Arrive in Christchurch, settle into your stay and ease into the voyage. A warm gathering and gentle introduction to the journey are followed by a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Welcome dinner
New Zealand
Rainforest left. Ocean right. 10 days, from the driver’s seat of your Toyota Prado.
Next departure · New Zealand
01–10 Feb 2027
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Lead car on every driveConvoy-guided navigation
Take turns at the wheelShared by four explorers
Visa assistanceDocumentation support
Roverland crew on groundSupport along the way
Voyage overview
Travel isn’t about ticking off places — it’s about feeling them.
A ten-day self-drive journey across New Zealand’s South Island, from Christchurch and the Kaikōura coast through Punakaiki, Hokitika and glacier country to Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. Travel in a shared 4x4 with the Roverland Voyage crew and on-ground assistance.
Duration9N / 10D
Dates01–10 Feb 2027
Total driveSouth Island self-drive
VehicleToyota Prado
Per vehicleShared by four explorers
StaysLakeside hotels & lodges
CrewLead car + support
Meals9 breakfasts · 1 lunch · 4 dinners
Signature activities
Whale Watch KaikōuraGlacier heli snow landingMilford Sound flight & cruiseShotover Jet
The route
- 1.Christchurch
- 2.Kaikōura
- 3.Punakaiki
- 4.Hokitika
- 5.Fox Glacier
- 6.Franz Josef
- 7.Wānaka & Hāwea
- 8.Queenstown
- 9.Milford Sound (flight)
- 10.Mount Cook
- 11.Lake Tekapo
Discover the South Island’s coastal roads, rainforest, glacier country and alpine lakes. Milford Sound is reached by scenic flight from Queenstown, with a cruise and return flight.
The itinerary
Day 1 of 10Your seat on day 1 is waiting.
Enquire nowActivities & experiences
Your expedition vehicle
Toyota Prado
A shared 4x4 for the South Island’s coast, glacier country and alpine lakes. Vehicle insurance, fuel, tolls and maintenance included.
South Island self-driveTotal drive
Lead carConvoy navigation
Coastal Roads
Part of your expedition landscape.
Rainforest
Part of your expedition landscape.
Glaciers
Part of your expedition landscape.
Your stays
Lakeside retreats, coastal hotels and glacier-country stays. Listed hotels or similar, subject to availability.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Self-drive 4x4 vehicle shared by 4 participants
- Premium accommodation for 9 nights on a twin-sharing basis at luxury hotels
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 4 dinners included
- All activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary
- Visa assistance and documentation support
- Vehicle insurance, branding, fuel, tolls and parking costs covered
- Dedicated Roverland Voyage crew and on-ground assistance team
- Exclusive Roverland Voyage welcome merchandise
Not included
- International flight tickets
- Visa application fees
- Medical and travel insurance
- Refundable security deposit for the vehicle
- Meals and beverages not specifically included in the inclusions
- Additional charges for still or video cameras at attractions
- Personal expenses including shopping, laundry, porterage, tips and gratuities
- Costs from medical emergencies, natural disruptions or travel delays
- Applicable GST (5%) and TCS (2%); TCS refundable as per applicable tax provisions
Price is per person on a twin-sharing basis, excluding applicable GST 5% and TCS 2%. TCS is refundable under applicable tax provisions, and may not apply to qualifying company/corporate payments with TDS deducted or payments entirely from an NRE/NRO account; confirm eligibility with the voyage team. If you are happy with the service and overall experience, a voluntary gratuity of USD 100 per person is recommended, distributed among hotel staff, local guides and the ground support team.
Traveller stories
Read the trip storiesSouth Island memories
From a glacier snow landing to a flight over mountain valleys and a cruise beneath Milford Sound’s waterfalls, the South Island journey brings a new perspective every day. Shared drives, lakeside pauses and moments on the water become memories to take home.
Voyage diariesRelated voyages
Common questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes. Carry your valid Indian licence plus an International Driving Permit. We'll walk you through getting one weeks before departure.
Who drives, and how long do we drive each day?
You do — up to four guests share each vehicle and swap turns. Most days have 2–4 hours of driving, broken up by stops worth stopping for.
How big is the group?
Small. A typical voyage runs 4–6 vehicles plus our lead car, so it never feels like a tour bus.
Is it safe? Is there crew support on the road?
Every voyage runs with a lead car and crew, radios in every vehicle, and local support on call around the clock.
Do you help with visas?
Yes. We share a checklist, cover letters and appointment guidance for every destination.