15 Day Southern New Zealand Motorhome Self Drive

Upon arriving in Christchurch, you will make your way to the vehicle depot to collect your motorhome rental.

This morning head north from Christchurch through the rolling farmland of North Canterbury to the alpine resort of Hamner Springs. Relax at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, a water wonderland with hydro slides, aquatic thrill rides and hot pools of different temperatures. Perhaps treat yourself or partner with a luxury spa package?

Besides the thermal pools, Hanmer Springs has lots to offer, with everything from walking or biking tracks, a mini golf putting course, and animal farm. For those wanting some adventure, there is jet boating, bungy jumping, canoeing, river rafting and 4WD quad biking available.

Stay 1 night Hanmer Springs

Travel over the picturesque Lewis Pass, the northern most of the three Southern Alps passes. On the way stop at Maruia Hot Springs, an award winning wellness centre hidden away in the Southern Alps. If you have enough time to explore, make your way north to Punakaiki and visit the fabulous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, before the short drive south to Greymouth on the West Coast.

This afternoon visit Shantytown Heritage Park, just 10 minutes south of Greymouth and discover the faithfully restored gold mining town from the 1860's. Take a ride in a steam train, and see if you can find a gold nugget, with a spot of gold panning!

Stay 1 night Greymouth

Spend some time in Hokitika on your way down the coast, a town noted for its pounamu (New Zealand jade) and wild west gold mining history. Maybe you would like to see the world from a bird’s viewpoint, and walk high above the ground through the ancient rimu and kamahi tree canopy on the West Coast Treetop Walkway.

This afternoon at Fox Glacier or Franz Josef, take a 20 minute scenic flight takes you from sea level into the Southern Alps for a scenic flight over the otherwise inaccessible iceflows of either Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier, for a snow landing right on the glacier, a truly unforgettable experience.

Stay 1 night Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Travel down the rugged West Coat, before heading over Haast Pass through the southern Alps. There are scores of places to stop at the roadside in the pass, for short walks to stunning waterfalls and blue pools or simply to admire the verdant landscape.

In Wanaka pay a visit to weird and wonderful Puzzling World (included), an entertaining activity for young and old alike with a mix of bizarre buildings, the world-famous Great Maze, and rooms of illusion.

Stay 2 nights Wanaka

This morning combine a lake cruise, nature walk, wildlife encounter and spectacular lake and alpine views with an eco guide, and you have the Mou Waho Island Cruise and Walk on Lake Wanaka. Your guide will introduce you to the rare and varied flora and fauna, including the endangered flightless Buff Weka that has been extinct on the rest of mainland New Zealand since 1920.

This afternoon you can enjoy some of the many other activities of this stunning lakeside township, maybe a thrilling jet boat ride, relaxing walk along the lakefront. Visit Puzzling world or one of the many attractions at Wanaka Airport. The choice is yours.

The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road to Arrowtown. It's a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you'll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Queenstown.

Stay 3 nights Queenstown

Kick start your day with the famously thrilling jet boating trip on the Shotover River. The rest of the afternoon is completely up to you and you can explore this fun loving town at your own pace.

You will have an additional day to explore Queenstown and enjoy even more of the local activities.

Tonight, Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. On disembarking, you'll be escorted through the beautiful lakeside gardens to the charming Colonel's Homestead. Here you'll enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which your chef will prepare in front of you. The seasonal menu includes an expansive array of local produce, including succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads.

Drive along the southern shores of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and travel across the rural farmlands that lead to Te Anau. While you're there, why not make the most of it by enjoying a scenic cruise across the lake and discover the underground wonders of the glowworm caves?

Travel along the Milford Road and venture through the Homer Tunnel before hopping on board for a nature cruise around Milford Sound. Prepare to be amazed by the world famous natural wonder as you cruise past waterfalls and rock walls. Return to Te Anau where you will spend the evening.

Make your way across the river plains that pass through Gore on the way to Dunedin – the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Visit historic Olveston House or Larnach Castle with its gardens rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance. An absolute must for nature lovers is a visit to some of the wildlife attractions of Otago Peninsula including the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Reserve, Monarch Wildlife Cruise and Albatross Sanctuary.

Stay 1 night Dunedin

Travel north and don't forget to stop to see the Moeraki Boulders as you head for Lake Tekapo. Head inland to Lake Tekapo, known as the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Enjoy an evening of stargazing at Mt John on a Dark Sky Project Summit Experience.

Stay 1 night Lake Tekapo

As you drive on to Christchurch, the 'Garden City', you will travel across the scenic Canterbury Plains. Enjoy the farmland views along the way and, once you arrive in the city, you can enjoy and interactive experience and view the penguins at the International Antarctic Centre.

Make your way to the vehicle depot to return your motorhome before heading back home.