12 Day Minecraft South Island Adventure Self Drive

Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s creative capital, set around a stunning harbour and surrounded by rolling green hills. This compact and vibrant city offers a great mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal scenery to begin your journey.

Included: Private Transfer Wellington Airport to your Accommodation with In Style Executive
Enjoy a smooth arrival with a private transfer directly to your accommodation. This comfortable service allows you to relax and take in your first impressions of the capital city.

Take time to wander the waterfront, discover local cafés, and visit Te Papa Museum for an introduction to New Zealand’s history and culture. The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Spend the day diving into Wellington’s creative side, where film, art, and innovation come together. This is a great opportunity to experience the city’s unique personality before heading south.

Included: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Experience
Step behind the scenes of movie-making and explore the world of practical effects, props, and set design. This immersive experience brings film magic to life with hands-on displays and creative storytelling.

Suggested Activity: Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Garden Walk
Ride the historic cable car for panoramic views over the harbour before strolling through the Botanic Gardens. This relaxed experience offers a great perspective of the city.

Cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island, where landscapes shift to forested sounds and coastal beauty. The journey continues along the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive towards Nelson.

Included: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys, passing rugged coastlines and tranquil bays. The Marlborough Sounds section is especially breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and lush hills.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Pick up your rental vehicle and prepare for your South Island adventure. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel independently and explore hidden gems along the way.

From Picton Drive along the Queen Charlotte Drive, a winding coastal road with spectacular viewpoints over the Marlborough Sounds. The journey to Nelson offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

Suggested Stop at Pelorus Bridge or Havelock
Pause to explore forest walks at Pelorus Bridge or enjoy fresh seafood in Havelock. These stops add variety and local flavour to your journey.

Spend the day exploring one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks, known for its golden beaches and clear waters. This region offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Included: Toka Ngāwha Paddle with Waka Abel Tasman
Paddle along the coastline in a traditional Māori waka to Split Apple Rock, a real world Minecraft gem, while learning about local stories and navigation. This immersive experience combines cultural insight with stunning coastal scenery.

Travel south from Nelson through Marlborough’s vineyards and over rolling hills before reaching the dramatic Kaikōura coastline. Here, mountains rise sharply from the sea, creating a striking natural setting.

Enjoy a scenic drive through wine regions and coastal landscapes. The route offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Suggested Activity: Kaikōura Peninsula Walk or Local Seafood Tasting
Take a coastal walk to spot seals and seabirds or sample fresh seafood in town. Kaikōura is renowned for its marine life and local produce.

Start the day with a remarkable wildlife encounter before heading south to Christchurch. The journey transitions from rugged coastline to the open plains of Canterbury.

Included: Whale Watch Kaikōura Experience
Head out to sea for a chance to see whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment. This unforgettable experience highlights Kaikōura’s rich marine ecosystem.

Travel south along the coast before heading inland through North Canterbury. The changing scenery makes for an engaging and varied drive.

Suggested Activity: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Detour
Take a relaxing break in thermal pools surrounded by alpine scenery. It’s a refreshing stop on your journey south.

Journey inland from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Basin. The landscape transforms into wide open spaces, alpine scenery, and vivid turquoise lakes.

Enjoy a scenic drive through rural towns and high country landscapes. The route offers stunning views as you approach the Southern Alps to Lake Tekapo.

Included: Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
Discover one of the world’s best stargazing locations at Mount John Observatory. Guided by experts, this experience reveals the wonders of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.

Suggested Activity: Visit Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Alexandrina
Explore one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks and nearby peaceful lake reserves. These stops offer iconic views and tranquil surroundings.

Travel from Lake Tekapo through the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago, where landscapes shift from alpine lakes to rugged mountain passes. The journey is filled with scenic highlights and historic locations.

Drive past Lake Pukaki, over the Lindis Pass, and through Cromwell before reaching Queenstown. The route showcases some of the South Island’s most diverse scenery.

Included: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a historic steamship and enjoy a gourmet dinner at Walter Peak. This experience combines stunning scenery with local food and farm traditions.

Leave Queenstown and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Fiordland. The journey offers dramatic mountain views and peaceful countryside scenery.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Southland’s rolling landscapes. The route leads to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park.

Included: Te Anau Glowworm Caves Experience
Cruise across Lake Te Anau before exploring a network of limestone caves illuminated by glowworms. This magical experience is both relaxing and unique.

Discover one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine environments in Fiordland. Doubtful Sound offers dramatic fiords, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness.

Included: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri
Travel across Lake Manapouri and over Wilmot Pass before cruising through the fjord. The experience includes wildlife sightings and the famous “Sound of Silence.”

Return to Queenstown through scenic Southland landscapes. The drive offers a relaxed conclusion to your Fiordland adventure.

Spend the day experiencing Queenstown, a destination known for both adrenaline and natural beauty. Whether relaxing or seeking thrills, there is something for everyone.

Included: Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Experience high-speed excitement as you navigate narrow canyons and spin through the river. This iconic activity delivers both adrenaline and incredible scenery.

Suggested Activity: Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides
Take in panoramic views from above before enjoying thrilling downhill luge rides. This experience combines scenery with fun.

Your South Island adventure comes to an end in Queenstown, surrounded by mountains and lake views. Take a moment to reflect on the diverse landscapes and experiences enjoyed throughout your journey.

If time allows, enjoy a lakeside walk or café visit before departure. It’s a relaxing way to finish your trip.

Included: Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.