Escape the rush of travel and appreciate the hidden gems often missed when hurrying from one location to the next. This leisurely 14-day itinerary allows you to experience South Island’s spectacular sceneries as you go behind the wheel. From the vibrant cityscape of Christchurch, where your self-guided adventure begins, to the former gold mining town of Hokitika, each destination making up a chapter in your book of New Zealand holiday retreat.

Marvel at the mysterious Moeraki Boulders or the Franz Josef glacier, each a colossal testament to nature’s beauty. Drive to historic towns, a Victorian castle, and alpine enclaves where culture and outdoor adventures are aplenty. This unhurried journey is an invitation to bask in the beauty and serenity of each remarkable stop along the way.

Christchurch: your self-guided tour starts in the largest city of South Island where you can stroll at the beautiful Botanic Gardens, look at the Gothic Revival buildings at the Arts Centre, or go on a chairlift ride at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Hokitika: drive 40 km south of Greymouth to the former gold mining town known for pounamu jewellery, tree tops zipline, and taking a cruise through the wetlands.
Franz Josef: the small town is the jump-off point to the glacier of the same name. You can get up close to the glacier by taking a heli-hike (helicopter ride and guided walk) or a glacier hiking trip.
Arrowtown: ride a bike or take a self-guided walk around the historic gold mining town and in its trails, hills, and riverside.
Wanaka: find outdoor adventures in the resort town where you can go skydiving, canyoning, biking and even exploring the Southern Alps nearby. During winter, be sure to pack your skis.
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with BBQ lunch: the vintage steamship can take you on a scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu
Milford Sound Cruise with picnic lunch: an excursion to Milford Sound, a UNESCO-listed fiord in South Island known for its waterfalls, rainforests, and dramatic mountains. It’s home to penguins and fur sea colonies.
Dunedin’s Larnach Castle with High Tea: located in one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Larnach Castle is a popular New Zealand attraction that offers a look into Victorian living and New Zealand craftsmanship.
Moeraki Boulders: when you drive along the North Otago coast, stop at Koekohe Beach where you can see the mysteriously spherical stones scattered, each one weighing several tonnes and up to two metres high.

• 14 days car hire in a SUV auto from Christchurch
• 13 nights in hand-picked 3.5/4 star hotels
• Leisure time in West Coast’s Glacier Country
• Leisure time to explore Arrowtown & Wanaka
• TSS Earnslaw Cruise with BBQ Lunch ex Queenstown
• Milford Sound Cruise with Picnic Lunch
• Entry to Dunedin’s Larnach Castle with High Tea
• Leisure time to visit Moeraki Boulders

Pricing featured is based on 2 adults sharing and priced as per person in Australian Dollars. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice.

Valid for travel from 01 Oct 2023 to 31 Mar 2024 and valid for sale until 31 Dec 2023 unless sold out prior. Seasonal surcharges and blockout dates apply including special events and holiday periods.

Hand-picked hotels will be advised at time of quoting and will be confirmed at time of booking.

Car hire with Europcar is based on a Mitsubishi ASX Auto with return collection from Christchurch International Airport. Europcar rental conditions and excess policy applies.