Included in this journey:
- 13 nights’ accommodation
- Rental car with full insurance coverage – medium size car (Toyota Corolla sedan or similar)
- Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport/ferry fee
Day 1 – Arrive in Christchurch
Collect your rental car from the airport and drive to the city centre. Check-in at the hotel (after 3:00pm).
Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts glide on the Avon River, which meanders through the city centre. On its banks are cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In Christchurch you will find historic buildings, epic street art murals, award-winning restaurants and of course a n array of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Overnight: Christchurch
See & Do: Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Punting | Cardboard Cathedral | Port Hills | Local markets | The Canterbury Museum | Sumner Beach
Day 2 – Christchurch – Dunedin
Today you’ll head South on State Highway one and go over New Zealand’s longest bridge at Rakaia and onwards through Timaru.
A stop in Oamaru is recommended so you have some time enjoy the white stone buildings that Oamaru is well known for! Continue down the coast to Moeraki, and take a detour towards the beach to see the Moeraki Boulders – a unique geological feature well worth a look.As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around the city centre – The Octagon.
Approximate distance and time: 350 kms – 4.2 hours
Overnight: Dunedin
See & Do: Museums and Galleries | World’s steepest street | Botanic Garden | Lovers Leap | Dunedin Railway Station | Larnach Castle | Wildlife Cruise
Day 3 – Dunedin
You are in Dunedin for the full day today and explore the many delights Dunedin has to offer at your own leisurely pace. If you are here on a Saturday, a visit to the local market held on the grounds of the railway station. Explore the many cafes and wine bars in The Octagon. Explore the internationally acclaimed Street Art dotted around the city. For a spot of sunbathing head to the beach or for those looking for something a bit more active, hire a bike and go on one of the many trails available in the area. For a historical experience follow the coast and visit Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle. On the way back and if you have the time, visit the Otago Peninsula to see the largest mainland Albatross colony in the world.
Overnight:Dunedin
See & Do: Museums and Galleries | World’s steepest street | Botanic Garden | Lovers Leap | Dunedin Railway Station | Larnach Castle | Wildlife Cruise
Day 4 – Dunedin – Invercargill
Head to your overnight destination today – Invercargill – via the Southern Scenic Route. You’ll drive along the rugged Otago coastline and its many secluded beaches and bays Travelling time from Dunedin to Invercargill is only around three hours so take your time and explore one or two – and many of these places are great places to spot New Zealand fur seals and sea lions. At Nugget Point, penguins and elephant seals can also be spotted. Curio Bay is home to a 160 million year old fossilised forest. An early start is highly recommended so that you can stop at many of the attractions along the Southern Scenic Route.
Approximate distance and time: 236 kms – 3.0 hours
Overnight: Invercargill
See & Do: Aurora Australis (between April – September) | Nugget Point lighthouse | Pūrākaunui Falls | Bill Richardson Transport World | Classic Motorcycle Mecca
Day 5 – Invercargill – Te Anau
Continue your journey on the Southern Scenic Route to Te Anau and through some wonderful regions of Southland. Stop at Riverton – Southland’s oldest community established by whalers in the 1830’s. Onwards to Orepuki and to the early sawmilling settlement of Tautapere. Continue travelling north and you’ll soon the Clifden suspension bridge which dates back to 1899. If you have the time, a trip to Lake Haruoko – New Zealand’s deepest lake – is recommended (approx. 50 kilometre round trip). Soon you’ll be in Te Anau the gateway to Milford Sound.
Approximate distance and time: 180 kms – 2.1 hours
Overnight: Te Anau
See & Do: Te Hikoi Culture Heritage Museum | Clifden Caves
Day 6 – Te Anau
Head off to Milford Sound and enjoy some of the most beautiful and iconic scenery in the country – from crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier formed meadows.
Stop and stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk, a short stroll through native beech forest to see several powerful waterfalls. Enjoy the drive through the Homer Tunnel (1219 metres long) and head into the village of Milford. We highly recommend that you take a day cruise into the heart of the sound and learn about how this magnificent area was formed and experience the wonder of the falls that line the Fiord before back-tracking the way you came.
Approximate distance and time: 235 kms – 3.6 hours
Overnight: Te Anau
See & Do: Chasm walk | Milford Sound Cruise
Day 7 – Te Anau – Queenstown
Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands on your way to New Zealand’s adventure capital – Queenstown. Drive through Mossurn (the deer capital of the Nation) and continue on through the Southland countryside. The drive along the lake with the Remarkables mountain range towering over you as you approach Queenstown is simply breathtaking.
Approximate distance and time: 165 kms – 2 hours
Overnight: Queenstown
See & Do: Lake Wakatipu | Skippers Canyon | Jet Boating on the Shotover River | Skyline Gondola | Bungy Jump | Queenstown Gardens
Day 8 – Queenstown – Franz Josef Glacier
Today you’ll cross the Crown Range and arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka – gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Drive along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and get to the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1 hour return walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue driving pass the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast – a 600 km stretch of bush and native rainforest. You will soon be welcomed by Fox Glacier before your destination for the night – Franz Josef township.
Approximate distance and time: 350 kms – 5 hours
Overnight: Franz Josef
See & Do: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight | Glacier Hot Pools | West Coast Wildlife Center | Franz Josef Valley Glacier Walk
Day 9 – Queenstown – Punakaiki
Get on to State Highway 6 and head north and pas through many small West Coast towns – Hari Hari (the township that Guy Menzies decided to land in (or rather crash land) as he became the first person to fly solo across the Tasman), Ross (the site of an old gold mining town). Stop in Hokitika. This seaside town has a rich history that dates back to the 1860’s and is well known for its Greenstone (Pounamu). Have a stoll and pick up a souvenir or two at one of the many craft shops. Before you set off to your overnight destination, a trip to the supermarket is recommended as there is none in Punakaiki. Plan to arrive in Punakaiki early so that you have the time to enjoy and explore.
Approximate distance and time : 212 kms – 2.6 hours
Overnight: Punakaiki
See & Do: The Pancake Rocks | The Punakaiki Cavern | The Paparoa Track | The Paparoa National Park | Horse Trek | Jade carving class
Day 10 – Punakaiki – Nelson
A divert to Cape Foulwind – home to a seal colony – situated just south of Westport is well worthwhile. Continue driving along the Buller Gorge enjoy the wonderful scenery and the magnificent river. The first town of some size and interest you’ll get to is Inangahua. Stop and visit the small museum that tells of the earthquake that hit the region in 1968 leaving 70% of the buildings damaged or inhabitable. Further along the river one of the must stop places is Whites Creek and New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. Crossing the river you get magnificent views of the gorge and once on the other side there are short bush walks, jet boat rides and some of the historic gold mining remnants. Stop in the quiet town of Murchison fro some launch. If you are feeling active and energetic and you can do a bit of white water rafting, kayaking, 4WD trips or trout fishing. Continuing to follow the river you then enter the Kahurangi National Park region and the Nelson Lakes. Trees, rivers and valleys accompany you now as you head into the suburb of Richmond and then Nelson City.
Approximate distance and time: 249 kms – 3.0 hours
Overnight: Nelson
See & Do: Jetboat down the Buller Canyon | Cross New Zealand’s longest swing-bridge
Day 11 – Nelson
At leisure explore and enjoy Nelson. Take a break from driving and explore on foot the city. Visit the historic areas, the famous Cathedral or stop and enjoy a cup of coffee at a cafe on Trafalgar Street. If you are keen on a short drive (approx. 45 minutes), a drive to Abel Tasman National Park is recommended. Nelson offers options to keep all ages fully engaged.
Overnight: Nelson
See & Do: Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track | World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum | Harwoods Hole Walk | Tahunanui Beach | Garden Hopping | The Suter Art Gallery | The Founders Heritage Park
Day 12 – Nelson – Blenheim
Drive along the coast of Tasman Bay towards the Bryant Range. Stop at the famous and historic Pelorus Bridge and go on one of the many forest walks – most popular is the 30 minute loop through beech, rimu and totara forest to the swing-bridge. Travel on the Marlborough Sounds coastline towards the port town of Picton where the Interislander ferries arrive and depart. Stop here and enjoy the array of shops and cafes and the waterfront before you continue onto Blenheim which is only 30 minutes away. Blenheim sits right at the heart of the New Zealand’s largest wine producing region, Marlborough, and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling of the local produce.
Approximate distance and time: 131 kms – 2.0 hours
Overnight: Blenheim
See & Do: The Edwin Fox Maritime Centre | Art Galleries | Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre | The Marlborough Museum |Vineyards | Pollard Park | The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (normally held in february)
Day 13 – Blenheim – Christchurch
Today you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. This coastal drive offers many opportunities to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. Soon you will be in the Kaikoura – known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population. Depending on the season you may see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Another great Kaikoura activity is Swimming with the Seals – highly recommended if you have time. Continue along the coast and then head inland through North Canterbury’s major wine region – the Waipara Valley. A small detour (approx 40 minutes) to Hammer Springs for a relaxing dip in the thermal pools is recommended. Relaxed and refreshed, head to your destination for the night.
Approximate distance and time: 300 kms – 3.6 hours
Overnight: Christchurch
See & Do: Whale Watching Tour | Swim With Dolphins | Christchurch CBD
Day 14 – Depart Christchurch
Check out of the hotel, head to the airport, return your rental and catch your flight home.
See & Do: Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Punting | Cardboard Cathedral | Port Hills | Local markets | The Canterbury Museum | Sumner Beach
* All prices from, twin share on a room only basis with itinerary starting on a Monday & subject to availability. All activities at own expense. All distances and times are approximate.