South Island's Lodges Self Drive Holiday

Day 1 - UK to Christchurch

Arrive into Christchurch and make your way to your chosen hotel. 

Day 2 - Christchurch

A full day to explore Christchurch, as your TripsBeyond Specialist if you wish to add on an excursion. 

Day 3 - Christchurch to Kaikoura (180km/ 115 miles)

Today pick up your car hire and make the journey up to Kaikoura. 

Day 4 - Whale Watching Experience Kaikoura

Today we have included a spectacular whale watching experience. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

Day 5 - Kaikoura to Blenheim (128km/80 miles)

After checking out of your Kaikoura hotel continue your drive along to Blenheim. After checking spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 6 - Blenheim Wine Tour

This morning explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this half-day tour from Blenheim. Visit four different wineries in the Marlborough wine region, stroll through the vineyards, and sample wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Day 7 - Blenheim to Abel Tasman (250km/ 156 miles)

Today continue your drive to Abel Tasman. Once you reach Awaroa take the water taxi across to Awaroa Lodge. 

Day 8 - Abel Tasman

A full day to explore Abel Tasman. 

Day 9 - Abel Tasman to Nelson (128km/80 miles)

Today's drive takes you along to Nelson. 

Day 10 - Nelson to Hokitika (320km/200 miles)

Day 11 - Hokitika to Franz Josef (134km/85 miles)

Today check out of your Hokitika hotel and begin your drive along to Franz Josef. After checking in spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 12 - Franz Josef Helicopter Experience

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glaciers and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier and experience the solitude of a landing in this wonderful natural alpine environment.

Day 13 - Franz Josef to Wanaka (285km/180 miles)

Today's drive takes you from Franz Josef to Wanaka, after arriving in Wanaka spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 14 - Wanaka to Queenstown (70km/45 miles)

Your drive today takes you along to Queenstown, after checking into your hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 15 - Milford Sound Experience

Today we have included a experience to Milford Sound. Today your tour starts with you travelling in comfort in a premium  van equipped with complimentary water, Wi-Fi and videos onboard, and panoramic windows on board so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. On your full day tour to Milford Sound enjoy the spectacular sights en route, stop off in Te Anau, experience a stunning scenic boat cruise on the fjord. Finish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic flight back to Queenstown. Flights are by fixed wing aircraft or and take approx. 40 mins. The scenic flight is a truly awe-inspiring way to complete your trip to Milford Sound, and also provides a view of Milford Sound and it's surrounds that you couldn't possibly see any other way. Upon arrival back to Queenstown, a complimentary hotel drop off service is provided.

Day 16 - Queenstown to Lake Tekapo (251km/155 miles)

After checking out of your Queenstown hotel begin your drive to Lake Tekapo. After checking in spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 17 - Lake Tekapo to UK

Today make the drive to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight home.