The Southern Circle Self Drive Tour

This 11 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Dunedin you have time to explore the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, before continuing south to Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound where you’ll cruise the length of the fiord. This South Island tour wouldn’t be complete without two nights in the ‘Adventure Capital’ Queenstown before you follow the Southern Alps north to Mt Cook National Park and back to Christchurch.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

1 lunch

Itinerary summary for: The Southern Circle Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch, New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 2: This morning collect your rental car, then spend the day exploring Christchurch and its surrounds
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 3: Head south crossing the Canterbury Plains to the coast as you make your way to Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 4: Explore the historic city of Dunedin and unique wildlife on the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 5: Travel through lush Southland countryside to reach Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound and Fiordland
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 6: Allow plenty of time for your drive to Milford Sound as this is one of the most spectacular roads in the world
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 7: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 8: Spend today experiencing some of the many activities on offer in ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 9: Today travel through the Kawarau Gorge before crossing the Lindis Pass to Mackenzie Country and Mount Cook National Park
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 10: Take a scenic drive past Lake Tekapo into rural Canterbury
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 11: Depart Christchurch today