Itineraries

Christchurch / Queenstown / Dunedin / Christchurch

Recommended Length: 5 Days

Distance: 1237 km (773 miles)

Day 1: Christchurch to Mt. Cook Village
334km / 209 miles

This road trip will take you from sea level to the highest point of New Zealand, Aoraki / Mt. Cook. Beginning with the flat green tranquility of the Canterbury Plains, it won’t be long before you’re climbing to the tussocky wilds of the high country. Deep turquoise lakes announce your arrival in the Aoraki / Mt. Cook region.

Day 2: Mt. Cook Village to Queenstown
258km / 161 miles

Amid the Southern Alps you’ll discover the magic of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Arrowtown where adventure and indulgence are waiting for you.

Day 3: Queenstown to Dunedin
280km / 175 miles

A memorable journey through the gold towns of Central Otago takes you to Dunedin, a heritage city with a reputation for outstanding eco experiences. Taiaroa Head, on the Otago Peninsula, is the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross, large majestic seabirds with an impressive three-metre wingspan. It is also the home for the world's rarest penguin, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin or ‘Hoiho’. Awhile you’re there don’t forget to take in Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world!

Day 4: Dunedin to Oamaru
119km / 74 miles

On your journey to Oamaru take a break at the Moeraki Boulders - huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches. Unlike ordinary round boulders shaped by rivers and pounding seas, the Moeraki Boulders were formed in ancient sea floor sediments and are classed as septarian concretions.
At Oamaru take time to visit the Historic Precinct of well-preserved 19th Century buildings with a fascinating array of architectural styles ranging from Gothic revival to neoclassical Greek and Italian. In November of each year the town comes alive for the Heritage Celebrations, with penny-farthing bicycles racing through the streets.

Day 5: Oamaru to Christchurch
246km / 154 miles

Enjoy one of the many cafes along the way on your route back to Christchurch City.

Christchurch / West Coast / Queenstown / Christchurch

Recommended Length: 5 Days

Distance: 1406 km (879 miles)

This itinerary is one of our favourites because it takes in some of the most stunning scenery in the South Island.

Day 1: Christchurch to Greymouth
254km / 159 miles

The road from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass village is mountainous and memorable. Stretch your legs on a bush walk before continuing on to the historic towns of Hokitika and Greymouth.

Day 2: Greymouth to Fox Glacier
196km / 123 miles

Staying overnight at Greymouth allows plenty of time for a magical day at the amazing Fox Glacier.

Day 3: Fox Glacier to Queenstown
364km / 228 miles

From here continue your journey down the rugged, remote and beautiful West Coast, through rainforests and down to Queenstown.

Day 4: Queenstown to Aoraki / Mt. Cook
258km / 161 miles

Take time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kawarau Gorge, through the Lindis Pass and on to the Mt. Cook National Park.

Day 5: Mt. Cook to Christchurch
334km / 289 miles

You will never forget the stunning turquoise colour of glacial lakes such as Lake Tekapo as you leave Mt. Cook on your return to Christchurch.

Alternative Route
3-4 Days

Travel from Christchurch to the West Coast via Lewis Pass taking in Hanmer Springs and returning via Arthurs Pass – you won’t be disappointed with this route.

Christchurch City

There is so much to see and do in Christchurch!

Known as the Garden City and with extensive inner city public gardens and parks, Christchurch (population 350,000) is one of the most attractive cities in New Zealand. The rich English heritage is still apparent with its meandering Avon river, pedestrian-oriented city centre, historic trams and impressive Neo-Gothic buildings. Christchurch has the largest collection of Gothic architecture in the country, with Christchurch Cathedral, the Canterbury Museum, Christ's College School, and the former University of Canterbury, which now forms the bustling cultural centre of Christchurch, the Arts Centre.

Co-ordinate your stay with one of Christchurch’s many festivals and events and you will experience many of the unique aspects of the city’s character - the Christchurch Arts Festival, New Zealand Cup and Show week, the World Buskers Festival, the Lyttelton Festival of Lights, the Ellerslie International Flower Show and the Antarctic Festival to name a few!

Akaroa

Akaroa is a French-inspired settlement full of delightful character buildings, charming cafes and restaurants and dramatic scenery. The stunning drive takes a little over an hour. Take time to stop at Little River for some fine coffee and delectable treats, plus the chance to experience a totally unique art gallery with a passion for New Zealand art.

French Farm winery is a tranquil lunch stop or for a more casual affair try fish and chips on the beach at Akaroa.

Akaroa has been declared an historic place village by the NZ Historic Places Trust.

Nestled by the seaside Akaroa is the finishing point for the arduous ‘Le Race’, the annual 100km cycle race from Cathedral Square in Christchurch.

Hanmer Springs

Set in a forest valley at 380m above sea level, Hanmer Springs has an alpine mountain spa feel to it. The big attraction is the thermal hot pools, boasting a range of outdoor thermal pools, including sulphur mineral pools.
 
The town has a range of luxury and budget accommodation and attractive shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Christchurch / Nelson / Blenheim / Christchurch

Recommended Length: 5-6 Days
Distance: 451 km (282 miles)

On this five- to six-day adventure you will drive a circuit around the top half of the South Island and take in some stunning sights.

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Distance:  183km

Beginning with Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ and its strong arts and heritage focus and beautiful gardens, you’ll soon be heading up the coast towards Kaikoura through the wineries and vineyards of the Waipara region. Stop at the Mud House or Pegasus Bay Winery for a great wine and food experience. The stunning Kaikoura coastline is a highlight, with its rugged unspoilt beauty. Don’t forget to try a whale watching or swimming with the seals and dolphins – Kaikoura is famous for it! A local dining experience you won’t want to miss is the fresh crayfish (lobster) – it’s the local specialty.

Day 2: Kaikoura to Blenheim
129km

Blenheim is the home of New Zealand’s world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and the glistening Marlborough Sounds. Take a boat ride into the sunken valleys of the Sounds, or spend day wine tasting in the Marlborough wine region.

Day 3: Blenheim to Nelson
116km

Nelson is a great place to wine, dine and shop! If you have time take an extra day and head over the hill to Te Takaka. When you’ve finished exploring the fabulous beaches and walking tracks of the Abel Tasman National Park it’s time to depart for the West Coast.

Enjoy the surf and driftwood scenery on the way to Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks, then visit the historic town of Greymouth.

Optional Extra Day: Day trip to Golden Bay from Nelson

Day 4: Nelson to Hanmer Springs (via Lewis Pass)
286km

The Lewis Pass takes you through beech forest to the rejuvenating hot pools at Hanmer Springs.

Day 5: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
135km

When you feel refreshed and revived it’s time to head back to Christchurch City.

Christchurch / Kaikoura / Hanmer Springs / Kaikoura

Recommended Length: Three Days

Distance: 451 km (282 miles)

Day 1: Christchurch To Kaikoura
184km / 115 miles

Begin by exploring Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ with its strong arts and heritage focus and beautiful gardens.  Head up the coast towards Kaikoura through the wineries and vineyards of the Waipara region. Stop at the Mud House or Pegasus Bay Winery for a great wine and food experience. The stunning Kaikoura coastline is a highlight, with its rugged unspoilt beauty. Don’t forget to try a whale watching or swimming with the seals and dolphins – Kaikoura is famous for it! A local dining experience you won’t want to miss is the fresh crayfish (lobster) – it’s the local specialty.

Day 2: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs
132km / 83 miles

After an overnight stay head to Hanmer Springs where the hot pools, massage treatments and great restaurants will rejuvenate and revive you.

Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
135km / 84 miles

Feeling refreshed, take time to head back to Christchurch, allowing time to fit in any last minute attractions you missed upon your arrival.