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South Island

Start: Christchurch
Duration: 5 days

This five-day, four-night self-drive escape starts and ends at Christchurch Airport and explores Banks Peninsula, local wildlife and Kaikōura’s coast. On the Akaroa day, allow about three hours’ return driving and four hours on the included Pōhatu safari—roughly seven hours altogether, plus stops. Available throughout the year on bookable dates, the package includes accommodation, five days’ SUV hire and insurance, a guided Willowbank visit and a Kaikōura whale-watch day trip. It suits travellers who enjoy wildlife and coastal scenery.

How does the Christchurch Nature & Wildlife Escape work?

Stay four nights in Christchurch and use your rental SUV for sightseeing at your own pace. The included Pōhatu safari starts in Akaroa, while Willowbank is close to the city. A separate full-day whale-watch tour takes you from Christchurch to Kaikōura.

The five-day route leaves time for gardens, coastal viewpoints and local dining between the booked activities. Optional experiences can be added when schedules allow, while an alternative experience replaces an inclusion only when the exchange is agreed in your quote. Wildlife is wild, so sightings depend on season, weather and animal behaviour.

Note: All short stay packages can be tailored to suit your travel plans, with included tours and activities exchanged for alternative experiences. Package durations can also be shortened or extended to match your dates, or combined with other short stay packages to create a longer New Zealand itinerary.

What wildlife and landscapes will you explore?

Drive across the volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula to Akaroa, where the Pōhatu safari visits conservation areas, coastal viewpoints and penguin nesting sites. Back in Christchurch, a native wildlife guide at Willowbank introduces species including kiwi, kea and tuatara. These visits focus on the habitats and conservation work behind the wildlife encounters.

On the Kaikōura day, travel north to the coast where deep water lies close to the mountains. The included boat trip searches for sperm whales, with other marine life sometimes seen along the way. Learn more about Kaikōura’s coastal wildlife and landscapes.

  • 4 nights hotel or motel accommodation in Christchurch*
  • 5 days Hybrid Intermediate AWD SUV 2L rental car with Go Rentals from Christchurch Airport*
  • Fully inclusive rental car insurance
  • Four-hour Pōhatu Scenic Nature Safari departing from Akaroa.
  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve admission and native guided tour.
  • Kaikōura whale-watch day tour from Christchurch, including the whale-watch boat trip.

Accommodation Options

  • Bella Vista Christchurch Motel — Superior Studio.
  • Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch — Executive Studio.
  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel — Classic Super King Room.
  • Adina Heritage Christchurch — One Bedroom Apartment.

*Note: Other Room types and rental vehicles available.

Stay in the Heart of Christchurch

Distinction Christchurch Hotel enjoys a prime central city location, placing many of Christchurch's leading attractions, shopping precincts and restaurants within easy walking distance. Its beautifully restored heritage façade blends seamlessly with contemporary interiors, creating a stylish and welcoming place to stay.

Whether you're planning a city break or using Christchurch as the gateway to the South Island, the hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base. Thoughtfully appointed rooms and friendly service ensure a relaxing stay from arrival through to departure.

Classic Super King Room

The Classic Super King Room features a luxurious super king bed, contemporary décor and modern amenities designed for comfort and relaxation. Large windows fill the room with natural light, creating a bright and inviting space to unwind.

Enjoy premium bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi and a spacious ensuite, providing everything needed for a restful night's stay. It's an excellent choice for couples or solo travellers seeking comfort in the heart of Christchurch. For families there are also 2 Bedroom Suites available

Contemporary Facilities & Exceptional Dining

Distinction Christchurch Hotel offers a range of modern facilities, including an on-site restaurant and bar, making it easy to enjoy quality dining without leaving the hotel. Professional service and thoughtfully designed spaces create a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

After a day exploring Christchurch, relax with a drink in the stylish bar or savour locally inspired cuisine prepared using fresh New Zealand ingredients. Combined with its central location and comfortable accommodation, the hotel delivers an enjoyable stay for both leisure and business travellers.

Relax in Spacious Family-Friendly Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch offers spacious apartment-style accommodation in a peaceful garden setting just minutes from Christchurch's city centre. Featuring charming Tudor-inspired architecture, the hotel combines classic character with modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for couples, families and longer stays.

Choose from a range of well-appointed studios, suites and self-contained apartments designed to provide plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring Canterbury. Complimentary parking, free Wi-Fi and friendly hospitality ensure a comfortable and convenient stay from arrival through to departure.

Executive Studio

The Executive Studio offers a spacious and contemporary retreat with a comfortable king bed, modern ensuite, kitchenette and relaxing seating area. It's an excellent option for couples or small families seeking extra comfort while exploring Christchurch and Canterbury.

Executive 2 Bedroom Suite

The Executive Two Bedroom Suite at Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch offers stylish, newly refurbished accommodation with a separate lounge and dining area, making it an excellent choice for families or friends travelling together. Featuring air conditioning, heated bathroom floors, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a flexible king and twin bedding configuration, it provides a spacious and comfortable retreat just minutes from Christchurch's city centre.

Excellent Facilities in a Convenient Location

Take advantage of the hotel's excellent facilities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and sauna, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing or outdoor adventures. The on-site restaurant and bar provide a convenient place to enjoy breakfast, dinner or an evening drink without leaving the property.

Located close to Hagley Park, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the popular Merivale shopping and dining precinct, Scenic Hotel Cotswold provides easy access to many of the city's top attractions. Its convenient location also makes it an excellent base for day trips to Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, Hanmer Springs and the wider Canterbury region.

Comfortable Accommodation in a Convenient Christchurch Location

Bella Vista Christchurch Motel offers modern, affordable accommodation just a short drive from Christchurch's city centre and many of the region's most popular attractions. Its convenient location provides easy access to Hagley Park, Christchurch Airport and the city's vibrant shopping and dining precincts.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or beginning a South Island adventure, Bella Vista Christchurch provides a welcoming and comfortable base. Guests can choose from a range of well-appointed studios, family units and spacious apartments designed to suit every style of traveller.

Classic Super King Room

The Classic Super King Room features a plush super king bed, contemporary furnishings and everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Modern amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and a spacious ensuite ensure a restful experience after a day of exploring Christchurch.

Thoughtfully designed for couples and business travellers, the room combines comfort with practicality in a bright and welcoming setting. Large windows provide plenty of natural light, creating a relaxing space to unwind at the end of the day.

Ideal for Couples, Families & Longer Stays

Bella Vista Christchurch Motel caters to a wide range of travellers, with accommodation options ranging from comfortable studios through to spacious two and three-bedroom apartments. These larger apartments provide separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens and plenty of space for families or groups travelTwo Bedroom Apartmentling together.

Guests also enjoy convenient on-site parking, guest laundry facilities and friendly local service throughout their stay. With its excellent location and flexible accommodation options, Bella Vista Christchurch is an ideal choice for both short breaks and extended South Island holidays.

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