Self Drive Tour South Island New Zealand: 11 Day Glacier Wonder
price from
NZ$ 2264
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - South Island 
Self Drive Tour 
11 days 
Christchurch 
Christchurch 11 Day New Zealand South Island Self-Drive Tour | Glaciers, Fjords & Alpine Landscapes | Christchurch Return
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Self-Drive Tour South Island, New Zealand, designed for travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace while experiencing some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. The Glacier Wonder Self-Drive Tour takes you deep into the heart of the South Island, where towering glaciers flow from rugged alpine peaks and dramatic coastlines meet the open sea.
This unforgettable tour of the South Island, New Zealand, reveals a stunning variety of landscapes, from ancient geological rock formations and pristine rainforests to icy glacier valleys and tranquil lakes. As you journey coast to coast, you’ll discover remote wilderness areas, charming towns, and iconic natural attractions that showcase the raw, untamed beauty of the South Island.
With the flexibility to stop where and when you choose, this self-drive experience allows you to fully immerse yourself in New Zealand’s spectacular environment. Whether you’re standing at the base of a glacier, driving through mountain passes, or enjoying peaceful moments in untouched landscapes, the South Island of New Zealand tour promises unforgettable memories and a truly authentic adventure.
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Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Rental Car
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- N/A
Pricing
-
from NZ$2264. Optional breakfast add-on for the duration of this tour.
Meals
- 10x Breakfast
- 1x Lunch
Accommodation
- First Class Hotels
- Superior Hotels
- Standard Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Glacier Region – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau – Dunedin – Mt Cook – Tekapo – Christchurch
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- GTNZ052024
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
Itinerary
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self-drive to your accommodation.
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with 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
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Christchurch Tram Dinner
Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the West Coast. New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers, and geological treasures. Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice age, tumble down the rocky valleys. Overnight: Glacier Region
Christchurch – Glacier Region: 240-380km (approx 3.5-5hrs)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
A temperate climate at a low altitude makes Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, add a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike to your itinerary. Overnight: Glacier Region
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations. It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards, and gold mining history. Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown
Glacier Region – Queenstown: 350km (approx 4hrs,45mins)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Puzzling World
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
- Walter Peak Farm Excursion
- Skippers Canyon Scenic Jet Boat Tour
- Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
- Gondola & Buffet Dinner
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 Te Anau. Overnight: Te Anau
We recommend adding a one-hour side trip to your journey today to view the stunning scenery and wildlife at Nugget Point, The Catlins before arriving in the city of Dunedin.
Dunedin and its surroundings are a vibrant mix of heritage and wildlife. Set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea, Dunedin City has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Overnight: Dunedin.
Beyond Dunedin city, the Otago Peninsula boasts an array of native wildlife with penguins, albatrosses, seals, and sea lions. Today you’ll experience a guided wildlife tour with spectacular coastal views and personal encounters with nature. Overnight: Dunedin
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
- Argo Wildlife Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Blue Penguins Pukekura
The road from Dunedin is lined with breathtaking beaches and fascinating geology. We recommend a stop at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders before visiting the delightful historical town of Oamaru. Continue inland to a dramatic vast landscape of a rugged land of ice and rock that showcases multiple peaks including New Zealand’s highest mountain. Overnight: Tekapo or Mt Cook
Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then continue north east where braided rivers and fertile green plains will signal your arrival in Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch
Tekapo/Mt Cook – Christchurch: 230-330km (approx 3-4hrs)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Dark Sky Experience
Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport.
Inclusions & Highlights
Included in this 11 Day Self Drive Tour South Island New Zealand:
- 10 Day Rental Car Hire with zero or reduced excess liability
- 10 Nights Accommodation
- International Antarctic Centre
- Milford Sound Cruise including Lunch
- Argo Wildlife Tour
- Private Touring can be arranged upon request
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.
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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