SOUTH ISLAND SELF-DRIVE TOURS
8 night self-drive tour from £ 1239pp
7 night self-drive tour from £ 2269pp
Te Anau Kaikoura
SOUTHERN SCENIC ROUTE
8 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE SHORT TOUR
Stewart Island
historic cities to explore • wild beauty of Stewart Island • stunning vistas
DAY 1 Christchurch On arrival collect your car and make your way to your hotel .
DAY 2 Christchurch / Dunedin
Bear inland slightly before following the coast southwards towards Dunedin , known for its Scottish feel and Victorian architecture ( 224 miles ).
DAY 3 Dunedin
Explore as you choose . Perhaps visit Larnach Castle , see the ornate Dunedin Railway Station or head to the Otago Peninsula to see rare yellow-eyed penguins .
DAY 4 Dunedin / Invercargill
Drive across to Invercargill , New Zealand ’ s southernmost city and whose Victorian , Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings give it a charming old-world feel ( 127 miles ).
DAY 5 Invercargill / Stewart Island
Make your way to Bluff for the ferry that takes you across to Stewart Island , whose name in Māori language means ‘ the land of glowing skies ’, as it ’ s often possible to see the Aurora Australis in these southern skies ( 16 miles land only ).
DAY 6 Stewart Island
Over 85 % of the island is national park , so you ’ ll find ample walking tracks to experience much of its wild beauty . The island is also a haven for brown kiwi , and offshore on Ulva Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary with dozens of native species .
DAY 7 Stewart Island / Te Anau
Return to the mainland and drive on to Te Anau , a picturesque township and gateway to the bewildering beauty of Fiordland National Park ( 111 miles land only ).
DAY 8 Te Anau / Queenstown
When you ’ ve had your fill of the scenic landscapes , hit the road again and drive on to Queenstown , New Zealand ’ s adventure capital . Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure , whatever the time of year ( 106 miles ).
DAY 9 Queenstown
Make time for one last fun-filled activity or walk , before you return your car and you set off on your onward journey . Alternatively , why not extend your stay in New Zealand ’ s adventure playground ?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily .
Accommodation : 4★ Rydges Latimer , Christchurch ; 4★ Distinction Dunedin ;
4★Boutique The Lodge at Transport World , Invercargill ; 3★Plus Stewart Island Lodge ;
3★Plus Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas & 4★ Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown .
Meals : Room only . Continental breakfast included on days 6-7 .
Tour price : The price shown includes 9 days compact all inclusive car hire , accommodation as shown and return ferry to and from Stewart Island .
LUXURY WHALES , WINE & WILDERNESS
7 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Marlborough Sounds
magnificent wildlife • try out local tipples • overnight in luxury hotels
DAY 1 Christchurch On arrival , collect your hire car and head to your hotel .
DAY 2 Christchurch / Kaikoura
Perhaps hop on a tram and see some of the city sights before you drive north , following the coast , up to the picturesque coastal town Kaikoura ( 112 miles ).
DAY 3 Kaikoura
A perfect base for wildlife experiences of all kinds , with whales , fur seals and dolphins living permanently in the coastal waters . Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining . The town itself has plenty of shops , cafés and restaurants , with crayfish a particular feature on many menus .
DAY 4 Kaikoura / Blenheim
Continue to wind your way northwards for Blenheim , which lies in the heart of winegrowing Marlborough ( 80 miles ).
DAY 5 Blenheim / Marlborough Sounds
Perhaps stock up with some delicious local produce before you drive to Picton , where you ’ ll catch a boat through the scenic waterways of Marlborough Sounds to Punga Cove ( 16 miles land only ).
DAY 6 Marlborough Sounds
Punga Cove is well placed for exploring part of the Queen Charlotte Track , which leads you through lush native bush and offers scenic sea views along the way . Alternatively , why not hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for some time out on the water .
DAY 7 Marlborough Sounds / Blenheim
Take the return ferry back to Picton and drive back to Blenheim . Enjoy the array of cafés , restaurants , wineries , bars , shops , artisan food outlets and golf courses as well as popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve . Close by , are more than 30 wineries and many welcome visitors for sampling sessions and cellar door sales ( 16 miles land only ).
DAY 8 Blenheim / Christchurch
Follow the road south back to Christchurch where your tour finishes . Alternatively , why not extend your tour and stay a few days in this beautiful city ? ( 191 miles )
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily .
Accommodation : 5★Boutique The George , Christchurch ; 5★Boutique Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses , Kaikoura ; 4★Boutique Vinters Retreat , Blenheim & 4★Plus Bay of Many Coves , Marlborough Sounds .
Meals : Room only except Kaikoura where half board & Marlborough Sounds where breakfast .
Tour price : The price shown includes 8 days compact all inclusive car hire , accommodation as shown and return boat transfer for Punga Cove .
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