The Charm of the South Island

Day 1 Christchurch Pick up your hire car and enjoy a free day to explore Christchurch as you please. We recommend a visit to the ‘RE:Start’ district with its many cafés, restaurants and shops.

Day 2 Christchurch – Punakaiki (300 km) Today’s leg takes you through the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass and on to Punakaiki on the west coast. We recommend a visit to the Pancake Rocks, rock formations that look like stacks of pancakes.

Day 3 Greymouth – Franz Josef / Fox Glacier (220 km) You continue south via Greymouth and Hokitika before reaching the magnificent glacier region.

Day 4 Franz Josef / Fox Glacier The day is yours to explore the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. We recommend a hike or a ‘heli-hike’ (optional)!

Day 5 Franz Josef / Fox Glacier – Queenstown (355 km) Through the dreamlike landscapes of the Haast Pass and around Wanaka, you reach Queenstown.

Day 6 Queenstown – Te Anau (180 km) Past Lake Wakatipu, you reach Te Anau and Fiordland National Park.

Day 7 Fiordland National Park The highlights of this stage are without doubt Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Day 8 Te Anau – Dunedin (330 km) Via Gore and Milton you reach Dunedin, a city with a distinctly Scottish character. Thanks to its proximity to the Otago Peninsula, you can watch fantastic native wildlife here.

Day 9 Dunedin – Mount Cook (320 km) Visit the Moeraki Boulders, which lie on the beach north of Dunedin. Then continue across the vast central plateau.

Day 10 Mt Cook – Christchurch (335 km) Visit Mount Cook National Park before returning to Christchurch for the night.

Day 11 Mt Cook – Christchurch (335 km)