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Te Waipounamu (South Island) Flexi Self Drive Holiday 13D/12N

This 13-day South Island flexi self-drive holiday offers a perfectly balanced journey through New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes, combining vibrant cities, alpine escapes, rugged coastlines, and world-famous natural wonders. Beginning in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown, the itinerary allows time to explore at your own pace while enjoying guided experiences in key regions. From soaking in thermal pools and discovering historic towns to cruising Milford Sound and venturing into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, this journey showcases the very best of Te Waipounamu with comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable scenery throughout.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Christchurch’s vibrant culture, gardens, museums, and heritage attractions at a relaxed pace

  • Soak in the alpine hot pools of Hanmer Springs and discover charming coastal towns like Akaroa and Timaru

  • Encounter unique wildlife and dramatic coastlines in Dunedin, including penguins, historic architecture, and scenic beaches

  • Experience Fiordland’s natural wonders with the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and a Milford Sound cruise

  • Enjoy iconic South Island scenery and experiences in Queenstown, including alpine tours, lake cruises, dining, and adventure views

Price from

$3,990.00

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Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • - 14 day automatic, 4 door intermediate sedan car hire with AVIS or Budget, on NIL excess rate.
  • - 12 night accommodation in 4 star hotels, standard guest room, room only.
  • - Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour from Te Anau.
  • - Milford Sound day tour & cruise from Te Anau.
  • - Walter Peak gourmet dining & cruise from Queenstown.
  • - Gondola & 3 Luge rides from Queenstown.
  • - Mt Cook full day tour from Queenstown.

Departures:

Daily, all year round.

Additional Information:

  • - The car type can be upgraded to a compact SUV, Full Size Sedan, standard SUV, Large SUV, 8 Seater Van or Large 4WD.
  • - The accommodation in each destination can be upgraded or can be changed to self contained apartment style or lodges.
  • - All drivers must have a physical open valid drivers license to present on pick-up.
  • - The drivers under 21 years old must pay a daily surcharge direct on pick-up.
  • - Child safety seats, booster seats, roof racks and snow chains can be provided with an additional cost, to be paid direct on pick-up. These items have to be requested at the time of booking.
  • - If you return the vehicle earlier than agreed, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please Note:

  • - One way fee and/or airport pick-up & drop-off fee may apply, please check with your V Travel Network sales consultant.
  • - If you would like to combine the New Zealand South Island self drive holiday with the New Zealand North Island self drive holiday, we can book your Cook Strait ferry from Picton to Wellington, please let your V Travel Network sales consultant know.
  • - This is a suggested self drive itinerary, the itinerary can be done in the opposite direction, the number of nights in each destination can be extended or reduced.
  • - Offered tours can be removed or more day tours & activities can be added.
  • - The itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples & families.

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

On arrival collect your vehicle from Christchurch airport and head to Christchurch city. (11 km, 20 minutes drive)

Overnight Christchurch. (Paid parking)

Day 2: Christchurch

Today explore Christchurch at your own pace.

Wander Christchurch Botanic Gardens, visit Canterbury Museum, experience the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, ride the Christchurch Tram and visit Christchurch Art Gallery.

Overnight Christchurch. (Paid parking)

Day 3: Christchurch & Hanmer Springs

This morning drive North to Hanmer Springs. (133 km, 1 hour 45 minutes drive each way)

Relax in the silky-sooth sulphur pools, bask in gentle rapids and natural rock pools.

Overnight Christchurch. (Paid parking)

Day 4: Christchurch to Timaru

Before you drive South to Timaru, (162 km, 2 hours drive) discover Akaroa, one of New Zealand’s most loved towns, famous for its French cuisine and rare dolphins.

Overnight Timaru. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 5: Timaru to Dunedin

In the morning visit the lighthouse built in 1878 then discover Caroline Bay, a much-loved swimming spot.

Recently voted most popular beach in the South Island, Caroline Bay is a sheltered sandy beach ideal for anyone who loves a dip. (resident penguins included)

Then explore Moeraki Boulders Beach before you continue driving South to Dunedin.
(198 km, 2.5 hours drive)

Overnight Dunedin. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 6: Dunedin

Dunedin’s heritage architecture, wildlife colonies and spectacular coastal landscapes come with a captivating urban culture. A small city with big character. Discover street art, architecture and penguins – all in one day.

Overnight Dunedin. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 7: Dunedin to Te Anau

Set aside 2 hours to explore the famous Larnach Castle at a relaxed pace then start driving West to Te Anau.

With short detours, discover the Tunnel Beach Track and Central Cycle Trail. (287 km, 3.5 hours drive)

Overnight Te Anau. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 8: Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Te Anau provides a wide range of experiences.

Hike along the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks and visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.

Enjoy a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves.

Overnight Te Anau. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 9: Te Anau & Milford Sound

Get picked-up from your accommodation by a friendly local guide/driver and travel the scenic Milford road without having to self-drive on this handy day tour from Te Anau.

Travel to the Fiordland National Park before boarding a catamaran for a 90 minute cruise.

Journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as postcard-perfect Mitre Peak.

Late afternoon, you will be dropped-off at your Te Anau hotel.

Overnight Te Anau. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 10: Te Anau to Queenstown via Kingston

Today you will cross vast tussocklands on your way to Queenstown. (171 km, 2.5 hours drive)

Visit Kingston on the way, with easy access to Lake Whakatipu.

Continue on to Southland countryside where the Remarkable mountain range towers over your approach into the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Overnight Queenstown. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 11: Queenstown

The Skyline Gondola will take you to the top of Bob’s Peak for incredible panoramic views of Queenstown, combined with the luge, a fun activity for families.

Later on, discover Queenstown’s ultimate dining destination, Walter Peak High Country Farm – the only place where you can enjoy a cruise, dinner, and show combined into one unforgettable experience.

Overnight Queenstown. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 12: Queenstown & Mt Cook

Experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel on a guided day tour through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with free time in Mt Cook Village to enjoy local walks & activities.

Experience multiple scenic stops on the drive, Cromwell, The Lindis, Omaram, Twizel and many more.

Overnight Queenstown. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 13: Queenstown

Today return your vehicle at Queenstown AVIS or Budget depot.