Best of the South Island
Daily.
SELF-DRIVE tour
- Room only. Continental breakfast at Invercargill.
- 4* Crowne Plaza Christchurch; 4* The White Morph, Kaikoura; 4* Vinters Retreat, Blenheim; 3*PLUS Saxton Lodge, Nelson; 3*PLUS Copthorne Hotel Greymouth; 3*PLUS Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef; 4* Edgewater, Wanaka; 4* Crowne Plaza Queenstown; 4* Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas; 4*BOUTIQUE The Lodge at Transport World, Invercargill; 4*PLUS Distinction Dunedin; 4* Hermitage, Mount Cook.
- The price shown is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, accommodation as shown, whale watching from Kaikoura on day 5, Milford Sound tour from Te Anau on day 15 and 19 days compact all inclusive car hire.
- This tour is also available by motorhome from £2789 per person which includes return international flights, one pre-night at Rydges Latimer Christchurch, whale watching and Milford Sound tours as above, and an Apollo Euro Tourer motorhome with value pack for 18 days.
- This holiday is 100% financially protected. ATOL protected 2713
Journey the length of New Zealand's dramatic South Island on this epic self-drive adventure. Begin in Christchurch before whale watching off Kaikoura, sipping Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough and exploring the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Marvel at Franz Josef Glacier and soak up the lakeside beauty of Wanaka before hitting vibrant Queenstown. Cruise fiord-carved Milford Sound from Te Anau, spot yellow-eyed penguins near Dunedin and finish among the majestic peaks of Mount Cook. Glaciers, fiords, wine and wildlife - the South Island's very best, end to end.
Our suggested itinerary is a starting point
We're specialists in tailor-made holidays, where we can adapt each itinerary to suit your requirements
Days 1-2
Fly to Christchurch.
Days 3-4 Christchurch
On arrival, collect your hire car and proceed to your hotel. Stay around Cathedral Square to enjoy the shops, cafés and restaurants or, perhaps take a return trip on the TranzAlpine to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass, one of the world's great rail journeys (at extra expense).
Day 5 Kaikoura
Head to picturesque Kaikoura. This afternoon, join a boat trip to seek out whales such as humpback, pilot, blue or southern right, as well as dolphins and seals (112 miles).
Day 6 Blenheim
Enter the Marlborough region, famed for its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, tasty seafood and diverse landscapes, from valleys of vines to sheltered waterways (80 miles).
Day 7 Nelson
Head to Nelson and on to Abel Tasman National Park. Discover long golden beaches, untouched forests and rugged mountains (112 miles).
Day 8 Greymouth
Take the route to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Paparoa National Park, before driving on to Greymouth (175 miles).
Days 9-10 Franz Josef
On arrival in Franz Josef be sure to take a walk to the foot of the glacier, its sheer enormity is humbling (106 miles). Glacier aside, Franz Josef is an oasis for nature lovers and you’ll find around 30 trails which showcase the scenery.
Day 11 Wanaka
Soak up more of the incredible glacial scenery as you drive further south and on to Wanaka, which has a stunning mountain and lakeside setting (177 miles).
Days 12-13 Queenstown
Plot your route for Queenstown, New Zealand's adrenalin capital (43 miles). At leisure. Maybe take the Skyline gondola up the hill for great views of the lake, go bungee jumping if you dare, visit Wakatipu to see some locations for ‘Lord of the Rings’, or simply sit back in one of the many bars or cafés.
Days 14-15 Te Anau
Spend the morning in Queenstown, or if you prefer, head straight to Te Anau. This pretty township is the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland (106 miles). The next day, travel by coach to Milford Sound for a cruise exploring the full length of the fiord, past St Anne's Point Lighthouse and right out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting). Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Days 16-17 Invercargill
We recommend the Southern Scenic Route and, if you like birdlife, stop between Manapouri and Blackmount as sometimes black falcons can be seen. Head on through the old timber town of Tuatapera, along the south coast to Riverton. From the cliff above Te Waewae Bay, Hector’s dolphins and southern right whales are sometimes seen. Drive on to Invercargill (96 miles).
Wander around New Zealand’s southernmost city, which boasts Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings along with an excellent range of shops, lively bars and enticing restaurants.
Day 18 Dunedin
Drive onward to Dunedin with its Scottish feel and Victorian architecture. If time allows, visit the Otago Peninsula to see rare yellow-eyed penguins (127 miles).
Day 19 Mount Cook
Travel north along the coast before heading inland to Mount Cook (Aoraki). On arrival take a walk to soak up the majestic views (197 miles).
Day 20 Christchurch
Return to Christchurch and perhaps take a stroll around the beautiful Botanic Gardens (204 miles).
Day 21 Christchurch
This epic adventure concludes with your onward journey.
Need to know
Departures
Daily.
Meals
Room only. Continental breakfast at Invercargill.
Accommodation
4* Crowne Plaza Christchurch; 4* The White Morph, Kaikoura; 4* Vinters Retreat, Blenheim; 3*PLUS Saxton Lodge, Nelson; 3*PLUS Copthorne Hotel Greymouth; 3*PLUS Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef; 4* Edgewater, Wanaka; 4* Crowne Plaza Queenstown; 4* Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas; 4*BOUTIQUE The Lodge at Transport World, Invercargill; 4*PLUS Distinction Dunedin; 4* Hermitage, Mount Cook.
Tour price
The price shown is based on the best value travel dates in low season and includes international flights, accommodation as shown, whale watching from Kaikoura on day 5, Milford Sound tour from Te Anau on day 15 and 19 days compact all inclusive car hire.
Notes
This tour is also available by motorhome from £2789 per person which includes return international flights, one pre-night at Rydges Latimer Christchurch, whale watching and Milford Sound tours as above, and an Apollo Euro Tourer motorhome with value pack for 18 days.
