15 Day Southern Highlights

Welcome to Christchurch! After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore the ‘Garden City’ at your leisure.

Discover Akaroa on a full-day tour today including a harbour cruise and lunch. You’ll be collected from your accommodation and taken on a scenic journey through the hills and lakes of Banks Peninsula, passing through charming local spots along the way. Enjoy a brief stop at the Hilltop to take in sweeping views of Akaroa Harbour before descending into the picturesque French-inspired village. There’s time to explore and relax, with the option to enjoy lunch at a popular waterfront restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour cruise with Black Cat to discover the wildlife of Akaroa Harbour, including dolphins, penguins, and seals. Before heading back to Christchurch, visit Barrys Bay Cheese Factory to sample some delicious local cheese.

Collect your rental car from Christchurch City this morning and begin your self-drive journey. Today, you will drive to Arthur’s Pass. Travel through the scenic Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the Southern Alps, where dramatic mountain landscapes and native beech forests await. Along the way, you may wish to stop at Castle Hill, known for its striking limestone rock formations. Keep an eye out for kea — the playful alpine parrots often seen near the pass. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by alpine beauty.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Arthur’s Pass. Take the opportunity to explore this stunning alpine region at your own pace — whether it’s embarking on one of the many walking tracks, such as the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls or the Bealey Spur Track, or simply relaxing and soaking up the tranquillity of the mountains. With its dramatic scenery, crisp alpine air, and peaceful surroundings, Arthur’s Pass is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Continue your journey to Franz Josef today. As you’ll be spending the next few days here, take some time to settle into your accommodation and get ready for the adventures ahead.

This morning, experience the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier on an unforgettable Glacier Encounter. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the icy landscape before landing on the glacier itself for a 15-minute guided walk on the ice — a truly bucket-list experience. In the afternoon, unwind on a two-hour scenic cruise with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. Glide across the still waters of Lake Mapourika, taking in panoramic views of the Southern Alps and lush rainforest reflections — a perfect contrast to the morning’s alpine adventure.

Today, drive to Queenstown through spectacular alpine scenery. We recommend a stop in Wanaka to break up the journey before arriving and settling into your accommodation for the evening.

Enjoy a free day to explore Queenstown however you choose — from lakeside strolls to optional adventure activities. In the evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, where a gourmet BBQ dinner awaits in a stunning lakeside setting.

Today, drive from Queenstown to Te Anau at your own pace. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting.

Journey to Milford Sound this morning for a premium cruise through the fiord’s dramatic landscapes. Enjoy two hours on the water with a glass of champagne, locally inspired bites, and a small cheese platter. After the cruise, return to Te Anau, where your evening includes a guided tour of the magical Glowworm Caves — a unique underground experience lit by thousands of nature’s tiny lights.

Today, drive from Te Anau to Invercargill, travelling through the rural heart of Southland. On arrival, take a guided tour of Bill Richardson Transport World — an impressive and engaging museum featuring one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage vehicles, memorabilia, and transport history. After your visit, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

This morning, fly from Invercargill to Stewart Island, a serene and untouched haven rich in native bush, birdlife, and coastal charm. Enjoy a half-day guided tour taking in the island’s highlights — from scenic viewpoints and secluded bays to the historic Oban village. With its slower pace and abundant wildlife, Stewart Island offers a true escape into nature. In the afternoon, return by flight to Invercargill, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today, drive from Invercargill to Dunedin, travelling through the rolling farmland and coastal landscapes of South Otago. On arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this vibrant university city.

Today, drive from Dunedin back to Christchurch, travelling through a mix of coastal and inland scenery as you make your way north. To break up the journey, we suggest stopping at the Moeraki Boulders — a unique natural attraction scattered along the shoreline — and enjoying a relaxed lunch at Fleur’s Place, a much-loved seaside restaurant nearby. Continue on to Christchurch, where you’ll settle in for your final night in the South Island.

Enjoy some final sightseeing in Christchurch this morning before driving to the airport, where you’ll return your rental car and prepare for your onward journey.