NZ Self-Drive Tour: South Island - Vineyards, Glaciers & Lakes
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
DAY 1 - Arrive Christchurch
On arrival, collect your car at the airport. The day is free for optional activities. A visit to the Antarctic Centre is recommended.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 2 - Christchurch to Blenheim
Journey northwards to the seaside town of Kaikoura where a Whalewatch cruise is recommended. Continue onto Blenheim, New Zealand's leading wine region. Many wineries are open for daily visits and offer excellent restaurants.
Stay: Blenheim (1 night)
New Zealand
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
DAY 3 - Blenheim to Nelson
A short drive through vineyards and farmlands to Nelson which is located close to the Abel Tasman National Park where many walks are available.
Stay: Nelson (2 nights)
DAY 4 - At Nelson
Today is free for you to enjoy Nelson, considered to be the sunniest province in New Zealand. The area is also known for it's wonderful craft shops, glass blowing, and other boutique industries.
DAY 5 - Nelson to Punakaiki
Depart Nelson and travel through spectacular forests to the West Coast where you will drive alongside the Tasman Sea Coastline to Punakaiki, the location of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel (1 night)
DAY 6 - Punakaiki to Franz Josef
Travel south to the Westland National Park and enjoy spectacular scenery. Many excellent short bush walks are available en route.
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier (1 night)
DAY 7 - Franz Josef to Queenstown
A drive up to the viewing area of the Fox Glacier is recommended as you travel south and through the Haast Pass to Queenstown.
Stay: Queenstown (2 nights)
DAY 8 - Queenstown
Today is a free day in Queenstown. Optional activities available in this region include bungy jumping, jetboat rides, lake cruises, white water rafting, golf, shopping and much more.
DAY 9 - Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Journey through the highlands of the South Island to Mount Cook National Park where sightseeing flights and short alpine walks are available. Continue your journey across the MacKenzie Country to Lake Tekapo.
Stay: Lake Tekapo (1 night)
DAY 10 - Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Today you leave the high country and descend Burkes Pass to the productive farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. You will pass through the picturesque villages of Fairle and Geraldine en route.
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
DAY 11 - Depart Christchurch
Your arrangements finish this morning when you return your car to the rental car Depot. Haere Ra (Farewell).
South Island Vineyards, Glaciers & Lakes Self-Drive Holiday Package Prices
01 May 2015 - 30 September 2015 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,131.00 per person, share twin.
01 October 2015 - 30 April 2016 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,339.00 per person, share twin.
- Prices based on budget accommodation and two persons travelling together
- Prices based on 1.3 litre manual rental car
- Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Popular (mid range) and superior accommodation options available on request. Different car categories available on request (see self-drive intro details).
Booking Code: SD-04
[North Island Nature] [South Island - Vineyards, Glaciers and Lakes] [Southern New Zealand - Fiords and Nature] [New Zealand - The Grand Tour] [Great New Zealand] [Spirit of New Zealand]
