South Island Explorer

Arrive Christchurch at leisure for a 2 night stay.

Christchurch isn’t just a city—it’s a comeback story. Once a quietly traditional city, this vibrant destination now blends historic charm with bold innovation. After rising gracefully from devastating earthquakes, Christchurch has transformed into a hub of creativity, green spaces, and unforgettable adventures. Stroll through the award-winning Botanic Gardens, hop on a heritage tram, or explore street art that turns the city into an open-air gallery. The Avon River winds gently through town, perfect for a peaceful punt ride or a riverside coffee. Nature lovers are just a short drive from beaches, alpine hikes, and the breathtaking Southern Alps, whereas foodies will fall in love with local flavours served up in stylish cafes and buzzing markets. Christchurch isn’t just the gateway to the South Island, it’s a destination in its own right!

Pick up your hire car and travel North to Kaikōura.

Perched between snow capped peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikōura is best known for its marine life. A deep underwater canyon attracts a year-round population of sperm whales, making Kaikōura one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Together with a resident pod of playful dolphins, curious fur seals, and the occasional albatross, it offers some incredible wildlife experiences. Beyond the deep blue sea, Kaikōura invites you to hike coastal trails with incredible panoramic views, indulge in fresh crayfish from roadside caravans, and learn of Māori stories rooted in the land and sea. Come night fall, Kaikōura is perfect for star gazing – as an accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary it offers wonderful opportunities to view the night sky.

Your stay in Kaikōura includes a whale watching trip.

Travel North to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park offers an unforgettable mix of alpine beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful seclusion. Centred around the clear, glacial waters of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, this region is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by beech forests and rugged peaks, the alpine village of St Arnaud provides easy access to the park’s extensive network of trails—from short lakeside walks to multi-day treks like the Travers-Sabine Circuit. In summer, the lakes are perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking up the stillness. Come winter, the area transforms into a snowy playground. Just a short drive from the village, Rainbow Ski Area offers a laid-back and family-friendly ski experience with slopes for all levels.

Today you travel to the temperate North Coast, home to Abel Tasman National Park.

Situated at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its striking natural beauty and assortment of wildlife. It’s a place where golden beaches, emerald forests, and clear coastal waters combine to offer both adventure and tranquillity. At Abel Tasman you can hike through native bush, kayak sheltered bays, and enjoy moments of solitude on pristine, uncrowded beaches. A sanctuary for native wildlife, you may spot blue penguins, seals, whales and dolphins swimming in its waters. One of New Zealand’s most accessible parks, Abel Tasman is served by a well-organized network of water taxis connects. These allow you to walk the full length of the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track or explore selected sections. Nestled at the southern entrance of Abel Tasman National Park, the tranquil seaside village of Marahau serves as the perfect base for exploring the park’s renowned natural beauty.

Tucked between mountain ranges and braided rivers, Murchison is a small town with big energy. Known as the “whitewater capital of New Zealand,” it’s a paradise for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The Buller River offers some of the best rafting and kayaking in the country—fast, wild, and unforgettable. But Murchison’s magic isn’t all about adrenaline. It’s also about fly fishing in crystal-clear streams, wandering through quiet beech forests, and discovering quirky local history at the Murchison Museum, including stories from one of NZ’s most powerful earthquakes, and the towns gold rush past.

Today you will drive to Greymouth – allow time to stop at The Pancake Rocks along the way. These limestone rocks have been shaped into stacks of pancake flat formations by the forces of the sea.

The heart of New Zealand’s wild West Coast, Greymouth offers an authentic experience that’s as untamed as the landscapes around it. This historic town is the end of the line for the Trans Alpine Railway but is also the gateway to unforgettable adventures and breathtaking scenery. A good starting point is Māwhera Pa, a cultural storytelling experience that uses immersive technology to bring to life Māori legends and traditions. To learn more about the town’s gold rush history, visit Shantytown, a replica gold rush settlement that lets you step back in time. Before leaving Greymouth take a tour of Monteith’s Brewery, where you can sample one of New Zealand best loved beers.

There are few places on earth like Franz Josef Glacier, an ancient ice flow that slowly descends the mountains into temperate rain forest. Whether you’re exploring ice caves on a guided walk or taking in the scale of this world heritage site from a scenic helicopter ride, the experience is both awe-inspiring and uniquely accessible. Surrounded by native rainforest the village of Franz Josef (also named after an Austrian emperor) has a relaxed Alpine feel and makes a cosy base to explore from. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre and you may spot a rare kiwi, or for the ultimate wind down relax in the town’s hot pools. Nearby Lake Mapourika is just a short drive from Franz Josef and offers scenic boat trips set to a background of some of New Zealand’s most incredible scenery.

Continue South today as you travel through temperate rainforest and mountain passes to Wanaka.

Set against a stunning alpine backdrop and wrapped around the clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka, this lakeside town is a haven for travellers who crave beauty, calm, and just a touch of adventure. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a lake view, strolling along the shoreline, or setting off on a gentle hike, Wānaka moves at a pace that lets you savour the moment. Take a scenic drive to the Cardrona Valley, cruise the lake to the remote and predator-free Mou Waho Island, or explore walking trails like Mt. Iron for panoramic views without the strain. With boutique wineries, art galleries, cosy eateries, and warm-hearted locals, Wanaka offers the perfect balance of natural wonder and small-town charm.

Queenstown may be known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, but there’s far more here than bungee jumps and jet boats. For the mature traveller with a curious spirit, it offers the perfect blend of natural wonder, refined experiences, and just the right touch of adventure.

Cruise across the glassy waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, or take the Skyline Gondola to panoramic views that will leave you breathless (in the best way). Feeling bold? Try a gentle jet boat ride through the spectacular Dart River valley—thrilling, but perfectly manageable. Scenic helicopter flights, lake kayaking, and e-bike trails offer active ways to explore without pushing the limits.

Wander through historic Arrowtown, enjoy a wine tasting among the vines of Gibbston Valley, or treat yourself to a gourmet meal with a view of the Remarkables. Whether you’re strolling along the lakefront or exploring alpine trails, Queenstown invites you to rediscover your sense of wonder—at your own pace.

Drive to Te Anau – gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sound.

Located on the edge of Lake Te Anau and surrounded by Fiordland’s dramatic wilderness, Te Anau is the perfect base for exploring the South Island’s untamed heart. From here, you can easily access Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound—two of the country’s most jaw-dropping fjords. Take a scenic drive or guided tour along the famous Milford Road, then hop aboard a cruise and glide past thundering waterfalls, towering cliffs, and seal-covered rocks. Closer to town, you can boat across the lake to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves—a magical underground world where thousands of glow worms light up the darkness like stars. Te Anau is also the gateway to three of New Zealand’s Great Walks—the Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn Tracks. You don’t need to do the full hikes—short day walks still offer epic scenery, birdlife, and fresh mountain air. Whether you’re chasing adventure or peace and quiet, Te Anau offers both—in equal, beautiful measure.

Your South Island Explorer itinerary includes a cruise on Milford Sound

Journey to New Zealand’s most southern city today.

At the southern tip of New Zealand lies Invercargill—a city where time slows down, the smiles come easy, and heritage meets heart. Known for its spacious streets, grand old buildings, and famously warm locals, Invercargill is a charming base for exploring the far south. Stroll through Queens Park, a beautifully maintained garden oasis with walking paths, a rose garden, and even a small museum. Enjoy a coffee at a local café, then dive into nostalgia at Bill Richardson Transport World—a surprisingly elegant tribute to vintage vehicles, motoring history, and Kiwi ingenuity. Just 20 minutes down the road, the town of Bluff awaits—a windswept harbour town famous for its oysters and its end-of-the-line feel. Take in the view from Stirling Point, home to the iconic signpost marking distances to far-flung corners of the world and enjoy fresh Bluff oysters (in season) straight from the source.

Continue East to Dunedin.

Cultured, calm, and quietly captivating – Dunedin is a city where history lingers in the stonework and nature waits just beyond the next bend. With its elegant Victorian architecture, rich Scottish heritage, and sweeping coastal views, it offers a unique New Zealand experience. Stroll the historic streets of the Octagon, enjoy a leisurely coffee in a heritage café, or explore the beautifully preserved Dunedin Railway Station. Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only historic castle and has beautiful gardens where visitors can enjoy a cream tea. Home to the steepest street in the world, you’re never far from a beautiful view in Dunedin. Just a short drive away, the Otago Peninsula promises unforgettable encounters with royal albatross, fur seals, and the rare, yellow-eyed penguin.

Travel along the East Coast to Oamaru. This spectacular stretch of coastline includes the Moeraki Boulders and Shag Point, home to a resident colony of seals.

Travel the windswept coast of New Zealand’s South Island and you will come to Oamaru, a town where time slows down and imagination takes flight. This charming town boasts some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in New Zealand yet also stakes claim to being the steampunk capital of the world! Wander through the historic precinct, where you’ll find galleries, vintage shops, and local artisans at work amongst beautifully preserved buildings. The Steampunk HQ is a quirky museum, featuring an array of interactive exhibits, arts and sculptures centred around the steampunk genre. Head to the coast at dusk and you’ll be able to watch the towns blue penguins waddle ashore. Whether you’re into history, architecture, wildlife, or just want to soak up some seriously unique vibes, Oamaru is a must see on your New Zealand itinerary.

Travel North to the Banks Peninsula and the beautiful town of Akaroa.

Located on a stunningly picturesque harbour on the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is New Zealand with a French twist. This delightful seaside village blends historic elegance, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a laid-back coastal vibe that’ll make you wish you stayed longer! Once a French settlement, Akaroa maintains its European flair with boutique bakeries, colonial style cottages, and a mediterranean feeling winery. To experience the real magic of Akaroa, you’ll want to take to the water: cruise the harbour to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins, kayak beside rugged cliffs, or simply soak in the incredible views. With local art galleries, scenic hikes, and gourmet delights around every corner, Akaroa is a hidden gem just waiting to be unearthed.