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- Destination: New Zealand
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Self-Drive
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Discover the ultimate South Island adventure on this 16-day New Zealand self-drive tour. From the vibrant city of Christchurch to the stunning fjords of Milford Sound, majestic glaciers of Franz Josef, and serene lakes of Wanaka, this journey offers the perfect mix of scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and wildlife encounters. Explore iconic landmarks such as Mount Cook, Abel Tasman National Park, and Kaikoura’s whale-watching hotspots, while enjoying New Zealand’s world-class vineyards, charming towns, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts, this New Zealand South Island self-drive itinerary promises an unforgettable experience of the country’s natural beauty and diverse attractions.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Christchurch
Arrival
2 - 3
Mount Cook, Dunedin
Mount Cook: Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula, Scottish Heritage
4 - 5
Te Anau
National Park, Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau Glowworm Caves
6
Glenorchy
Lake Wakatipu, Dart River
7 - 8
Wanaka
Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge, Lake Wanaka, Mt. Aspiring
9
Franz Josef
Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier
10
Punakaiki
Hokitika, Punakaiki Beach
11 - 12
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park, Water Taxi Experience
13 - 14
Blenheim
Array of Wineries, Golf Courses, Gourmet Outlets
15
Kaikoura
Whale Watching
16
Christchurch
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch, New Zealand
Arrive in Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand. Pick up your rental car and settle into your accommodation. Spend your day exploring the city’s vibrant central district, featuring modern architecture, cozy cafes, and public art installations. Take the Gondola up to Mount Cavendish for sweeping views of the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbor, and Christchurch city. If time allows, drive to Banks Peninsula and the quaint French-inspired town of Akaroa, where you can enjoy a harbor cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins and soak in the coastal scenery of New Zealand.
Highlights: Christchurch city center, Mount Cavendish Gondola, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa harbor cruise
- Christchurch
- Day 2: Christchurch – Mount Cook, New Zealand
Drive north to Mount Cook Village, passing the rolling farmlands of Canterbury. Stop at Lake Tekapo, a turquoise gem of New Zealand, and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Capture photographs of the stunning Pukaki Glacier Lake reflecting snow-capped peaks. Arrive at Mount Cook Village, where a variety of hiking trails await—from short walks to challenging alpine treks. Adventure enthusiasts can try guided glacier hikes or scenic flights for an unforgettable aerial view of New Zealand’s tallest peaks.
Highlights: Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Pukaki Glacier Lake, Mount Cook National Park, glacier hiking
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- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
- Day 3: Mount Cook – Dunedin, New Zealand
Journey south to Dunedin, known as the “Edinburgh of New Zealand” for its rich Scottish heritage. Stroll through Victorian and Edwardian architecture, visit historic sites like Larnach Castle, and enjoy local cafés. Drive to the Otago Peninsula to see rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. Stop at Taiaroa Head to witness the Northern Royal Albatross in its natural habitat—the only mainland colony in the world. Optional activities include scenic walking trails and visiting nearby penguin colonies, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of New Zealand.
Highlights: Dunedin city, Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula, Taiaroa Head, Royal Albatross Center
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- Dunedin
- Day 4: Dunedin – Te Anau, New Zealand
Drive west toward Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, renowned for its fjords and pristine wilderness of New Zealand. The scenic drive features mountain vistas, lakeside stops, and charming small towns. In Te Anau, enjoy kayaking or scenic walks along the lakeshore. Optional guided tours offer insights into Maori culture, local wildlife, and photography opportunities for the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights: Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, kayaking, photography spots, Maori cultural insights
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- Te Anau
- Day 5: Te Anau – Milford Sound Nature Cruise, New Zealand
Experience the awe-inspiring Milford Sound on a nature cruise, gliding past sheer cliffs, towering waterfalls, and wildlife such as seals and penguins. Later, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, an enchanting underground world illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Optional helicopter flights over the fjords provide unmatched panoramic views of New Zealand’s South Island. Adventure lovers can also enjoy kayaking or short hiking trails for closer encounters with the dramatic landscape.
Highlights: Milford Sound cruise, waterfalls, wildlife spotting, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, scenic helicopter flights
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- Te Anau
- Day 6: Te Anau – Glenorchy, New Zealand
Drive to Glenorchy, a pristine area on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu. En route, pass through Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. In Glenorchy, explore hiking trails, go jet boating or kayaking on the Dart River, or enjoy horse trekking through alpine meadows. Movie enthusiasts will recognize iconic landscapes from Lord of the Rings and Narnia films. The area offers tranquil lakeside spots perfect for photography or simply relaxing amidst the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Highlights: Glenorchy, Lake Wakatipu, Dart River, hiking, Lord of the Rings filming locations, horse trekking
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- Glenorchy
- Day 7: Glenorchy – Wanaka, New Zealand
Travel to Wanaka, stopping at Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village with preserved heritage buildings and a Chinese settlement along the Arrow River. Continue through Kawarau Gorge, home of New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jump. Arrive at Lake Wanaka for a relaxing evening by the water or explore the local village. Glamping options provide cozy, modern accommodation with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes of New Zealand.
Highlights: Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge, Lake Wanaka, glamping, gold rush history
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- Wanaka
- Day 8: Wanaka, New Zealand
Spend the day exploring Wanaka’s natural beauty in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park with trails suitable for all levels, or enjoy water sports on Lake Wanaka. Relax at a lakeside café or explore local art galleries. Glamping accommodations offer stargazing opportunities with incredible views of the Milky Way. Adventure options include skydiving, mountain biking, and guided nature tours across the scenic landscapes of New Zealand.
Highlights: Lake Wanaka, Mt. Aspiring National Park, hiking, water sports, stargazing, adventure activities
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- Wanaka
- Day 9: Wanaka – Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Drive through the spectacular Haast Pass and Westland National Park to reach the glacier region. Explore Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, unique for descending into temperate rainforest. Join a guided Ice Explorer tour or take a helicopter flight with a glacier landing. Learn about glacier formation and marvel at ice caves, crevasses, and alpine scenery that make New Zealand one of the most unique destinations for glacier exploration.
Highlights: Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, glacier hikes, helicopter flights, rainforest scenery
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- Franz Josef Glacier
- Day 10: Franz Josef – Punakaiki, New Zealand
Drive north along the West Coast, with optional stops at gold-mining towns like Hari Hari or Ross. Visit Hokitika, New Zealand’s greenstone (jade) center, for a tour or shopping. Arrive at Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Walk the coastal trails through Paparoa National Park, exploring limestone formations and native forests. Sunset at Punakaiki Beach provides a serene end to the day, showcasing the coastal beauty of New Zealand.
Highlights: Hokitika, jade workshops, Pancake Rocks, Paparoa National Park, coastal walks
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- Punakaiki
- Day 11: Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Drive to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest but stunning coastal park. Explore golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush native forests of New Zealand. Options include kayaking along secluded bays, hiking scenic trails, or taking a water taxi to remote beaches. Your accommodation is surrounded by nature, creating a tranquil retreat with easy access to park activities.
Highlights: Abel Tasman National Park, kayaking, hiking, secluded beaches, forest exploration
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- Abel Tasman National Park
- Day 12: Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Spend a full day in Abel Tasman at your leisure. Hike the trail to Pitt Head for panoramic views or relax on crescent-shaped beaches. Look out for native birds, playful seals, and unique flora. Optional catamaran cruises or helicopter flights provide alternative ways to explore the park’s spectacular coastline and natural wonders of New Zealand.
Highlights: Pitt Head hike, wildlife spotting, beaches, catamaran and helicopter tours
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- Abel Tasman National Park
- Day 13: Abel Tasman – Blenheim, New Zealand
Drive through Nelson to Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand’s premier wine region. Tour vineyards, enjoy wine tastings of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and sample gourmet food at local cafes and restaurants. Explore the countryside by bike or car, and enjoy panoramic views of rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops in New Zealand’s renowned wine region.
Highlights: Blenheim, Marlborough vineyards, wine tasting, gourmet dining, scenic countryside
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- Blenheim
- Day 14: Blenheim – Kaikoura, New Zealand
Travel along the picturesque Pacific coastline to Kaikoura, renowned for its marine life in New Zealand. Check into a luxurious eco-lodge with glass walls overlooking the surrounding valleys. Enjoy sunset walks and experience local organic produce. Optional activities include guided hikes or exploring nearby beaches for unique geological formations along the New Zealand coast.
Highlights: Kaikoura, luxury eco-lodge, coastal scenery, hiking, local cuisine
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- Kaikoura
- Day 15: Kaikoura – Christchurch, New Zealand
Start the day with whale watching or dolphin encounters in Kaikoura’s nutrient-rich waters. Drive back to Christchurch along scenic coastal routes, spotting fur seals on the way. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant or historic tram for a memorable final evening in New Zealand.
Highlights: Whale watching, dolphin encounters, Christchurch city, farewell dinner
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- Christchurch
- Day 16: Christchurch – Departure, New Zealand
Return your rental car at Christchurch airport and board your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s South Island and its stunning fjords, glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
Highlights: Departure, airport transfer, last glimpses of South Island landscapes
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