14 Day South Island Coastal Self Drive

On arrival at Christchurch International Airport, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring the South Island’s largest city.

Often called the Garden City, Christchurch blends heritage architecture with innovative modern design following its extensive rebuild. Wide streets, green parks and a vibrant inner city create a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for strolling, dining and sightseeing.

Suggested activity: Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour – a guided half-day city highlights tour covering key landmarks and the post-quake rebuild story.

Collect your rental car and travel south across the Canterbury Plains, crossing braided rivers fed by alpine snowmelt. Stop in Oamaru to admire its historic limestone buildings, then continue along the coast to Moeraki to view the mysterious spherical boulders scattered along the beach.

Arrive in Dunedin, a city known for its strong Scottish heritage, grand architecture and lively student culture. The Octagon forms the heart of the city and is surrounded by cafés, galleries and historic landmarks.

Today is dedicated to Dunedin’s natural and cultural highlights. A visit to the Otago Peninsula offers outstanding wildlife encounters, with opportunities to learn about conservation efforts protecting rare species such as the yellow-eyed penguin.

Included activity: Taieri Gorge Railway Scenic Train – a spectacular return rail trip through deep gorges, tunnels and historic viaducts from Dunedin Railway Station, showcasing the rugged interior of Otago.

Suggested activity: Penguin Tour with The OPERA – guided conservation visit to learn about yellow-eyed penguins, with viewing hides designed to minimise disturbance.

Follow the spectacular Southern Scenic Route along a rugged coastline dotted with hidden bays, sea cliffs and wildlife hotspots. Highlights include Nugget Point, Curio Bay’s ancient fossilised forest and long stretches of unspoilt beach.

Continue south to Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, known for its friendly locals, wide streets and fascinating transport and heritage attractions.

Travel through the lesser-known landscapes of Southland, passing historic settlements such as Riverton and scenic river valleys. This region is rich in early European history and offers a slower, more rural pace. Arrive in Te Anau, set on the edge of a vast lake and serving as the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Included activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves. In the evening, enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau before heading underground to view thousands of glowing glowworms in the limestone caverns.

Drive the legendary Milford Road, one of the most scenic routes in the country. Alpine valleys, mirror-like lakes and sheer rock faces make this a day filled with photo opportunities.

A nature cruise through Milford Sound reveals towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife before you return to Te Anau in the evening.

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise with Lunch – a relaxed nature cruise past waterfalls, rainforest-clad cliffs and wildlife, with lunch served onboard.

Journey north through Southland farmland and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with dramatic views from the Devil’s Staircase. Queenstown soon appears beneath the jagged peaks of the Remarkables.

Spend the evening enjoying Queenstown’s lively atmosphere, with the option to add a lake cruise and gourmet dinner at a historic high-country farm.

Suggested activity: Shotover Jet – high-speed jet boating through narrow canyon walls with signature 360-degree spins.

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak BBQ Dinner – cruise Lake Wakatipu on a historic steamship for a gourmet BBQ and farm show.

Cross the Crown Range to Wānaka before following lakes and rivers through Mount Aspiring National Park. A stop at the Blue Pools offers a short walk through native forest to vividly clear water.

Continue through Haast Pass and along the wild West Coast to Franz Josef, where rainforest meets ice-covered peaks.

Suggested activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight – scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, often including a snow landing for photos.

Travel north through historic gold-mining towns and artisan hubs such as Hokitika and Greymouth. Jade carving workshops and coastal viewpoints offer plenty of places to pause.

Arrive in Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, where layered limestone formations meet the force of the Tasman Sea.

Follow the Buller River inland, with optional detours to seal colonies, swing bridges and river gorges. Murchison and the surrounding valleys offer a peaceful contrast to the rugged coast.

Continue north to Nelson, a sunny city known for its arts scene, waterfront dining and proximity to stunning national parks.

Suggested activity: Underworld Rafting & Glowworm Experience – float through an underground river beneath glowworm “stars,” with gentle rapids and cave exploration.
Suggested activity: Glowworm Cave Tour – guided walk through limestone caves filled with stalactites, formations and glowworm displays.

Spend the day exploring Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and coastal walking tracks. Options include boat cruises, short walks, kayaking or simply relaxing on secluded beaches.

Wildlife sightings often include fur seals, seabirds and dolphins, adding to the appeal of this tranquil coastal environment.

Suggested activity: Seals, Beach Cruise and Walk – cruise into a marine reserve to see fur seals, then enjoy a forest-and-estuary walk between beach landings.

Drive along Tasman Bay and through the Pelorus River valley, stopping for forest walks and river views. Continue to Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country.

The afternoon is ideal for sampling local wines, visiting cellar doors or relaxing in the compact town centre.

Suggested activity: Sip Marlborough Half-Day Wine Tour – afternoon winery visits with guided tastings at a mix of iconic and boutique cellar doors.

Follow the spectacular Kaikoura Coast, where mountains rise sharply from the sea. Wildlife sightings are common along this stretch, including seals and seabirds.

Continue inland through Waipara wine country, with the option to detour to Hanmer Springs, before arriving back in Christchurch.

Return your rental car at Christchurch Airport and continue your onward journey. If time allows, enjoy a final drive over the Port Hills or visit Lyttelton Harbour before departure.

Farewell Aotearoa New Zealand with unforgettable memories of coastlines, wildlife and ever-changing landscapes. Mā te wā – see you again soon.