Discover South Island (Self Drive)
❮Discover South Island (Self Drive)
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This 9 night sample itinerary includes:
- Rental Car for 10 days
- Hotel for 2 nights in Christchurch
- Hotel for 1 night in Greymouth
- Hotel for 1 night Franz Josef
- Hotel for 1 night in Wanaka
- Hotel for 1 night in Mount Cook
- Hotel for 3 nights Queenstown
Driving Time
Christchurch - Greymouth: 3 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
Greymouth - Franz Josef: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx.
Franz Josef - Wanaka: 3 hrs. approx.
Wanaka - Mount Cook: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Mount Cook - Queenstown: 3 hrs. 25 mins. approx.
The wild and wonderful South Island of New Zealand offers everything; you can float over tranquil meadows in a hot-air balloon, get up close to a glacier, enjoy the fruits of the southernmost wine-making region in the world, and even get a glimpse into Antarctica. The trip of your dreams!. Drive through Christchurch (one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity), Greymouth (is the biggest hub on the West Coast in the South Island, and has the turnaround of the TranzAlpine train journey, recognised as one of the top train trips in the world), Franz Josef (is one of most publicly-accessible glaciers in New Zealand, and among the most accessible in the world – until recently, there was easy walking access directly to the glacier termini), Wanaka, Mt. Cook and Queenstown (known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps - the Kawarau Bridge Bungy). This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Flexible Itinerary
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Christchurch
Day 1Arrive to Christchurch
Overnight in ChristchurchDay 2Overnight in ChristchurchDay 3Departing from Christchurch
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Greymouth
Day 3Arrive to Greymouth
Overnight in GreymouthDay 4Departing from Greymouth
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Franz Josef
Day 4Arrive to Franz Josef
Overnight in Franz JosefDay 5Departing from Franz Josef
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Wanaka
Day 5Arrive to Wanaka
Overnight in WanakaDay 6Departing from Wanaka
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Mount Cook
Day 6Arrive to Mount Cook
Overnight in Mount CookDay 7Departing from Mount Cook
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Queenstown
Day 7Arrive to Queenstown
Overnight in QueenstownDay 8Overnight in QueenstownDay 9Overnight in QueenstownDay 10Departing from Queenstown
New Zealand
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, off the southeast coast of Australia, New Zealand is made up of two spectacular islands. The North Island is well known for its beaches, islands, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and Maori heritage, while the major cities of Auckland and Wellington, are also exciting hubs of culture, cuisine and nightlife. The South Island is famous for its dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities, and astounding wildlife. The majestic Southern Alps stretch almost the length of the island, sheltering glaciers, alpine lakes, and some of the world's best skiing.
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Trip Summary
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Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand is the charmingChristchurch. The eclectic energetic city has something to offer everyone, bordered by the ocean and hills the activities here are endless. Hike through the magnificent mountains rangers including Mt Cook, go white water rafting, mountain biking, surfing, whale watching, you name it, Christchurch has it. Along with vibrant street art, delicious food and a unique container mall the city that was so badly affected by the earthquakes is re-building itself. Explore around the amazing Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more.
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Greymouth
The wildest side of New Zealand, the West Coast has an impressive landscape of brooding mountains, icy glaciers and surreal coastal formations. Greymouth, the largest town in this region, is a peaceful place: the residents are friendly and the city has a unique flavor of both English culture as well as some Maori. It is both rich in history and steeped in Maori heritage. South of Greymouth, nearby Shantytown offers a fascinating insight into the gold rush days of the 1880's, re-creating the atmosphere of the era. Explore with a walk the Brunner Mine Site, Go Off-Roading Adventure, Take a Day Trip to Lake Brunner, Take the transalpine through Arthur`s Pass, Taste the famous beer at the original Monteith`s Brewhouse, and so much more.
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Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a small town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. The glacier's terminal face is 3 miles from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the main reason to visit Franz Josef. The scenery changes every day on the glacier because it is constantly moving and new routes are always being made. If you budget permits you, try the scenic helicopter flight with the glacier landing, it will be unforgettable. If you're into hiking, there are full day and half day options and easy/ beginner climbs to difficult/more competent climber routes. Visit and explore the Hike to Alex Knob, Take a hike in the Tartare Tunnel and check out the glow worms, Chase waterfalls, Explore Peter`s Pool, take the challenge on Roberts Point Track, Take the Callery Gorge Hike and view the Waiho River, Kayak on Lake Mapourika, and so much more.
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Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is the perfect setting for an unhurried weekend getaway, an action packed outdoor adventure, a leisurely family holiday and a photographer`s dream. There`s no shortage of activities for all ages on land, on water or in the air. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. With its beautiful lake and mountain views, Wanaka has become a popular tourist resort. Visit and explore Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak, Rippon Vineyard, Mou Waho Island, Cardrona Valley Ski Resort, Warbirds and Wheels Museum, Wanaka Lavender Farm, and so much more.
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Mount Cook
Located in the heart of New Zealand's Alpine country, at 3754 meters, New Zealand`s highest peak was named Mt Cook after the British explorer Captain James Cook. Although it encompasses 23 peaks over 3,000 meters high Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village which is situated beside scenic Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities. At Mt Cook Village you can experience life at its best: enjoy safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, horse treks, fishing, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous walks and hikes.
Wander through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Go on a cruise around Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake, See the Church of the Good Shepard with your own eyes, Visit Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, Stargaze at the Mount John Observatory, View the mountains up close from a helicopter, Be mesmerized by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, and so much more. -
Queenstown
Queenstown is the epicenter for adventure in New Zealand, known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World.' The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. Queenstown provides a wide variety of sports including skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking. In the winter time Queenstown is a major gathering place for snow sports with people from all over the country, and the world for that matter, traveling to ski here. Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand's wine and cuisine centers and also feature a vibrant nightlife.
Visit and explore Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob's Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet's Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!
Explore around the amazing Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Square, Hagley Park, Avon River, Christchurch Art Gallery, Quake City, Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch Gondola and so much more.
Explore with a walk the Brunner Mine Site, Go Off-Roading Adventure, Take a Day Trip to Lake Brunner, Take the transalpine through Arthur`s Pass, Taste the famous beer at the original Monteith`s Brewhouse, and so much more.
Visit and explore the Hike to Alex Knob, Take a hike in the Tartare Tunnel and check out the glow worms, Chase waterfalls, Explore Peter`s Pool, take the challenge on Roberts Point Track, Take the Callery Gorge Hike and view the Waiho River, Kayak on Lake Mapourika, and so much more.
Visit and explore Lake Wanaka, Roys Peak, Rippon Vineyard, Mou Waho Island, Cardrona Valley Ski Resort, Warbirds and Wheels Museum, Wanaka Lavender Farm, and so much more.
Wander through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Go on a cruise around Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake, See the Church of the Good Shepard with your own eyes, Visit Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, Stargaze at the Mount John Observatory, View the mountains up close from a helicopter, Be mesmerized by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, and so much more.
Visit and explore Queenstown Beach, Lake Wakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Bob's Peak, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Hill, Coronet's Peak, Onsen Hot Pools, Otago Wine Region, Arrowtown and so much more!