8 Day Wellington to Queenstown Self Drive

Begin your journey in New Zealand’s cool and compact capital, known for its creative energy and stunning harbour setting. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred directly to your central accommodation, giving you time to explore the city on foot.

Private Transfer Wellington Airport to Your Accommodation
A friendly driver will greet you on arrival and take you straight to your hotel. It’s a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure.

Welcome to Wellington
Wellington is packed with cultural hotspots, buzzing cafés and scenic harbourside walks – all within walking distance. Don’t miss the chance to pop into Te Papa Museum or ride the historic cable car for panoramic views of the city.

This morning, enjoy one of the most scenic ferry crossings in the world as you cruise to the South Island. After arriving in Picton, you’ll pick up your rental car and take a short drive to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of Marlborough wine country.

Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal
You’re collected from your hotel and taken to the ferry terminal in time for check-in. It’s an easy and comfortable ride to start the day.

Interislander Ferry with Premium Plus Lounge
Sail through the Cook Strait and into the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds while relaxing in the Premium Plus Lounge. Enjoy complimentary food, drinks and stunning views of rugged coastlines, native bush, and sparkling water along the way.

Collect Rental Car
After arriving in Picton, you collect your rental car for the self-drive portion of your journey. Choose from a comfortable range of vehicles to suit your style.

Picton to Blenheim
It’s a short scenic drive through vine-covered valleys to reach Blenheim. With the dry hills of Marlborough on the horizon, you’re entering New Zealand’s most iconic wine region.

Suggested Activity – Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour
Visit handpicked cellar doors and sample award-winning wines as you learn about Marlborough’s winemaking traditions. Your guide adds local insight, making this a relaxed and delicious afternoon out.

Your accommodation: Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Set beside Seymour Square, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms in the heart of Blenheim. You’ll enjoy modern amenities, a pool, and walking access to restaurants and tasting rooms. It’s an ideal base for your wine country stay.

Travel south along one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastlines, where mountains meet the sea. Today you reach Kaikōura, a seaside town famous for its marine life and rugged beauty.

This morning is your chance to encounter whales, dolphins, and albatross on the open ocean. After your marine experience, head south through the Waipara wine region and into Christchurch.

Suggested Activity – Whale Watch Kaikōura
Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen year-round. This unforgettable tour gets you up close to sperm whales, dolphins, and more – a true wildlife highlight.

Kaikōura to Christchurch
Continue down the coast before cutting inland through vineyards and rolling hills. Stop in Waipara or Hanmer Springs if time allows, before arriving in the evolving, creative city of Christchurch.

Today’s drive takes you across the Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the Southern Alps. Highlights include Lake Tekapo and the turquoise shores of Lake Pukaki, with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook on the horizon.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers
Get close to the floating icebergs of the Tasman Glacier on a guided boat tour. You’ll glide across a glacial lake and witness the surreal beauty of ancient ice carved by time.

Leave the high alpine basin and head toward the adventure capital of New Zealand. Your journey takes you through Twizel, Omarama, and over Lindis Pass before arriving lakeside in Queenstown.

Spend the day exploring Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you’re after high-octane thrills or lakeside relaxation, the views and experiences are world-class.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet
Fly through narrow river canyons at high speeds on this iconic jet boat ride. Full of 360-degree spins and thrilling moments, it’s one of Queenstown’s most exciting must-dos.

Suggested Activity – Gondola and Luge
Ride the gondola to Bob’s Peak and take in panoramic views of Queenstown, the lake, and surrounding peaks. Then jump on a luge cart for a gravity-fuelled adventure through winding downhill tracks.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a historic steamship to Walter Peak Farm. Feast on a gourmet BBQ and enjoy a sheepdog demo before your peaceful ride back under the stars.

It’s time to wrap up your South Island road trip and drop off your rental car at Queenstown Airport. Take one last walk along the lakefront or grab a coffee before your onward journey.

Vehicle Return at Queenstown Airport
Drop off your rental car at the airport before checking in for your flight. The process is easy, allowing for a smooth transition from road trip to departure.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
Leave with memories of wild coastlines, alpine giants and warm Kiwi hospitality. Mā te wā – we hope to see you again soon.