16 Day Wellington to Christchurch Explorer Self Drive

Welcome to Wellington, a lively harbour city framed by bush‑clad hills and sparkling waters. With a compact city centre that’s easy to explore on foot, you’ll find cafés, galleries and culinary hotspots around every corner.

Private Transfer Wellington Airport to Your Accommodation
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred directly to your hotel in comfort and style. This smooth start means you can begin discovering Wellington straight away without any fuss.

Today you’ll be transferred to the ferry terminal to begin one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal journeys. The Interislander ferry will carry you across Cook Strait and into the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
This three‑hour cruise offers dramatic sea and mountain views, including the Kaikōura Ranges and wildlife rich waters of Cook Strait. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are often spotted along the way through Queen Charlotte Sound.

Suggested Activity – Premium Lounge with Interislander
Upgrade your journey in the Premium Lounge with panoramic views, quality food and a relaxed, adult‑friendly atmosphere. It’s a great way to unwind while watching the coastal scenery glide past.

Collect Rental Car
Once in Picton, pick up your rental car to begin your South Island road adventure. Choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit your travel style and needs.

Head south along State Highway 1 through Marlborough wine country and onward to the stunning Kaikōura Coast. Ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife on the shore accompany you all the way to town.

Kaikōura Highlights
Kaikōura’s coastal setting is famous for its rich marine life, from fur seals to seabirds and world‑class whale watching. Wander the peninsula, explore tide pools, and taste fresh local seafood.

Suggested Activity – Seafood Odyssea Cruise with Marlborough Tour Company
This cruise takes you through endless bays and scenic coves, with birdlife and ocean views all around. Enjoy a seafood tasting on board with commentary about local culture and marine ecosystems.

Suggested Activity – Zipline & Native Forest Tour with EcoZip Kaikoura
Cross braided rivers by 4WD and then soar through a 5‑line zipline course with spectacular mountain views. Along the way, guides share local history and you’ll even learn about native forest conservation.

Today is all about Kaikōura’s incredible marine wildlife before you head back down the coast towards Christchurch. Take your time with one of the area’s signature experiences before departing.

Suggested Activity – Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Experience New Zealand’s only marine‑based whale watching, getting up close to giant sperm whales and other marine life. Dolphins, albatross and fur seals are frequently seen in these rich ocean waters.

Kaikōura to Christchurch Drive
Enjoy the coastal drive south with ocean views and occasional lookout stops along the way. If you have extra time, detour to Hanmer Springs for a relaxing soak in the thermal pools.

This morning you’ll explore Christchurch’s vibrant culture and green spaces. From heritage buildings to rejuvenated precincts, there’s a mix of old‑world charm and new‑world creativity to enjoy.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Triple Pass – Tram, Punting & Gondola
Experience three iconic Christchurch activities in one day: ride the historic tram, punt along the Avon River and ascend the gondola for panoramic views. Each offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage and natural beauty.

Today’s drive takes you inland across the wide Canterbury Plains towards towering peaks and glacier lakes. Expect some of the South Island’s most breathtaking alpine scenery as you approach Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers
Cruise among ancient icebergs on Tasman Glacier Lake with expert guidance and incredible views of ice formations and towering walls. This rare, up‑close glacier experience is one of New Zealand’s most talked‑about adventures.

Leave alpine landscapes behind as you travel southeast toward Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish heritage. The coastal scenery along this route features wild beaches, unique geological formations and charming rural towns.

Dunedin Overview
Dunedin’s blend of Victorian and Edwardian architecture reflects its historical wealth and cultural energy. The Octagon is the city’s central hub, surrounded by museums, cafés and galleries.

Today’s programme combines culture, wildlife and scenic coastal views. Dunedin’s rugged surroundings are perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Suggested Activity – Wildlife Peninsula Encounter Tour & Cruise with Monarch
Your small‑group tour explores harbour views and wildlife hotspots across the Otago Peninsula. Look for sea lions, albatross and rare yellow‑eyed penguins with expert guiding and commentary.

Suggested Activity – Larnach Castle and Gardens
Visit New Zealand’s only castle with its historic interiors, spectacular gardens and sweeping peninsula views. Enjoy time in its café and wander grounds recognised for their horticultural significance.

Set off early as you follow the scenic Southern coastline through The Catlins, known for rugged cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife. This is an adventurous day of exploration leading to the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau.

Suggested Activity – Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
Cruise across Lake Te Anau before descending into ancient limestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms. It’s an atmospheric experience combining natural history with unique subterranean beauty.

The Milford Road is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular drives, so take plenty of stops for photos. At Milford Sound, towering fiord walls and cascading waterfalls form an unforgettable backdrop for your cruise.

Milford Sound Cruise with RealNZ – Lunch Included
Settle in for a leisurely cruise in the heart of Milford Sound with lunch included onboard. This journey delivers plunging waterfalls, rainforest‑clad cliffs and the chance to get close to remote wilderness scenery.

Travel through the heart of Southland today as you make your way north to Queenstown. The journey passes peaceful farmland, shimmering lakes and sweeping alpine views before revealing the dramatic peaks surrounding Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown Arrival
As you follow the lake’s edge, the road curves beneath the jagged Remarkables mountain range, leading you into Queenstown’s vibrant alpine energy. Whether you’re here to relax or seek thrills, Queenstown offers both in abundance.

Wake up to one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes—Queenstown has a way of stealing the spotlight. Today is yours to explore at your own pace or choose from a wide range of experiences, from gentle to full-throttle.

Suggested Activity – Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
This thrilling jet boat journey takes you deep into Mt Aspiring National Park, through glacier-fed rivers and forested valleys. The combination of speed, scenery and storytelling makes it an unforgettable Queenstown experience.

Cross the Crown Range, the country’s highest sealed road, to reach the lakeside town of Wanaka and the tranquil wilderness beyond. Continue through Makarora and the Haast Pass, where beech forests, waterfalls and blue rivers mark your entry to the West Coast.

Journey into Glacier Country
From Haast, follow the rugged coastline until you reach Fox Glacier, where rivers of ice meet lush rainforest just minutes from the sea. This is one of New Zealand’s most striking natural contrasts.

Fox Glacier offers an up-close experience with New Zealand’s unique glacial landscapes, just minutes from rainforest and coastal beaches. Today is yours to walk, fly, or photograph your way through this dramatic region.

Suggested Activity – Half Day Lake Matheson Eco Tour
Enjoy a guided walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its reflective views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Learn about native plants, birdlife and the natural forces that shaped the glacier region.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Take to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight over both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, complete with a snow landing. You’ll get awe-inspiring views of icy crevasses, hidden peaks and the wild coastline.

Travel north past Hokitika’s jade workshops and Greymouth’s gold rush history to drop off your rental car. From here, board the famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a ride through alpine landscapes and mountain gorges.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Greymouth to Christchurch
Sit back and enjoy one of the world’s great rail journeys as you pass through Arthur’s Pass National Park, viaducts and native forest. It’s a relaxing way to take in the South Island’s rugged beauty.

Shared Transfer – Christchurch Train Station to CBD Accommodation
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in the city. From here, you can stroll local shops, gardens or enjoy a final dinner in the city centre.

Your New Zealand adventure comes to an end today, but the memories will last a lifetime. You’ll be transferred to Christchurch Airport in time for your onward journey.

Private Transfer to Christchurch Airport
Relax as your driver picks you up from your accommodation and drops you at the airport for your departure. It’s a fittingly smooth end to a scenic and unforgettable journey.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
As we say in te reo Māori, mā te wā – not goodbye, but see you again soon. We hope your travels through Aotearoa have been as extraordinary as the land itself.