13-Day Self-Drive South Island Highlights

See All Photos

Today you'll have the day free to spend as you wish. You can explore Dunedin city or join one of the wildlife tours who explore the wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. The Monarch Wildlife Cruise gives you the opportunity to explore the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastline close to the entrance of the Otago Harbour. You will also get to see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross.

See All Photos

On your drive today, you pass through the little-frequented area of the 'Catlins', along a rough and wild coastline, far away from civilisation. You'll continue your drive to Bluff from where the ferry makes its way across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, one of New Zealand’s largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations. You'll be collected on the other side by your private driver and taken to your accommodation where you'll relax for the rest of the day.

See All Photos

Today, you'll embark on two private guided tours. During the half-day birding and botany tour, your guide will lead you on walking tracks that weave around fallen trees and lush native forest alive with birdsong. You might discover exquisite seasonal orchids and very friendly birdlife that will come too close for your camera lens. After sunset, you will have the chance to see the largest of New Zealand's iconic kiwi species, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) in its natural habitat.

See All Photos

This morning, after breakfast, you'll catch your one-hour ferry back to the mainland. Here, you'll pick up your rental car and continue your journey to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Travellers from all over the world flock to Queenstown to experience activities such as skiing, 4x4 driving, golf and ziplining. Water sports like kayaking, jet boating and river rafting are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful lakes.

See All Photos

No trip to New Zealand is complete without cruising in the stunning Milford Sound. On a small aeroplane, you will fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to the Milford Sound. This flight will be following by a leisurely two-hour nature cruise of Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea. The onboard nature guide will tell you more about the wildlife you'll hope to spot. After the cruise, you will fly back to Queenstown.

See All Photos

Queenstown is the ultimate adventure destination with exciting activities amidst some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural scenery. Today, you can choose between the adventure activities which Queenstown is well known for. Alternatively, you can explore Arrowtown, which is known for its gold rush times, or visit some wineries around Queenstown. There is an abundance of activities to choose from!

See All Photos

After passing through the rocky Kawerau Gorge and Cromwell village, the road passes through Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. The drive across the Haast Pass to the West Coast will show you a variety of different vegetation until you arrive at a very moist coastal strip of this island, the West Coast. Upon arrival, you'll have lots of options to do smaller walks or a visit a salmon farm.

See All Photos

Today you'll embark on a hike on the Franz Josef glacier. Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where you will get kitted out with the essential gear and given a pre-trip briefing. From here, your guide will lead you on a short walk through native forest to the helipad. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board your helicopter and fly over the jaw-dropping landscape. During your hike, your guide will share their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area.

See All Photos

Today, you'll continue your scenic self-driving journey further along the coast to the north. You will stay in Hokitika for one night, New Zealand's greenstone town. Often described as a cool little town, Hokitika is the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast in New Zealand. The West Coast is known for its untamed natural wilderness, traditional and authentic experiences and its friendly characters, you'll find all that at Hokitika.

Leaving Hokitika behind today, you'll travel inland to Akaroa. You will traverse the highest and most spectacular route in the Southern Alps. While you cross spectacular gorges and river valleys, you will see the snow-covered Southern Alps and the fascinating landscape changes from rainforest through rugged mountain terrain to farmland. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in a secluded cottage in historic ambience on the Banks Peninsula.

See All Photos

Today is at your own leisure. You can explore the small town Akaroa, the only former French settlement in New Zealand. French colonists settled here shortly after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Since, Akaroa has kept its French charm. There is plenty of time for a stroll along the harbour promenade with its numerous cafés and art galleries. Optionally, you can take part in a harbour cruise tour.