Self-Driving Tour

As part of your New Zealand hunting adventure, we also offer a self-driving tour of the South Island, giving you the chance to experience some of the country’s most spectacular scenery at your own pace. From alpine towns and fiords to glaciers, rainforests, and coastal wildlife, each leg of the journey offers a new landscape to explore. With clear routes and carefully planned highlights, this tour combines the freedom of independent travel with the reassurance of a well-guided itinerary.

Queenstown to Te Anau

Your journey begins in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. As you drive south toward Te Anau, the scenery opens into wide valleys framed by mountains, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos. Te Anau itself is known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, offering a peaceful lakeside atmosphere before you venture into the heart of New Zealand’s most iconic wilderness.

Te Anau to Milford Sound

From Te Anau, the road to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Winding through native forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and under towering peaks, the journey is as memorable as the destination itself. Milford Sound is a dramatic fjord where sheer cliffs rise vertically from the sea and waterfalls cascade from every direction. A cruise here reveals dolphins, seals, and the unforgettable sight of Mitre Peak rising from the water.

Milford Sound to Doubtful Sound

A visit to Doubtful Sound offers a more remote and tranquil experience than Milford. Often called the “Sound of Silence,” it is only accessible by boat and bus, making the journey itself part of the adventure. The vast scale, untouched landscapes, and abundant wildlife give you a sense of what New Zealand must have looked like centuries ago. For hunters, it’s a moment to pause and take in the sheer grandeur of Fiordland’s wilderness.

Doubtful Sound to Wanaka

Travelling north, the road leads you to Wanaka, a lakeside town with a relaxed alpine charm. Surrounded by vineyards, mountain ranges, and hiking trails, Wanaka provides a refreshing balance of outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality. It’s the perfect stop to recharge, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the beauty of Lake Wanaka and its famous lone tree.

Wanaka to Franz Joseph Glacier

Crossing into the West Coast, you’ll discover Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into lush rainforest. Here you can join a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face or take a scenic helicopter flight for an unforgettable view of the ice fields. The surrounding rainforest, hot pools, and rugged coastline make this stop an impressive showcase of New Zealand’s natural contrasts.

Franz Joseph to Greymouth

Continuing up the rugged West Coast from Franz Josef, the drive to Greymouth is a journey through wild, untamed landscapes. Towering mountains rise to your right while the Tasman Sea crashes against rocky shores to your left. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns such as Hokitika, known for its greenstone (pounamu) carving and artisan shops. The route offers plenty of chances to stop and take in windswept beaches, dense rainforest, and glacial rivers before arriving in Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the departure point for the famous TranzAlpine rail journey.

Greymouth to Christchurch

From Greymouth, you’ll board the TranzAlpine train, often regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys. The route cuts through dramatic gorges, climbs over the Southern Alps, and winds through the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. The ever-changing landscapes—from dense beech forest to alpine pass to wide open farmland—offer a perfect snapshot of New Zealand’s diversity, all experienced in comfort from your carriage.

Christchurch to Kaikoura (Optional)

The final leg takes you north along a stunning coastal drive to Kaikōura. Here, the mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion, and the town is famous for its marine wildlife. A whale-watching tour gives you the chance to encounter giant whales, playful dolphins, and fur seals in their natural environment. It’s a fitting finale to your South Island journey, combining raw natural beauty with unforgettable wildlife encounters.