South Island Must Do Tour

Christchurch is a vibrant and picturesque city on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The city is known for its stunning architecture, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Christchurch Cathedral and the innovative Cardboard Cathedral.

Visitors can also explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Art Gallery. In addition, Christchurch is a gateway to the stunning Canterbury region, with its stunning scenery, including the Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and surfing.

With its lively culture, beautiful scenery, and welcoming community, Christchurch is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.

Accommodation: Inner city 4 to 5 star 

Start your journey to Mt Cook Village early, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the sights of the Canterbury Plains, stopping for a coffee in Geraldine and a famous New Zealand pie in Fairlie. Once you have driven through the Burkes Pass you will find yourself in the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.

From there drive past the beautiful glacier fed turquoise blue Lake Pukaki and on a clear day spy New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki Mount Cook. Continue along the shores of the lake to your next destination Mount Cook Village. 

Please be aware there are no food shops in the village so stock up on snacks and supplies prior if you wish to self cater at your accommodation. 

Accommodation: 1 nights – Hotel / Motel / Holiday Homes

Driving Distance: 350km / 217 Mile 

Driving Time: 4hr 

Today you will travel through Twizel, a small town used extensively for the Lord of the Rings films.

Driving through the Waitaki Valley you be following the South Island’s hydro power generating system towards the east coast.  Stop at Oamaru, known for its white stone buildings constructed with the local Oamaru Stone. The large town is only an hour and a half drive from Dunedin so you can get the chance to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk.

If you would rather keep driving south make a quick detour to Moeraki,  to see the Moeraki Boulders, a unique geological feature well worth a look. Driving into Dunedin enjoy the city’s Scottish heritage especially present around the city’s main centre The Octagon.

Accommodation: 1 night – Hotel / Motel 

Driving Distance: 320km / 195 Mile 

Driving Time: 3hr 45min 

Today you will treated to driving through to Te Anau.

The drive from Dunedin to Te Anau is a spectacular journey through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes approximately four and a half hours one way, and along the way, visitors can take in the stunning scenery of rolling hills, rugged mountains, and picturesque lakes.

The drive passes through charming towns and historic sites, including the iconic Moeraki Boulders and the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, and visitors can explore the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound by boat tour or scenic flight.

The town is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The drive from Dunedin to Te Anau is an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, and a must-do for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the South Island.

Accommodation: 2 nights – Hotel / Motel 

Driving Distance: 290km / 180 Mile 

Driving Time: 4hr  

Climbing through the Southern Alps, State Highway 94 (SH94), or the Milford Road is one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand, it is also the only road access to Milford Sound Piopiotahi. More of an adventure than a drive, the road to Milford Sound Piopiotahi gives visitors a taste of Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and the diverse scope of Fiordland’s landscapes. 

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound Piopiotahi covers it all, from lush beech forest and vast valleys to mirror-like lakes, towering mountains and impressive feats of roading engineering. While the final reward is the breathtaking vista of Milford Sound Piopiotahi, the Milford Road delivers a journey which is every bit as impressive as the destination.

Milford Sound Cruise with RealNZ

From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests, Milford Sound has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative, and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest

Driving Distance: 120km / 74.5 Miles each way from Te Anau 

Driving Time: 2 hrs

Today travel through the beautiful southern country side on your way to the adventure capital of the world Queenstown. 

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. It’s rumoured that gold prospectors – captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers – gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.

Travel through Wanaka and the spectacular Haast Pass on your way to Franz Josef

From Queenstown you will drive over the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand to arrive in the Alpine tourist town of Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka is a great spot to grab a coffee at one of the lakeside cafes and stroll the shores.

Drive through the spectacular Haast Pass and through the settlement itself and start your stunning drive along the West Coast Highway winding its way through ancient temperate rainforests on one side and wild coast beaches on the other.

Finish at the small town of Franz Josef and explore this spectacular world heritage area.

Franz Josef is a picturesque village located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, offering visitors an unforgettable travel experience. The town is named after the Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning natural wonder that draws thousands of tourists each year. Visitors can take a guided hike or helicopter tour to explore the glacier and its surrounding ice formations, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot pools at the Glacier Hot Pools. In addition to glacier activities, Franz Josef offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, including kayaking, horseback riding, and skydiving. With its stunning scenery, charming town, and endless activities, Franz Josef is a destination not to be missed on any New Zealand itinerary.

Driving Distance: 350km / 217 Miles from Te Anau 

Driving Time: 5 hrs

Drive from Franz Josef town through to Greymouth to catch the world famous TranzAlpine train

Travelling on the TranzAlpine train is a truly unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. The train journey takes you through some of the country’s most stunning scenery, including the majestic Southern Alps, pristine rivers and lakes, and lush rainforests.

As you sit back and relax in the comfortable carriages, you can take in the views from the panoramic windows or step outside to feel the fresh mountain air. Along the way, the train stops at several scenic spots, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs and take photos. The journey from Greymouth to Christchurch takes around four and a half hours, and includes commentary from knowledgeable onboard staff, providing fascinating insights into the history and geography of the region.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to New Zealand, travelling on the TranzAlpine train is an experience not to be missed.

Driving Distance: 171km / 106 Miles  

Driving Time: 2.5 hrs

Once in Christchurch you can experience your last taste of our  vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch boasts stunning parks and gardens, a rich cultural scene, and a fascinating history. You can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and historic sites, or simply stroll around the charming streets and boutique shops. 

The city is also home to a thriving food and wine scene, with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious local cuisine.

Whether you’re seeking culture, adventure, or relaxation, Christchurch has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination on any trip to New Zealand.

We hope you loved Aotearoa as much as we do.