Welcome to Christchurch! On arrival, please make your way to your starting point hotel. After check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch. Step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax as the Christchurch Tram takes you around the 'must-see' central attractions. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Check in & arrival information.
A taxi or Uber ride between Christchurch International airport and your accommodation costs approximately NZD 30-35.

Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.

Make your way to Christchurch train station before boarding the TransAlpine train to Greymouth. 

Considered one of the world's greatest train journeys, this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.

The train has panoramic windows, open-air view carriage, a fully licenced cafe plus commentary allowing you to connect the scenery all around you.

On arrival in Greymouth, disembark your scenic train and collect your rental car from the Greymouth depot (next to the train station). Then continue driving south to Fox Glacier.

Approximate driving distance: 200km, 2.5hrs

Car Hire Pick Up.

Collect your car from Budget depot.

This morning you may want to consider one of the below helicopter rides over the glaciers. These activities require a minimum of 3 travellers to run and are weather dependent. Your flight time may vary from 8.30 pm 11am.

Afterwards, continue driving south to Queenstown.

Approximate driving distance: 330km, 4.5hrs

Today let someone else do the driving - you simply sit back, relax and enjoy stunning vistas. You will be collected from your hotel and travel by coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound - located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Highlights include Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Christie Falls, Upper Hollyford Valley, Homer Tunnel, Cleddau Valley and Milford Sound. Your tour includes a cruise on Milford Sound Red Boat where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. In the afternoon return to Queenstown by coach

Today is at your leisure to do as little or as much as you want. With literally hundreds of activities to choose from, Queenstown will sure have something to offer you. From helicopter rides, to hiking, fishing, winery visits, cycling...cycling through wineries and so on you will find it hard to settle for just one of them.

Enjoy breakfast and hit the road; today your final destination is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, one of New Zealand most picturesque and recognised Alpine regions..

We strongly recommend you to pay Wanaka a visit along the way.

Weather permitting, make sure you drive along the Crown Range - the highest main road in New Zealand. Be aware, between May and September this road is often covered in snow and ice when we recommend against driving on this road. In such conditions, please take the slightly longer route through Cromwell.

The quaint town of Wanaka is picture perfect, complete with snow capped mountains views, wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes. 

Approximate driving distance: 280km to 320 km, 4hrs to 6hrs

Today is free for you to explore Aoraki/Mt Cook. Snow capped peaks, tussock lands, glaciers and blue lakes make Aoraki Mt Cook a wonderful place for hiking or taking a leisurely stroll. Walking or trekking options abound. From the Governors Bush Walk (45 minutes) to perhaps the most popular Hooker Valley Track (3hrs). The best and most reliable time for hiking in this area is during the summer months.

Alternatively, you may want to take a helicopter flight and enjoy bird’s eye views of the region mountains and glaciers 

Gear up for the longest driving day of your itinerary as you traverse the South Island from South to North. Your final destination for today: Kaikoura - a marine wonderland.

Approximate driving distance: 505km, 6.5hrs

Today you will join a whale watching cruise. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch touring day  may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.

Prepare for a stunning drive as you head toward north towards Nelson. Once checked in at your accommodation, take a stroll along Nelson’s streets and explore the many artisan stores and galleries. 

Approximate driving distance: 260 km, 3.5hrs

Drive 60 kilometers north to the town of Kaiteriteri in time to join your Abel Tasman National Park cruise. Your cruise hugs the shore, travelling in close to the idyllic bays and through the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, viewing the New Zealand Fur Seal colony enroute. Then the scenery changes, Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) marks the beginning of the northern beaches - large sweeps of golden sand separated by picturesque bush headlands.

Approximate driving distance: 120 km, 2hrs

Continue heading south towards Hanmer Springs. This small and pictoresqeu alpine villages is known for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes. Take your time to walk through town, seat at a cafe and soak in this little village's atmosphere.

Approximate driving distance: 375km, 5.3hrs

Today is free for you to relax and unwind. You may want to pay Hanmer Springs thermal pools & spa a visit and make the most of their mineral rich hot pools or pampering massage and treatments. Please visit their website HERE for treatments, prices and to pre-book.

Start the day at leisure before travelling back to Christchurch. In the afternoon perhaps visit Christchurch Botanic Garders or go river punting on the Avon River.  Tonight explore the city's foodie scene which spans from organic pastries to microbrews.

Approximate driving distance: 135km, 2hrs

Today your New Zealand South Island Deluxe Road Trip  comes to an end. Please return your vehicle as indicated below.

If you may wish to extend your stay in Christchurch, we can assist you to book additional accommodation.

Car Hire Drop Off.

Drop off your vehicle Budget downtown or airport depots.