South Island In-Depth: Self Drive
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,129
Drive the South Island experiencing all it has to offer. Enjoy whale watching, Abel Tasman National Park and the Glacier Region as well as Queenstown and Scottish influenced Dunedin.
From whale watching in Kaikoura to spectacular Milford Sound, explore the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this 12 day journey, available as either a self-drive or coach tour.
Christchurch has become synonymous with tragedy in recent years. Four large earthquakes devastated the city between September 2010 and December 2011. While some areas and attractions remain closed for repairs, there is still plenty for early arrivals to do and see. The Air Force Museum will thrill military history buffs, while the Canterbury Museum provides a fascinating look at New Zealand history. Or take a tour of sites affected by the quakes for a glimpse of a resilient, rebuilding Christchurch.
Journey to Kaikoura for your included whale-watching cruise, then stay overnight before the scenic drive to Nelson. The South Island’s oldest settled city is famed for its arts and crafts, along with its 23 local wineries and nearby Abel Tasman National Park. The park is closed off to vehicles, allowing you to enjoy a full day exploring on foot, by boat or by kayak. Intrepid travelers will be rewarded with sights such as Cleopatra’s Pool and beautiful Cascade Falls.
Head for the West Coast to see Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, distinctive geological formations formed over tens of thousands of years of pummeling from the Tasman Sea. Spend the night before continuing on to the Glacier Region, where you can base your exploration in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. A highlight of your journey is a day trip to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea. You’ll also have a full day at leisure to explore Queenstown.
Journey back east to Dunedin, which, thanks to the discovery of nearby gold in 1861, was New Zealand’s most populated city until 1900. It’s now a university town proud of its strong Scots heritage. You’ll have free time to explore this ‘Edinburgh of the South’ before your Wildlife Cruise beneath the Albatross Colony.
Please click here for our New Zealand Self Drive itineraries
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,129
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive in Christchurch
Pick-up your vehicle and drive to your accommodation
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Heritage Christchurch |
| Location | View map |
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Heritage Christchurch
The Heritage Christchurch is located in the heart of New Zealand's Garden City, right on Cathedral Square, and is an ideal place to stay for leisure or business travellers. The hotel is a building of national significance, and is listed on the Historic Places Trust …
The Heritage Christchurch is located in the heart of New Zealand's Garden City, right on Cathedral Square, and is an ideal place to stay for leisure or business travellers. The hotel is a building of national significance, and is listed on the Historic Places Trust Register. Accommodation is in the historic Old Government Building Wing, opened in 1913 and carefully restored to provide a blend of old world charm and contemporary comfort. Enjoy rest, relaxation, and renaissance architecture at the Heritage Christchurch Hotel.
Facilities
- Conference Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Reception (24 hrs)
Photo gallery
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Christchurch to Kaikoura 181 kms (112 miles) 2.25 hours
Journey to Kaikoura, and on arrival make your own way to your overnight accommodation. In the afternoon go on a spectacular whale watching cruise.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
White Morph Inn Kaikoura |
| Location | View map |
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White Morph Inn Kaikoura
White Morph Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. This waterfront accommodation is close to shops, the cinema, and various marine activities. The rooms are fully equipped to meet your every need.
White Morph Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. This waterfront accommodation is close to shops, the cinema, and various marine activities. The rooms are fully equipped to meet your every need.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge(s)
- Parking
- Restaurant(s)
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Kaikoura to Nelson 242 kms (150 miles) 3 hours
Travel from Kaikoura to Nelson at the top of the South Island, known for it's local wineries and arts and crafts. On arrival make your way to your chosen overnight accommodation.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Rutherford Hotel Nelson |
| Location | View map |
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Rutherford Hotel Nelson
The Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers a range of accommodation to suit all types of travellers. The hotel boasts a prime spot only minutes' walk from Nelson's landmark cathedral and main shopping, and an equally good base from which to explore the great outdoors - with …
The Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers a range of accommodation to suit all types of travellers. The hotel boasts a prime spot only minutes' walk from Nelson's landmark cathedral and main shopping, and an equally good base from which to explore the great outdoors - with three national parks, sandy beaches, blue seas and mountain wilderness at your doorstep.
Facilities
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Parking
- Room Service
- Wedding Chapel
Photo gallery
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Nelson
Today is at leisure to explore Nelson, or perhaps explore the Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak.
Nelson to Punakaiki 247 kms (153 miles) 3.5 hours
Drive to Punakaiki, home to the scenic Pancake Rocks. On arrival make your way to your accommodation.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Punakaiki Resort |
| Location | View map |
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Punakaiki Resort
The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole …
The Punakaiki Resort is an eco-tourism hotel located in the Buller district between Greymouth, 30 minutes to the south and Westport which is 45 minutes to the north. Carefully designed to complement the stunning natural setting, it is situated close to Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki and adjacent to Paparoa National Park. This hotel is a perfect choice for a leisure stay.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Laundry facilities
- Parking
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Punakaiki to Glacier Region 217 kms (135 miles) 2.45 hours
Drive down to the Glacier Region, and make your way to your accommodation in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier |
| Location | View map |
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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place …
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Internet Access
- Laundry facilities
- Parking (for Self Park)
- Reception (24 hrs)
- Restaurant(s)
- Spa
Photo gallery
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Glacier Region to Queenstown 350 kms (217 miles) 4.5 hours
Continue on to Queenstown and your accommodation.
| Duration | 3 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Heritage Queenstown |
| Location | View map |
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Heritage Queenstown
The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and …
The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Concierge
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
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Queenstown
A highlight of your trip is a spectacular day trip to Milford Sound, including a cruise in this scenic location.
| Meal Plan | Lunch |
|---|
Queenstown
Today is at leisure to explore.
Queenstown to Dunedin 282 kms (175 miles) 3.5 hours
Journey to the Scottish town of to Dunedin. On arrival in Dunedin, make your way to your accommodation.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Distinction Dunedin |
| Location | View map |
-
Distinction Dunedin
One of Dunedin's oldest heritage buildings has been lovingly transformed into Dunedin's newest hotel. This iconic 121 room property is the ideal base for business or leisure. It is conveniently located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of Dunedin city. Each …
One of Dunedin's oldest heritage buildings has been lovingly transformed into Dunedin's newest hotel. This iconic 121 room property is the ideal base for business or leisure. It is conveniently located in the rejuvenated and vibrant exchange area in the heart of Dunedin city. Each elegant studio and suite boasts stylish contemporary design and functionality.
Facilities
- Bar
- Conference Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Laundry facilities
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Tour Desk
Photo gallery
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Dunedin
This morning is at leisure. This afternoon depart on your Wildlife Cruise beneath the Albatross Colony.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Dunedin to Christchurch 361 kms (224 miles) 4.45 hours
Drive North to Christchurch where you return your vehicle and end your self-drive vacation.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 11 nights accommodation
- 12 day car rental
- Tours as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel Insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Optional excursions
- Park fees unless stated
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
17 Mar 2022
