14-Day Drive and Hike around the South Island B&B (self-drive)

Ask our expert Steph McLeish about the 14-Day Drive and Hike around the South Island B&B (self-drive)

Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation.
You will be met on arrival from your flight and a private driver will deliver you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch, the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.

Your accommodation: Elizas Manor Boutique Hotel
Eliza's Manor Boutique hotel offers bed & breakfast accommodation with personal service. Each bedroom combines historic ambience with modern conveniences to create a quality experience. This 4 star qualmark rated property is just 1 1/2 kilometres from Cathedral Square.

Day 2
Rental car - Ford Focus (IDAR) Intermediate Automatic or similar

Christchurch to Dunedin
Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, State Highway 1 crosses many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. The towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru are worth a short detour to the town centre.
The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Explore the old quarter or if you don't mind a late arrival into Dunedin then stay around to see the blue penguins come ashore at dusk.
 Just a little further south and you arrive at Moeraki and its famous Moeraki Boulders. Following a look at these incredible and unique geological features don't miss taking a late lunch or coffee and cake at Fleur's Cafe in Moeraki Township. The last stretch of road follows the coastline before crossing the hills and descending into the city of Dunedin.

Your accommodation: Kaimata Retreat
Kaimata Retreat boutique eco-lodge combines an opportunity to be based in a unique location to explore the wonderful environment of the peninsula or to simply relax.

Driving Information - Christchurch to Dunedin Distance : 361 kilometres : 5 1/4 hours

Day 3
Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin City Centre is full of grand and fascinating buildings. The 'Octagon', in the city centre, is where you'll find quaint cafes and bars but the Dunedin Railway Station is the main attraction. From here, you can take a scenic train journey along the Taieri Gorge.
The Otago Peninsula is a short drive from the centre. It offers some unique wildlife experiences such as the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world. The beaches and hillsides are home to the yellow eyed penguin. Monarch Wildlife Cruises offer a choice of guided tours to explore the peninsular.
 
Short walks on the Otago Peninsula

There are a number of short walks to enjoy on the Peninsular. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation .
 
Sandfly Bay - Time: 1 hr return
Getting there - Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road, then right onto Seal Point Road. The carpark is at the end of this road. A path crosses farmland to the top of the sand dunes. Go down the sand hill – which can be rather testing on the return, uphill journey – and walk about a kilometre along the beach. Near the southern end a marked track leads up to a hide to view the locals – yellow-eyed penguins. Please keep at least 10 metres away from sleeping sea lions, 20 metres from active animals and if you are in a group don't surround them. With penguins, please don't linger on the beach below the hide, or anywhere else where they may come ashore. If you encounter a penguin on the beach keep well away and crouch down. If they feel threatened they will not come ashore.
 
Sandymount - Time: Lovers Leap 50 min return / Sandymount Circuit 1 hr return
Getting there - Turn off Highcliff Road onto Sandymount Road and the carpark is at the end of the road. The loop track begins at the carpark at the end of Sandymount Road. This walk via The Chasm and Lovers Leap – with a side track to Sandymount summit – gives spectacular views of Otago Peninsula’s coastline and cliff tops. Another marked route provides alternative access to Sandfly Bay. The Lovers Leap and Chasm tracks are closed for lambing, 1 August – 31 October.
 
Allans Beach - Time: 5 min to the beach
Getting there - From Portobello turn onto Allans Beach Road. The carpark is at the end of the road.
Special wildlife such as sea lions and penguins frequent this wild ocean beach. Please respect their needs by keeping at least 10 metres away from sleeping sea lions, and 20 metres from active animals. Do not linger on beaches where penguins may come ashore.

Your accommodation: Kaimata Retreat
Kaimata Retreat boutique eco-lodge combines an opportunity to be based in a unique location to explore the wonderful environment of the peninsula or to simply relax.

Day 4
Dunedin to Te Anau
The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery but if you want to spend the whole day exploring a little off the beaten path than taking the Southern Scenic Route. This will bring you through The Catlins area, following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill. After passing through the fishing towns of Riverton and Colac Bay, you'll head north to Manapouri. From here, you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound. A short drive further, brings you to your lake side destination of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the world famous Milford Sound.

Your accommodation: Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Dunluce offers boutique Bed and Breakfast accommodation with panoramic lake and mountain views. Situated in a quiet location Dunluce is an architecturally designed home with a private guest wing.

Driving Information -  Dunedin to Te Anau Distance : 286 kilometres : 4 hours

Day 5
Milford Track Encounter guided day walk
Your day begins with a short journey along the shores of Lake Te Anau to the Te Anau Downs boat harbour, before cruising for an hour to the spectacular northern end of the lake. Enjoy a hot drink on board with your guide. After disembarking at the start of the track we walk 1.6km (1 mile) to historic Glade House, one of the original Milford Track Lodges, dating back to the 1890's. Enjoy hot soup from the kitchen with your lunch, all included in your walk. From here the track follows the Clinton River as it meanders through rich Beech Forest for a further 3.2km (2 miles). Your guide will point out the birdlife and unique aspects of the valley, then take you off the track to show you a few places you might otherwise miss. For those who want a little more of a challenge there will be the option of returning via the Glade Burn track, giving you one final vista of Lake Te Anau before boarding the return launch.

Your accommodation: Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Dunluce offers boutique Bed and Breakfast accommodation with panoramic lake and mountain views. Situated in a quiet location Dunluce is an architecturally designed home with a private guest wing.

Day 6
Te Anau to Milford Sound
The road to Milford Sound has countless photo opportunities and short walks. The Mirror Lakes create perfectly clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and glacier formed meadows while the ancient native beech forest create a fascinating landscape. You'll pass through the Homer Tunnel, an incredible feat of engineering, at 1219 metres long. Milford Sound is the only sound accessible by road, making it very popular to visit. Coming into the village you'll be greeted with an amazing view of Mitre Peak which rises spectacularly from the waters up to the sky. Real Journey cruises can take you out into the sound where you'll receive a world of how this magnificent area has been formed and experience the downpours of waterfalls which line the fiord.

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
The Milford Mariner offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience on Milford Sound. On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Accompanied by a nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
 The vessel itself was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. Departing from the Milford Wharf, the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea leisurely exploring on the way many points of interest, There is plenty of time to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and the experienced nature guide on board will be able to answer any questions you may have. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay.

Your accommodation: Milford Mariner
On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. After the days activities you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.

Driving Information - Te Anau to Milford Return Distance : 242 kilometres : 4 hours

Day 7
Milford Mariner overnight cruise returns to Milford, then drive to Queenstown
Your Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise returns to Milford at 9:15am.

Return along the wonderful Milford Road to Te Anau. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Your accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Relax in the friendly and comfortable atmosphere of Queenstown's boutique accommodation complex. Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only three minutes walk to the center of town and features stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every room.

Driving Information -  Te Anau to Queenstown Distance : 164 kilometres : 2 hours

Day 8
Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Queenstown offers adventure for all tastes and abilities. From some of the more well know adrenalin sports such as bungy jumping and skydiving to the more sedate such as sampling the local wines in the Gibbston Valley or exploring the historic Chinese gold mining settlement of Arrowtown.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu there are many water based activities to enjoy. The TSS Earnslaw is a rare working example of a steamship still operating cruises. The Kawarua Jet and the Dart River Wilderness Safari offer a slightly faster experience. Fishing and sailing are also possible here. At the head of the lake sits Glenorchy, a peaceful township that you could easily rest the day away sitting on the shores of the lake or enjoying a walk. Queenstown is also the perfect base from which to explore Fiordland National Park.

Your accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Relax in the friendly and comfortable atmosphere of Queenstown's boutique accommodation complex. Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only three minutes walk to the center of town and features stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every room.

Day 9
Routeburn Track Encounter Guided Day Walk
The Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic mountain country between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Since the 1880's the Routeburn Track has proved to be one of the most accessible and popular journeys into New Zealand's forests and mountains.
The Routeburn Encounter is a fully catered, guided one-day walk up the spectacular Routeburn Valley departing from and returning to Queenstown. It is an ideal trip for people who have limited time or are uncertain of their ability to do a longer hike.
Although there is some altitude gain (400m) to Routeburn Flats, the track is very well formed and of a good gradient. Average fitness is all that is required to complete the walk to Routeburn Flats and return. The 300m (1000 feet) climb to Routeburn Falls is somewhat tougher, but well within the abilities of the majority of our walkers. The return distance to Routeburn Flats is 13km (8 miles), adding the optional but recommended climb to Routeburn Falls makes a total return distance of 19km (11 miles).

Your accommodation: Browns Boutique Hotel
Relax in the friendly and comfortable atmosphere of Queenstown's boutique accommodation complex. Designed along traditional European lines, this small intimate Hotel is only three minutes walk to the center of town and features stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range from every room.

Day 10
Queenstown to Wanaka
Leaving Queenstown you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka.

Walking tracks in and around Wanaka
There are some excellent walks in and around Wanaka. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation. Located in Wanaka is a Department of Conservation information centre and you can get updates on track conditions and suitability plus you can learn about the area, its natural history and its people. Listed below are a selection of short walks but check with the Department of Conservation information centre for weather conditions, track suitability and conditions first.
 
Bridle Track
This well-graded track follows a section of the old Bridle Track, the first link between Otago and Westland.
Category:  Walking track. Distance:  3.5 km. Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min one way
 
Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain walks
These two excellent walks in the Diamond Lake Conservation Area give wonderful views of the surrounding alps and LakeWanaka.
  
Haast Pass Lookout Track 
This newly formed track leads to a view point above the bushline that provides a stunning vista.
Category:  Walking track. Distance:  2 km. Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min return
 
Minaret Burn Track
This walk passes through native forest and bush, crossing burns (streams) and giving access to Lake Wanaka itself. This track is suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
  
Mount Iron Track
This very popular, close-to-Wanaka-town loop walk suits all ages and abilities and offers great views from the summit.
Category:  Walking track. Distance:  4.5 km. Completion Time:  1.5 hr
   
Turihuka Track
The Turihuka Track is a pleasant walk to the Turihuka Conservation Area. It also provides access into Hawea Conservation Park via the Dingle Burn and Hunter River Tracks.
Category:  Walking track. Distance:  11 km. Completion Time:  3 - 4 hr

Your accommodation: Wanaka Springs Lodge
Wanaka luxury lodge offers the facilities and services of a Small Hotel, but retains the warmth, comfort, personality and charm of a Boutique Lodge. It is perfectly located holiday accommodation in Wanaka, being at the end of a quiet cul-de sac, yet just a 3 minute walk to the Wanaka town centre and Golf Course and a 5 minute walk to the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Day 11
Wanaka to Mt. Cook National Park
Passing through the Clutha River valley you arrive into Tarras just north if Lake Dunstan, a mad made lake that serves the one of the South Islands many hydro systems. Bendigo, just off the main highway, was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements and well marked paths will guide you to explore the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era.
The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Central Otago and onto the Mackenzie Basin.
The towns of Omarama and Twizel are the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mt. Cook Highway along the shores to the village.
In Mt. Cook Village a myriad of activities are available from glacier landings by ski plane or helicopter, kayaking on a glacial lake and a host of walks to suit all abilities and time frames. At The Hermitage Hotel the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a must see.

Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing superior room
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. Room type - Wakefield Wing Superior room facing Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

Driving Information -   Queenstown to Mt. Cook Distance : 263 kilometres : 3 3/4 hours

Day 12
Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
An up close amazing encounter with icebergs, on a glacial terminal lake. Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of these are accessible to the average person. The boats provide a safe way to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier. Being able to view, touch and taste 500 year old ice is a new experience for most people.

Short walks in and around Mt. Cook Village

There are many short walks starting in or close to Mt. Cook Village to suit all interests and abilities. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation . Located in the village is a fantastic Department of Conservation information centre and you can get updates on track conditions and suitability plus you can learn about the area, its natural history and its people. Listed below are a selection of short walks but check with the information centre first.
 
Governors Bush Walk -  Time: 1 hr return
This delightful bush walk begins at the public shelter and explores one of the last stands of silver beech forest in the Park. A gradual climb leads to a lookout point before the track descends and returns to the village. This popular walk offers birdlife, a good viewpoint of the mountains and shelter in poor weather.
 
Bowen Bush Walk - Time: 10 min return
This easy forest walk begins across the road from Alpine Guides. The loop track wanders through totara and celery pine forest and has an alternative exit or entry towards Glencoe Lodge.
 
Glencoe Walk - Time: 30 min return
Start from behind the Hermitage. The walk zigzags through totara trees with a ferny understorey, emerging at a lookout near the prominent water tanks above the Hermitage. Walkers are rewarded with a birds-eye view of the village and beyond to the white ice of the Hooker Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Sunrise and sunset are good times to catch light-play on the mountains.
 
Red Tarns Track - Time: 2 hr return
Begin at the Public Shelter and follow the path to Black Birch Stream. Cross the bridge then climb steeply to the Red Tarns. A viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of the valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The tarns were named from the red pond weed that grows in them.
 
Kea Point Walk - Time: 2 hr return from the village, 1 hr return from the White Horse Hill carpark.
Start from the Hermitage lawn and cross the road to the track sign (or leave from the public shelter at the campground). This walk gently winds its way through sub-alpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. The track passes through landscape that was formed in 1913 when a stream cut through from the glacier to the original Hermitage site, damaging the building. The walk ends at a viewing deck that gives stunning views of Mt Sefton and Footstool, the Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
 
Hooker Valley Track - Time: From the village: 1st swingbridge: 1 hr 30 min return, 2nd swingbridge: 2 hr return, Hooker Lake: 4 hr return
 
Begin at the Visitor Centre or White Horse Hill camping areas. Starting from the camping area reduces the times by 45 minutes. One of the most popular walks in the park, it leads up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial, which is a great viewpoint. Continue on to Hooker River and cross twice on swingbridges before reaching Stocking Stream Shelter. Continue beside the river to its source to reach the Hooker Glacier terminal lake.

Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing superior room
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. Room type - Wakefield Wing Superior room facing Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

Day 13
Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch
Your first stop today should be the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. As well as a great presentation detailing the formation of the region over thousands of years you are also often rewarded with uninterrupted views of over 50 kilometres to the peak of Mt. Cook.
Lake Tekapo, the northern most of the large Southern Lakes also the reflective quality that Pukaki has making the waters a bright turquoise on certain days. This busy little township is home to some of the most photographed subjects in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, a boat trip on the pristine lake or just enjoy the magnificent views.
 From here you descend from the high country through Burkes Pass and into rich farmland. Beautiful Valley guides you to the town of Geraldine before you cross the vast Canterbury Plains back towards Christchurch City.

Your accommodation: Elizas Manor Boutique Hotel
Eliza's Manor Boutique hotel offers bed & breakfast accommodation with personal service. Each bedroom combines historic ambience with modern conveniences to create a quality experience. This 4 star qualmark rated property is just 1 1/2 kilometres from Cathedral Square.

Driving Information -  Mt. Cook to Christchurch Distance : 331 kilometres : 4 3/4 hours

Day 14
Depart Christchurch today

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

01342 310 581

• Back to Homepage