Top of the South self drive tour

This 13 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. Your journey takes you down to Franz Josef where you’ll have a once in a lifetime glacier adventure, then over to 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: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

Included activity: Half Day Marlborough Wine Tour

Included activity: Beaches, Bays and Seals Guided Sea Kayaking Trip Including Picnic Lunch

Meals included: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Itinerary summary for: Top of the South self drive tour

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch today
Accommodation: Orari Apartments

Day 2: Enjoy a day exploring the ever-changing city of Christchurch
Accommodation: Orari Apartments

Day 3: Head up through North Canterbury to the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 4: Explore Kaikoura and enjoy a close encounter of the whale variety
Accommodation: Bendamere House B&B

Day 5: Departing Kaikoura you'll travel towards Blenheim via the coastal road
Accommodation: The Peppertree

Day 6: A short drive along the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive to Nelson
Accommodation: The Waters Bed and Breakfast

Day 7: Explore Abel Tasman National Park on a kayak and walking adventure
Accommodation: The Waters Bed and Breakfast

Day 8: Pass the pristine Nelson Lakes National Park as you journey to the rugged West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 9: Head south with the Southern Alps on your left and the thundering Tasman Sea on your right
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 10: Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 11: Franz Josef to Arthur's Pass National Park including the remarkable Otira Viaduct
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 12: Explore the natural wonder of Arthur's Pass and experience life on a high country station
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Arthurs Pass

Day 13: Depart Christchurch today