Sample itineraries

4 weeks of the South Island

Route and Impressions
Price guide per person
More sample itineraries

Below, you can discover a suggested itinerary, but we design each holiday for you. Enjoy a taste, and contact us to discuss your plans.

Quick facts about this sample itinerary

This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
Best travel time is October - November and March - April
Relaxed travel pace with 2-3 nights at each location
The average drive between each accommodation is 3.5 to 5 hours
Stay with locals at 10 locations, away from the crowds
Choose from a diverse mix of activities with locals
Collect and return your rental car in Christchurch

Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.

Route and Impressions

The best way to explore Christchurch is on foot

Canterbury is the largest region of New Zealand with diverse landscapes

Have a close encounter with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula

Explore an untouched, rugged corner of New Zealand

Have a close encounter with Kiwi on Stewart Island

Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat

Cycle through New Zealand's spectacular landscapes

Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd

Christchurch

2 nights

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens should be at the top of your list during your stay here, spreading over 21 hectares. Set in Hagley Park, it is a popular park for the locals to enjoy a range of sporting activities.

Akaroa

3 nights

Enjoy the scenic drive to Akaroa on the Bank’s Peninsula. A historic French village, home to colonial architecture, galleries and craft stores. Hector's dolphin can be spotted swimming here.

Canterbury

3 nights

The impressive Southern Alps mountain range makes for a mighty backdrop. Spend a few days on a farm stay and experience the day-to-day rural life of a farmer and their animals.

Otago Peninsula

2 nights

The scenic drive to Otago Peninsula boasts rugged volcanic views with untouched beaches. Home to an abundance of wildlife including New Zealand fur seals, albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.

Catlins

3 nights

Swim with rare Hector’s dolphins at Curio Bay. Spot yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sun-bathing sea lions. Heading inland, there are many waterfalls to explore, scattered around the coastal rainforest.

Stewart Island

3 nights

Experience the wild beauty with dense forest, rugged coastline and sandy beaches. The Rakiura National Park makes up 85% of the island. Discover the hiking tracks and spot native Kiwi birds.

Te Anau & Manapouri

3 nights

The perfect base to visit Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Adventure lovers can also kayak, take a scenic flight, go jet boat fishing or sailing on the lake. Driving along the Milford Road is simply breathtaking.

Queenstown

3 nights

New Zealand's adventure capital is centred around the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu and nestled between dramatic mountain ranges.

Central Otago

3 nights

Featuring a vast brown landscape, snow-capped mountains, crystal blue rivers, deep gorges and tussock-clad hills. Go vineyard hopping or cycle the 152-kilometre Otago Central Rail Trail.

Tekapo

3 nights

Gleaming with bright turquoise waters and surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. It’s the best place to stargaze in New Zealand, with its clear nights and lack of light pollution.

Christchurch

1 night

Price guide per person

Detailed pricing and information

Every holiday is tailor-made based on your wishes and needs. Our advisors are locals with many tips and ideas to ensure your holiday is just perfect, for you.