South Island Wanderer

Explore the Botanic Gardens, visit the Air Force Museum or enjoy an optional guided city tour.

Depart from Christchurch and head north to Kaikoura, one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all-year-round. Continue to Blenheim, gateway to the Marlborough wine region and home to 65 wineries.

Leaving Blenheim, drive northbound via the Queen Charlotte Drive on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds region where there are numerous walks and boating activities. 

Take a harbour cruise or perhaps venture to nearby Abel Tasman National Park with spectacular ocean views and a popular coastal track walk. Includes Great day out cruise and walk from Nelson.

From Nelson journey through scenic reserves to Westport, a historic coal-mining settlement. Visit the seal colony or explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before continuing to Hokitika.

Visit the aquarium, Kiwi House or the local museum before continuing your journey to Franz Josef, an area of mountain peaks and glaciers.

Leaving the west coast, travel through the scenic wilderness of Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka, and the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park towards Queenstown.

Spend the day at leisure in Queenstown, nestled in a picturesque valley.

Travel through mountains and alongside lakes to Te Anau, with the afternoon free to explore the lakeside area.

Take a day trip to the stunning Milford or Doubtful Sound, not to be missed!

Depart Te Anau and drive via the Catlins to Dunedin, with an abundance of wildlife and some of the world’s rarest marine animals in this region.

Spend the day in and around Dunedin. Perhaps visit the wildlife area on Otago Peninsula to see the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin colonies.

Return your Avis car in Christchurch, or continue your onward journey.