| Duration: | 21 Day(s) - 20 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Kia ora - welcome to New Zealand
21-day Classic South Island Tour Self-Drive
This 21-day tour starts in Queenstown and finishes in Queenstown
Personal airport meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
All-inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you sit back and relax
An exciting itinerary will be customized to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
We offer Self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accommodations, activities, and attractions (you select) we book your rental car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day, or perhaps you prefer a Private driver trip (fully guided) or, Escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
This exciting extensive tour of the beautiful South Island begins with a West Coast exploration, including majestic glaciers, pristine lakes, rivers, and ancient rain forests. You then carve a figure 8 through Arthur's Pass and South Alps to delightful Kaikoura and onto the top of the South Island.
Enjoy a detailed exploration of the amazing Abel Tasman National Park with its truly golden sandy beaches - before heading south to Punakaiki and the upper West Coast beside the Tasman Sea.
After boarding the TranzAlpine scenic train you travel through to Christchurch, where you have a free day to explore this brand new city. Next continue south along the East Coast to Dunedin, then onto the magical Fiordland National Park (our largest) and world-acclaimed Milford Sound before you return to iconic Queenstown after your epic South Island adventure.
Quick Summary:
21-day Classic South Island
Day 1: Welcome to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 2: Queenstown
The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 3: Haast Pass to the West Coast
Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before traveling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Aspen Court Franz Josef
Day 4: Westland National Park
Explore the untouched wilderness of Westland National Park
Accommodation: Aspen Court Franz Josef
Day 5: Arthur's Pass National Park
Skirt the wild Tasman Sea as you drive north, then head inland to Arthur's Pass National Park
Accommodation: Arthurs Pass Alpine Motel
Day 6: Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura
Continue over the Southern Alps and descend towards the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura
Accommodation: Quality Suites Kaikoura
Day 7: Kaikoura
Explore Kaikoura home to an abundance of marine wildlife
Accommodation: Quality Suites Kaikoura
Day 8: Vineyards of Blenheim
Travel via the coastal road before reaching the vineyards of Blenheim
Accommodation: Bella Vista Blenheim
Day 9: Rai Valley to Tasman Bay
Journey along the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive and through the Rai Valley to Tasman Bay
Accommodation: Ocean View Chalets
Day 10: Abel Tasman National Park
Explore Abel Tasman National Park home to aqua-blue waters and playful seals
Accommodation: Ocean View Chalets
Day 11: Valleys and Forest-Clad Hills
Valleys and forest-clad hills lead you back to the West Coast
Accommodation: Hydrangea Cottages (Self-check-in required)
Day 12: Christchurch
It's a short drive south to Greymouth where you board the Tranz Alpine scenic train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Day 13: Christchurch
Your rental car is delivered, then you have a free day in Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Day 14: Village of Akaroa
Just a short drive over Bank's Peninsula to the French-influenced village of Akaroa
Accommodation: Criterion Motel
Day 15: Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mountain Chalet Motels
Day 16: Dunedin
Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Cable Court Motel
Day 17: Otago Peninsula
Discover the history of Dunedin or the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Cable Court Motel
Day 18: South Otago - Te Anau
Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Anchorage Motel, Te Anau
Day 19: Cruising
Journey along the magnificent Milford Road for your cruise on the fiord
Accommodation: Anchorage Motel, Te Anau
Meals included: Lunch
Day 20: Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 21: Departure
Depart Queenstown today
