Tour Top Of The South Island Loop - 10 Day Self Drive Tour

Transport

Rental car - Toyota Corolla Hatch automatic or similar (driver must be 21 years old) The minimum age to rent and drive a vehicle is 21. Please note there is an additional surcharge of $28.75 (including GST) for drivers aged from 21 to 24 years inclusive. The cost of this is payable directly to Europcar upon collection On collection you will require a credit card to collect your vehicle. Note debit or pre-loaded travel type credit cards may not be accepted. Europcar also require a bond of up tp NZ$350 in the form of a credit card imprint. This is only authorized and not debited to your card. This is fully refundable should no extra charges be incurred during your rental period. A full tank of fuel is provided on collection of the vehicle. Please return the car with a full tank to avoid any additional refuelling charges. Any number of drivers can be listed at no additional charge. All drivers must have a valid driving licence printed in English or a valid international licence. When you collect your rental car please ensure you are familiar with and understand the terms and conditions of renting a car.

Others

Abel Tasman Seals and Beach walk Half day Marlborough wine tour Whale Watch Kaikoura tour A superb range of rental cars to choose from Rental car insurance with full coverage (variable excess/deductible) Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport and ferry fees

Accommodation

9 nights Motels accommodation. This accommodation can be upgraded - contact us for more information.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Guide

Guide is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included. Prebooking activities in the locations you are visiting is always recommended to avoid missing out - chat with us and we will be happy to assist you with this.

Meals

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Fuel. Claims administration fee between $50 for single vehicle accidents to $200 for third party accidents. insurance cover for reasonable damage to the front windscreen, headlights and tyre punctures. Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Into Christchurch Today
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Into Christchurch Today

Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. You might wish to take the double decker hop on/hop off bus for an easy way to see the sights - or ride a historic tram across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral.
Day 2 Day 2: Pass Through The North Canterbury Countryside To Kaikoura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Pass Through The North Canterbury Countryside To Kaikoura

Collect your rental car

This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV’s.

Christchurch to Kaikoura

The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through the rolling hills of North Canterbury’s major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Allow time for a detour and visit Hanmer Springs for a dip in the mineral hot pools. Continue on and cross the Hawkswood Range before descending to the spectacular Kaikoura coastline - where the road hugs the ocean for the last leg of the drive.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

New Zealand’s only marine based whale watching company, Whale Watch Kaikoura offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime up close encounter with the giant sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see pilot, blue and southern right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hectors, is sometimes seen.

You’ll be taken out in modern catamarans specifically designed for whale watching - featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 179 kms / 111 miles : 2.5 hours
Day 3 Day 3: Drive Via The Coastal Road Before Reaching The Vineyards Of Blenheim
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive Via The Coastal Road Before Reaching The Vineyards Of Blenheim

Kaikoura to Blenheim

Heading north from Kaikoura, the road hugs the shore for approximately 50 kilometres and offers many opportunities to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. One of the best seal watching locations is Ohau Point (25km north of Kaikoura), where you can observe the adults on the shoreline and the pups frolicking in the waterfall, just a short walk from the road (signposted). As you drive you will have turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean to your east and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. Blenheim sits right at the heart of Marlborough and is ideally located to enjoy an afternoon sampling the local produce. A great way to do this is to take a guided wine tour with Sounds Connection Wine Tours.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 116 kms / 72 miles : 1.4 hours
Day 4 Day 4: Discover The Delightful Wines Of Marlborough On A Half Day Wine Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Discover The Delightful Wines Of Marlborough On A Half Day Wine Tour

Sounds Connection Half Day Wine Tour

An afternoon among the vines! Be immersed in the Marlborough wine country with the Sounds Connection half day wine tour. You’ll be collected from your accmmodation and taken through three or four hand-picked wineries to taste the award-winning producehis region is known for. You’ll also hear about the history of winemaking in Marlborough as well as learning the unique processes each winery goes through. A lunch stop is not included in this tour so we do advise you have something to eat prior to this activity.
Day 5 Day 5: Travel Via The Beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive To The Idyllic Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Travel Via The Beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive To The Idyllic Abel Tasman National Park

Blenheim to Abel Tasman National Park via Queen Charlotte Drive

Take a short drive to the small port of Picton where the interislander ferry connects with Wellington. A bustling seaside destination, Picton is well equipped with shops, cafes - and is also the starting point for the famous Queen Charlotte Walk. You’ll travel along Queen Charlotte Drive, traversing the length of the Marlborough Sounds coastline. Magnificent views are abundant - so be sure to make time to stop and enjoy the scenery as you go.

Continue through the small port town of Havelock, home to a variety of cafes and restaurants. The highway between Nelson and Picton crosses the pelorus river, and at this junction you’ll find the famous pelorus bridge. From here there are a number of forest walks - the most popular - a 30 minute loop through beech, rimu, and totara forest. Traverse Tasman Bay passing through Motueka to arrive on the outskirts of Abel Tasman National Park.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 184 kms / 114 miles : 2.8 hours
Day 6 Day 6: Explore Abel Tasman National Park On A Cruise And Walking Adventure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Explore Abel Tasman National Park On A Cruise And Walking Adventure

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park, known for its coastal hiking track has an abundance of golden beaches, inlets and private lagoons. The park has a mild climate and is a special place to visit at any time of the year. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the sounds or take a kayaking tour around it’s many sheltered bays. Enjoy the melodious birdsong and get up close to some of the park’s many animal residents, including native bats, geckos, birds and marine mammals - fur seals and dolphins.

Seals, Beach Cruise and Walk Including Picnic Lunch

Experience the best of Abel Tasman on this combined beach cruise and walk tour. You will first take a cruise into the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where you will pause to watch the antics of the Resident Fur Seal Colony. After landing at the historic Tonga Quarry Beach, take a two hour, fifteen minute walk over forested land and around the spectacular Bark Bay Estuary - renowned for its cascading waterfalls. You will then region the cruise at the sheltered golden cove on Medlands Beach.
Day 7 Day 7: Pass Between Two National Parks As You Travel To The Wild West Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Pass Between Two National Parks As You Travel To The Wild West Coast

Abel Tasman to Punakaiki

The drive today takes you along the Buller Gorge and offers some wonderful scenery as you follow this magnificent river. The town of Murchison is a quiet place and a great lunch stop. Underneath its sleepy farming facade is an adventurers paradise with white water rafting, kayaking, 4WD trips and some great trout fishing.

The first major town (by this regions standard) is Inangahua and a small museum tells of the earthquake that hit the region in 1968 leaving 70% of the buildings damaged or inhabitable. Further along the river one of the must stop places is Whites Creek and New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. Crossing the river you get magnificent views of the gorge and once on the other side there are short bush walks, jet boat rides and some of the historic gold mining remnants.

The port town of Westport is the largest on the Northern West Coast. A history of gold mining, logging, fishing coal mining gives the town a hard working feeling. And to reward the hard workers the town has an extraordinary amount of pubs.

There are plenty of activities here such as caving, bush walks and surfing but one of the most popular is to take a trip to Tauranga bay and the seal colony. Just 15 kilometres south at Cape Foulwind (named by Captain Cook for the difficult sailing conditions and not the smell of the seals!), you will find a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals. A well marked and easy 10 minute walking track takes you to colony where you can see the creatures lazing around or swimming in the ocean.

The spectacular West Coast coastline guides you to Paparoa National Park and to Punakaiki where a walk along the paths around the pancake rocks is a must. Please note there is no supermarket facilities in Punakaiki.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 286 kms / 177 miles : 3.6 hours
Day 8 Day 8: Head Inland And Drive Over The Otira Viaduct To Arthur’S Pass National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Head Inland And Drive Over The Otira Viaduct To Arthur’S Pass National Park

Punakaiki to Arthur’s Pass National Park

Today you’ll head south towards Greymouth, before turning onto State Highway 73 as you make your way to Arthur’s Pass. Winding your way up and over the Southern Alps, this route takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country - even in the rain when hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the bush clad hillsides.

Originally the road was used as a pass by the Maori as they made their seasonal passage to collect Greenstone in the West Coast mountains. Following the 1800’s gold rush a road and railway was developed through the area.

Today, the railway is used predominantly for the world renowned Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, transporting several hundred tourists per day from Christchurch to Greymouth - or the other way round. Continue on through the Otira Gorge, before arriving at your destination for the night, Arthur’s Pass.

Note: If you’re feeling like a more leisurely drive, there is the option to take a more scenic route around Lake Brunner. Well signposted, this road begins just before the town of Kumara.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 138 kms / 86 miles : 1.8 hours
Day 9 Day 9: Explore The Many Walks Within The Park Or Visit The Fascinating Rock Formations Of Castle Hill
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Explore The Many Walks Within The Park Or Visit The Fascinating Rock Formations Of Castle Hill

Short walks in Arthurs Pass National Park - suggested activity

Within the Arthur’s Pass there are many short walks to suit all ages and abilities. Located in the Arthur’s Pass Village is a Department of Conservation information centre where you can get updates on track conditions and track suitability as well as learning about the natural history of the area and its people.

Listed below are a selection of short walks:

1. Millennium Walk - Time: 10 minutes return

2. Devils Punchbowl Waterfall Walk - Time: One hour return

3. Arthur’s Pass Walking Track - Time: One hour 20 minutes (one way)

4. Dobson Nature Walk - Time: 30 minutes return

5. Old Coach Road Walk - Time: 30 minutes return

6. Cockayne Nature Walk - Time: 30 minutes return
Day 10 Day 10: Depart Christchurch Today
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Depart Christchurch Today

Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch

Descending into the valleys of the Waimakariri this drive offers some spectacular views of the braided river valleys. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. A popular place with climbers it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore.

Descending onto the Canterbury Plains the rich farmland that attracted and helped settlers prosper becomes apparent as you head into the city of Christchurch.

Depart Christchurch today

Explore more of Christchurch before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Driving Information:

Approximate distance and time for today’s driving leg is: 128 kms / 80 miles : 1.6 hours

10 days tour

Top Of The South Island Loop - 10 Day Self Drive Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Top Of The South Island Loop - 10 Day Self Drive Tour

Day 1: Arrive Into Christchurch Today

Day 2: Pass Through The North Canterbury Countryside To Kaikoura

Day 3: Drive Via The Coastal Road Before Reaching The Vineyards Of Blenheim

Day 4: Discover The Delightful Wines Of Marlborough On A Half Day Wine Tour

Day 5: Travel Via The Beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive To The Idyllic Abel Tasman National Park

Day 6: Explore Abel Tasman National Park On A Cruise And Walking Adventure

Day 7: Pass Between Two National Parks As You Travel To The Wild West Coast

Day 8: Head Inland And Drive Over The Otira Viaduct To Arthur’S Pass National Park

Day 9: Explore The Many Walks Within The Park Or Visit The Fascinating Rock Formations Of Castle Hill

Day 10: Depart Christchurch Today

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania