New Zealand Road Trip Ideas -South Island 2 to 4 days

This Road Trip is an 8 Day Scenic exploration of the South Island's iconic locations. Visit Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, in the adventure-packed town of Queenstown, take a ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat. Carry on to Te Anau & Fiordland National Park for a cruise on Milford Sound. Head through Wanaka to the West Coast Glaciers and then board the TranzAlpine scenic train to cross the incredible Southern Alps making your way back to Christchurch.

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.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county and onto Mt Cook National Park. Then journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, another World Heritage site. From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford Sound where you will take a scenic nature cruise. Then drive through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South' before heading back to Christchurch.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Lake Tekapo. You will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to Queenstown.  Your first night in Queenstown you'll cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Station for a farm show and gourmet BBQ.  From Queenstown you will enjoy a spectacular flight to Milford Sound.  Once in Milford sound you will take a scenic nature cruise, before flying off to Mt Aspiring National Park for the amazing Dart River Safari. Next day you will be travelling north stopping at Franz Josef before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.

One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return 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.