15 Day Coastal Explorer Self Drive

Private Airport Transfer & Optional Skyline Views

On arrival at Queenstown Airport, a private driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to settle in and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery that defines this alpine town.

Suggested activity:
Skyline Gondola & 3 Luge Rides – ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then enjoy the twists, tunnels and dips of the luge tracks.

Free Day for Adventure or Relaxation

Enjoy a full day to explore Queenstown your way. Wander the lakefront, browse local boutiques, enjoy great dining, or choose from the many iconic activities the region is known for.

Suggested activities:

Shotover Jet – a high-speed ride through the Shotover River canyons with signature 360-degree spins.

Central Otago Boutique Wine Tour – taste across boutique vineyards and enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch featuring local produce.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Today includes a full-day experience to remote Pātea-Doubtful Sound. Travel by coach to Manapouri, cruise across Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, then join a wilderness cruise through the dramatic fiord landscape.

Keep watch for waterfalls, rainforest-covered slopes and wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins and (seasonally) Fiordland crested penguins. After the cruise, return to Queenstown for the evening.

Collect Rental Car & Drive the Crown Range

Collect your rental car this morning and begin your West Coast journey. Cross the Crown Range to Wānaka, then follow lakeside roads past Lake Hāwea and into the remote Haast region.

A popular stop is the Blue Pools walk, where a forest track leads to crystal-clear, glacier-fed water. Continue north through rainforest and wild coastline scenery, passing Fox Glacier before arriving in Franz Josef.

Walks, Hot Pools and Optional Glacier Adventure

Franz Josef is small, lively and surrounded by dramatic rainforest and mountains. Choose from scenic tracks for glacier viewpoints, soak in hot pools, or visit local wildlife experiences.

Suggested activity:
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike – take a scenic flight, land on the ice and explore the glacier on a guided hike through striking formations and blue ice features.

West Coast Towns and Pancake Rocks

Drive north through classic West Coast scenery, passing small towns with gold rush history and artisan craft stops. Hokitika is a great place for a break, and Shantytown near Greymouth offers a fascinating step back in time with a fun, immersive gold rush-era experience.

Before reaching Punakaiki, stock up in Greymouth as facilities are limited in the village. Arrive with time to explore the famous Pancake Rocks and coastal blowholes.

Suggested activities:

Shantytown Heritage Park Experience – explore historic buildings, ride a steam train and try your hand at gold panning.

Southern Alps Scenery and Waterfall-Filled Valleys

Travel south toward Greymouth, then turn inland onto the spectacular alpine route to Arthur’s Pass. This drive climbs through rainforest valleys and dramatic gorges, often lined with waterfalls after rainfall.

Arthur’s Pass is rich in history, once used by Māori travelling to gather pounamu (greenstone), then later developed during the gold rush era. Arrive in the village and enjoy time in the national park.

Recommended walks: short local tracks including Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall and other easy nature trails.

Leave the Southern Alps behind and drive through braided river valleys and striking limestone landscapes near Castle Hill. Continue across the Canterbury Plains, passing rural towns before heading north through the Waipara region.

If you have time, Hanmer Springs is a popular stop for a soak in thermal pools. The final stretch follows the coastline into Kaikōura, where you may spot seals and dolphins close to shore.

Suggested activity:
Whale Watch Kaikōura – a standout marine experience with chances to see sperm whales, dolphins, fur seals and seabirds.

Coastal Wildlife and Marlborough Wine Country

Continue north with the ocean on one side and the Kaikōura ranges on the other. A worthwhile stop is Ohau Point, where fur seals often gather along the rocky shoreline.

As the road climbs into the Marlborough hills, the landscape shifts into vineyard country. Arrive in Blenheim with time to sample local wines and produce.

Suggested activity:
Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour – visit hand-picked wineries and learn about the region’s winemaking story while tasting award-winning varieties.

Marlborough Sounds and Coastal Viewpoints

Drive to Picton, then follow the spectacular Queen Charlotte Drive, known for its sweeping views over the Marlborough Sounds. Continue via Havelock and the Pelorus River area, where short forest walks offer a refreshing break.

Carry on toward Nelson and across Tasman Bay, passing through Motueka to reach the Abel Tasman region. Settle in near the park, ready for a beach-and-bay filled stay.

Golden Beaches, Walks and Kayaking Options

Spend the day enjoying Abel Tasman’s famously golden beaches, sheltered coves and easy coastal adventures. You can choose a scenic cruise, self-guided walks, or kayaking to explore bays and inlets at sea level.

Wildlife sightings can include fur seals and dolphins, alongside abundant birdlife. It’s an ideal day for balancing activity with downtime on the sand.

Suggested activities:

Guided Sea Kayaking Trip (Lunch Included) – kayak, cruise and walk combinations with beaches and wildlife viewing.

Cruise and Walk Day Pass – flexible options to mix short walks with scenic boat travel along the coast.

Buller Gorge and River Landscapes

Travel south-west through Murchison and into the Buller Gorge, an area known for steep forested slopes and dramatic river scenery. Stop for lunch en route and stretch your legs at viewpoints along the gorge.

Continue to Westport, the largest town on the northern West Coast and a handy base for coastal exploration.

Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki and Coastline History

Begin with a visit to Cape Foulwind, where coastal walks and a seal colony are a highlight. Continue along the shoreline to Punakaiki for another look at the Pancake Rocks if you’d like more time there.

Arrive in Greymouth, the West Coast’s main commercial hub, with options to explore local history and attractions.

Suggested activities:

Glowworm Cave Tour – explore limestone caves filled with glowworms and striking formations.

Underworld Rafting and Glowworm Experience – float through an underground river beneath glowworm “galaxies” for an unforgettable adventure.

One of New Zealand’s Great Rail Journeys

Today you’ll swap the car for the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, travelling from Greymouth to Christchurch. The journey crosses Arthur’s Pass National Park, climbing through alpine valleys, deep river gorges and mountain landscapes.

As you descend onto the Canterbury Plains, the scenery opens into wide farmland before arriving in Christchurch. A shared transfer will take you from the railway station to your accommodation.

Private Transfer to Christchurch International Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Christchurch International Airport for your departing flight.

Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand with a camera full of coastal views, alpine passes, wildlife moments and unforgettable experiences. As the locals say, mā te wā — see you again soon.