Top of the South Island Self Drive Loop

This 10 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

Visit the less explored upper South Island, home to amazing wildlife, including whales in Kaikoura and the delightful seal colony in Abel Tasman National Park. In Blenheim, you’ll sample the region’s best known export, the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc before heading south to the West Coast and Punakaiki Rocks. You return to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass National Park, where you stay at the Wilderness Lodge an amazing place to discover natural New Zealand and experience life on a high country station.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

Included activity: Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour

Included activity: Seals, Beach Cruise and Walk Includes Lunch

Meals included: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Itinerary summary for: Top of the South Island Self Drive Loop

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch City also known as the 'Garden City'
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Day 2: Head north to Kaikoura where you'll get up close to the resident whale population on your whale watch cruise
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 3: Leave the coast and head via the coastal road to the wine growing region of Marlborough
Accommodation: The Peppertree

Day 4: You'll be taken on a tasting tour of some of the best wineries in Marlborough, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc
Accommodation: The Peppertree

Day 5: Take the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive along the edge of the Sounds towards Mapua
Accommodation: Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte

Day 6: Explore Abel Tasman National Park home to aqua blue waters and playful seals
Accommodation: Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte

Day 7: Skirt the edge of two national parks as you drive towards the rugged West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 8: Explore the Pancake Rocks before heading inland towards the Southern Alps
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 9: Make the most of the daily eco activities and wild open spaces of the Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 10: Depart Christchurch today