South Island Highlights
SELF DRIVE MOTORHOME TOUR
CHRISTCHURCH | KAIKOURA | ABEL TASMAN NP | FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER | TE ANAU | MILFORD SOUND | QUEENSTOWN | MOUNT COOK
New Zealand’s South Island boasts some of the world’s finest views, perfect for a motorhome holiday. Wake in beautiful surroundings, dine in exclusive spots and soak up South Island’s relaxed pace of life with our self-driving tours.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Garden City of Christchurch
- Dolphin cruise in Kaikoura
- Abel Tasman National Park - New Zealand’s smallest National Park
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Cruise along Milford Sound
- Explore Queenstown
- Marvel at Mount Cook
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 3-4
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Day 5
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Day 6-7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10-12
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Day 13
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Day 14
Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch
Arrive in New Zealand’s Garden City and explore at leisure. Stop by the botanical gardens or perhaps enjoy a punt on the river.
Hotel: Ibis Christchurch
Day 2 : Christchurch - Kaikoura (203km)
Collect your motorhome and head north along the coast to the whale watching hot spot of Kaikoura.
Day 3 : Kaikoura - Blenheim (150km)
Enjoy a morning whale watching cruise before driving north through the Canterbury Plains to the Marlborough wine region, renowned for creating some of the world’s finest wine. Perhaps, purchase a few bottles to enjoy on your journey around South Island?
Day 3-4 : Blenheim - Abel Tasman National Park (189km)
A short drive to the Abel Tasman National Park, with it’s pristine waters perfect for swimming and kayaking, superb hiking routes and simply ready to explore. Enjoy a full day discovering with an easy hike and perhaps take a guided kayak tour to Split Apple Rock.
Day 5 : Abel Tasman - Greymouth (304km)
Journey south towards the rugged West Coast of South Island. Stop to see the famous pancake rocks at Punakaki before arriving in Greymouth.
Day 6-7 : Greymouth - Franz Josef (173km)
Enjoy more of the West Coast’s natural beauty before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier. Discover the rainforest setting of this and Fox Glacier and perhaps even take a helicopter flightseeing over the glaciers.
Day 8 : Franz Josef - Te Anau (510km)
Drive the Haast Pass to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park offering world famous hiking trails and cruises with stunning coastal scenery.
Day 9 : Milford Sound (118 miles)
Take a break from driving today as you board a coach to Milford Sound. Known as one of the world’s most scenic fiords, take an included cruise and witness waterfalls cascading down from the mountains and views of Mitre Peak. You may even see a host of wildlife including dolphins. A cruise is the perfect way to experience the majesty of the Sound. The drive from Te Anau is spectacular for it’s mirror lakes and vistas.
Day 10-12 : Te Anau - Queenstown (171km)
Journey through the mountains to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. With a picturesque backdrop of The Remarkables and lake setting, take time to relax and enjoy the activities on offer including jetboat rides, steamship cruise, superb walks and wonderful views from the gondola to Bob’s Peak.
Day 13 : Queenstown - Geraldine
Depart early and enjoy the drive through the Southern Alps to picturesque Lake Tekapo, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Mount Cook. Head to Geraldine for your final night in your motorhome, perhaps enjoying some of the delicious local produce.
Day 14 : Geraldine - Christchurch
A few hours drive to Christchurch to drop motorhome and take your onward flight.
