{"id":13567,"date":"2022-08-06T07:06:22","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T23:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intriqjourney.com\/hk\/?post_type=itinerary&#038;p=13567"},"modified":"2026-09-24T21:07:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:07:18","slug":"11days-classic-new-zealand-south-island-jaunt-self-drive","status":"publish","type":"itinerary","link":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/itinerary\/11days-classic-new-zealand-south-island-jaunt-self-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"11 DAYS CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND JAUNT (SELF DRIVE)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Between New Zealand&#8217;s two islands, the South boasts of some of the purest natural landscapes, from the country&#8217;s highest peaks, majestic glaciers, alpine lakes and rivers and expansive rainforests.<\/p>\n<p>Encounter New Zealand&#8217;s wildlife in Kaikoura, where you have the option to swim with dolphins or try spotting Giant Sperm Whales. Then head into the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur&#8217;s Pass National Park, with a variety of activities available among the splendid alpine landscape. Journey down the rugged west coast and getting up-close with the iconic glaciers of the region. Next, you enter Otago, South Island&#8217;s most popular region, to experience the lakes of Wanaka, the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound by land, boat and air, as well as to get your adrenaline pumping at the adventure capital of Queenstown.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Between New Zealand&#8217;s two islands, the South boasts of some of the purest natural landscapes, from the country&#8217;s highest peaks, majestic glaciers, alpine lakes and rivers and expansive rainforests. Encounter New Zealand&#8217;s wildlife in Kaikoura, where you have the option to swim with dolphins or try spotting Giant Sperm Whales. Then head into the heart [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13606,"template":"","itinerary-tags":[],"sub-region":[],"region":[87],"experience-level":[],"language":[37],"interest":[],"journey-type":[32],"country":[239],"class_list":["post-13567","itinerary","type-itinerary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","region-oceania","language-english","journey-type-tailor-made","country-new-zealand"],"meta_box":{"popularity_score":"","select_brands":[],"hotels_section_title":"Hotels","select_hotel":[13652,13664,13690,13692,13694,13683,13685,13688,13696],"faq_content_block":[],"hotel_tour_tiers_title":"Hotels & Tour Price","tiers":[{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"58980","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) ","hotel_tour_tiers":["13652","13664","13690","13692","13694","13683"]},{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"65980","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) ","hotel_tour_tiers":["13685","13688","13690","13692","13694","13696"]}],"intriq_note":"<p><em>Please note that all prices provided are indicative and may be adjusted based on your travel dates, party size, and any specific requirements you may have.<\/em><\/p>\n","intriq_inquire_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/contact-us\/","itinerary_banner":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner.jpg","filesize":161043,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"Website-hero-banner-300x115.jpg","width":300,"height":115,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":9538,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-300x115.jpg"},"large":{"file":"Website-hero-banner-1024x392.jpg","width":1024,"height":392,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":95053,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-1024x392.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"Website-hero-banner-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":6494,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"Website-hero-banner-768x294.jpg","width":768,"height":294,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":55411,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-768x294.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"file":"Website-hero-banner-1536x588.jpg","width":1536,"height":588,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":196560,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-1536x588.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"13610","name":"Website-hero-banner.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Website-hero-banner.jpg","title":"Website-hero-banner","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":false}],"start_date":"","end_date":"","duration_days":"11","duration_nights":"10","pricing_options":[{"price_label":"Price From","price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"58980","price_unit":"Per Person"}],"promotions_grp":[],"download_itinerary_label":"Download Itinerary","download_itinerary_attachment":[],"intro_content":"<p>Between New Zealand\u2019s two islands, the South boasts of some of the purest natural landscapes, from the country\u2019s highest peaks, majestic glaciers, alpine lakes and rivers and expansive rainforests.<\/p>\n<p>Encounter New Zealand\u2019s wildlife in Kaikoura, where you have the option to swim with dolphins or try spotting Giant Sperm Whales. Then head into the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur\u2019s Pass National Park, with a variety of activities available among the splendid alpine landscape. Journey down the rugged west coast and getting up-close with the iconic glaciers of the region. Next, you enter Otago, South Island\u2019s most popular region, to experience the lakes of Wanaka, the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound by land, boat and air, as well as to get your adrenaline pumping at the adventure capital of Queenstown.<\/p>\n","itinerary_highlight_title":"Itinerary Highlights","itinerary_highlights":"<ul>\n<li>Chance to spot a majestic Giant Sperm Whale or snorkel with the interactive dusky dolphin at Kaikoura<\/li>\n<li>Marvel at the Franz Josef glacier from a helicopter before landing on it for a hike<\/li>\n<li>Combine local heritage with dramatic landscapes on a 4WD safari at Lake Wanaka<\/li>\n<li>Tackle the iconic Routeburn Track<\/li>\n<li>Discover Milford Sound from the land, water and in the air, each with a unique perspective of this UNESCO Heritage natural wonder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","itinerary_offer_title":"","itinerary_offer_content":"","offer_button_title":"","offer_button_url":"","outline_section_title":"Itinerary Outline","itinerary_outline_image":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive.jpg","filesize":66275,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-300x300.jpg","width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":14031,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-300x300.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":4604,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-768x768.jpg","width":768,"height":768,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":66761,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-768x768.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"38390","name":"StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive.jpg","title":"StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/StepMap-Map-Classic-New-Zealand-South-Island-Jaunt-Self-drive.jpg 800w"}],"itinerary_note":"","day_by_day_itinerary":[{"itinerary_day_image":["13622"],"day_title":"Arrival in Christchurch","itinerary_content":"Upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport, meet your driver at the arrival hall for your transfer to your resort.\r\n\r\nRelax at your hotel and enjoy the beaches of this wonderful tropical island.","day_hotel":"13652"},{"itinerary_day_image":["13629"],"day_title":"Christchurch \/ Kaikoura","itinerary_content":"After breakfast, drive up to Kaikoura (approx. 180km, 2.5hrs drive). Here, you will have a choice of one nature\u2019s most marvellous experiences:\r\n\r\n<strong>Option 1: Swim with Dolphins Encounter (3.5hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nJoin a small group boat tour that offers up close and intimate experiences with wild dusky dolphins in their natural environment. These are known as some of the most interactive dolphin species and you will have the opportunity to snorkel with a pod. Boats usually take a maximum of 16 swimmers, with a maximum of 25 spectators.\r\n\r\n<strong>Option 2: VIP Whale Watching Experience (3hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEmbark on an exciting up-close encounter with the world\u2019s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment, with the opportunity to spot other whale and dolphin species that migrate along the coast. You will be seated in the VIP section alongside with the captain, with just 12 passengers and large windows to maximize views.","day_hotel":"13664","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13631"],"day_title":"Kaikoura \/ Arthur's Pass","itinerary_content":"Today, you will drive Arthur\u2019s Pass with some scenic stops (approx. 300km, 4hrs). You will first traverse the expansive Canterbury Plains, stretching from north to south as far as the eye can see. The road slowly begins to wind its way up into the foothills of the Southern Alps. The scenery changes constantly as you drive around a hill, over a mountain pass, across a river, past lakes, ski fields and unique geological features. Arrive in Arthur\u2019s Pass \u2013 nestled in alpine grandeur! This afternoon, check into your lodge and take a hiking or walking trail.","day_hotel":"13690","meals_included_list":["breakfast","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13633"],"day_title":"Arthur's Pass","itinerary_content":"A myriad of nature activities await in Arthur\u2019s Pass National Park. Your lodge includes two complimentary from discovering a high country sheep farm, to a relaxing walk through the surrounding forests and a stargazing experience to learn about constellations, satellites and the planets \u2013 the clean air and lack of light pollution makes for brilliant clear skies. Alternatively, you could join in other paid activities that take you further on a challenging hike into a glacial basin with splendid mountain panoramas, a kayaking expedition in a mountain lake or a drive along the waterfalls and cascades of the national park.","day_hotel":"13690","meals_included_list":["breakfast","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13636"],"day_title":"Arthur's Pass \/ Franz Josef","itinerary_content":"Today you will travel from Arthur\u2019s Pass to the glaciers of the west coast (approx. 250km, 3hr 15min). Visit the excellent information centre where you get a view of the glacier, and settle into your alpine accommodation for the evening.","day_hotel":"13692","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13638"],"day_title":"Franz Josef","itinerary_content":"<strong>Glacier Heli Hike \u2013 Join-in Basis (4hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis unique combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a 2.5hrs hike through spectacular glacier features makes this a highlight of many guests in South Island.\r\n\r\nSoar through the air in a helicopter over jaw dropping landscapes, taking in the full panoramic majesty of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. You will land high up on the main ice fall of the glacier, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your adventure. Slide through narrow crevasses, navigate between staggering ice towers and squeeze through ice caves. As the fastest commercially guided glacier in the world, Franz Josef Glacier\u2019s features are constantly changing, and if you are lucky, you could see the glacier calving around you.\r\n\r\nIn the afternoon, take it easy, perhaps enjoy a stroll around a nearby kettle lake created by retreating glaciers long ago, but now rimmed by lush forest.\r\n\r\nNote: from 8 years and up, and moderate fitness\/agility is required.","day_hotel":"13692","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13639"],"day_title":"Franz Josef \/ Wanaka","itinerary_content":"After breakfast, drive to Wanaka (approx. 285km, 3hrs 50min). You will drive through the Haast Pass, traversing dense rainforests that soon give way to the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park as you enter the Otago region to the serene Lake Wanaka where you will spend a night.","day_hotel":"13694","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13641"],"day_title":"Wanaka \/ Queenstown","itinerary_content":"<strong>Wild Hills 4WD Safari \u2013 Join-in Basis (4hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nExperience the rugged beauty and solitude of the spectacular high country, with this exclusive 4WD journey exploring an historic New Zealand sheep, cattle and deer farm. Explore historic ruins of pioneering European settler cottages, enjoy pure mountain air and breathtaking scenery as you take a stroll in alpine meadows. This journey offers a unique insight into Wanaka's rich history, heritage and modern-day farming life.\r\n\r\nIn the afternoon, drive down to Queenstown on the shores of lovely Lake Wakatipu (approx. 70km, 1hr). This is New Zealand\u2019s premier adventure centre, with a broad range of activities available from jetboating, white-water rafting, sky diving, four wheel drive adventures, horse-trekking, quad biking, bungy jumping or more leisurely pursuits such as walking, fishing and wine trails.\r\n\r\nWe have included a Shotover Jet experience \u2013 a thrilling jet boat ride through the scenic Shotover River Canyon. (approx. 1.5hrs, suitable for all fitness levels).","day_hotel":"13683","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13642"],"day_title":"Queenstown","itinerary_content":"<strong>Routeburn Track Private Guided Walk (9hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis great walk, the Routeburn Track, in Mount Aspiring National Park starts with a gradual climb through a 130 million-year-old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest.\u00a0Enjoy lunch surrounded by the grandeur of alpine meadows, meandering streams and majestic snow-capped mountains.\u00a0On your return explore the old forgotten paths of the Maori as you travel along the old Greenstone trails, finding new enchantment around each corner, where native birds abound.","day_hotel":"13683","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13645"],"day_title":"Queenstown","itinerary_content":"<strong>Milford Sound Drive\/Cruise\/Fly Adventure \u2013 Join-in Basis (9hrs)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nStart the tour off with a hotel pick up from your Queenstown accommodation and travel in comfort in a premium Mercedes van equipped with complimentary water, Wi-Fi and videos onboard, and panoramic windows on board so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. This small group tour stays away from the big crowds and allows additional stop offs at scenic locations the buses don\u2019t visit.\r\n\r\nYou will board a scenic boat cruise on the fjord and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.\r\n\r\nFinish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic flight (approx. 40min, using a fixed wing aircraft) back to Queenstown. What a truly awe-inspiring way to complete your trip with a view that is not possibly from land.","day_hotel":"13683","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13646"],"day_title":"Depart Queenstown","itinerary_content":"Drive to Queenstown Airport and return your rental car, before catching your departure flight.","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]}],"promo_pay_terms":"20% deposit to secure your seat","book_now_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/","inquire_now_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/","includes_title":"Includes","excludes_title":"Excludes","includes_content":"<ul>\n<li>10 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels as stated on bed &amp; breakfast basis<\/li>\n<li>Dinners included at Arthur's Pass and Hapuku Lodge + Tree House<\/li>\n<li>Tours and admission fees as per itinerary on Join-In Basis unless otherwise stated\n<ul>\n<li>Swim with Dolphins Encounter (3.5hrs) OR VIP Whale Watching Experience (3hrs)<\/li>\n<li>Glacier Heli Hike (4hrs)<\/li>\n<li>Wild Hills 4WD Safari (4hrs)<\/li>\n<li>Routeburn Track Guided Walk (9hrs) - <strong>Private<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Milford Sound Drive \/ Cruise \/ Fly Adventure (9hrs)<\/li>\n<li>Shotover Jet Experience (1.5hrs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Car Rental for 11 days\n<ul>\n<li>based on full size sedan (Toyota Camry Auto or similar for 2 persons, OR<\/li>\n<li>based on intermediate SUV (Nissan X-Trail Auto or similar) for 4 persons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Local taxes and service charges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","excludes_content":"<ul>\n<li>International airfares<\/li>\n<li>Visa<\/li>\n<li>Meals unless otherwise specified<\/li>\n<li>Travel insurance<\/li>\n<li>Personal expenses e.g. laundry, bar, spa services<\/li>\n<li>Phone and internet charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","tour_price_section_title":"Tour Price","date":"","duration":"11 days 10 nights","price":"6980","traveller_type":"per_person","pre_post_countries_extensions":[],"featured_transport_group":[],"partner_showcase":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/itinerary"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70986,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13567\/revisions\/70986"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"itinerary-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary-tags?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"sub-region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sub-region?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"experience-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experience-level?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"journey-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/journey-type?post=13567"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=13567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}