Top of the South Island Road Trip

Christchurch

Discover the charm of New Zealand’s South Island gateway, where riverside precincts, leafy parks, and a relaxed city atmosphere provide the perfect start to your journey.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer
Explore Christchurch at your leisure
Full-day heritage tram pass
2 nights in Christchurch

Make it yours
See more of Christchurch through a punting experience on the Avon River, or a guided city tour.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

The Quest Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square in the heart of the commercial, arts and tourist precinct. This purpose built property is on Christchurch's famous inner city tram loop and features a mix of new and heritage architecture. Incorporated in the complex are a variety of retail shops, cafes and restaurants. All of the serviced apartments fully equipped kitchens.

Christchurch

Experience the beauty of Banks Peninsula on a guided small group experience, touring the historic French settlement of Akaroa. Enjoy charming stone rest houses, coastal views, and a relaxed harbour experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch
Scenic drive through Banks Peninsula
Akaroa Harbour Cruise
Dolphin sightings

Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass

Collect your rental vehicle and begin your journey west across the Canterbury Plains toward the Southern Alps. Travel through rural towns, braided rivers, and rising mountain landscapes into Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Inclusions at a glance:

Rental vehicle collection
Rural town stopover at Sheffield
Castle Hill stopover
1 night in Arthur’s Pass

Approximate Distance: 50 kms | 91 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Bealey Hotel

Located near Arthur’s Pass, the Bealey Hotel offers a relaxed alpine retreat surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Set on expansive grounds, it provides comfortable chalet-style accommodation with views of the Southern Alps. Guests can enjoy hearty meals and local drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring nearby walking tracks and natural attractions.

Arthur’s Pass to Punakaiki

Descend through lush beech forest and follow the winding Otira River as you leave the Southern Alps behind and arrive on the wild West Coast.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Greymouth stopover
Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
1 night in Punakaiki

Make it yours
Take a look at what lays underneath the Paparoa National Park with a guided tour of the Charleston Glow Worm cave.

Approximate Distance: 150 km | 93 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is in a great location. The resort is situated only 300m from the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment. Evenings are spent relaxing in a standard resort room with views of the sea or an Eco Suite with rainforest and distant seaviews.

Punakaiki to Murchison

Travel inland through rainforest and dramatic river gorges as you follow the Buller River toward Murchison, a peaceful riverside town surrounded by wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Charming stopovers at Inangahua Junction or Lyell
Gold mining settlements
1 night in Murchison

Approximate Distance: 140 kms | 87 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Murchison Lodge

The Lodge offers quality B&B accommodation with character. Enjoy warm and relaxed hospitality; a comfortable bed and a hearty breakfast before exploring Murchison and the surrounding countryside. The warm and welcoming timber Lodge is set on four quiet acres of mature wooded gardens and paddocks. Surrounded by mountains and bordering the Buller River it feels miles from anywhere but a five minutes walk will have you in "down town"

Murchison to Abel Tasman

Journey north through forested hills, orchards, and vineyards before reaching the golden coastline of Abel Tasman National Park.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Pass through Motueka or Takaka Hill
Abel Tasman Coastal Track
3 nights in Abel Tasman

Make it yours
Add café stops in Nelson or scenic viewpoints along the Takaka Hill route.

Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments

Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments sit just a minute’s walk from the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach, offering a relaxed coastal stay near Abel Tasman National Park. Each air-conditioned apartment includes a kitchenette with modern appliances and a private bathroom. Located 34 km from Nelson and 9 km from Motueka, it’s an ideal base for exploring beaches, coastal walks, and water activities in this scenic region.

Abel Tasman

View world-famous Split Apple Rock, fur seals, golden sands and the crystal-clear waters before you return to Kaiteriteri.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided scenic boat cruise
Free time to explore Kaiteriteri Beach

Abel Tasman

Experience a guided cultural paddling journey along Abel Tasman’s coastline, learning traditional tikanga before paddling to the iconic Split Apple Rock.

Inclusions at a glance:

Cultural introduction & blessing
Guided waka journey
Paddle to Split Apple Rock

Abel Tasman to Blenheim

Depart the coast and travel south through Motueka, orchards, and vineyard landscapes before arriving in Marlborough wine country.

Inclusions at a glance:

Vineyard and farmland landscapes
2 nights in Blenheim

Make it yours
Take a step back in time and get a fascinating glimpse into the courage, innovation, and sacrifice that shaped the modern world, with a guided tour of the World War II Exhibition at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Approximate Distance: 180 km | 112 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Marlborough - Blenheim

The Scenic Hotel Marlborough has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is only a few minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim. It offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service and puts some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on the doorstep.

Blenheim

Enjoy a fully guided day in Marlborough, visiting iconic and boutique wineries to sample award-winning wines while exploring the region's beautiful vineyards and celebrated wine culture.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast, Lunch
Full-day guided wine tour

Blenheim to Kaikōura

Travel along a dramatic coastal highway where mountains meet the sea, arriving in Kaikōura, a world-renowned marine wildlife destination.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic coastal drive
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
2 nights in Kaikōura

Approximate Distance: 145 km | 91 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

This is one very lovely hotel that is sure to delight, from check-in to check-out. Peacefully located half way along the Esplanade, it's only a short walk to the towns best restaurants and famous attractions. The buildings that make up the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel surround a large sun-soaked and rather swanky courtyard garden. The 5-star waterfront rooms are all on the first floor of the historic building, with views galore.

Kaikōura

Take to the skies for an unforgettable aerial experience over Kaikōura’s marine canyon, home to whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Scenic whale watching flight

Kaikōura to Hanmer Springs

Travel inland from the coast through farmland and river valleys to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, known for its thermal pools and relaxation.

Inclusions at a glance:

Breakfast
Coastal-to-alpine drive
Hanmer Springs thermal pool entry
1 night in Hanmer Springs

Approximate Distance: 130 kms | 81 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Cheltenham House

Cheltenham House offers boutique accommodation in a wonderful 1930's heritage home. With only four spacious suites in the house and two cottages in the garden; each suite has been designed to combine the charm of old-world elegance with all the modern-day conveniences.

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Return to Christchurch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the Garden City’s parks, heritage streets, and vibrant city centre.

Inclusions at a glance:

Explore Christchurch at your leisure
1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
End your trip on a high with a thrilling Zipline Tour and glide through New Zealand’s longest zipline, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Port Hills, Christchurch city, and the Southern Alps.

Approximate Distance: 135 km | 84 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

Christchurch

Your South Island journey concludes today as you depart with lasting memories of coastlines, alpine passes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

Rental vehicle return

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: This road trip showcases the very best scenic drives in the top of the South Island, where coastal blues, lush greens, and golden light create ever-changing, unforgettable views. With a relaxed pace and handpicked experiences along the way, it offers the perfect balance of discovery and downtime. Carefully designed to highlight the region’s highlights, this self-drive journey is one of our favourite ways to explore the top of the South Island.

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