10 Day Wellington to Christchurch Southern Highlights Self Drive

Begin your Southern adventure in New Zealand’s capital, a compact city known for culture, waterfront vibrancy and creative energy. Today is all about settling in and getting a feel for Wellington’s lively urban atmosphere.

Private Transfer – Wellington Airport to Your Accommodation
On arrival, a driver will meet you and take you directly to your hotel in the city centre. This private transfer lets you start your journey in comfort without any hassles.

oday you’ll enjoy one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds. Expect panoramic ocean views, sheltered bays and forested hills as you glide toward the top of the South Island.

Private Transfer – Hotel to Interislander Ferry
Your driver will take you from your Wellington hotel to the ferry terminal in plenty of time for check‑in. Enjoy a relaxed start with no parking or navigation stress.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge
The 3‑hour ferry crossing treats you to stunning views of rugged headlands, wind‑sculpted seas and the Marlborough Sounds. In the Premium Plus Lounge you can relax with complimentary drinks, snacks and spacious seating while soaking up the scenery.

Collect Rental Car
Pick up your included intermediate‑sized rental car once you arrive in Picton and prepare for the next leg of your journey. If you prefer a larger or more premium vehicle, there are upgrade options available.

Today’s drive follows the stunning Kaikōura coastline, where turquoise ocean meets rugged ranges. Expect opportunities to see marine wildlife and enjoy small coastal towns before arriving in Christchurch.

The coastal road hugs the Pacific Ocean for much of the journey and is one of the country’s most scenic drives. Watch for fur seals, seabirds and, if conditions allow, dolphins or whales around Kaikōura before heading inland through the Waipara wine region to Christchurch.

Suggested Activity – Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Visit Willowbank to see New Zealand’s famous kiwi bird and a wide range of native wildlife in natural bush settings. With many animals roaming freely, it’s a fun and immersive way to experience Aotearoa’s natural heritage.

Today you’ll leave the city behind and drive across the wide Canterbury plains toward the heart of the Southern Alps. Spectacular lake views, rugged high country and turquoise glacial waters await as you approach Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers
Board a specially designed vessel to view the towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs of the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. This unique tour brings you up close to glacial scenery that few other places in the world can match.

This morning you follow the high country through glacial valleys and rugged terrain on your way to historic Dunedin. Along the way, stop to explore charming towns and geological features before arriving in a city known for heritage and culture.

Suggested Activity – Speight’s Brewery Tour
At the Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin, take a guided tour of one of the world’s historic gravity breweries and learn about brewing processes. The tour includes tastings and the chance to brew your own ale — a fun and interactive experience.

Today’s drive takes you along the scenic Southland coastline through The Catlins and on to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Expect dramatic coastal cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife, with opportunities to explore this wild southern landscape.

Suggested Activity – Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
Take a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau before entering the ancient limestone caverns lit by thousands of glowworms. Your guide leads you through fascinating rock formations and a tranquil underground boat ride — a magical contrast to the day’s open landscapes.

This morning you continue through scenic Southland countryside toward Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Along the way, enjoy vast tussocklands and the stunning outlooks around Lake Wakatipu as you arrive in a setting surrounded by towering mountains.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Experience a thrilling jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover River Canyons, where high‑speed twists and 360‑degree spins bring the action close to rocky outcrops. It’s an exhilarating way to feel the power of Queenstown’s riverscape.

Suggested Activity – TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Enjoy a classic Kiwi experience aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship, cruising Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Savour a gourmet BBQ dinner and enjoy farm demonstrations surrounded by alpine views.

Today you’ll cross the Crown Range — New Zealand’s highest sealed road — and travel through alpine scenery toward the West Coast glaciers. The route takes you past glacial lakes, high country farmland and rainforests before arriving in Franz Josef.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
Soar over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers with spectacular views of ice formations and snowy peaks. A snowfield landing gives you unforgettable close‑up perspectives of these immense natural wonders.

Today’s journey begins with a scenic drive north along the West Coast before boarding the legendary TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Travel from Greymouth across the Southern Alps to Christchurch through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes.

Follow the West Coast’s rainforest and beaches toward Greymouth, with stops in Hokitika and Ross for local art, greenstone and gold‑rush history. Drop off your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station before boarding the TranzAlpine.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine crosses snowy passes, river valleys and lush forests before descending to the Canterbury Plains. Panoramic views from your carriage make this a highlight of the trip.

Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation
Upon arrival in Christchurch, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. This service ensures a smooth transition from rail to your final destination.

Your Southern Highlights journey concludes today with a private transfer to Christchurch International Airport. Take with you memories of spectacular landscapes, mountain vistas and coastal drives that span from one end of the country to the other.

Private Transfer – Accommodation to Christchurch Airport
A private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you directly to the airport for your departure flight. This ensures a relaxed and convenient finish to your journey.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
Bid farewell to New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery and welcoming spirit as you continue your travels. In Māori, mā te wā isn’t goodbye — it means “see you again soon!”