South Island Self-Drive Tour & Ski Adventure: Otago & Southland - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown & Explore

Welcome to Queenstown! Explore at your own pace today after you pick up your rental car at the Queenstown airport, and then see where the open road takes you. At Lake Wakatipu's edge on New Zealand's South Island, Queenstown is a hub of adventure sports, like paragliding and bungee jumping. For something more relaxing for your first day, consider stopping by one of the nearby wineries.

Day 2: Drive to Te Anau, Visit the Glowworm Caves

Today, set off on the first leg of your self-drive tour as you make your way from Queenstown to Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Admire the views of the lake and The Remarkables mountain range as you leave Otago province behind in exchange for Southland, the southernmost province in the country. Pass by Mossburn, the "Deer Capital of New Zealand," and keep an eye out for red deer before arriving at Te Anau.

Once settled, head to one of its most well-known attractions, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Cross Lake Te Anau in a catamaran and take a guided tour through the 12,000-year-old limestone cave network. You'll travel by small boat through the water that flows through the caves, and your guide will point out whirlpools, an underground waterfall, and thousands of glowworms living in the quiet darkness of the cave network.

Day 3: Explore Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

While today's adventure is focused on a guided tour of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, the journey there from Te Anau will be just as enchanting. Once you've passed into Fiordland National Park, you'll stop by beautiful natural sites like the Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, and Falls Creek, one of many waterfalls you'll come across on this itinerary. At the sound, board a boat with boutique cruise line Cruise Milford and float by fur seals, waterfalls, and the sheer sides of Mitre Peak towering over the water.

Day 4: Drive to Dunedin

As you drive from Te Anau to Dunedin on the southeast coast of the South Island, consider taking the Southern Scenic Route. This longer option takes you to Te Wae Wae Bay on the coast via rural towns like Tuatapere before heading east. Pass through The Catlins, the rugged coastal area between the Southland and Otago regions. Along the way, stop by quiet beaches, spot rare yellow-eyed penguins, or have lunch at the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill.

Day 6: Drive to Oamaru, Observe the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

It's time to drive north along the Otago coastline toward Oamaru, a town in North Otago. Along the way, stop at Koekohe Beach to see the spherical Moeraki Boulders dotting the shore. When you arrive in Oamaru, notice the bright white buildings in the Victorian District—they, along with many other buildings in the town, have been constructed with Oamaru stone, a type of white limestone unique to the area.

Oamaru's most famous site is not a building but a group of the world's smallest penguins. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony makes its home on the harbor shores just five minutes from the center of town, so it's very easy to see the little creatures in their natural habitats. Guides offer tours during the day and at sunset when large groups of penguins swim ashore after a day of fishing. Learn about the life and habits of Oamaru's resident birds as they wander about just a few steps away.

Day 7: Drive to Queenstown

Day 8: Skyline Queenstown, Shotover River Canyon Jet Boat

Spend the next two days as you wish in New Zealand's adventure capital. You might want to take in the sights during your free time by hopping aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. As you rise to over 1,400 feet (450 m) above Queenstown, enjoy panoramic views of the many peaks around the lake. While up there, visit the Skyline Complex and take an exhilarating ride down the 5,250-foot (1,600-m) luge track past banked corners and tunnels. 

For even more thrills, head to the Shotover River Canyons to ride in a high-speed jet boat. The Shotover Jet, owned by Ngāi Tahu, a local Māori iwi (tribe), hits speeds up to 55 mph (90 kph) as your driver navigates the narrow canyon. Fly over white water rapids, make 360-degree spins, and do other gravity-defying stunts on this wild ride.

Day 9: Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jump, Onsen Hot Pools 

With such an abundance of activities, one day in Queenstown is never enough! Consider getting your adrenaline pumping while you're in town. One of the world's first bungee jumping spots is at Kawarau Bridge, so if you're ready to take a leap, this is the place to do it. Sign up to jump alone, with another person, or simply watch other thrill seekers jump into the scenic Kawarau Gorge.

For something more relaxing, visit the Onsen Hot Pools by the Shotover River Canyon. This boutique spa is known for its soothing, cedar-lined hot pools and hot tubs, complete with beautiful views of the river below. Each pool is private, and the water is kept between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C), so the water always feels great no matter the weather. You can also head to the spa on-site for a massage or facial during this deeply relaxing experience.

Day 10: Drive to Cardrona, Ski at Cardrona & Treble Cone Ski Field

Today, set off from Queenstown along Crown Range Road toward your next destination, Cardrona Valley. With a high point of 3,530 feet (1,076 m), Crown Range Road is the highest sealed road in the country. While this route can get snowy and icy, the road rewards drivers with beautiful views of tussock valleys, lakes, and mountains. When you arrive in the valley, head to Cardrona, a township founded during New Zealand's gold rush, now the gateway to Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Spend the day at Cardrona's ski field, with routes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, or test your skills on the extensive terrain park made for freestyle riders. The ski field offers lessons, equipment, and gear rentals so you can be prepared for whatever the day brings. Plus, you can consider getting a dual-mountain pass to ski Cardrona and nearby Treble Cone, the largest ski area in South Island.

Day 11: Ski at Cardrona & Treble Cone Ski Field

On your second day in Cardrona, you can choose your own adventure. Continue exploring the resort's many trails or change things up by visiting the neighboring Treble Cone. Appropriate for intermediate and advanced skiers, this resort boasts gorgeous views of Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring/Tititea and the longest vertical rise in the area. If après-ski is more your speed, Cardrona Alpine Resort has you covered with six cafés and restaurants, including the champagne-slinging mountaintop Vista Bar.

Day 12: Return to Queenstown, Depart

As your South Island adventure comes to a close, drive back down the Crown Range Road to Queenstown. Drop your rental car at the airport before your flight home or off to your next destination. Safe travels!