Search Activities & Tours:

New Zealand South Island Itinerary: Southern Highlights (6 Days) South Island Tours New Zealand

Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island with our exclusive vacation package.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary, Christchurch - Ocean to Alps

New Zealand South Island Itinerary, Christchurch – Ocean to Alps, Photo Credit: ChristchurchNZ

Immerse yourself in stunning vistas, where majestic snow-capped mountains meet turquoise lakes, all under the world’s clearest, star-filled skies. This package offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

  •    TOUR DURATION:
    6 days
  •    TOUR STARTS/ENDS:
    Christchurch to Queenstown
  •    TOUR CATEGORY:
    Self Drive Tour
  •    TRANSPORTATION:
    Rental Car
  •    TOUR DEPARTURES:
    Daily
  •    AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
    Included
  •    MEALS:
    5 x Breakfast 
  •    ACCOMMODATIONS:
    First Class Hotels, Superior Hotels, Standard Hotels
  •    PASSENGERS:
    no minimum number of passengers
  •    TOUR CODE:
    GTNZ072024
  •    PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION:
    “Available“
  •    CITIES/REGIONS VISITED:

    Christchurch – Tekapo – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown

ITINERARY

Depart from United States Of America, US

DAY 1 : Arrive Christchurch

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

 

DAY 2 : Christchurch - Tekapo/Mt Cook Region

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

 

DAY 3 : Tekapo/Mt Cook Region - Queenstown

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

 

DAY 4 : Queenstown

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

 

DAY 5 : Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

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

 

DAY 6 : Depart Queenstown

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.

Arrive to United States Of America, US

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