Welcome to New Zealand! Touchdown in Christchurch this morning, and collect your car, ready to embark on an incredible road trip around the stunning South Island.

As you make your way towards Kaikorua, take in the coastal views. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps taking a stroll along the beachfront or enjoying some fresh seafood.

Christchurch > Kaikoura | 179 kms

Sudima Kaikoura or similar

Today is yours to explore Kaikoura. Framed by snow-capped mountains on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the town boasts striking scenery, and incredible marine and bird life.

Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand for whale watching, so why not go on a cruise, or you can even spot them from the sky on a whale watching flight. You might even spot dolphins too!

The walking around Kaikora is similarly scenic. You can meet Kaikoura’s furry resdidents on a leisurely stroll around the boardwalks at Point Kean Seal Colony. You can also enjoy a walk (or a short drive) up to Kaikoura Lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views.

Sudima Kaikoura or similar

Heading from Kaikoura to Blenheim today, there are more seals to spot at Ohau Point.

You’ll soon notice the land become less mountainous, replaced by hills lined with vineyards, as you enter the renowned Marlborough wine region. Drop off your bags and the car at your hotel, and enjoy a cellar door tasting, or a winery tour.

Kaikoura > Blenheim | 130 kms

Scenic Hotel Marlborough or similar

Continue to the endearing coastal town of Nelson, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. The park houses some spectacular landscapes, from pristine white sands to subtropical rainforest. The park can be explored by kayak, by boat or by walking sections of the famous coast track.

In Nelson itself, why not sample some of the town’s many craft beweries, as it is home to all of New Zealand’s hops.

Blenheim > Nelson | 252 kms

Delorenzo’s Studio Apartments or similar

Your destination today is the village of Punakaiki, which is situated within Paparoa National Park. Spend the day admiring the magnificent landscapes that make up the park, visiting the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes and walking the Pororari River Track.

Nelson > Punakaiki | 259 kms

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar

Your road trip continues to the icy wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world’s most accessible advancing ice flows. You can explore from the valley floor, or even take a scenic helicopter flight for a unique vantage point.

Punakaiki > Franz Josef | 216 kms

Aspen Court Motel or similar

More extraordinary landscapes await, as you drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Lake Wanaka itself is beautiful, and can be explored by kayak or jetboat, or you can take a leisurely stroll from the town centre to the famous ‘That Wanaka Tree’, the most photographed tree in New Zealand.

Wanaka is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, with its snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. The hiking in the park is incredible, with popular routes including the Blue Pools Track and Rob Roy Glacier Track.

Franz Josef > Wanaka | 284 kms

Edgewater Hotel Wanaka or similar

Spend three nights in New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown. There really is no shortage of activities on offer, so there’s sure to be something to suit you. From indulgent spa treatments to exhilerating bungee jumps, you can do as much or as little as you like. Taking a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak is a great way to experience Queenstown, and take in views of the surrounding Remarkable Mountains.

From Queenstown you can also explore Fiordland National Park, home to the Milford Sound. Why not take a cruise to discover its marine life and appreciate the impressive landscapes?

Wanaka > Queenstown | 69 kms

Scenic Suites Queenstown or similar

Head to New Zealand’s southernmost city today, Invercargill. The centre is the perfect place to meander for a few hours, with plenty of independent shops and cafés, street art, and a farmer’s market.

Just minutes away, you’ll find Oreti Beach, famous as its 26 kilometre stretch of smooth sand was the racetrack for motorcycling legend Burt Munro. You can still drive on the beach, altough speed limits do apply.

From Invercargill, you can also get to Stewart Island, either on a short flight or on a ferry from nearby Bluff. Stewart Island is teeming with wildlife, and it is particularly known for its population of the native kiwi birds, as they outnumber humans.

A full day excursion to Stewart Island is included where you may be lucky enough to spot the rare and elusive Kiwi.

Queenstown > Invercargill | 187kms

Ascot Park Hotel or similar

Meander along the Southern Scenic Route to the Scottish settlement of Dunedin today.   Known as the “Edinburgh of the South” you can visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, and its historic grounds.

Alternatively, you may like to visit the Otago Peninsula, home of a rare Royal Albatross Colony and endangered Yellow Penguins.

Invercargil > Dundein | 204 kms

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similar

The town of Oamaru has a rich heritage and a distinct personality. The streets are lined with Victorian architecture, and in the Victorian Precinct, you’ll find boutique shops, galleries, and traditional crafts. Oamaru is also known as the home of Steampunk, and the museum ‘Steampunk HQ’ is well worth a visit, offering an immersive experience with art, sound and light, that really transports you to a different universe.

You can see the world’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat, visiting the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Watch the natural phenomenon of the blue penguin colony returning from sea to their nests at night.

Other activities in Oamaru include soaking in the scenic hot tubs or marvelling at the Moeraki Boulders, or enjoying a stroll around the Public Gardens.

Dunedin > Oamaru | 113 kms

Bella Vista Oamaru or similar

This former French settlement is charming and surrounded by stunning scenery. With two days to explore, why not begin by visiting the Akaroa Museum to learn abouyt the town’s interesting history. The town is dotted with independent cafés and brasseries, and each Saturday there is a farmers’ market showcasing local produce. Just a 15 minute walk from the centre of town, you’ll find Akaroa Lighthouse, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the bay.

The region is also known for its dolphin watching, so you can enjoy a harbour cruise to spot them. Another unique resident of Akaroa are the 170 alpacas that you can go and visit at Shamarra Alpacas.

Oamaru > Akaroa | 301 kms

Make your way back to Christchurch today, returning your car before you head to the airport, either for your onward flight, or to travel home. Just let our New Zealand Experts what you’d like to do.

Akaroa > Christchurch | 81 kms