11 Day Scenic South Island
South Island Self Drive Tour
Christchurch to Christchurch
Days: 11 days / 10 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + Full Insurance
From: $427 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $4699 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)
All Inclusive & Customisable
Embark on an unforgettable 11 day New Zealand driving holiday that combines delicious culinary experiences and exquisite local wine tastings paired with with stunning adventure. kayak next to the golden sands of Abel Tasman and experience a glamping pod at Maruia Springs. Discover the best of New Zealand's landscapes and nature at your own pace.
Chat with us today to customise this tour!
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The Monday Room Trust the Chef Dinner
Marlborough Wine Tours Half Day Winery Tour (Small Group)
Kaiteriteri Cruise, Walk & Kayak
Underworld Adventures Glow Worm Cave Tubing & Rainforest Train
Deluxe Glamping Pod & Maruia Hot Springs.
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10 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views (subject to availability)
11 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide APP outlining our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Arrival and departure flights not included
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Rydges Latimer
Meals: Dinner Included
Your Day: Christchurch Arrival
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Tonight you will enjoy a 2 course trust the chef dinner at The Monday Room. Their ever popular banquet style shared dining, combined with their extensive wine list and ever changing cocktail menu never fails to provide a phenomenal dining experience.
Day 2
Driving time: 320km, 4 hours driving
Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Christchurch to Blenheim via Waipara
Today you will head north from Christchurch towards the wine growing region of Waipara. Your first stop along the way will be for tastings at the award winning Pegasus Bay Winery and stunning Black Estate Winery to sample their exquisite and extensive range of beautiful wines. Following this you will continue on the road up the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura where you can visit a seal colony. You will continue on the road North to Blenheim after lunch where you will spend the next two nights in New Zealand's largest wine growing region, Marlborough.
Day 3
Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour
Today you will enjoy a half day wine tour where you can discover a range of both small and big wineries in the Marlborough region and highlight what they strive to achieve with their wines. All the wineries are different and make their own styles. Find out what makes each winery stand out on its own. In the middle of this tour you will have lunch at one of these beautiful wineries (at your expense). You will be dropped back at your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 4
Driving time: 179km, 2 hours 45 minutes driving
Stay: Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Blenheim to Abel Tasman National Park
This morning you depart Blenheim and pass through Havelock, a major gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, also known as ‘The Green Lipped Mussel Capital of the World’. There is the opportunity today to head out on the water and take a cruise where you will get the chance to sample local seafood paired with local wine (optional - additional cost). From here you pass over the Whangamoa Ranges and through the seaside city of Nelson. Continue northwest around the Tasman bay through picturesque resort towns to reach the golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 5
Stay: Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Abel Tasman National Park - Cruise/Walk/Kayak
Today you'll board a cruise to Medlands Beach where you can relax, swim and explore then cruise back to Kaiteriteri to kayak in the shelter of one of of New Zealand's most popular bays. You'll also walk a section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track - NZ's most popular. this trip includes 1 hour kayaking, up to 1.5 hours walking + a 2 hour cruise. Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and spectacular scenery. Observe Abel Tasman's playful inhabitants – dolphins, fur seals, penguins and sea birds. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.
Day 6
Driving time: 278km, 4 hours driving
Stay: The Oceanview Retreat
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki
This morning you farewell the sunny North Coast and head southwest to the lush rainforest of the West Coast. En route you can explore Westport and Mangatini Falls on the Charming Creek Walkway (small detour). Next perhaps check out Cape Foulwind. Upon arrival in Punakaiki, you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. You have the option of enjoying a true blue New Zealand pub meal this evening before calling it a night (optional – extra cost).
Day 7
Driving time: 60 km, 1 hour driving return
Stay: The Oceanview Retreat
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Punakaiki to Nile River Glowworm Caves Return (Tubing)
This morning you will head North along the unbelievably picturesque Coast Road towards Underworld Adventures in Charleston. Here they will kit you up for the trip of a lifetime through their glowworm caves. The journey starts with a trip on their rainforest train, a walk through the rainforest and a journey into their large limestone cave. Following this you will lie on a tube and drift under the light of thousands upon thousands of glow worms on the cave ceiling. This particular cave has more glowworms than any other cave in NZ and the experience is truly cathartic. Upon arrival in Punakaiki you can explore the Truman Track through dense rainforest down to the beach, or follow the gorgeous Pororari River Track to Cave Creek.
Day 8
Driving time: 175 km, 2 hours 15 minutes driving
Stay: Maruia Hot Springs Deluxe Glamping Pod
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Punakaiki to Maruia Hot Springs
In Punakaiki this morning you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. Next up, check out the beautiful Truman Track down to the beach, or a section of the Pororari River Track. Following this you will head into the wilderness of the Southern Alps, where you will spend the night in a glamping pod at Maruia Springs, a Japanese style onsen nestled in the mountains, surrounded by natural hot springs. Enjoy a 3 course dinner of locally sourced ingredients.
Day 9
Stay: Maruia Hot Springs Deluxe Glamping Pod
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Maruia Hot Springs
Enjoy a full day of relaxation in the mountains today at Maruia Hot Springs. Enjoy unlimited 24 hour access to hot pools, saunas, steam room, foot bath, zen chi machines, relaxation lounge, café, restaurant, hiking trails and other thermal wellness experiences, as well as a gourmet dining experience for 2. Spa treatments can be booked in advance but have limited availability. Enjoy another fabulous 3 course seasonal meal this evening at Maruia Hot springs.
Day 10
Driving time: 193 km, 2 hours 30 minutes driving
Stay: Rydges Latimer
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Maruia Hot Springs to Christchurch
Today you will head back towards Christchurch where you will conclude your tour. Time permitting you may wish to stop in at Hanmer Springs for a dip in the thermal pools or a walk through exotic forest to the summit of Conical Hill. Perhaps enjoy wine tasting or lunch at some Waipara wineries en route, such as a kiwi-favourite; Black Estate.
Day 11
Meals: Breakfast Included
Onward flight is not included
Your Day: Christchurch Departure Day
Time permitting you could hop on a tram tour. Christchurch's historic tram offers a 30-minute tour of the city, allowing you to see some of the most significant landmarks and sights. You could also visit the Canterbury Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.
Pending your flight booking, you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Here's how it works.
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Step One.
Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.
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Step Two.
We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.
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Step Three.
Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.
Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.
Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.