New Zealand South Island Self Drive Itinerary
New Zealand South Island Self Drive Itinerary
Welcome traveller! This document is the ultimate guide for your New Zealand's South Island self-driving holiday. It brings together the great outdoors, amazing attractions, cosy accommodations, and the finest local cuisines promising you an unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes and coasts of South Island.
Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch
Begin your journey in the largest city on South Island - Christchurch. Stay at the stunning Heritage Christchurch and enjoy dinner at Twenty-Seven Steps.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Christchurch |
Arrival, and check-in at Heritage Christchurch |
Heritage Christchurch |
Twenty-Seven Steps |
Day 2-3: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Hit the road towards the coastal town of Kaikoura. Witness the spectacular wildlife, especially the whales and dolphins. Don't miss out on the walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. Stay overnight at the Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses and dine at The Pier Hotel Restaurant.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kaikoura |
Drive to Kaikoura, Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, wildlife watching (whales, dolphins) |
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses |
The Pier Hotel Restaurant |
Day 4-5: Kaikoura to Marlborough
Drive to Marlborough, explore the world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc at their wineries, and dine at Arbour. Over the next two days, stay at The Marlborough Lodge.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marlborough |
Visit Marlborough wineries, wine tasting at Arbour |
The Marlborough Lodge |
Arbour |
Day 6-7: Marlborough to Nelson
Take a scenic drive to Nelson to enjoy its golden beaches and local artist galleries. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco and have a delicious dinner at Hopgood's & Co.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nelson |
Scenic drive to Nelson, visit local artist galleries |
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco |
Hopgood's & Co |
Day 8-10: Nelson to Westport via Punakaiki
Up next, visit the mesmerising Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and continue to Westport for your overnight stay at the Westport Spa Motel while enjoying dining at Johnny's Restaurant.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Westport |
Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, continue to Westport |
Westport Spa Motel |
Johnny's Restaurant |
Day 11-13: Westport to Franz Josef
Drive towards Franz Josef, home to one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Experience a guided glacier heli hike and unwind at the Glacier Hot Pools. Stay and dine at the Rainforest Retreat.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Franz Josef |
Drive to Franz Josef, guided glacier heli hike, Glacier Hot Pools |
Rainforest Retreat |
Day 14-15: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Drive down to Queenstown, and enjoy the thrill of their famous bungee jump or a calming Lake Wakatipu cruise. Dine at Botswana Butchery. Hotel St Moritz will offer a glorious stay for two nights.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Queenstown |
Drive to Queenstown, bungee jumping, Lake Wakatipu cruise |
Hotel St Moritz |
Botswana Butchery |
Day 16: Departure from Queenstown
Say goodbye to South Island at Queenstown Airport.
|
Destination |
Activities |
Accommodation |
Dining |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Queenstown |
Departure from Queenstown Airport |
Safe travels and enjoy your self-driving experience through New Zealand's South Island!
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