Sample South Island Itineraries
These example programs are designed for travel agents and DMCs who want a starting point for planning private touring with Dream Drives. You’re welcome to adapt them into your own documents and brand.
Times and stops are indicative only – we’ll fine-tune drive times, weather considerations and local suggestions once you send through your client’s final dates and preferences.
How to Use These
- Copy the outline into your own itinerary template.
- Adjust overnight stops to match your preferred hotels.
- Send us the final program and we’ll sanity-check drive times and logistics.
- If you prefer, simply send us your draft itinerary and we’ll suggest a realistic daily touring pattern and suitable vehicle.
We’re very happy to work from your itinerary first – these samples are just a shortcut.
3–4 Day Classic: Christchurch → Mt Cook → Queenstown
Ideal for couples or honeymooners travelling one-way from Christchurch to Queenstown with limited time.
- Vehicle: Range Rover Sport (Diesel) or V8 for VIPs
- Best season: October – April
- Works well pre- or post-cruise or as part of a wider New Zealand program
Outline
Day 1 – Arrive Christchurch
- Private pickup at Christchurch Airport.
- Short city orientation and coastal viewpoints (time permitting).
- Overnight: Christchurch.
Day 2 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo / Mt Cook
- Via Rakaia / Geraldine / Fairlie, with café and scenic stops.
- Lake Tekapo photo stops and Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Continue to Mt Cook or overnight in Tekapo, depending on hotel strategy.
Day 3 – Mt Cook to Queenstown
- Morning time for walks or scenic flights if pre-booked.
- Drive via Lindis Pass with photo and short walk options.
- Arrive Queenstown late afternoon; hotel drop-off.
Optional Day 4 – Queenstown Touring
- Half- or full-day disposal for Arrowtown, Gibbston wineries or Glenorchy.
5 Day Scenic Loop: Christchurch → Tekapo → Mt Cook → Queenstown
A slower pace for guests who prefer more time in each location and a mix of short walks, viewpoints and optional activities.
- Vehicle: Mercedes V-Class for 3–6 pax, Range Rover Sport for 1–3 pax
- Can be shortened or extended by a day either side
Outline
Day 1 – Christchurch
- Airport pickup, city highlights and Port Hills viewpoints.
- Overnight: Christchurch.
Day 2 – Christchurch to Tekapo
- Farm / countryside stops as desired.
- Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie Country photo opportunities.
- Optional hot pools and stargazing if staying overnight.
Day 3 – Tekapo to Mt Cook
- Short drive with ample time for Hooker Valley Track or Tasman Glacier options.
- Overnight: Mt Cook Village.
Day 4 – Mt Cook to Queenstown
- Depart mid-morning to avoid rushing activities.
- Picnic or café stop en route; Lindis Pass viewpoints.
- Arrive Queenstown mid/late afternoon.
Day 5 – Queenstown at Leisure
- Driver on hand for flexible private touring, wineries or short walks.
7 Day Luxury South Island Highlights
A more comprehensive program for higher-value clients wanting a relaxed pace, scenic drives and flexibility.
- Vehicle: Range Rover Sport V8 or V-Class depending on party size
- Works well with lodge stays or premium hotel combinations
Outline (Indicative)
- Day 1: Arrive Christchurch – private transfer, light city tour, overnight.
- Day 2: Christchurch → Hanmer Springs day tour or overnight, return or continue south.
- Day 3: Christchurch → Tekapo (via inland route), overnight Tekapo.
- Day 4: Tekapo → Mt Cook, walks / flights, overnight Mt Cook.
- Day 5: Mt Cook → Queenstown via Lindis Pass, overnight Queenstown.
- Day 6: Queenstown region touring – Arrowtown, Gibbston wineries or Glenorchy.
- Day 7: Flexible day or airport transfer, depending on flight times.
This framework is deliberately broad – we’ll adjust based on your contracted hotels, season and client profile (e.g. more walking vs more wineries).
Send Us Your Itinerary
The easiest way to work together is to send us your draft or confirmed itinerary as you would present it to your clients. We’ll review it from a ground-handling perspective and confirm:
- Whether daily drive times are realistic for your guests.
- Suggested departure times and key stops.
- Recommended vehicle type for comfort and luggage.
- Our indicative rates and inclusions.
Next Steps
Email your programme or use the Trade Quote form and attach notes. We’re happy to remain completely white-label if you prefer your clients not to see our brand.
Email: adam@dreamdrives.co.nz
Or submit a request via the Trade Quote form.