8 Day Taste of South Island self drive

Ask our expert Amy Smith about the 8 Day Taste of South Island self drive

Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch airport to your accommodation

Welcome to Christchurch City

Welcome to Christchurch, the the Garden City and gateway to the South Island and its vast and diverse range of scenery, activities and wonderful experiences.
Christchurch City boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The focal point of the city is Cathedral Square and from here you can explore the museums and art galleries and of course the shops and restaurants. One of the best ways to see some of the city centre sights and attractions though is by the famous historic trams. A 30 minute loop allows hop-on, hop-off at museums, art galleries, gardens and shops.
Your accommodation: Camelot Motor Lodge
The Camelot Motor Lodge offers superbly equipped and affordable accommodation just a short stroll from the city centre.    

Day 2

Pick up Rental Car - Mitsubishi Colt compact auto or similar 
 
Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park
Today you head into the heart of the South Island. Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains along the inland scenic route the first township of Geraldine offers an ideal refreshment stop before you head into Mackenzie country.
Passing through places such as Beautiful Valley it's not hard to understand where the names originate. Ascending Burkes Pass and onto the high country plateau and the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. 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.
Lake Pukaki is just another 30 minutes from Lake Tekapo and its from here you can be rewarded with spectacular views the full length of the lake and into Mt. Cook National Park. 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 Motels
The Hermitage Motels are located in the centre of Mt. Cook village, around 800 metres from the main Hermitage Hotel. The self contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.    

Driving Information
Christchurch to Mt. Cook Distance
342 Kilometres: 4 1/2 hours:

Day 3
Mt . Cook National Park to Dunedin Twizel, just south of Mt. Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café and also offers an informative sheep shearing demonstration. Heading down the Waitaki valley you follow the hydro power generating system towards the east coast.
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. Further south the Moeraki Boulders are a unique geological feature and worth the short detour to the beach to view.
Arriving into Dunedin you can appreciate the city's Edwardian and Scottish heritage through its fine buildings particularly around the Octagon and city centre.
Your accommodation: Cable Court Motel
Situated in the heart of Dunedin, Cable Court Motel offers quality self conatined accommodation close to the city centre. Only a ten minute walk to the Octagon, restaurants, cafes and bars.    

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

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 through The Catlins is highly recommended. Following the incredible Otago coastline to Invercargill the route passes through the fishing town of Riverton and Colac Bay before heading north through Tuatapere and onto Manapouri. It's from here that you can embark on a day or overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound.
Just a little further north and you arrive into the lake side township of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the world famous Milford Sound.
Your accommodation: Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Stylish self contained motel units less than one minute walk from Te Anau Lakefront. Close to shops, cafes and restaurants.    

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

Day 5
Te Anau to Queenstown
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: Garden Court Suites and Apartments
The Garden Court Suites and Apartments are located just four minutes walk from the heart of Queenstown and enjoy superb lake and mountain views from its courtyards and balconies.    

Driving Information
Te Anau to Queenstown Distance
186 kilometres : 2 3/4 hours

Day 6
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Crossing the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in the country, you arrive into the alpine town of Wanaka. The route follows the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before you enter the township of Makarora, the gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park and the Blue Pools here are a wonderful 30 minute walk through pristine native beech forest. Descending into Mt. Aspiring National Park and towards the Haast Pass, crashing rivers and waterfalls are around every corner. Crossing the Haast River you are now truly on the wild West Coast, a 600 kilometre stretch of bush, rainforest and podocarp forest. First Fox Glacier welcomes you to the glacier region and Franz Josef township is just a further 45 minutes.
A great way to experience the glaciers is with The Helicopter Line or Mt. Cook ski planes or in the township the Hukawai Glacier Centre offers an informative display and the chance to experience real ice climbing.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove motel & suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.    

Driving Information
Queenstown to Franz Josef Distance
404 kilometres : 5 3/4 hours

Day 7
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station
The drive north from Franz Josef takes you through the historic gold mining region of Ross and the town of Hokitika, a great place to explore the craft stores, in particular the jade or greenstone. The largest town on the West Coast, Greymouth is also the starting point for the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car at the depot (located at the train station before checking in for your train journey.

Tranz Alpine Scenic train Greymouth to Christchurch

Considered one of the worlds great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch, from the West Coast and the Tasman Sea to the east coast and the Pacific Ocean. From your carriage you'll see the spectacular Otira Valley and mountains of Arthur's Pass National Park and the Southern Alps. Rivers, waterfalls and lush beech forest followed by high country farmland whisk by before your journey follows the Waimakariri River and then onto the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch just after 6pm.
On arrival into Christchurch train station a private transfer will deliver you to your accommodation.

Private transfer Christchurch train station to your accommodation

A private transfer will meet you on arrival into Christchurch train station and drive you to your Christchurch accommodation.

Your accommodation: Camelot Motor Lodge
The Camelot Motor Lodge offers superbly equipped and affordable accommodation just a short stroll from the city centre.    

Driving Information
Franz Josef to Greymouth Distance
177 kilometres : 2 1/2 hours

Day 8
Private transfer to Christchurch airport
You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.

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