| Duration: | 12 Day(s) - 11 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Kia ora and welcome to our world
Southern Circuit Luxury Self-drive Tour
This 12-day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch
All-inclusive detailed customized tour package prepared by New Zealand-based specialists - so you can 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 sample itinerary below shows you the very best of our South Island. Please note we have deliberately included some two and three-night stays - in some premier locations so that you can immerse yourself into, and enjoy, some real Kiwi culture - with the locals!
Starting in beautiful Christchurch (brand new city) this tour takes you along the foothills of the mighty Southern Alps to stunning Mount Cook National Park (world heritage site). Next onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the stunning Otago Peninsula.
Continue south to Fiordland Lodge and world-acclaimed Milford Sound (insect repellant!) for your Real Journeys Nature cruise (lunch board) - then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of iconic Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region from your base at magical Blanket Bay Lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
On your return to Christchurch, you journey up the wild remote rugged West Coast (ancient rain forests and mighty glaciers) with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight. You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous Tranz Alpine scenic train.
Quick Summary
Southern Circuit Luxury Self-drive Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch City
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Day 2: Canterbury
Collect your rental car this morning, then you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: MacKenzie
Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Otago Peninsulala
A day to explore the wildlife and history of the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: South Otago
Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.
Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Milford Sound
Take the amazing journey to Milford Sound where you'll experience the fiord on a cruise.
Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Queenstown
Spend the day relaxing or enjoy the many activities on offer in Queenstown.
Accommodation: Azur Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Crown Range Road
Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before traveling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Heli-Hike
Explore the glaciers by air and foot on an amazing heli-hike adventure.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Christchurch
Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The George Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Departure
Depart Christchurch today
