12 Day Southern Gourmet Grapes & Serenity Self Drive

Kick off your South Island adventure in Christchurch, the vibrant and ever‑evolving garden city. With leafy boulevards, iconic gardens and a blend of heritage and contemporary culture, this city sets the tone for your gourmet and scenic journey ahead.

Collect Rental Car
Collect your intermediate‑sized rental car included with your trip, perfect for comfortable touring. Upgrading to a different vehicle from the available fleet is also an option if you’d like something larger or more premium.

Set out on a picturesque drive to Akaroa via Banks Peninsula, where emerald hills meet tranquil harbours. This coastal region was shaped by an ancient volcano and retains charming French influences in its streets and cuisine.

Akaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature Cruise
Take a scenic harbour cruise and look for Hector’s dolphins, seals and sea birds amongst volcanic cliffs and sea caves. Seeing wildlife up close in these calm waters makes this outing unforgettable.

Today you’ll wind your way north through Christchurch and over rolling farmland toward Kaikoura’s dramatic coastal setting. The journey embraces diverse landscapes and builds anticipation for marine wildlife encounters.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Join a marine tour to meet Kaikoura’s giant sperm whales and often playful dolphins and seals. It’s one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the country.

Journey along the coast toward Marlborough through stunning scenery with ocean vistas to your right and rolling ranges to your left. Along the way, you’ll be reminded of New Zealand’s raw beauty and marine life habitat.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Taste of the Farm with Hapuku Kitchen
Spend a morning with a local chef preparing farm‑fresh meals together, learning about Kaikoura’s ingredients. This hands‑on class highlights regional flavours and culinary passion.

Start your Marlborough experience with vineyards as far as the eye can see and the region’s world‑famous Sauvignon Blanc ready to be tasted. Your half‑day wine tour introduces you to boutique producers and vineyard stories.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour
Explore hand‑picked wineries with tastings, stories and insights into Marlborough’s wine culture. The personalised pace and wine knowledge shared make this a highlight.

Continue north toward Nelson over scenic ranges and through lovely small towns before arriving along the golden shores of Tasman Bay. Nelson’s art, culture and cafe life offer a relaxing contrast to the vineyards you’ve just left behind.

Discover Nelson’s charming streets, artisan galleries and vibrant local life at your own pace. For a nature‑filled option, nearby Abel Tasman National Park beckons with golden beaches and marine sanctuaries.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Seals, Beach Cruise and Walk
Combine a scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve with a coastal walk and wildlife viewing. The blend of water and land adventure showcases the region’s natural diversity.

Depart the Sunshine City and trace a route through lush valleys toward the rugged West Coast. From riverside stops to forest clad gorges and coastal views, there’s beauty around every bend.

Once you arrive in Punakaiki, don’t miss the iconic Pancake Rocks – a natural wonder of layered limestone formations and powerful blowholes. Open year-round and free to visit, these striking coastal features are surrounded by lush West Coast scenery, where rugged mountains meet the sea and native plants like the nikau palm thrive.

Follow SH6 south through lively towns and ever‑changing scenery toward the glacier region. Along this stretch, history, craft culture and nature collide in unforgettable ways.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Soar over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in a helicopter flight that lands amidst ancient ice. This high‑adrenaline experience reveals the scale and beauty of these remarkable glaciers.

Set off through rainforests, mountain passes and coastal scenes as you head inland toward alpine country. This day’s drive highlights the South Island’s incredible diversity.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise
Relax on a scenic cruise around Lake Wanaka with wine, local craft beers and cheese pairings. This laid‑back experience offers wonderful views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Today is all about boutique vineyards and Central Otago’s wine heritage woven through striking landscapes. You’ll travel with a small group to experience award‑winning wines and local stories.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Wanaka Wine Tours Boutique Central Otago Wine Trail
Discover hidden vineyards, sample exquisite wines and enjoy a gourmet platter among vines. This personable tour highlights the heart and soul of Central Otago’s wine culture.

Complete your South Island road trip as you drive over the Crown Range Road to Queenstown, a scenic alpine passage with photo‑worthy views. Along the way you’ll pass historic stops, distilleries and postcard towns.

Return Your Vehicle to Queenstown Airport
Drop off your rental car before continuing your onward travels or enjoying Queenstown’s urban delights. This marks the end of your gourmet and scenic adventure across the South Island.

OPTION: For those wanting to extend their adventure, staying a few extra nights in Queenstown is a fantastic way to unwind or add more excitement. With world-class dining, lake cruises, wineries, and adventure activities, it's the perfect finale to your South Island escape.