Sunset over the beautiful Canterbury Plains
Sunset over the beautiful Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo, Road to Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki vistas
Lake Tekapo, Road to Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki vistas
Moeraki Boulders & Aerial View of Dunedin
Moeraki Boulders & Aerial View of Dunedin
Milford Sound, Te Anau & Lake Wakatipu
Milford Sound, Te Anau & Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown, South Island
Haast Pass, Fox Glacier, Lake Wanaka with views of Mt Aspiring & Fox Glacier scenery
Haast Pass, Fox Glacier, Lake Wanaka with views of Mt Aspiring & Fox Glacier scenery
TranzAlpine Train & The Canterbury Plains with views of the Southern Alps
TranzAlpine Train & The Canterbury Plains with views of the Southern Alps
Stunning Road Scenery on the South Island of New Zealand
Stunning Road Scenery on the South Island of New Zealand

A Taste of the South Self-Drive

7 nights from £1,799 per person Including Flights

Overview

This eight-day self-drive itinerary invites you to sample the very best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. You’ll visit incredible nature spots including Mt Cook, Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound as well as stopping off at the island’s fascinating cities including Scottish-influenced Dunedin and the adventure capital Queenstown. You’ll even get the chance to ride one of the world’s most impressive train journeys: the TranzAlpine. (NZ)

Prices are quoted per person on a twin share basis.

This is also a great idea for a motorhome holiday - this would be a guide only, and you'll need to contact our travel experts for a more detailed motorhome itinerary.

Highlights:

  • Get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown
  • Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train
  • Explore Franz Josef glacier

Tailor-make this holiday:
Our travel specialist can tailor-make this self-drive itinerary to your requirements, whether you’d like to extend your stay, change a hotel or perhaps you would like an upgraded stay along the way – our experts will be happy to create a tailor-made holiday for you.

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Car hire & GPS
  • Tour pack
  • ATOL protection
Why Book with New Zealand Sky?
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  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Arrive in Christchurch

When you arrive you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Christchurch. The rest of the day is then free to get to know the city or just to relax in your room.

Overnight: Camelot Motor Lodge, Christchurch

Day 2

Mt Cook National Park

Today you’ll pick up your car which will be a Ford Focus or similar. Then it’s straight out onto the open road as you cross the pretty Canterbury Plains along the inland scenic route. You’ll stop off for a quick break in Geraldine before reaching Mackenzie Country. Travelling up Burke’s Pass you’ll reach Lake Tekapo, one of the huge Southern Lakes. Here you can either take in the stunning views from the shore or opt to take a scenic flight over the water for something truly special.

You’ll then head on to Lake Pukaki, which enjoys stunning views of Mt Cook which overlooks the lake. Following the side of the lake you’ll reach Mt Cook Village where you’ll settle into your accommodation. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to explore the surrounding area and enjoy some of the activities on offer. Opt to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre which looks at the history of the Mount Cook region, or take a 90-minute four-wheel drive adventure into Mt Cook National Park to visit the country’s longest glacier, Tasman Glacier.

Overnight: Aoraki Court Motel, Mt Cook Village

Day 3

Oamaru/Dunedin

On day three you’ll head away from Mt Cook and visit Twizel, famous as the location from many of the scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies. You’ll then head southwards through the Waitaki Valley from Omarama to Oamaru where you’ll find the beautiful white stone buildings and blue penguins coming ashore at dusk.

You’ll then head onwards to the unique Moeraki Boulders before arriving in the Scottish-influenced Dunedin where you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most impressive buildings.

Overnight: Cable Court Motel, Dunedin

Day 4

Doubtful Sound/Te Anau

Today you’ll drive to Te Anau, passing through pretty Southland farms. You’ll then pass through The Catlins area along the beautiful Otago coastline and will reach Invercargill where you’ll find a pretty mix of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture. You’ll then head onwards to the lakeside town of Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the beautiful Milford Sound.

Overnight: Edgewater Motel, Te Anau

Day 5

Queenstown

On day five you’ll leave Te Anau and drive through stunning countryside roads to Lake Wakatipu. Heading onwards you’ll be treated to beautiful views of The Remarkables range as you enter Queenstown.

After checking in to your accommodation in Queenstown you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore and enjoy the range of activities on offer. You could ride the Canyon Jet on the Shotover River Canyons or opt for a more relaxed time on the water with a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak.

Overnight: Blue Peaks Lodge, Queenstown

Day 6

Franz Josef Glacier

Today you’ll cross the Crown Range, including the highest sealed road in the country, before arriving in Wanaka, a scenic town that serves as the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. You’ll then head onwards to the impressive Blue Pools just outside Makarora – you’ll spend 30 minutes walking to the pools through a pretty beech forest.

You’ll then drive to the Haast Pass surrounded on all sides by rivers and waterfalls. Travel onwards on the rugged West Coast before reaching Fox Glacier and then finally the Franz Josef township. You’ll then have the rest of the day at leisure where you can choose to take a scenic helicopter flight over the two glaciers or opt to chill-out in the Glacier Hot Pools.

Overnight: Punga Grove Motel & Suites, Franz Josef

Day 7

TranzAlpine train

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to the old gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Greymouth. Here you’ll drop off your hire car and board the TranzAlpine, famous as one of the world’s ultimate train journeys. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Southern Alps as well as river, valley and gorge scenery. Finally you’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and arrive in Christchurch where you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

Overnight: Camelot Motor Lodge, Christchurch  

Day 8

Depart Christchurch

Today you’ll be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the airport.

What's Included

  • International flights and taxes
  • Accommodation as listed
  • Car hire throughout - including rental car insurance, GPS, airport/ferry terminal fees and additional drivers
  • Tour pack - including detailed driving instructions, maps and guide books

The following excursions are available to book - approximate prices per person in New Zealand dollars:

  • Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Explorer Pass $40
  • Tasman Valley 4WD Tour $136
  • Te Anau Glowworm Caves $196
  • Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure $310
  • TSS Earnshaw cruise to Walter Peak with a farm tour and gourmet BBQ dinner $290
  • Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight $700
  • Glacier Hot Pools $58

Please note these prices are a guide only and can change at any time.

Alex Cooper
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 310 581 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

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