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13 days 12 nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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There’s a place where mountains speak in silence, where lakes reflect not just the sky but something deeper, and where—if the night is dark enough—the heavens dance in ribbons of southern light.
This is New Zealand’s South Island, and this journey takes you to its raw, radiant heart.
From the ice-blue veins of Franz Josef to the cinematic stillness of Glenorchy… from penguin-peppered cliffs to the stargate skies of Tekapo, every turn holds a secret, every moment invites awe. You’ll drive roads where the radio falls silent and the landscape tells its own stories. You’ll stand beneath skies so vast they make you forget where you end and the world begins.
And sometimes, when the air is cold and the stars align, the Southern Lights ripple across the night — not demanding to be seen, but waiting to be found.
This isn’t just a road trip. It’s a quiet kind of pilgrimage. One that leaves you changed.
Arrive in Christchurch, a city where renewal meets tradition. Take the day to rest and acclimate. Wander the tree-lined avenues, visit the botanical gardens, or enjoy a coffee in the artsy laneways. It's a gentle beginning before the untamed beauty of the South unfolds. Overnight in Christchurch
Collect your self-drive car and embark on one of the South Island’s most spectacular drives — through Arthur’s Pass National Park. As you cross the Southern Alps, keep your camera ready for waterfalls, deep gorges, and highland plateaus. Arrive in Franz Josef village by evening, surrounded by dense rainforest and alpine serenity.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Today, ascend into a world of ancient ice with a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier. Soar above jagged ridges and land on the blue-white expanse to explore its surreal terrain on foot. If skies are clear after nightfall, step outside for a glimpse of the stars — and during certain months, you may even catch a flicker of the elusive Aurora Australis, dancing low on the southern horizon.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Drive through scenic valleys and past mirror-like lakes, with time to stop at Lake Matheson or Wanaka en route. Arrive in Queenstown, nestled beside Lake Wakatipu, where alpine peaks cradle a town buzzing with life, flavour, and possibility.
Overnight in Queenstown
Whether it’s skydiving, jet-boating, or sipping wine in a lakeside café, today is yours to define. Opt for a soul-stirring drive to Glenorchy and Paradise — where every bend reveals a new layer of beauty, often cloaked in a cinematic glow.
Overnight in Queenstown
A full-day adventure to one of the world’s great natural wonders. Drive or fly into Fiordland National Park and cruise through Milford Sound, where waterfalls thunder from misty cliffs and seals lounge on rocky shores. The scale is humbling. The silence? Sacred.
Overnight in Queenstown
Head south to Bluff — the end of the road and the edge of the world. Visit Stirling Point and enjoy a seafood lunch by the sea. Take an optional ferry to Stewart Island, where untouched nature and stargazing await. If luck and weather align, this far south is among New Zealand’s rare spots to glimpse the Southern Lights, especially in winter and spring.
Overnight in Bluff
Follow the windswept coastline of the Catlins, one of New Zealand’s most ruggedly beautiful regions. Stop at Nugget Point Lighthouse, admire hidden waterfalls, and breathe in the salt air before continuing to the heritage city of Dunedin.
Overnight in Dunedin
Explore Larnach Castle and its gardens, perched above Otago Harbour. Drive the peninsula for wildlife encounters — yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and majestic albatross. End your day with a tasting at Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin institution.
Overnight in Dunedin
Journey inland to the crystalline beauty of Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at golden hour, soak in alpine hot springs, and as night falls, step into a world of stars. Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and on rare nights, you may catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights dancing beyond the Southern Alps.
Overnight in Tekapo
Make your way to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Spend the day exploring alpine trails, glacier lakes, and awe-inspiring vistas. Return to Tekapo for another chance to stargaze — or catch nature’s light show if conditions permit.
Overnight in Tekapo
Drive back across the sweeping Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. In the afternoon, unwind with a leisurely punt ride on the Avon River or ride the vintage tram that loops through the city’s charming streets.
Overnight in Christchurch
Drop off your self-drive car and prepare for your onward journey. You leave with memories carved in ice, lit by stars, and — if you're among the lucky few — brushed by the glow of the Southern Lights.
Departure
The South Island is stunning year-round, but for the best chance of clear skies and sightings of the Southern Lights, consider visiting between March and September. Summer (December–February) offers longer days and alpine blooms, while winter brings snow-dusted peaks and fewer crowds.
If your license is in English, you can drive with your Indian driver’s license. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Driving is on the left-hand side.
Yes. The roads are well-maintained and signposted, and the pace is balanced between adventure and rest. We’ll provide GPS support, local tips, and can even suggest scenic detours tailored to your travel style.
The Aurora Australis is elusive and never guaranteed — but locations like Tekapo, Bluff, and Stewart Island offer some of the best chances in New Zealand. The darker and clearer the night, the better your odds.
We select centrally located hotels, boutique stays, alpine lodges, and luxury B&Bs that reflect the character of each region — blending comfort with location, and often offering stunning views or stargazing opportunities.
Absolutely. New Zealand is very accommodating when it comes to dietary needs. We’ll ensure your preferences are communicated to your hosts and activity providers in advance.
Yes, Indian nationals must apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to New Zealand. The application can be made online through the Immigration New Zealand website. You’ll need documents such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and return tickets. The process usually takes around 15–30 working days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
