8 Day Taste of the South

South Island Self Drive Tour

Christchurch Return

Self Drive

Days: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Accommodation: 3 Star

Drive: 7 Days Car Hire

Tours: TranzAlpine Train Journeys Included

From: $315 NZD Per Person, Per Day*

Price: $2520 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)

100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!

TranzAlpine Train Journey

All Inclusive & Customisable

This 8 day scenic journey offers a glimpse into the stunning landscapes and diversity of New Zealand’s South Island. Explore Christchurch and Dunedin, the island’s largest cities, then travel to Mt. Cook National Park and Te Anau, the entrance to Fiordland National Park. Continue on to experience the vibrant energy of Queenstown before heading north to the remarkable glaciers of the West Coast. Finish your adventure with a breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps, returning to Christchurch.

8 Day Taste of the South Trip Inclusions

    • Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

    • 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

    • Meals included: 7 breakfasts

Quick Summary - Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive into the 'Garden City' of Christchurch

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold

Day 2: Collect your rental car this morning, then you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country

Accommodation: Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin

Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Central

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Drive North along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Depart Christchurch today

Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.

Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.

Here's how it works.

  • Step One.

    Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.

  • Step Two.

    We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.

  • Step Three.

    Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.