New Zealand South Island Itinerary: 6 Day Southern Highlights
price from
NZ$ 1680
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - South Island 
Self Drive Tour 
6 days 
Christchurch 
Queenstown 6 Day New Zealand South Island Self-Drive Tour | Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown & Milford Sound | Southern Highlights
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand’s South Island with this thoughtfully designed New Zealand South Island Itinerary, created for travelers who want to experience the region’s most iconic highlights in a short yet unforgettable journey. Over six incredible days, immerse yourself in landscapes where towering snow-capped mountains rise above crystal-clear turquoise lakes, and dramatic scenery unfolds at every turn.
This New Zealand South Island Itinerary showcases the very best of the island’s natural wonders, from alpine vistas and pristine waterways to charming towns and world-famous viewpoints. As you travel through these breathtaking regions, you’ll enjoy ever-changing scenery, peaceful moments under some of the clearest, star-filled night skies on Earth, and countless photo opportunities.
Carefully crafted to balance comfort, sightseeing, and exploration, this itinerary offers a seamless way to experience the South Island’s most celebrated destinations while creating lasting memories. Whether it’s your first visit or a return adventure, this journey delivers an authentic and inspiring taste of New Zealand’s unforgettable southern landscapes.
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Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Rental Car
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- Included
Pricing
-
from NZ$1,680
Meals
- 5 x Breakfast
Accommodation
- First Class Hotels
- Superior Hotels
- Standard Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Tekapo – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- GTNZ072024
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
Upon arrival collect your rental vehicle and self-drive to your accommodation.
Christchurch is between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This vibrant, ever-changing city has inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.
Enjoy admission to the International Antarctic Centre today or tomorrow for an icy insight into this astounding continent.
Overnight: Christchurch
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Antarctic Centre
Depart a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise lakes. At Lake Tekapo, the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride in its place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Thought-provoking, educational, and entertaining, the Dark Sky Experience is an experience that will forever change the way you see the night sky. Lap up the fresh air and sparkling skies in this International Dark Sky Reserve. Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook
Christchurch – Tekapo/Mt Cook: 230/330km (approx 3/4hrs)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Dark Sky Experience
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Glacier Explorer
Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Embrace the dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple giant peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountain. Then hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki before travelling through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown
Tekapo/Mt Cook – Queenstown: 255/265km (approx 3hrs, 15mins)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gondola Ride
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Shotover Jetboat Ride
Walter Peak Farm Excursion
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown
Queenstown – Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs 50mins) each way
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Milford Sound Cruise
Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Queenstown Airport.
Please Note:
(i) Rental Car “Days” are based on a 24-hour hire.
Early arrivals into and/or late departures out of New Zealand may necessitate a longer hire period.
(ii) Adding Optional Tours may necessitate an additional nights’ stay in that location.
Inclusions & Highlights
Included in this New Zealand South Island Itinerary:
* 5 Day rental car hire with zero or reduced excess liability
* 5 Nights accommodation
* International Antarctic Centre
* Dark Sky Experience (Thu-Mon only)
* Milford Sound Cruise with lunch
Tour Departure Dates
Daily departures
Accommodation
- Standard Accommodation
Standard accommodation offers the comfort and convenience of a quality 3-star tourist hotel. These hotels provide excellent value for money and typically include a licensed restaurant and bar, ensuring a pleasant stay. - Superior Accommodation
Superior accommodation falls within the 3½ to 4-star category, offering enhanced comfort and amenities. These hotels are often centrally located and feature a wide range of services and facilities, making them an excellent choice for discerning travelers. - First-Class Accommodation
First-Class accommodation represents the pinnacle of comfort, with hotels in central city or resort locations rated 4 to 4½ stars. These properties boast outstanding facilities, including on-site bars, restaurants, swimming pools, spa baths, and fully equipped gymnasiums, delivering a premium experience. - Please refer to our comprehensive guide here for more details on specific accommodations.
Included activities
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