Classic South Island Explorer - 16 Day Self Drive
Discover the world's most exclusive destinations and experiences tailored for the discerning traveler.
Summary
Experience the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on this beautifully balanced self-drive journey, combining iconic alpine landscapes, dramatic fjords, glaciers, rainforests and golden beaches with a hand-picked collection of characterful and premium accommodation. Designed for travellers who want freedom, comfort and unforgettable scenery, this itinerary showcases the South Island’s most celebrated highlights at an unhurried pace.
From the cultural charm of Christchurch to the soaring peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the deep fjords of Milford Sound, the adventure capital of Queenstown, the wild West Coast glaciers and the sun-soaked shores of Abel Tasman National Park, this is a classic journey that captures New Zealand at its most spectacular.
Reach out to our friendly experts.
We're here to help with flights, transfers, or any other inquiries you may have.
Highlights
Travel through New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes in one seamless journey – from alpine peaks and turquoise lakes to glaciers, rainforests and golden beaches. This itinerary captures the full diversity of the South Island, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to see it all.
Cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Whether in sunshine or rain, Milford Sound delivers one of the most dramatic and memorable experiences in the country – a true bucket-list highlight for first-time travellers.
Stay within Mount Cook National Park and wake up to views of New Zealand’s highest peak. Surrounded by glaciers, alpine trails and crystal-clear skies, this region offers a quintessential “postcard” New Zealand experience that first-time visitors dream of.
Take to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight and guided walk on a living glacier. This extraordinary adventure combines flightseeing, ice formations and dramatic mountain scenery – an experience found nowhere else in the world.
End your journey in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions. Cruise and walk along sheltered bays, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, offering a relaxed and scenic contrast to the dramatic mountains and fjords seen earlier in the trip.
Day 1: Depart The UK For New ZealandArrival Day
Today you'll board your flight to New Zealand for the holiday of a lifetime. Enjoy the flight and upon arrival you'll pick up your hire care.
Day 2: Arrive Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch and collect your rental vehicle before making the short drive into the city. Known as the “Garden City”, Christchurch blends English heritage with a creative, revitalised urban scene. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the Botanic Gardens, riverside precinct or local cafés, or simply relax after your journey.
Driving time: • Airport to city: approx. 20 minutes
Accommodation: • The Classic Villa, Christchurch – 4★ Boutique Hotel
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Rental car collection
Optional activities: • Christchurch city sightseeing • Punting on the Avon River • Christchurch Gondola
Day 3: Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Today you drive south through the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. Pass turquoise Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as glaciers, alpine rivers and snow-capped mountains dominate the landscape.
Driving time: • Approx. 4.5–5 hours
Accommodation: • The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook – 4★ Scenic Alpine Hotel (Mount Cook View Room)
Meals included: • Breakfast
Included activities: • Scenic self-drive through Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Optional activities: • Tasman Glacier Boat Tour • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre • Big Sky Stargazing
Day 4: Mount Cook National Park
A full day to explore one of New Zealand’s most spectacular national parks. Choose from gentle alpine walks, glacier viewpoints or optional guided experiences. With some of the darkest skies in the world, Mount Cook is also a haven for stargazing.
Driving time: • Minimal / at leisure
Accommodation: • The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook – 4★
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Free time for walking tracks and viewpoints
Optional activities: • Guided day hikes • Glacier Explorer boat tour • Scenic helicopter flights
Day 5: Mount Cook to Te Anau
Depart the alpine region and travel south via Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie Basin before reaching Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Set on the edge of Lake Te Anau, this charming lakeside town is the perfect base for exploring Milford Sound.
Driving time: • Approx. 4.5–5 hours
Accommodation: • Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas – 4★ Lake View Room
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Scenic self-drive
Optional activities: • Te Anau Glowworm Caves • Lakeside walks
Day 6: Milford Sound Day Trip
Sit back and relax on a small-group coach journey into Fiordland National Park, stopping frequently for short walks and photo opportunities. Cruise through Milford Sound beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, enjoying onboard commentary and a packed lunch. Weather enhances the experience – sunshine or rain both create unforgettable scenery.
Driving time: • None (coach excursion)
Accommodation: • Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas – 4★
Meals included: • Packed lunch
Included activities: • Milford Sound coach tour • Milford Sound scenic cruise
Optional activities: • None
Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown
Drive through rolling countryside and along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. This evening, enjoy a memorable lake cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ dinner in a stunning lakeside setting.
Driving time: • Approx. 2 hours
Accommodation: • Browns Boutique Hotel, Queenstown – 4★ Boutique Hotel
Meals included: • Dinner (Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ)
Included activities: • TSS Earnslaw cruise • Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ dinner
Optional activities: • Skyline Gondola • Wine tasting tours
Day 8: Queenstown
Enjoy a full free day in Queenstown. Whether you prefer relaxation or adrenaline, the choice is yours. Explore the lakeside, take a scenic cruise, enjoy boutique shopping or sample one of the region’s many wineries.
Driving time: • Minimal / at leisure
Accommodation: • Browns Boutique Hotel, Queenstown – 4★
Meals included: • Breakfast
Included activities: • Free time
Optional activities: • Jet boating • Bungy jumping • Arrowtown visit • Central Otago wine tour
Day 9: Queenstown to Wanaka
Travel over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, with breathtaking alpine views. Arrive in Wanaka, a laid-back lakeside town known for its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular scenery.
Driving time: • Approx. 1.5 hours
Accommodation: • Edgewater Resort, Wanaka – 4★ Lakeside Resort
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Scenic mountain drive
Optional activities: • Lake Wanaka cruise • Short walks around the lake
Day 10: Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier
Journey west through changing landscapes as dry alpine terrain gives way to lush rainforest. Cross the Haast Pass before reaching Franz Josef Glacier village on the wild West Coast.
Driving time: • Approx. 4.5 hours
Accommodation: • Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef – 4★ Deluxe Tree Lodge
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Scenic self-drive via Haast Pass
Optional activities: • Glacier viewpoints • Hot pools
Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier
Today’s highlight is an unforgettable heli-hike experience. Fly by helicopter onto the glacier and explore dramatic ice formations on a guided hike, surrounded by towering peaks and vivid blue ice.
Driving time: • Minimal
Accommodation: • Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef – 4★
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Optional activities: • Scenic helicopter flights • West Coast wildlife tours
Day 12: Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Continue north along the rugged West Coast, passing coastal scenery and rainforest before reaching Punakaiki. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, best viewed at high tide.
Driving time: • Approx. 3.5–4 hours
Accommodation: • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – 4★ Beachview Studio
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Pancake Rocks & Blowholes walk
Optional activities: • Coastal walks • Paparoa National Park trails
Day 13: Punakaiki to Nelson
Travel north through remote West Coast landscapes before crossing into the sunny Nelson region. Known for its beaches, wineries and creative arts scene, Nelson is a relaxed and vibrant destination.
Driving time: • Approx. 4.5–5 hours
Accommodation: • The Sails Nelson – 4★ Studio Suite
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Scenic self-drive
Optional activities: • Nelson wineries • Local art galleries
Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park
Enjoy a flexible cruise-and-walk experience in Abel Tasman National Park. Choose how far you wish to walk along golden beaches and turquoise bays, rejoining the boat later in the day.
Driving time: • Nelson to Kaiteriteri: approx. 1 hour
Accommodation: • The Sails Nelson – 4★
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass
Optional activities: • Sea kayaking • Extended coastal walks
Day 15: Nelson Departure
Your journey concludes today. Depending on your onward travel plans, you may return your vehicle in Nelson or continue your New Zealand adventure.
Driving time: • Nelson to airport: approx. 15 minutes
Accommodation: • None
Meals included: • None
Included activities: • Rental car return
Optional activities: • Additional nights in Nelson • Extension to the North Island
This itinerary can be fully customised to your preferences. Our specialists will work with you to create your perfect experience.
Plan Your Luxury Escape
Our travel experts will create a bespoke experience tailored to your preferences.
JessSenior Travel Expert