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14-Day South Island Self Drive Coastal Route

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Overview

You’ll begin this journey with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch.

In Dunedin there’s time to explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then you’ll follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island. On the western side of the island, highlights include a famous Milford Sound cruise, the spectacular West Coast Road edging the Tasman Sea and the remarkable Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.

The top of the South Island brings the calm aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds before you return to the Pacific Ocean and finish where you started in Christchurch.
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Sightseeing
Adventure
Cruising
Beach & Sea
Wellness
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

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Arrive Christchurch

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to Christchurch. Discover the true magic of city sightseeing on-board this city tour bus. With a mix of open and closed top buses, you will ride in comfort and style, enjoying spectacular views. Join friendly local guides as they take you on a journey of discovery through Christchurch. Listen to an entertaining and informative commentary and learn about the fascinating history, from pioneering days to modern times.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel and Apartments Christchurch4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Christchurch Hop-On-Hop-Off by Hassle Free Tours

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Christchurch International Airport to Bella Vista Motel and Apartments Christchurch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Day 2

Through Canterbury Plains to Dunedin

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Through Canterbury Plains to Dunedin

Collect a rental car of your choice and head out on your self-drive adventure. Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains you’ll head South traversing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial meltwater high in the Southern Alps. Go over New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia and stretch your legs in Oamaru, known for its local Oamaru stone buildings. As you arrive in Dunedin, take in the city’s Edwardian and Scottish heritage reflected in the buildings around The Octagon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motel On York4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Moeraki Boulders BeachOptional Activity

    DunedinOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Christchurch to Dunedin

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    Destinations

    Christchurch

    Hampden

    Dunedin

Day 3

Explore Dunedin

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Explore Dunedin

Known as the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin City has a heavy Scottish influence and is surrounded by rugged coastal plains and windswept beaches. Board the Monarch Boat to see the Royal Albatross as it comes in to nest on spectacular cliffs of Taiaroa, Otago Peninsula. Learn about the endangered yellow-eyed penguin when you visit Penguin Place and visit Larnach, New Zealand's only Castle, built in 1871 by politician and merchant, William Larnach, who helped shape New Zealand's early history.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Motel On York4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Dunedin City ExplorationOptional Activity

    Monarch Wildlife Cruise

    Penguin PlaceOptional Activity

    Royal Albatross CentreOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Hindon

    Harington Point

Day 4

The Southern Scenic Route to Invercargill

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The Southern Scenic Route to Invercargill

Well signposted from Dunedin the route takes you along the rugged Otago coastline and its many secluded beaches and bays. There are many 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. Get an early start for this drive as you can easily pass the whole day exploring the many attractions along the Southern Scenic Route.

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    Accommodation

    Admiral Court Motel & Apartments Invercargill4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Nugget Point Lighthouse

    Curio BayOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Dunedin to Invercargill

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    Destinations

    Dunedin

    Ahuriri Flat

    Curio Bay

    Kaikoura

Day 5

Invercargill to Te Anau

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Invercargill to Te Anau

Take the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to Te Anau passing through overlooked regions of Southland. Riverton is Southland's oldest community; Orepuki on the coast was the 'almost' gold town, you can still see gold dust on the beach at Monkey Bay. The early sawmilling settlement of Tautapere is next and then the Clifden suspension bridge dating back to 1899. The Blackmount Road continues to the township of Manapouri, the departing point for cruises to Doubtful Sound, then to Te Anau.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lakefront Lodge Te Anau4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    RivertonOptional Activity

    Lake Hauroko

    Te Anau Glowworm CavesOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Invercargill to Te Anau

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    Destinations

    Kaikoura

    Riverton

    Fiordland National Park

    Te Anau

Day 6

Milford Sound Cruise

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Milford Sound Cruise

The road to Milford Sound has some of the most iconic scenery in the country. Stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk, through native beech forest to powerful waterfalls. Continue on to the Homer Tunnel to Milford where you will be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak. A Milford Sound cruise into the fjord is not to be missed. You’ll learn about how this magnificent area was formed and experience the wonder of the falls before back-tracking the way you came.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lakefront Lodge Te Anau4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Scenic Drive around Milford Sound with Real Journeys

    Milford Sound Nature Cruise

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    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Milford Sound

Day 7

Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown

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Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown

Today you’ll cross vast tussock lands and through Mossburn, the deer capital of the nation. Continue on through the Southland where the road hugs the lake edge and the Remarkables mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Jump on the Shotover Jet; skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. At night, you have the option of a dinner cruise.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Garden Court Suites & Apartments4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Jet Boating on the Shotover RiverOptional Activity

    TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak with Gourmet DinnerOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Te Anau to Queenstown

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Te Anau

    Queenstown

    Walter Peak

Day 8

Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

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Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

From Queenstown, you'll cross the Crown Range - the highest sealed road in New Zealand - to the Alpine town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a walk through native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Take a scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head and view the incredible frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys.

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    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Blue Pools Walk at Makarora

    Twin Glacier with Snow Landing

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Queenstown

    Otago

    Franz Josef Glacier

Day 9

The West Coast Road to Punakaiki

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The West Coast Road to Punakaiki

Driving north, you pass through many small towns. Hari Hari is where Guy Menzies landed as he became the first person to fly solo across the Tasman. Ross is an old gold mining town, you can even pan for gold. The small shops in Hokitika are excellent with any locally made items and, even further is Hokitika Gorge, a worthy detour. Be sure to go to the supermarket in Greymouth as there is not one in Punakaiki, your final stop.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hydrangea Cottages3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    HarihariOptional Activity

    HokitikaOptional Activity

    Shantytown Heritage ParkOptional Activity

    PunakaikiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Harihari

    Hokitika

    Greymouth

    Punakaiki

Day 10

Through National Parks to Nelson

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Through National Parks to Nelson

Heading north, drive along the Buller Gorge to enjoy some wonderful scenery as you follow the river. The first major town is Inangahua where a museum tells of the earthquake in 1968. Further along the river, one of the must-stop places is New Zealand's longest swing bridge. Crossing the river you get magnificent views of the gorge. Murchison is a quiet place and a great lunch stop. Following the river, you enter the Kahurangi National Park and the Nelson lakes as you head into Nelson city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Hotel Nelson4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nelson CityOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Punakaiki to Nelson

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Punakaiki

    Nelson

    Hira Forest

Day 11

Explore Abel Tasman

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Explore Abel Tasman

Nelson is a great city to explore on foot. Visit the historic areas, the famous Cathedral or relax. Nelson is noted for its many artists, follow one of the art trails to explore the galleries. Around 45 minutes drive away is Abel Tasman National Park with countless opportunities to explore; from enjoying the golden sand beaches and clear warm waters to guided kayaking trips viewing seals and dolphins, to exploring some of New Zealand's finest walking tracks.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Hotel Nelson4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Abel Tasman National ParkOptional Activity

    Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip including Picnic LunchOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nelson

    Abel Tasman National Park

Day 12

The Queen Charlotte Drive to Blenheim

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The Queen Charlotte Drive to Blenheim

From Nelson, you drive along Tasman Bay to the Pelorus River. From Havelock, the Queen Charlotte Drive travels the Marlborough Sounds towards Picton. You can witness magnificent views of the sound so allow plenty of time. You can take the narrow road to Portage along Mahau Sound and Kenepuru Sound. The port town of Picton has plenty of shops and cafes. Just 30 minutes south is Blenheim, in the heart of New Zealand's Marlborough region, perfect for an afternoon sampling of the local produce.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lugano Motor Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sounds Connection Half-Day Wine TourOptional Activity

    Seafood Odyssea CruiseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Nelson to Blenheim

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Nelson

    Waihopai Valley

    Picton

    Blenheim

Day 13

Head South to Christchurch

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Head South to Christchurch

Crossing the Marlborough ranges, head towards the spectacular Kaikoura Coast following the road that hugs the coast and offers chances to view the native wildlife. To the east, you see the South Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Stop in Kaikoura, with its many cafes and shops. Depending on the season, you may also see whales migrating. Head inland through the Waipara Valley. You might take a 40-minute detour to Hanmer Springs for a dip in the thermal pools before arriving in Christchurch.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel and Apartments Christchurch4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hanmer SpringsOptional Activity

    ChristchurchOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Blenheim to Christchurch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Blenheim

    Hanmer Springs

    Christchurch

Day 14

Departure from Christchurch

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Departure from Christchurch

Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

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    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Christchurch

Included in Price

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 8 activities
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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