View Gallery Home Packages 11 Day Central South Island Discover the best of the South Island in 11 days including one of the world’s greatest train journeys, cruise the awe-inspiring Milford Sound & visit the historic Larnach Castle. 4.9 (8 reviews) Itinerary by Louise Bilbie Bucket List • Rail Journeys Overview price from 2,299 AUD per person (double share) duration 11 days and 10 nights you will visit Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin South Island Saved to favourites Enquire about this holiday Itinerary From Christchurch to Christchurch, you will marvel at the majestic glaciers of the West Coast, ride Queenstown’s iconic Skyline Gondola, cruise the mighty Milford Sound & visit Dunedin’s Larnach Castle. Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch Self-Drive Itinerary - 11 Day Central South Island “Haere Mai” Welcome to Christchurch – the Garden City! Arrive into Christchurch and once you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage, make your way to the Super Shuttle Rank to board your shuttle bus to your Christchurch hotel. Stay at Quest Cathedral Junction Christchurch - Studio Room Day 2 - Christchurch to Franz Josef (TranzAlpine Train) 1 of 3Alongside Waimakariri River, TranzAlpine Train Journey 2 of 3Waimakariri Bridge, TranzAlpine Train Journey 3 of 3TranzAlpine Train Journey - Photo: Kiwi Rail Rise early and transfer by shuttle bus to Christchurch Railway Station where you will board New Zealand’s ultimate rail journey, The TranzAlpine. Journey through striking natural landscape, ice-fed Waimakariri River and the Southern Alps. Upon arrival into Greymouth, collect your vehicle and travel the rugged West Coast until you reach Franz Josef for a two night stay. Stay at Bella Vista Franz Josef Day 3 - Franz Josef 1 of 2Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast - Photo: Fraser Clements 2 of 2Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast Create your own unforgettable Glacier Country experience with a stay in Franz Josef. Today you have at leisure to explore the untamed wilderness, from giant glaciers to lush rainforests. Why not add an option tour including a guided glacier hike or breathtaking helicopter flight with snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. Stay at Bella Vista Franz Josef Day 4 - Franz Josef to Queenstown (via Wanaka) 1 of 2Aerial view of Lake Wanaka - Photo: Wanaka NZ 2 of 2Buckingham Street, Arrowtown - Photo: Destination Queenstown View incredible scenery as you drive past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass to Wanaka. Wander the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before travelling over the Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and then on to Queenstown. You may wish to add a night in Wanaka to allow for additional time. Stay at Garden Court Suites Day 5 - Queenstown 1 of 4Gibbston Valley Winery 2 of 4Gibbston Valley Winery 3 of 4Gibbston Valley Winery 4 of 4Shotover Jet, Queenstown - Photo: NTT Enjoy a day to experience this magnificent resort town. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Prepare for an action-packed Jet Boat adventure on the spectacular Shotover River. Experience thrills, spins & speeds of up to 95kph. This afternoon you will drive out to Gibbston Valley Winery to take part in a Wine & Cheese tour. This tour is both investigatory and educational, allowing you the chance to explore the incredible intricacies of wine and cheese pairing. They will illustrate how the land is indispensable to their products, and what the craft does to bring the best out of land and place. Wine & Cheese tours last 30 minutes and include three wine and cheese tastings. Stay at Garden Court Suites Day 6 - Queenstown to Te Anau After check-out, make your way south to the picturesque township of Te Anau, gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to wander the small town with a choice of charming restaurants. Stay at Distinction Luxmore Te Anau Day 7 - Milford Sound 1 of 3Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Photo: Southern Discoveries 2 of 3Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Photo: Southern Discoveries 3 of 3Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Photo: Southern Discoveries Drive through native rainforest and glacier carved valleys as you make your way along Milford Road. Once you have arrived at Milford Sound, board your Southern Discoveries cruise and see the fiord in all its glory. Witness cascading waterfalls and towering mountains as you experience New Zealand’s ultimate natural attraction. Stay at Distinction Luxmore Te Anau Day 8 - Te Anau to Dunedin Dunedin, Otago After check-out, travel through the rolling hills of Southland & South Otago, making a stop in Gore, a small town home to country music and fly fishing. Upon arrival into Dunedin, check-in to your hotel for the next two nights. Stay at 858 George Street - One Bedroom Unit Day 9 - Dunedin 1 of 4Larnach Castle, Dunedin 2 of 4Larnach Castle, Dunedin 3 of 4Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise 4 of 4Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise Explore Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South. Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin in a vibrant, architecturally splendid city framed by a magnificent harbour and gateway to an arresting hinterland. Visit Larnach Castle & Gardens and learn of its rich history that dates back to 1871. Get closer to wildlife with a cruise on the Otago Peninsula, with incredible views and unique wildlife including the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross. Stay at 858 George Street - One Bedroom Unit Day 10 - Dunedin to Christchurch 1 of 2Moeraki Boulders, Waitaki - Photo: Miles Holden 2 of 2Cable Car, Christchurch City Centre Depart Dunedin and make your way north along the east coast to Christchurch. Make a pit stop at Moeraki Beach to witness the fascinating 60-million-year-old boulders – Maori legends describe these boulders as the food baskets of the gods. Upon arriving in Christchurch, check-in to your hotel for your final night. You may wish to add a night in Twizel to allow time to experience mighty Mount Cook. Stay at Quest Cathedral Junction Christchurch - Studio Room Day 11 - Depart Christchurch Upon check-out, make your way to Christchurch International Airport where you will drop off your vehicle and check-in for your return flight to Australia. View More Expand All | Collapse All Inclusions 10 days car hire in a Hyundai i30 Auto or similar 10 nights accommodation TranzAlpine Train Journey One-way shuttle transfers – arrival airport to city accommodation & city accommodation to railway station Gibbston Valley Wine & Cheese Tour Shotover Jet Boat ride Milford Sound cruise and picnic lunch Larnach Castle & Gardens entry in Dunedin Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise price from 2,299 AUD per person (double share) Travel Dates Price From 01 Oct 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 2,590 AUD 01 Apr - 19 Sep 2025 2,299 AUD Enquire about this holiday Rental Car 10 days car hire in a Hyundai i30 Auto or similar Unlimited kms and vehicle insurance (excess applies) *Car hire is based on dynamic pricing and subject to change. Reviews 4.9/5 (8 reviews) Latest Reviews RL Rob Lamond Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 The whole trip was very well planned from start to finish. the standard and location of the accommodation was great, An extremely enjoyable and relaxing trip. SC Sharron Carson Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 We loved this trip. It made travelling so easy for us as it all went smoothly. Everywhere we went we were expected. The itinerary was awesome. Estela was really helpful and changed one of our experiences. Loved the TranzAlpine train and Milford sound boat trip. But the biggest surprises were the 4WD tour (outstanding) and Larnach Castle (so lovely). Accomodation was mostly excellent with one minor exception. Hire car experience was perfect. RD Rolando De Guzman Australia 5 /5 Mar 2025 Arranging travel details was a breeze. View all 8 reviews Terms & Conditions 2024/2025 Terms & Conditions: Package price is based on 2 people in double bedding and is priced in Australian Dollars. If twin bedding is required additional costs will apply. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Travel between 01 Oct 2024 and 31 Mar 2025. Car hire for this date range is based on Budget Car Rental Auto or similar and is subject to an excess and airport fee, please enquire for details. Budget inclusive policy and conditions apply. Budget can only be confirmed 11 months prior to travel. Packages can only be booked Thursday to Sunday due to train schedule. Flights not included. Blackout periods date and surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Quote package code NZH2411DCENS. 2025/2026 Terms & Conditions: Package price is based on 2 people in double bedding and is priced in Australian Dollars. If twin bedding is required additional costs will apply. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel from 01 Apr to 19 Sep 25. From 12 May 2024 – 31 Aug 2025, packages can only be booked Thursday to Sunday due to train schedule. Flights not included. Blackout periods date and surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Car hire is based on Ezi Car Rentals and is subject to an excess and airport fee, please enquire for details. Ezi Car Rentals inclusive policy and conditions apply. Quote package code NZH2511DCENS Read moreView less Enquire about 11 Day Central South Island Select your preferred dates, request an availability check and receive a personalised quote. 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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Conditions <b>2024/2025 Terms & Conditions:</b> Package price is based on 2 people in double bedding and is priced in Australian Dollars. If twin bedding is required additional costs will apply. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Travel between 01 Oct 2024 and 31 Mar 2025. Car hire for this date range is based on Budget Car Rental Auto or similar and is subject to an excess and airport fee, please enquire for details. Budget inclusive policy and conditions apply. Budget can only be confirmed 11 months prior to travel. Packages can only be booked Thursday to Sunday due to train schedule. Flights not included. Blackout periods date and surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Quote package code NZH2411DCENS. <br/><b>2025/2026 Terms & Conditions:</b> Package price is based on 2 people in double bedding and is priced in Australian Dollars. If twin bedding is required additional costs will apply. Pricing is correct at the time of submission but is subject to change without notice. Valid for travel from 01 Apr to 19 Sep 25. From 12 May 2024 – 31 Aug 2025, packages can only be booked Thursday to Sunday due to train schedule. Flights not included. Blackout periods date and surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Car hire is based on Ezi Car Rentals and is subject to an excess and airport fee, please enquire for details. Ezi Car Rentals inclusive policy and conditions apply. Quote package code NZH2511DCENS Read moreView less You might also like 9 Day North Island Food & Wine Food & Wine Holidays North Island Auckland, Rotorua & more price from 2,359 AUD per person (twin share) Learn more 14 Day South Island at Leisure 4.9 (8 reviews) Cultural & Heritage South Island Christchurch, Punakaiki & more price from 2,375 AUD per person (twin share) Learn more
RL Rob Lamond Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 The whole trip was very well planned from start to finish. the standard and location of the accommodation was great, An extremely enjoyable and relaxing trip.
SC Sharron Carson Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 We loved this trip. It made travelling so easy for us as it all went smoothly. Everywhere we went we were expected. The itinerary was awesome. Estela was really helpful and changed one of our experiences. Loved the TranzAlpine train and Milford sound boat trip. But the biggest surprises were the 4WD tour (outstanding) and Larnach Castle (so lovely). Accomodation was mostly excellent with one minor exception. Hire car experience was perfect.
9 Day North Island Food & Wine Food & Wine Holidays North Island Auckland, Rotorua & more price from 2,359 AUD per person (twin share) Learn more
14 Day South Island at Leisure 4.9 (8 reviews) Cultural & Heritage South Island Christchurch, Punakaiki & more price from 2,375 AUD per person (twin share) Learn more
RL Rob Lamond Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 The whole trip was very well planned from start to finish. the standard and location of the accommodation was great, An extremely enjoyable and relaxing trip. value accommodation service overall
SC Sharron Carson Australia 5 /5 Apr 2025 We loved this trip. It made travelling so easy for us as it all went smoothly. Everywhere we went we were expected. The itinerary was awesome. Estela was really helpful and changed one of our experiences. Loved the TranzAlpine train and Milford sound boat trip. But the biggest surprises were the 4WD tour (outstanding) and Larnach Castle (so lovely). Accomodation was mostly excellent with one minor exception. Hire car experience was perfect. value accommodation service overall
RD Rolando De Guzman Australia 5 /5 Mar 2025 Arranging travel details was a breeze. value accommodation service overall
PD Paschal D'Onofrio Australia 5 /5 Mar 2025 We had a great time on the South Island and would like to thank Sally for organising our holiday so perfectly. value accommodation service overall
D Debbie Australia 5 /5 Feb 2025 New Zealand Holidays made sure that our 11-day South Island self-drive holiday ran so smoothly, with no hiccups along the way. We loved that in addition to our self drive, we also had a couple of rail trips, too, which proved so relaxing. NZ also turned on the superb weather (Feb-Mar) during our trip with sunny, temperate days, not to mention the breathtaking scenery that the South Island provided. A great trip had by all. value accommodation service overall
NA Nish Ahuja Australia 4 /5 Jan 2025 Service, prompt answering of calls incl out of hours and flexibility in making amendments to the itinerary from NZ holidays ( esp Sally ) made the whole experience stress free and smooth. value accommodation service overall
SG Sujata Giri Australia 5 /5 Dec 2024 Me and my husband amazing time.. the 10 days south island package was very well planned out and Sally was amazing throughout the process. Thank you for making our anniversary trip so memorable. value accommodation service overall
GC Geoffrey Cooper Australia 5 /5 Sep 2024 No written feedback was provided. value accommodation service overall
