Drive the South Island’s classic circuit at your own pace over seven days, connecting Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound. Begin with the International Antarctic Centre, then cross the Mackenzie Basin for an included Dark Sky Experience beneath one of the world’s recognised dark-sky reserves. Queenstown provides time for independent activities before a full-day drive through Fiordland to Milford Sound and an included cruise with lunch. Return to Christchurch through the Lindis Pass and broad high-country landscapes. Six nights’ accommodation, rental car hire with reduced or zero excess liability, and three experiences are included. This journey suits travellers who want the South Island’s main highlights with freedom to stop whenever the landscape invites it.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆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
Itinerary & Route
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).
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).
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
6 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Lunch on the Milford Sound cruise
- airport_shuttle
Transport
6-day rental car with zero or reduced excess liability
- local_activity
Activities
International Antarctic Centre, Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Experience and Milford Sound cruise
Dates & Prices
Dates are flexible
This is a private, ground-only itinerary — travel on dates that suit you. Enquire and we'll quote you for your preferred dates.
