South Island Coastal Self Drive tour

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

Begin this breathtaking journey starting with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch. In Dunedin, explore the Otago Peninsula, renowned for its abundant wildlife. Continue along the scenic Catlins coastline to the southernmost tip of the South Island. On the western side, experience highlights such as a nature cruise through the iconic Milford Sound, the spectacular West Coast Road skirting the Tasman Sea, and the extraordinary Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Conclude your adventure at the top of the South Island, where you’ll discover the tranquil aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the serene Marlborough Sounds before returning to Christchurch.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

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

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

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

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

Included activity: Taieri Gorge Railway Scenic Train

Included activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise with Real NZ - Lunch Included

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

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 to picturesque Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 3: Discover Dunedin or embark on a wildlife adventure on the 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 to Te Anau - gateway to Fiordland National Park
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 6: Journey along the iconic Milford Road, leading to your scenic cruise
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 to Punakaiki and explore Pancake Rocks
Accommodation: Punakaiki Treehouse

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: Discover Abel Tasman National Park – where aqua blue waters meet playful seals
Accommodation: The Hotel Nelson

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

Day 13: Journey south back to vibrant Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 14: Farewell Christchurch