New Zealand Itineraries South Island Map Entrepreneur Decision Maker Connector Podcaster EducatorNew Zealand may be a small country but it has developed a big name as a popular international tourist destination. With good driving roads, top tourist spots easily accessible and an ever-changing display of breath-taking scenery, it is easy to understand why visitors enjoy touring around this beautiful country.

Situated in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a multi-cultural land boasting a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions extending throughout the North and South Islands, while Foveaux Strait separates Stewart Island from the bottom of the South Island.

Temperatures range from the warm sub-tropical areas of the ‘Far North’ to the cooler climates of the ‘Deep South’. With ski-ing in winter and water sports in summer, New Zealand is really an all-season holiday destination. From sparkling golden beaches, picturesque glaciers and tramper-friendly native rainforest, to world-class ski facilities, magical marine life, pristine tramping conditions, historical buildings, Maori culture and lush farmland, it is easy to see why New Zealand is renowned for our eco-tourism and pure, green outdoor image.

If you are considering a self-drive journey around this beautifully diverse country, New Zealand’s Information Network in New Zealand have compiled some awesome itineraries to assist you with your Kiwi travel plans.

Going to the North Island? Make sure you plan an unforgettable journey with our North Island itineraries.

Our South Island itineraries range from shorter 5 day trips right up to the ultimate 12 Day South Island tour.

Showcasing a variety of main stream and ‘not so well known’ popular visitor attractions and activities, our travelling writers have provided the low down on what you should see and do not only during your stay in each city, but also things you should take the time to see or experience while you are travelling along the highways and back roads of the ‘Mainland’.

Our range of South Island travel itineraries cover a diverse range of touring options, each includes information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

Traversing the entire South Island – we have it covered!

Many of the itineraries start in the South Island’s biggest city, Christchurch, and showcases some of the best South Island visual attractions and heritage, including visits to Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Southland, the rugged beauty of Stewart Island and coastal destinations such as the West Coast, Otago Peninsula, Kaikoura and Nelson, as well as the vineyard delights of Marlborough, and popular destinations such Fox Glacier, Te Anau, Fiordland and more.

If you would like a sneak of the South Island then the 8 day Itinerary is just for you! Starting in Christchurch, climb a Glacier in Franz Josef, experience the adventure capital of Queenstown and the tranquil beauty of Wanaka as well as the picturesque region of Te Anau and the heritage capital of Dunedin city.

If you are planning a self-drive tour of the South Island our array of itineraries will help you plan the perfect South Island tour.

New Zealand Itineraries: South Island Suggested Itineraries

Our range of South Island Itineraries cover a diverse range of touring options, each includes information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Franz Josef – Wanaka, Wanaka – Mt Cook and Mt Cook – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – St Arnuad, St Arnuad – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Queenstown, Queenstown – Dunedin, Dunedin – Oamaru and Oamaru – Christchurch
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercargill, Invercargill – Stewart Island, Stewart Island – Te-anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown and Queenstown – Christchurch
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier – Wanaka, Wanaka – Queenstown, Queenstown – Te Anau, Te Anau – Dunedin and Dunedin – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercragill, Invercargill – Te Anau, Te Anau Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Omarama, Omarama – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Haast, Haast – Greymouth and Greymouth – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Takaka, Takaka – Motueka, Motueka – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Milford Sound – Queenstown, Queenstown – Wanaka, Wanaka – Franz Josef, Franz Josef – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch