The Southern Circuit

This 13 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for you Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown and on to the alpine village of Wanaka where you have time to explore the natural beauty of the region and enjoy the many activities on offer. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose. You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

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: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from the Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

1 lunch

Itinerary summary for: The Southern Circuit

Day 1: Arrive into the 'Garden City' of Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 2: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 3: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, then south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 4: Today is yours to explore the history of Dunedin or head out to the Peninsula for amazing wildlife encounters
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 5: Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 6: Start early this morning so you have time to enjoy the spectacular Milford Road
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

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

Day 8: Cross the Crown Range to the alpine lake village of Wanaka
Accommodation: Clearbrook Motel and Serviced Apartments

Day 9: You have today free to explore Wanaka and surrounds
Accommodation: Clearbrook Motel and Serviced Apartments

Day 10: Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 11: Explore the glacier region, we recommend a scenic flight for amazing views
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 12: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 13: Depart Christchurch today