8-Day South Island Self-Drive Picton to Queenstown
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Overview
Explore the length of the South Island from top to bottom on this eight-day Picton to Queenstown self-drive tour!
Beginning in Picton, you'll take straight to the water for a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, looking out for wildlife on the way. Your first short journey will whisk you through the wine-growing region of Marlborough to Blenheim.
Before travelling to Kaikoura, the capital of whale watching in New Zealand, the next day, you'll embark on a winery tour of Marlborough by bicycle. Peddling from one winery to the next, you'll be able to sample the best of the best.
From Kaikoura, you'll travel to Christchurch and spend a day touring the International Arctic Centre learning all about the first expeditions, modern-day life on Scott Base and the future of humanity on the ice. Another scenic drive will take you to Lake Tekapo, the best place to stargaze in New Zealand.
The following day, you'll journey south to Wanaka from Lake Tekapo. On the way, you'll make several stops in the stunning Mount Cook National Park and Canterbury Region including Twizel, a town that rivals Queenstown for adventure activities offered.
Your final couple of days will be spent in Queenstown, one of New Zealand top adventure destinations, where you'll enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu before departing!
Beginning in Picton, you'll take straight to the water for a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, looking out for wildlife on the way. Your first short journey will whisk you through the wine-growing region of Marlborough to Blenheim.
Before travelling to Kaikoura, the capital of whale watching in New Zealand, the next day, you'll embark on a winery tour of Marlborough by bicycle. Peddling from one winery to the next, you'll be able to sample the best of the best.
From Kaikoura, you'll travel to Christchurch and spend a day touring the International Arctic Centre learning all about the first expeditions, modern-day life on Scott Base and the future of humanity on the ice. Another scenic drive will take you to Lake Tekapo, the best place to stargaze in New Zealand.
The following day, you'll journey south to Wanaka from Lake Tekapo. On the way, you'll make several stops in the stunning Mount Cook National Park and Canterbury Region including Twizel, a town that rivals Queenstown for adventure activities offered.
Your final couple of days will be spent in Queenstown, one of New Zealand top adventure destinations, where you'll enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu before departing!
Itinerary
Day 1
Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton and Travel to Marlborough via Blenheim
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Beginning from Picton, this morning you'll cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, whilst looking out for wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way. Afterwards, you'll begin your self-drive journey from Picton to Queenstown with your first short stretch to Marlborough, via the centre of New Zealand's wine industry, Blenheim.
Accommodation
Phoenix Motor Inn★3 star
Activities
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
BlenheimOptional Activity
Marlborough Wine RegionOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Picton to BlenheimOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Blenheim to Marlborough DistrictOptional Activity
Destinations
Marlborough
Blenheim
Waihopai Valley
Day 2
Biking Wine Tour of Marlborough
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This morning, you will be taken to Explore Marlborough's base at the Vines Village where you will be set up on your bike, given a helmet and a hi-viz vest. You'll then embark on a self-guided tour of the Marlborough wine region by bicycle, stopping in as many wineries as you like within the time. In the afternoon, you'll jump in your car and drive two hours to Kaikoura, the town known for its wildlife-spotting opportunities, where you'll stay the night.
Accommodation
Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura★4 star
Activities
Full-Day Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour in Marlborough
Transportations
Self-Driving from Marlborough District to KaikōuraOptional Activity
Destinations
Blenheim
Spring Creek
Kaikoura
Day 3
Travel from Kaikoura to Christchurch
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This morning, you'll have the opportunity to make use of the wildlife adventures in Kaikoura, perhaps you will go whale watching, the choice is yours! Around midday, you'll begin your journey to Christchurch, a vibrant city that is traditionally known as the Garden City due to its award-winning botanical gardens which are over 150 years old. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation
Hotel Give
Activities
Whale Watch KaikouraOptional Activity
ChristchurchOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Kaikōura to ChristchurchOptional Activity
Destinations
Kaikoura
Christchurch
Day 4
A Day at the International Antarctic Centre
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Today, you'll spend the day at the International Antarctic Centre which is home to a huge range of experiences guaranteed to entertain the whole family. You can chill in the incredible Antarctic storm room, take on an all-terrain vehicle tour or make friends with penguins and huskies. Famously, you'll learn about the first expeditions, modern-day life on Scott Base and the future of humanity on the ice.
Accommodation
Hotel Give
Activities
International Antarctic Centre
Destinations
Christchurch
Day 5
Scenic Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
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Today, you'll set off on your journey to Lake Tekapo. On the way, you'll be free to make regular stops, the city of Ashburton is recommended. Later on, you'll arrive in Lake Tekapo, part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in the world to get amazingly clear views of the galaxy. The township, which goes by the same name, faces north across the incredible turquoise coloured lake and onto the rugged mountainous landscape of the Southern Alps.
Accommodation
Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo★4 star
Activities
Lake TekapoOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Christchurch to Lake TekapoOptional Activity
Destinations
Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
Day 6
Scenic Journey from Tekapo to Wanaka via Mount Cook, Twizel and Omarama
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Today, you'll journey south to Wanaka from Lake Tekapo. On the way, you'll make several stops in the stunning Mount Cook National Park and Canterbury Region. Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand as you'll learn as you pass through Twizel, a town that rivals Queenstown for adventure activities offered. Before arriving in Wanaka for your lake cruise with wine and cheese, you'll make one final stop in the small township of Omarama in the Mackenzie Basin.
Accommodation
Altamont Lodge Lake Wanaka★3 star
Activities
Mount CookOptional Activity
TwizelOptional Activity
OmaramaOptional Activity
Lake Wanaka Cruise with Wine and Cheese
Transportations
Self-Driving from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki / Mount CookOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Aoraki / Mount Cook to WanakaOptional Activity
Destinations
Lake Tekapo
Canterbury
Twizel
Omarama
Wanaka
Day 7
Scenic Drive to Queenstown and Free Day to Explore
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Today, you'll make the short journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, New Zealand's ultimate adventure destination which sits amongst some of the most spectacular natural scenery. Travellers from all over the world flock to Queenstown to experience activities such as skiing, 4x4 driving, golf and ziplining. Water sports like kayaking, jet boating and river rafting are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful lakes. Today, you can take advantage of the number of activities on offer!
Accommodation
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments★4 star
Activities
QueenstownOptional Activity
Queenstown Skyline GondolaOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Wanaka to QueenstownOptional Activity
Destinations
Wanaka
Queenstown
Day 8
Lake Wakatipu Cruise and Departure from Queenstown
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Before you depart Queenstown today and bring your tour to an end, you'll embark on a two-hour cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Your captain will provide informative commentary about the landmarks and native wildlife as you cruise. After a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu, you'll return to the starting point in Queenstown where your tour ends and you'll make your way to the airport for your departing flight.
Activities
Lake Wakatipu Scenic Catamaran Cruise from Queenstown
Transportations
Self-Driving from Queenstown to Queenstown AirportOptional Activity
Destinations
Queenstown
Otago
Included in Price
- 7 nights accommodation
- 5 activities
Not Included in Price
- Airport transfer
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- Ground transportation
- International flights
- Laundry
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
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Low season price starting fromAU$1,514
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