Southern Splendour: South Island Self-Drive
Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
Destinations
New Zealand, Christchurch, Queenstown
The Southern Splendour self-drive covers the same South Island arc as the seat-in-coach version — Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and back — but at your own pace and in your own vehicle. The rental car is included for 6 days with zero or reduced excess liability, which removes the most significant variable cost of self-driving in New Zealand. Three activities are included: the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, the Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo, and the Milford Sound fiord cruise with lunch. The Antarctic Centre is one of the better-produced visitor attractions in New Zealand — a genuine museum covering the history and science of Antarctic exploration with live penguins and an immersive storm simulator, worth two hours at any point during days one or two. The Dark Sky Experience at Tekapo runs Thursday to Monday only and should be checked when booking; the Mackenzie Basin holds one of the world's few certified International Dark Sky Reserve designations, and the experience makes the most of that designation on a clear night. The Milford Sound day from Queenstown is approximately 12 hours door to door when self-driving — the same distance as the coach version but at your own speed through Fiordland. The return to Christchurch on day six covers 485 kilometres through the Lindis Pass and the Mackenzie district; allow the full day. This is a tour for you if you want the South Island's main circuit with the freedom to stop when the landscape demands it.
- ◆Self-drive — 6-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability included
- ◆Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo — one of the world's few certified Dark Sky Reserves
- ◆International Antarctic Centre — Christchurch's Antarctic gateway museum
- ◆Milford Sound — fiord cruise with lunch from Queenstown
- ◆Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo — the Mackenzie Basin at your own pace
Day-by-Day
Collect your rental car at Christchurch Airport and drive to your accommodation in the city. The car is included for 6 days with zero or reduced excess liability — confirm the specific excess terms at collection. Christchurch is a straightforward city to navigate; parking at most central hotels is available on-site or nearby.
International Antarctic Centre — Adjacent to the airport, this is a substantive museum covering the history and science of Antarctic exploration from Christchurch's role as a gateway city. The live penguin encounter, the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride, and the storm simulation room are the three main experiences. Included; use today or tomorrow morning before departing inland. Allow at least 2 hours.
Christchurch City Centre — The Botanic Gardens, Avon River precinct, and the post-earthquake arts and architecture of the central city are all within easy reach of most accommodation.
Optional: Christchurch Tram Dinner (own expense).
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Independent.
Included
- check_box6-day rental car hire with zero or reduced excess liability
- check_box6 nights accommodation
- check_boxInternational Antarctic Centre admission — use on Day 1 or Day 2
- check_boxDark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo (operates Thursday to Monday only)
- check_boxMilford Sound cruise with lunch
Not Included
- disabled_by_defaultInternational flights
- disabled_by_defaultTravel insurance
- disabled_by_defaultFuel and road tolls
- disabled_by_defaultMeals not specified in the itinerary
- disabled_by_defaultOptional activities and entrance fees
- disabled_by_defaultPersonal expenses, laundry and minibar
