland have to offer on this 5 day self drive tour.

Learn more about New Zealand on this spectacular 9 day South Island Discover Tour. Beginning in Christchurch, you'll experience the remote Doubtful Sound Wilderness cruise, explore historic Arrowtown, marvel at the lush & rugged West Coast, sample local seafood and finish your adventure aboard the Tranzalpine Train back to Christchurch. This tour includes visiting museums, castles and local experiences as you go. A fabulous way to learn and discover more of what the South Island has to offer.

The 9 day Southern Spotlight tour explores the wonderful scenery of the South Island. The city of Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier and you take the world famous TranzAlpine train from Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. With lots of opportunities to enjoy the many great optional tours and activities this is the ideal tour for those wishing to see the best of the South Island at a relaxing pace.