Explore the South Island’s dramatic landscapes on a five-day self-drive. Start in Queenstown, visit Milford Sound’s cliffs and waterfalls, then travel over alpine passes to Franz Josef. Continue through Haast and Lindis Pass to Mackenzie Country, ending in Christchurch.
5 Day / 4 Night Tour
$839
97+ Booked
5 Day / 4 Night Tour
$839
97+ Booked
Arrive in Queenstown, collect your rental car, and head to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your pace. Set beside Lake Wakatipu and framed by mountains, the town offers lakeside walks, local markets, boutique shops, and cosy spots to enjoy Central Otago wine.
Overnight in Queenstown.
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the day exploring Queenstown however you like—lakefront strolls, café stops overlooking the Remarkables, or simply relaxing with alpine views.
Optional: Thunder Jet ride or Central Otago wine-tasting tour
Minimal local driving
Overnight in Queenstown.
Breakfast at hotel. Take one of the world’s most scenic drives via Lake Wakatipu, Fiordland’s forests, reflective lakes, and soaring granite peaks. At Milford Sound, consider a nature cruise to view waterfalls, seals, and dolphins. Drive back to Queenstown in the evening.
Drive: 574 km / 9.5 hrs return
Overnight in Queenstown.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel north via historic Arrowtown, then past Lakes Wānaka and Hawea before crossing the waterfall-lined Haast Pass to the West Coast. Arrive in Franz Josef for local walks, hot pools, or a visit to the Wildlife Centre to see rare kiwi.
Drive: 350 km / 5.5 hrs
Optional: West Coast Wildlife Centre
Overnight in Franz Josef.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive through alpine valleys and rainforest, retracing the Haast Pass before continuing via Wānaka and Cromwell. Cross the Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country for views of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Arrive in Christchurch, returning your rental car at the airport for your onward flight.
Drive: 450 km / 7 hrs
The accommodations listed above are based on 3-4 Star hotels. Guests may request an upgrade to 5 Star properties; however, upgraded hotel options are subject to availability and will incur additional costs.
Self Drive
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Our self-drive tour of the South Island was simply unforgettable. The itinerary was perfectly planned with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. We loved having the freedom to explore at our own pace, yet everything was organized for us. Highly recommend Go New Zealand Tours!
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
Our chauffeur-driven tour was the ultimate way to experience New Zealand! The comfort and luxury of a private vehicle made our trip so relaxing, and our driver was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about each location we visited.
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
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