South Island Coastal Self Drive tour

This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

You’ll begin this journey with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch. In Dunedin there’s time to explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then you’ll follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island. On the western side of the island highlights include a nature cruise on the famous Milford Sound, the spectacular West Coast Road edging the Tasman Sea and the remarkable Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. The top of the South Island brings the calm aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds before you return to the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

1 lunch, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: South Island Coastal Self Drive tour

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch today
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: Travel south through the Canterbury Plains where you'll join the coastline which takes you to Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 3: Explore Dunedin or opt for a wildlife encounter on Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 4: Follow the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins to Invercargill
Accommodation: Admiral Court Motel

Day 5: Continue on the Southern Scenic Route as it takes you along the southern coastline of the South Island
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 6: Journey along the magnificent Milford Road for your cruise on Milford Sound
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 7: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 8: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Bella Vista Franz Josef

Day 9: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks
Accommodation: Havenz Punakaiki (Self check in required)

Day 10: Leave the coast and travel between two expansive national parks to reach the laid back city of Nelson
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

Day 11: Explore Abel Tasman National Park home to aqua blue waters and playful seals
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

Day 12: Journey through the vineyards to Blenheim
Accommodation: Blenheim Palms Motel

Day 13: Head South today to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 14: Depart Christchurch today