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: Pavilions
Day 2
Christchurch to Kaikoura
This morning and head north out of Christchurch. It’s two hours direct to Kaikoura or you may like to take a more scenic inland route via Hanmer Springs to bathe in the mineral pools in their alpine setting. This afternoon we have included a Whale Watch Cruise to see the giant sperm whales, dolphins, fur seals and depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Stay: White Morph Inn
Day 3
Kaikoura to Nelson
The journey then takes you to Blenheim and on to Nelson – the sunniest location in NZ and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Stay: Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco (2 nights)
Day 4
Nelson and Abel Tasman Area Today is yours for relaxing or exploring this lovely area. There are the arts and crafts of the Motueka and Takaka areas, or you may like to choose one of the activities available in the Abel Tasman National Park. There are guided or independent kayak trips available which can include a mix of kayaking and walking.
Day 5
Nelson to Punakaiki
Head south down SH 6 through Murchison and the Buller Gorge to make your way to the West Coast. Stay the night at Punakaiki, best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast. Other activities include canoe adventures, horse trekking, caving and guided tours to name just a few. Punakaiki has many colourful local crafts people - jewellers, carvers, painters and potters. Stay: Punakaiki Resort
Day 6
Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier
After a morning of sightseeing head south today down the West Coast. There are some neat old towns to visit on the way as well as some great places to photograph the scenery and take a look at the dramatic coastline, you have time to enjoy this area at a leisurely pace. Continue south through to Franz Josef Glacier. The terminal face is a mere 19 kilometres from the sea and just 5 kilometres from the township. Stay: Punga Grove (2 nights)
Day 7
Explore the Glaciers
There’s lots to explore in this area – you can take your own time walking up to the glacier, going to the Okarito Lagoon; or join a guided walk on the glacier, take a heli-hike adventure, or a scenic flight over both glaciers.
Day 8
Glaciers to Christchurch
This morning you head to Greymouth then turn inland to travel over beautiful Arthur’s Pass. Along the way you’ll see the awesome engineering feats of the Otira Viaduct and Tunnel. You’ll have time to stop and look around before descending through some fantastic alpine scenery and on down to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.
Relaxing Journeys also provides you with the option (additonal cost) of dropping off your car in Greymouth and heading to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine Train.
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see lush beech rainforest, lakes, mountains and tunnels as you ascend towards Arthur’s Pass at 737m above sea level. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your central city accommodation. Stay: Pavilions
Day 9
Depart Christchurch
After breakfast this morning, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight. Note: Those arriving into Christchurch by the TranzAlpine Train will be transferred to the airport today for onward travels.
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
from NZ $1,7099 Day Top Of The South24.55
9 Day Top Of The South Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 9 Day Top Of The South.
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and everything went very smoothly. We love New Zealand! The places that you arranged for us were excellent choices and have left us with long lasting memories. The accommodation was of a very high standard. Our favourites were; The Poplars at Christchurch and The Monaco Apartments at Nelson. Directions were really helpful and the roads a treat compared to the UK! It took us 2 1/2 hours to get to Kaikoura whale watch without stops which made us miss the check in time of 12.45, but fortunately they let us check in at 1.00pm. We would recommend this change for future travellers, but all other times were very accurate. We were glad to be warned about needing travel sickness tablets for this and the dolphin watch as several people around us were very sick whilst we were lucky enough not to be affected! The vouchers were accepted without a problem everywhere we went and this made things very straightforward for us. Thank you for organising such a wonderful tour for us. It was 'sweet as...'! We have already recommended your company to another family. Thanks again, Gill, Mark, Molly and Tom Westlake.
Westlake Family (United Kingdom) Tour Date 19/12/2008
Accommodation - excellent - all worked out OK. Car ran very well and comfortable. Weather was good with only 1 day of soft rain. Scenery was wonderful! I would like to come back again one day and would recommend Relaxing Journeys to anyone.
John & Barbara Hare (United States) Tour Date 24/11/2008
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.
International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
Breakfasts are optional for mid range self drive tours, please select your preference when requesting a quote.
Mixed accommodation pricing is available on request.
For families we can also price our mid range self drive tours using self catering apartments.
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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