Touring the South Island Self Drive • View Itinerary
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Franz Josef Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, Exterior
TranzAlpine
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown
Queenstown
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Larnach Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand
Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

Touring the South

9 day Self Drive – from £1079

With flights from £2179

Take in the breathtaking coastal vistas and dramatic mountain scenery as you travel around New Zealand’s remote South Island.

Highlights:
  • Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train
  • See the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Enjoy a day to explore Queenstown
  • Relax on a Milford Sound Nature cruise
  • Visit Christchurch

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your South Island self drive itinerary by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, Exterior

Day 1 – Christchurch

Arrive into the delightful and ever evolving city of Christchurch. Known as the ‘most English City outside…

Arrive into the delightful and ever evolving city of Christchurch.

Known as the ‘most English City outside England’, in Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls.

You can discover Christchurch’s arts scene at the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery then take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram for a unique city tour, or visit the rejuvenated Riverside Market for local cuisine and shopping.

    Standard: Distinction Christchurch

    Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, Exterior
TranzAlpine

Day 2 – Christchurch to Hokitika

This morning make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station for the TranzAlpine train. Depart Christchurch…

This morning make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station for the TranzAlpine train. Depart Christchurch on the TranzAlpine for your journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine train journey is rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys and travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the west coast town of Greymouth.

On arrival at Greymouth you will collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel in Hokitika.

    Standard: Beachfront Hotel

    Deluxe: Rimu Lodge

TranzAlpine
Franz Josef Glacier

Day 3 – Franz Josef

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika….

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level.

Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier, which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 12 km long extending into the rainforest just 5km from the Franz Josef Township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints, for for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided walk along the valley floor, heli-hike excursion or scenic flight.

    Hokitika > Franz Josef | 160 kms

    Standard: Scenic Hotel

    Deluxe: Te Wai o Nui

Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

Day 4 – Queenstown

Make your way to Queenstown where on arrival you will have the remainder of the day…

Make your way to Queenstown where on arrival you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Queenstown nestles in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. An unusual feature of the lake is the regular ‘breathing’, a 3-inch rise and fall every 15 minutes. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.

Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The Autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, white water rafting and much more.

    Franz Josef > Queenstown | 348 kms

    Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

    Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Lake Wakatipu Queenstown
Queenstown

Day 5 – Queenstown

Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing (at your own expense): thrilling jet…

Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing (at your own expense): thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer lake cruises, visit to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides — the list is endless and you also have time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.

    Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

    Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Queenstown
Milford Sound, New Zealand

Day 6 – Te Anau & Milford Sound

Today’s drive is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular, with stunning scenery on all sides. You…

Today’s drive is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular, with stunning scenery on all sides. You will begin by driving along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, before continuing around the mountains to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Although your hotel is here, you will then continue along State Highway 94 to Milford Sound.

This road offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains tumbling waterfalls as well as still lakes in the valleys below. Your destination is Milford Sound, a glacial cut fiord, that is bordered by steep cliffs. You may wish to join one of the scenic cruises that travel along the fjord to the entrance with the ocean.

Your return drive to Te Anau, offers further opportunities to stop and view the Mirror Lakes and Christie Falls.

    Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

    Standard: Distinction Te Anau

    Deluxe: Fiordland Lodge

Milford Sound, New Zealand
Larnach Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 7 – Dunedin

From Te Anau it is just over three hours’ drive to the town of Dunedin on…

From Te Anau it is just over three hours’ drive to the town of Dunedin on the south east coast. Dunedin is known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and you will be able to discover the town’s Scottish heritage during the afternoon.

You may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of a rare Royal Albatross Colony and endangered Yellow Penguins.  Alternatively you may prefer to spend time wandering through the historic Larnach Castle and its grounds.

    Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

    Standard: Distinction Leisure Lodge

    Deluxe: Fable Dunedin

Larnach Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand
Christchurch

Day 8 – Christchurch

Depart Dunedin and make your way up the South Island’s eastern coast back to Christchurch. In Christchurch…

Depart Dunedin and make your way up the South Island’s eastern coast back to Christchurch.

In Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls after your drive.

You can also take a turn punting on the River Avon, head to Port Hills for hiking and panoramic views, or go to the nearby Banks Peninsula for dolphin watching and coastal walks.

    Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

    Standard: Crowne Plaza

    Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 9 – Farewell from Christchurch

When you are ready, return your car at the airport and check-in in time for your…

When you are ready, return your car at the airport and check-in in time for your scheduled flight to continue your holiday or return home.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Your Itinerary

You can customise your South Island self drive itinerary by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1

|

Christchurch

Arrive into the delightful and ever evolving city of Christchurch.

Known as the ‘most English City outside England’, in Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls.

You can discover Christchurch’s arts scene at the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery then take a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram for a unique city tour, or visit the rejuvenated Riverside Market for local cuisine and shopping.

    Standard: Distinction Christchurch

    Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, Exterior

Day 2

|

Christchurch to Hokitika

This morning make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station for the TranzAlpine train. Depart Christchurch on the TranzAlpine for your journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine train journey is rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys and travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the west coast town of Greymouth.

On arrival at Greymouth you will collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel in Hokitika.

    Standard: Beachfront Hotel

    Deluxe: Rimu Lodge

TranzAlpine

Day 3

|

Franz Josef

This morning make your way down the West Coast to Franz Josef from Greymouth or Hokitika. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as South Westland’s most famous pair, Franz Josef and Fox. Both descend to levels of about 1000 feet (300 metres) above sea level.

Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier, which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 12 km long extending into the rainforest just 5km from the Franz Josef Township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints, for for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided walk along the valley floor, heli-hike excursion or scenic flight.

    Hokitika > Franz Josef | 160 kms

    Standard: Scenic Hotel

    Deluxe: Te Wai o Nui

Franz Josef Glacier

Day 4

|

Queenstown

Make your way to Queenstown where on arrival you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Queenstown nestles in Queenstown Bay, about midway along the eastern shores of the azure blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. An unusual feature of the lake is the regular ‘breathing’, a 3-inch rise and fall every 15 minutes. Striking mountain peaks surround Queenstown, and although still rural in character, the town has developed into a tourist resort for all seasons.

Situated more than 300 metres above sea level, it is sufficiently inland to provide a sharp contrast between the hot summer and bracing winter. The Autumn colours and the Lake District are justly famous and a delight to photographers and painters. Winter brings spectacular snow scenery, ice-skating, white water rafting and much more.

    Franz Josef > Queenstown | 348 kms

    Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

    Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

Day 5

|

Queenstown

Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing (at your own expense): thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer lake cruises, visit to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides — the list is endless and you also have time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.

    Standard: Copthorne Resort Lakefront Queenstown

    Deluxe: Browns Boutique Hotel

Queenstown

Day 6

|

Te Anau & Milford Sound

Today’s drive is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular, with stunning scenery on all sides. You will begin by driving along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, before continuing around the mountains to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Although your hotel is here, you will then continue along State Highway 94 to Milford Sound.

This road offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains tumbling waterfalls as well as still lakes in the valleys below. Your destination is Milford Sound, a glacial cut fiord, that is bordered by steep cliffs. You may wish to join one of the scenic cruises that travel along the fjord to the entrance with the ocean.

Your return drive to Te Anau, offers further opportunities to stop and view the Mirror Lakes and Christie Falls.

    Queenstown > Te Anau | 420 kms

    Standard: Distinction Te Anau

    Deluxe: Fiordland Lodge

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Day 7

|

Dunedin

From Te Anau it is just over three hours’ drive to the town of Dunedin on the south east coast. Dunedin is known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and you will be able to discover the town’s Scottish heritage during the afternoon.

You may like to visit the Otago Peninsula – home of a rare Royal Albatross Colony and endangered Yellow Penguins.  Alternatively you may prefer to spend time wandering through the historic Larnach Castle and its grounds.

    Te Anau > Dunedin | 290 kms

    Standard: Distinction Leisure Lodge

    Deluxe: Fable Dunedin

Larnach Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 8

|

Christchurch

Depart Dunedin and make your way up the South Island’s eastern coast back to Christchurch.

In Christchurch you can explore the stunning Botanic Gardens and the picturesque Hagley Park, perfect for leisurely strolls after your drive.

You can also take a turn punting on the River Avon, head to Port Hills for hiking and panoramic views, or go to the nearby Banks Peninsula for dolphin watching and coastal walks.

    Dunedin > Christchurch | 360 kms

    Standard: Crowne Plaza

    Deluxe: Eliza’s Manor

Christchurch

Day 9

|

Farewell from Christchurch

When you are ready, return your car at the airport and check-in in time for your scheduled flight to continue your holiday or return home.

Christchurch, New Zealand

This Self Drive Includes

8 nights accommodation
8 days car hire, with unlimited kilometers
TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • An upgrade to Deluxe accommodation – from £548

Next Step

Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Touring the South

9 day Self Drive – from £1079

With flights from £2179

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.

Map

Touring the South, New Zealand Self Drive, Route Map

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