Tour Type: Budget Self Drive Tour
Duration: 22 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $3335 pp
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22 Day Absolute South Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
"Haere Mai" Welcome to Christchurch - the Garden City. On completion of formalities, pick up your rental car and travel onto your centrally located accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Christchurch has to offer. The city has had 2 earthquakes in the last year, and as a result the central CBD district has been damaged. However many of the activites in and around Christchurch are still operating as normal, and there is still plenty to experience and see. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge |
Day
2 |
Christchurch to Akaroa
There are two routes to Akaroa. State Highway 75 takes you via Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth before it climbs over the hills to Akaroa Harbour. The other route is very scenic, but longer and more difficult to drive. It takes you through the Lyttelton tunnel and around Lyttelton Harbour before making the rugged, cross country journey to Akaroa. The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. Spend time this afternoon exploring this quaint village, home to the early French Settlers of the 1840s. Stay: La Rive Motel |
Day
3 |
Akaroa to Hanmer Springs
This morning we've included a Akaroa Wildlife Cruise this morning. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. This afternoon, after making your way back to Christchurch, the trip north takes you past the beaches of Woodend, Waikuku, Leithfield and Amberley, through Waipara, known for its vineyards and olive groves and onto Hanmer Springs, an exciting & picturesque alpine thermal resort surrounded by tall mountains. The village is renowned for its relaxing and therapeutic thermal springs. Stay: Hanmer Inn Motel |
Day
4 |
Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura
This morning, bathe in the hot thermal pools of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. For 125 years, this reserve has attracted people from all over the globe, seeking the benefits of its natural clean mineral water and the crisp Alpine air. Later, a short drive brings you to Kaikoura, a place of unparalleled wildlife experiences, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape. Kaikoura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. Stay: Willowbank Motel |
Day
5 |
Kaikoura to Blenheim
Today you travel from Kaikoura to Blenheim. The road north is dominated by the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast. Quinnat salmon are known to run in the Clarence River and just north of the Ure River is a road that leads to the walking trails of the Sawcut Gorge. After the small town of Ward you’ll come to the Lake Grassmere saltworks - an interesting stop, particularly in late summer when the ponds turn coral pink. While in the township of Seddon you’ll find authentic New Zealand crafts. Blenheim is the main town in the Marlborough region. Its lovely sunny climate makes Blenheim an ideal wine growing region. Stay: Colonial Motel |
Day
6 |
Blenheim to Nelson
The short drive to Picton takes you across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. From Picton the drive to Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum. Stay: Parkside Motel (2 nights) |
Day
7 |
Nelson at leisure
Today is at your leisure and there are lots of options including beaches to explore, harbour cruises, walks or adventure activities. Nelson is also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. Perhaps enjoy a cruise in this spectacular park. |
Day
8 |
Nelson to Westport
On the way to Westport head for Murchison, where you can learn about 1929’s massive earthquake. Pan for gold in Lyell Creek before you navigate the awesome Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag the road has been hacked out of solid rock – you’ll drive under a dramatic overhang. At Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay you can explore the coastline and visit the seal colony. A close but safe view allows you to watch the seals swimming, dozing in the sun and feeding their young. Stay: Buller Bridge Motel |
Day
9 |
Westport to Hokitika
For the first part of the journey today follow the road south as it hugs the coast to Punakaiki, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips. After this the road to Greymouth is breathtaking. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side. The town of Runanga is a classic mining village – it offers an interesting walk to nearby Coal Creek Falls. To see interesting old gold mining areas, look for the Point Elizabeth walkway. The road between Hokitika and Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches – every shape, size and colour. Shantytown, just south of Greymouth, is a reconstructed 1880s gold rush town – great family entertainment. Stay: Fitzherbert Court Motel |
Day
10 |
Hokitika to Franz Josef
The road to Franz Josef is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a rare experience. You could also enjoy a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe or discover the goldfield walkway at Ross. Stay: Glacier View Motel (2 nights) |
Day
11 |
Franz Josef at leisure
Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy what this beautiful region has to offer. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers including a snow landing, or enjoy a half day guided walk on the glaciers. |
Day
12 |
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Depart Franz Josef and travel down the West Coast, alongside braided riverbeds, native forests and roadside waterfalls before climbing up over the Haast Pass and through Mount Aspiring National Park, with its impressive mountains sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Ages. Then follow the shores of Lakes Hawea towards your destination of Wanaka. Stay: Archway Motel (2 nights) |
Day
13 |
Wanaka at leisure
The lakeside resort town of Wanaka can provide you with an appealing mix of fine living, fun and adventure. It has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops (additional cost). Perhaps visit Puzzling World and experience the illusion, take a jet boat ride, have a game of golf, enjoy a walk, view the Warbirds Museum, perhaps a fishing trip, or take a scenic flight. |
Day
14 |
Wanaka to Queenstown
The shortest route to Queenstown is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way. Stay: Sherwood Manor (2 nights) |
Day
15 |
Queenstown at leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown. Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round. Queenstown is unique in comparison to other international resorts by virtue of its distinct four seasons giving pleasant temperatures with plentiful sunshine, accompanied by abundant activities and sports to match the season. |
Day
16 |
Queenstown to Milford Sound to Te Anau
This morning depart Queenstown for your journey to Milford Sound. The road from Te Anau to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. Then the rough hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. Make sure you allow for plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewing points or short walking opportunities en route. At Milford Sound, board your boat for a spectacular cruise in New Zealand’s most famous waterway, a dramatic 22 kilometre fiord carved by glaciers during the last ice age. After your cruise make your way back to Te Anau. Stay: Aden Motel |
Day
17 |
Te Anau to Invercargill
Choose between two routes to reach Invercargill. The longer, wilder route takes you past Lake Manapouri, then on to Clifden and Tuatapere, where you can investigate caves and discover the historic suspension bridge. Riverton, one of New Zealand's first settlements, has an excellent museum. The road east runs through forested hills, valleys and river plain. Stop in Mandeville if you'd like to fly in a Tiger Moth, or by the Mataura River if you want to catch a trout. Gore is where you'll find the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, which showcases the region's illicit whisky-making past. Invercargill is Southland's principal centre and the country's southernmost city. It is known for its elegant old department stores and wide, easy-to-navigate streets. Local food specialties include Bluff Oysters and blue cod. Stay: Balmoral Lodge |
Day
18 |
Invercargill to Dunedin
The area known as the Catlins lies between Kaka Point and Fortrose, an early whaling station. The winding road will take you to see seals and sealions, Hector’s Dolphins, several species of penguin and the petrified forest in Curio Bay. Wilderness beaches, waterfalls, walkways, lakes and rivers provide non-stop scenery. Balclutha has a distinctive arched concrete bridge and a museum where you can see historic farming and household implements. The historic mill town of Milton is next – the slight kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn’t quite meet. Half an hour south of Dunedin you’ll come across tranquil Lake Waihola, a popular venue for picnics, yachting and waterskiing. Stay: Adrian Motel (2 nights) |
Day
19 |
Dunedin
Take the opportunity to enjoy the cities cultural riches and its abundant nature & wildlife. If you wish, visit New Zealand's oldest brewery for an entertaining and enlightening heritage tour, enjoy guided tours of Larnach Castle and the stately home of Olveston House, play around of golf at Balmacewan, the oldest course in New Zealand and enjoyed by many of the sports greats, both past & present. You could also make the short journey to Portobello Peninsula to enjoy seals, the Albatross Colony and visit the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. |
Day
20 |
Dunedin to Mt Cook
Leaving Dunedin, travel towards Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Highly recommended en route is a visit to the famous and mysterious spherical boulders at Moeraki Beach. Then follow the Waitaki River, passing some of the country’s hydro-electric dams before arriving in Mt Cook National Park where you will find New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook which stands at 3754 metres. Stay: Hermitage (Motel Units) |
Day
21 |
Mt Cook to Christchurch
Today you experience the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the Tasman Glacier. Watch and listen to the ice melting before your eyes and stop, to touch and taste 500 year old ice and, on occasion, a walk on an iceberg provides a new and exciting experience for all. You won’t revel in serenity for long though as your senses are jolted back to reality as a rockfall crashes down the iceface above. After your cruise depart Mt Cook National Park and travel along the western side of Lake Pukaki as you head north towards Christchurch. Along the way, stop at the stunning glacial-fed Lake Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd which stands on the lake foreshore. Then travel through diverse farmland and across the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch. Stay: Antonio's Motor Lodge |
Day
22 |
Depart Christchurch
Today your holiday comes to an end, please return your rental car to the depot at Christchurch airport prior to your departure flight. |
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Note: The Glacier Explorer Tour at Mt Cook, does not operate between May-September so is replaced with the Shotover Jet in Queenstown.
Note: This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same. To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary. Top |
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from NZ $3,335
22 Day Absolute South
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3.0
5
22 Day Absolute South Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 22 Day Absolute South. |
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the south island of New Zealand. The scenery is magnificent and the itinerary was excellent. We had mostly fine weather which helps, only a handful of wet or greyish days. Everything went without a hitch and we thank you very much for your meticulous organisation. The voucher booklet with touring atlas in the zip carry folder were a nice touch. We were pleased with the rental car, a Camry, almost brand new. We certainly appreciated the extra comfort, space and performance. It proved reasonably economical too. Accommodation was mostly good. It was clean and tidy and certainly comfortable. The Parkside Motel at Ricmond was probably the best esp. with the pool. Unfortunaely, the Colonial Motel on the main road at Blenheim was incredibly noisy, lots of tucks after midnight, which was a shame! Even ear plugs didn't help. Sometimes, at one night stoppovers, we felt rushed - not enough time to do everything so we tried to balance this over the entire journey. We tried lots of optional adventure act. too. Highlights were the giant flyinbg fox at Cable Bay; the gondola, paragliding and the Shotover jet at Queenstown and the helicopter flight from Whataroa over Mt Cook and surrounds. Here we had to change helicopters halfway up the side of some mountain at 4200 ft. near Gunns Basin (Lord of the Rings)- what a bonus!
Mike & Fiona Ziegeler (Australia)
Tour Date 27/03/2010 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Compact Car |
NZ $3,335 |
NZ $3,628 |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $3,401 |
NZ $3,695 |
NZ $2,297 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $3,536 |
NZ $3,829 |
NZ $2,364 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $3,724 |
NZ $4,017 |
NZ $2,457 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $3,925 |
NZ $4,219 |
NZ $2,559 |
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2012. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- 2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
- Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
- If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
- Please note this itinerary was updated 5 July 2011.
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