12‑day self‑drive adventure around New Zealand’s South Island in March, covering iconic scenery from Christchurch to Milford Sound, Queenstown and the West Coast.
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Duration12 days
Travellers2
Best time to visitMarch (early autumn) – mild temperatures, fewer crowds and stunning autumn colours.
Estimated cost$5,400 - $8,000
Main airportCHC
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Collect your pre‑booked rental car from the Christchurch Airport desk.
Cost: Included in car rental · Travel time: 15 min walk · By rental car · Near Christchurch Airport
Options: Shuttle
Stroll through award‑winning gardens and the native Riccarton Bush.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 10 min drive · By car · Near Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Options: Car
Modern New Zealand cuisine with river views in the city centre.
Cost: $25-35 · Travel time: 5 min drive · By car · Near The Terrace Kitchen & Bar, 79 Worcester St, Christchurch
Options: Car
Where to eat
Little River Café — Cozy café serving fresh pastries, eggs and excellent coffee.
Dux Central — Upscale bistro with a seasonal New Zealand menu.
The Terrace Kitchen & Bar — Modern NZ cuisine with river views.
Where to stay
The George Christchurch — Boutique hotel in the city centre, approx NZD150/night
Day 3-4 - Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook
Location: Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Enjoy the open plains and distant mountain silhouettes on State Highway 1.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 3 h 30 m · By car · Near Lake Tekapo
Options: Car
Relax in hot pools with lake views; optional sky‑walk.
Cost: $20-30 · Travel time: 5 min drive · By car · Near Tekapo Springs
Options: Car
Wind along State Highway 80 into the alpine valley.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 1 h 30 m · By car · Near Mt Cook Village
Options: Car
Flat 10‑km walk to the glacier‑fed Hooker Lake.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 10 min drive · By car · Near Hooker Valley Track
Options: Car
Where to eat
Tekapo Springs Café — Breakfast buffet with lake views.
Mackenzie Café — Casual spot serving soups, sandwiches and salads.
The Alpine Restaurant — Fine dining with panoramic alpine views in Mt Cook Village.
Where to stay
Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park — Lake‑front rooms, approx NZD130/night
Day 5-6 - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Scenic drive via State Highway 6 crossing the Crown Range – New Zealand’s highest paved road.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 3 h 30 m · By car · Near Queenstown
Options: Car
Ascend Bob's Peak for 360° views, then ride the gravity‑defying luge tracks.
Cost: $35-45 · Travel time: 5 min drive · By car · Near Skyline Queenstown
Options: Car
High‑speed jet boat adventure through the Shotover River canyons.
Cost: $150-180 · Travel time: 10 min drive · By car · Near Shotover Jet, Queenstown
Options: Car
Where to eat
Bespoke Kitchen — Artisanal breakfast dishes with a lakeside view.
Fergburger — Iconic burger joint with generous portions.
Botswana Butchery — Steakhouse with a focus on local beef and game.
Where to stay
The Rees Hotel, Queenstown — Luxury lakeside hotel, approx NZD250/night
Day 7 - Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound, New Zealand
Early start on State Highway 94, a 4‑hour winding road through rainforests and waterfalls.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 4 h · By car · Near Milford Sound
Options: Car
Half‑day cruise through the fjord, spotting waterfalls, seals and alpine scenery.
Cost: $80-100 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Milford Sound Cruise Terminal
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Milford Sound Lodge Breakfast — Hearty buffet with local produce.
The Sound Café — Casual eatery serving fresh fish and pies.
Coastal drive along State Highway 6 with ocean vistas.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 2 h 30 m · By car · Near Punakaiki
Options: Car
Walk among limestone formations that look like stacked pancakes; watch the blowholes at high tide.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · By walking · Near Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Options: Walking
Continue south on State Highway 6 through rainforests to the glacier village.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 2 h 45 m · By car · Near Franz Josef
Options: Car
Half‑day guided walk onto the lower glacier with crampons.
Cost: $30-40 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Franz Josef Glacier
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Franz Josef Hotel Café — Hearty breakfast buffet with local produce.
Rainforest Café — Casual spot serving sandwiches, soups and salads.
The Landing Bar & Restaurant — Seafood and steak dishes with river views.
Where to stay
Franz Josef Glacier Motel — Comfortable lodge, approx NZD140/night
Day 12 - Return to Christchurch & Departure
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Scenic return journey via State Highway 1.
Cost: Fuel cost only · Travel time: 5 h · By car · Near Christchurch
Options: Car
Drop off the vehicle at Christchurch Airport and complete the final inspection.
Cost: Included in rental fee · Travel time: 15 min drive · By rental car · Near Christchurch Airport
Options: Car
Where to eat
Christchurch Airport Café — Quick grab‑and‑go coffee and pastries.
Quick Bite — Fast‑service sandwich shop near the terminal.
Estimated Cost
$5,400 - $8,000
Air transportation
$1,500 - $2,000
Ground transportation
$840 - $1,080
Lodging
$1,650
Meals
$720
Activities
$500
Incidentals
$200
Trip Highlights
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Lake Tekapo
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Milford Sound
Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Franz Josef Glacier
Visa Requirements
New Zealand
Citizenship: General
Visa required: No
Stay allowed: Up to 90 days as a tourist (NZeTA required)
Application process: Obtain an NZeTA online before travel; no visa needed for short stays
Requirements: Valid passport, email address, credit card for NZeTA fee
Processing time: Usually minutes to a few hours
Fees: NZD12 for NZeTA (plus NZD9 for International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)
Multiple entry: Allowed
Good to Know
March is early autumn – temperatures are mild but can be changeable; carry layers and waterproof gear. Roads are sealed but winding; allow extra time for weather‑related delays, especially on the Crown Range and Milford Sound routes.
Local Customs
New Zealanders value punctuality and environmental stewardship; dispose of waste responsibly and respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ ethic in natural areas.
Background
The South Island was settled by Māori iwi such as Ngāi Tahu before European colonisation in the 19th century, which brought mining, sheep farming and the development of towns like Christchurch and Queenstown.
Useful Phrases
Kia ora — Hello / thank you
Ka pai — Good / well done
Budget Tips
Book the rental car early and choose a fuel‑efficient model.
Use self‑catering breakfasts where possible to cut meal costs.
Purchase a combined activity pass for Queenstown (e.g., ‘Queenstown Adventure Pass’) for discounts.
Time-Saving Tips
Start each day before 8 am to beat traffic and secure parking at popular sites.
Getting Around
Plan fuel stops in larger towns (Tekapo, Greymouth) and refuel before long stretches; use the same rental car for the entire trip to avoid extra fees.
Beating the Crowds
Travel in the first week of March to avoid school holiday crowds in Queenstown and the West Coast.
Local Deals
Look for the ‘South Island Explorer Pass’ which offers discounted entry to several national park attractions.
If the Weather Turns
If rain, visit indoor attractions such as the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Tekapo Dark Sky Observatory, or enjoy a hot‑spring soak at Tekapo Springs.
Alternative Activities
Kayak on Lake Tekapo, bike the Queenstown Trail, or take a scenic helicopter flight over Mt Cook.
Side Trips
Optional day trip from Franz Josef to nearby Fox Glacier (30 km south) for an additional glacier walk.
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