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13-Day Self-Drive South Island Highlights

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Overview

There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. New Zealand offers all that and more! On this 13-day self-drive trip, you'll explore the best of the South Island.

Driving from one amazing destination to the news, you'll combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop and you'll start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the adrenaline capital of the world!

Beginning on the Otago Peninsula, you'll hop across to Stewart Island for a few days, then back on the mainland you'll make your way to Ulva Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef on the West Coast, Hokitika and Akaroa over two weeks in New Zealand.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Cruising
Hiking & Trekking
Food & Drink

Itinerary

Day 1

Kia Ora and Welcome to New Zealand!

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Kia Ora and Welcome to New Zealand!

Upon arrival, you will pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your accommodation on the Otago Peninsula for the next two nights. Situated about 500 metres from the Larnach Castle gate, is ‘Camp Estate’, a glamorous country house, positioned on castle land. After settling into your accommodation, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax or explore Dunedin and the castle grounds.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Larnach Castle4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    DunedinOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Dunedin International Airport to Larnach Castle

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

Day 2

Free Day on the Otago Peninsula

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Free Day on the Otago Peninsula

Today you'll have the day free to spend as you wish. You can explore Dunedin city or join one of the wildlife tours who explore the wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. The Monarch Wildlife Cruise gives you the opportunity to explore the stunningly beautiful and rugged coastline close to the entrance of the Otago Harbour. You will also get to see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Larnach Castle4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Larnach Castle

    Monarch Wildlife Cruises & ToursOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Otago

Day 3

Beautiful Drive & Ferry Crossing to Stewart Island

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Beautiful Drive & Ferry Crossing to Stewart Island

On your drive today, you pass through the little-frequented area of the 'Catlins', along a rough and wild coastline, far away from civilisation. You'll continue your drive to Bluff from where the ferry makes its way across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, one of New Zealand’s largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations. You'll be collected on the other side by your private driver and taken to your accommodation where you'll relax for the rest of the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Church Hill Restaurant

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Stewart IslandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Larnach Castle to Ferry Terminal

    Ferry from Ferry Terminal to Stewart Island / Rakiura

    Private Driver from Stewart Island / Rakiura to Church Hill Restaurant

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Stewart Island

    Oban

Day 4

Guided Tours of Ulva Island

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Guided Tours of Ulva Island

Today, you'll embark on two private guided tours. During the half-day birding and botany tour, your guide will lead you on walking tracks that weave around fallen trees and lush native forest alive with birdsong. You might discover exquisite seasonal orchids and very friendly birdlife that will come too close for your camera lens. After sunset, you will have the chance to see the largest of New Zealand's iconic kiwi species, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) in its natural habitat.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Church Hill Restaurant

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ulva's Guided Walks - Beautiful Birding & Botany

    Ulva's Guided Walks - Evening Kiwi Spotting

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Oban

Day 5

Journey to Queenstown

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Journey to Queenstown

This morning, after breakfast, you'll catch your one-hour ferry back to the mainland. Here, you'll pick up your rental car and continue your journey to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Travellers from all over the world flock to Queenstown to experience activities such as skiing, 4x4 driving, golf and ziplining. Water sports like kayaking, jet boating and river rafting are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful lakes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Browns Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    QueenstownOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Church Hill Restaurant to Stewart Island / Rakiura

    Ferry from Stewart Island / Rakiura to Ferry Terminal

    Rental Car from Ferry Terminal to Queenstown

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Oban

    Queenstown

Day 6

Scenic Flight & Nature Cruise on the Milford Sound

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Scenic Flight & Nature Cruise on the Milford Sound

No trip to New Zealand is complete without cruising in the stunning Milford Sound. On a small aeroplane, you will fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to the Milford Sound. This flight will be following by a leisurely two-hour nature cruise of Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea. The onboard nature guide will tell you more about the wildlife you'll hope to spot. After the cruise, you will fly back to Queenstown.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Browns Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Real Journeys - Fly, Nature Cruise, Fly

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

Day 7

Free Day in Queenstown

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Free Day in Queenstown

Queenstown is the ultimate adventure destination with exciting activities amidst some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural scenery. Today, you can choose between the adventure activities which Queenstown is well known for. Alternatively, you can explore Arrowtown, which is known for its gold rush times, or visit some wineries around Queenstown. There is an abundance of activities to choose from!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Browns Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    QueenstownOptional Activity

    Heli Wine Tour in QueenstownOptional Activity

    ArrowtownOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Arrowtown

Day 8

Drive to the Franz Josef on the West Coast

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Drive to the Franz Josef on the West Coast

After passing through the rocky Kawerau Gorge and Cromwell village, the road passes through Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. The drive across the Haast Pass to the West Coast will show you a variety of different vegetation until you arrive at a very moist coastal strip of this island, the West Coast. Upon arrival, you'll have lots of options to do smaller walks or a visit a salmon farm.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Te Waonui Forest Retreat5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Franz JosefOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 9

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

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Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

Today you'll embark on a hike on the Franz Josef glacier. Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where you will get kitted out with the essential gear and given a pre-trip briefing. From here, your guide will lead you on a short walk through native forest to the helipad. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board your helicopter and fly over the jaw-dropping landscape. During your hike, your guide will share their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Te Waonui Forest Retreat5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    France Josef Glacier Guides Heli Hike

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 10

Scenic Journey North to Hokitika

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Scenic Journey North to Hokitika

Today, you'll continue your scenic self-driving journey further along the coast to the north. You will stay in Hokitika for one night, New Zealand's greenstone town. Often described as a cool little town, Hokitika is the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast in New Zealand. The West Coast is known for its untamed natural wilderness, traditional and authentic experiences and its friendly characters, you'll find all that at Hokitika.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rimu Lodge5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    HokitikaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Franz Josef Glacier to Hokitika

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Hokitika

    Ruatapu

Day 11

Travel Inland Through an Unbelievably Scenic Region to Akaroa

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Travel Inland Through an Unbelievably Scenic Region to Akaroa

Leaving Hokitika behind today, you'll travel inland to Akaroa. You will traverse the highest and most spectacular route in the Southern Alps. While you cross spectacular gorges and river valleys, you will see the snow-covered Southern Alps and the fascinating landscape changes from rainforest through rugged mountain terrain to farmland. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in a secluded cottage in historic ambience on the Banks Peninsula.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Shepherd’s Cottage at Annandale5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Hokitika to Akaroa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ruatapu

    Pigeon Bay

Day 12

Free Day in Akaroa

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Free Day in Akaroa

Today is at your own leisure. You can explore the small town Akaroa, the only former French settlement in New Zealand. French colonists settled here shortly after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Since, Akaroa has kept its French charm. There is plenty of time for a stroll along the harbour promenade with its numerous cafés and art galleries. Optionally, you can take part in a harbour cruise tour.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Shepherd’s Cottage at Annandale5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Black Cat Akaroa Harbour CruiseOptional Activity

    Akaroa HarbourOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pigeon Bay

    Akaroa

Day 13

Goodbye New Zealand!

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Goodbye New Zealand!

Your two weeks in New Zealand has come to an end. When you're ready, you'll drive to Christchurch airport to return your rental car and board your flight home.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Akaroa to Christchurch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pigeon Bay

Included in Price

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • 5 activities
  • 12 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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