11 Day Scenic South Self Drive

Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Tonight you will enjoy a 2 course trust the chef dinner at The Monday Room. Their ever popular banquet style shared dining, combined with their extensive wine list and ever changing cocktail menu never fails to provide a phenomenal dining experience.

Stay: The Observatory Hotel

Meals: Dinner Included

Today you will head north from Christchurch towards the wine growing region of Waipara. Your first stop along the way will be for tastings at the award winning Pegasus Bay Winery and stunning Black Estate Winery to sample their exquisite and extensive range of beautiful wines. Following this you will continue on the road up the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura where you can visit a seal colony. You will continue on the road North to Blenheim after lunch where you will spend the next two nights in New Zealand's largest wine growing region, Marlborough.

Driving time: 320km, 4 hours driving

Stay: Chateau Marlborough Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Included

Today you will enjoy a half day wine tour where you can discover a range of both small and big wineries in the Marlborough region and highlight what they strive to achieve with their wines. All the wineries are different and make their own styles. Find out what makes each winery stand out on its own. In the middle of this tour you will have lunch at one of these beautiful wineries (at your expense). You will be dropped back at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Stay: Chateau Marlborough Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning you depart Blenheim and pass through Havelock, a major gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, also known as ‘The Green Lipped Mussel Capital of the World’. There is the opportunity today to head out on the water and take a cruise where you will get the chance to sample local seafood paired with local wine (optional - additional cost). From here you pass over the Whangamoa Ranges and through the seaside city of Nelson. Continue northwest around the Tasman bay through picturesque resort towns to reach the golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Driving time: 179km, 2 hours 45 minutes driving

Stay: Awaroa Lodge (includes ferry transfers)

Meals: Breakfast Included

Today you'll board a cruise to Medlands Beach where you can relax, swim and explore then cruise back to Kaiteriteri to kayak in the shelter of one of of New Zealand's most popular bays. You'll also walk a section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track - NZ's most popular. this trip includes 1 hour kayaking, up to 1.5 hours walking + a 2 hour cruise. Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and spectacular scenery. Observe Abel Tasman's playful inhabitants – dolphins, fur seals, penguins and sea birds. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure.

Stay: Awaroa Lodge (includes ferry transfers)

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning you farewell the sunny North Coast and head southwest to the lush rainforest of the West Coast. En route you can explore Westport and Mangatini Falls on the Charming Creek Walkway (small detour). Next perhaps check out Cape Foulwind. Upon arrival in Punakaiki, you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. You have the option of enjoying a true blue New Zealand pub meal this evening before calling it a night (optional – extra cost).

Driving time: 278km, 4 hours driving

Stay: BIV Punakaiki or Similar

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning you will head North along the unbelievably picturesque Coast Road towards Underworld Adventures in Charleston. Here they will kit you up for the trip of a lifetime through their glowworm caves. The journey starts with a trip on their rainforest train, a walk through the rainforest and a journey into their large limestone cave. Following this you will lie on a tube and drift under the light of thousands upon thousands of glow worms on the cave ceiling. This particular cave has more glowworms than any other cave in NZ and the experience is truly cathartic. Upon arrival in Punakaiki you can explore the Truman Track through dense rainforest down to the beach, or follow the gorgeous Pororari River Track to Cave Creek.

Driving time: 60 km, 1 hour driving return

Stay: BIV Punakaiki or Similar

Meals: Breakfast Included

In Punakaiki this morning you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. Next up, check out the beautiful Truman Track down to the beach, or a section of the Pororari River Track. Following this you will head into the wilderness of the Southern Alps, where you will spend the night in a glamping pod at Maruia Springs, a Japanese style onsen nestled in the mountains, surrounded by natural hot springs. Enjoy a 3 course dinner of locally sourced ingredients.

Driving time: 175 km, 2 hours 15 minutes driving

Stay: Maruia Hot Springs Deluxe Glamping Pod

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Enjoy a full day of relaxation in the mountains today at Maruia Hot Springs. Enjoy unlimited 24 hour access to hot pools, saunas, steam room, foot bath, zen chi machines, relaxation lounge, café, restaurant, hiking trails and other thermal wellness experiences, as well as a gourmet dining experience for 2. Spa treatments can be booked in advance but have limited availability. Enjoy another fabulous 3 course seasonal meal this evening at Maruia Hot springs.

Stay: Maruia Hot Springs Deluxe Glamping Pod

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will head back towards Christchurch where you will conclude your tour. Time permitting you may wish to stop in at Hanmer Springs for a dip in the thermal pools or a walk through exotic forest to the summit of Conical Hill. Perhaps enjoy wine tasting or lunch at some Waipara wineries en route, such as a kiwi-favourite; Black Estate.

Driving time: 193 km, 2 hours 30 minutes driving

Stay:The Observatory Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Included

Time permitting you could hop on a tram tour. Christchurch's historic tram offers a 30-minute tour of the city, allowing you to see some of the most significant landmarks and sights. You could also visit the Canterbury Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

Pending your flight booking, you will transfer to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast Included

Onward flight is not included