New Zealand Road Trip Ideas - South Island 10 - 12 days

A 13-day loop of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch this tour takes you to Mt Cook, the Southern Lakes and along the rugged West Coast. Experience Milford Sound, Queenstown and explore the wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. With plenty of two night stays you won't feel rushed and have plenty of time to soak up the true "kiwi culture" and hospitality of boutique lodges and bed and breakfast's before ending your journey on the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Dunedin you have time to explore the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, before continuing south to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound where you’ll cruise the length of the fiord.  This 11 day tour wouldn’t be complete without 2 nights in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown before you follow the Southern Alps north to Mt Cook National Park and back to Christchurch.

Taking you south from Christchurch, this 10 day includes the majestic scenery of the lower South Island.  Beginning with the large open spaces of the McKenzie Country and Mt. Cook National Park, you then travel to the coast and the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin with its nearby wildlife havens.  In Fiordland there is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise, before you continue to the mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region.

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.  Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for you Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose.  You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Highlighting the best of what New Zealand's South Island has to offer this 12-day tour takes you through the foothills of the Southern Alps, Mt Cook National Park, Milford Sound and the "adventure capital" Queenstown. With all the best activity suggestions this tour is easily customisable and an itinerary that is sure to please.

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a journey past the mountains of the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  Next you venture further south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Here you’ll explore the pristine wilderness on a Milford Sound nature cruise.  In Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, there’s time to enjoy the scenery and endless activities on offer before returning to Christchurch via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers.

Taking you south from Christchurch, this 10 day includes the majestic scenery of the lower South Island.  Beginning with the large open spaces of the McKenzie Country and Mt. Cook National Park, you then travel to the coast and the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin with its nearby wildlife havens.  In Fiordland there is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise, before you continue to the mountains and lakes of the Southern Lakes region.

A relaxed 10 day tour exploring the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, with its wonderful architecture and the magnificent peninsula. You cross the historic Central Otago goldfields region to the alpine town of Queenstown, where adventure beckons.  Travel to the West Coast glaciers via the majestic forests of Mt Aspiring National Park.  After exploring the glacier region you’ll return to Christchurch on board the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mt. Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

This 10 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Christchurch, Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination. You begin with a journey past the mountains of the Southern Alps and turquoise waters of alpine lakes before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  Next you venture further south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.  Here you’ll explore the pristine wilderness on a Milford Sound nature cruise.  In Queenstown, the Adventure Capital, there’s time to enjoy the scenery and endless activities on offer before returning to Christchurch via the magnificent West Coast Glaciers.