Days 1 - 4: UK to Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch on day three, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.
South Island’s largest city is a very walkable and relaxed city. Discover its botanic gardens, take a traditional punt on the River Avon and hear stories about the Canterbury earthquakes at the Quake City Museum.
Days 5 - 6: Dunedin
Distance: 362 km / 225 miles
The road south has plenty for you to enjoy along the way to Dunedin. Make a stop at Ashburton’s aviation museum of Ashburton before continuing onto Timaru’s Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. A must-see are the Moeraki Boulders, mysterious spherical rocks up to two metres high scattered across a beach.
Dunedin is a laid-back university city renowned for its impressive Victorian and Edwardian architecture and proud Scottish heritage. Once a thriving gold-mining town, its historic wealth is reflected in the city’s grand buildings, while a statue of Scottish poet Robbie Burns stands in the main square. Visit the magnificent Larnach Castle or journey through spectacular scenery aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway, departing from Dunedin’s iconic ‘gingerbread’ railway station.
Discover the spectacular Otago Peninsula, where dramatic coastlines, scenic drives and abundant wildlife await. Follow the winding road to the headland and the Royal Albatross Centre, home to a colony of majestic albatross, as well as penguins and fur seals. With sweeping ocean views and breathtaking scenery around every bend, the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
Days 7: Owaka
Distance: 110 km / 70 miles
Your journey south joins the Southern Scenic Route and the Catlins, a wild, rugged coastal region renowned for its petrified forest, caves and abundant marine life. Keep your binoculars close as you explore the wild coastline, where you may spot sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, penguins and a variety of seabirds.
For a truly memorable addition, consider adding a stay in Invercargill to catch a ferry or flight to Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand’s third-largest island. This remote and rugged island offers the perfect opportunity to see kiwi birds in their natural habitat. Rich in history and surrounded by pristine landscapes, Stewart Island is also an important conservation area, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
Days 8 - 10: Te Anau
Distance: 289 km / 180 miles
Continue along the Southern Scenic Route as it winds between native forest and rugged coastline. Stop at Purakaunui Falls for a short walk to one of the Catlins’ most picturesque waterfalls. Weather and tides permitting, explore the impressive Cathedral Caves, a series of sea-carved caverns reached via a track from the car park down to the beach.
From here, choose to follow the route via Invercargill, or take the alternative route through Gore for the opportunity to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, home to an impressive collection of historic aircraft.
Nestled on the shores of a lake, the picturesque town of Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting before venturing further into this spectacular wilderness, with guided excursions to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Closer to town, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer another fascinating natural experience to add to your stay.
Days 11-12: Queenstown
Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you make your way to Queenstown, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Spend some time exploring this beautiful town during your two night’s stay here.
Known as the adrenaline capital, Queenstown offers all levels of adventure from a bungee jump to a jet boat ride. For a more leisurely pace, the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 Edwardian steamer offering 90-minute cruises in spectacular alpine scenery.
Day 13: Wanaka
Distance: 68km / 43 miles
Wanaka is a relaxed alpine town set beside a shimmering lake and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Stroll along the waterfront and look out for the famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, standing in the shallows just offshore. A haven for outdoor adventures, the surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities for hiking and biking, while lake cruises and scenic flights provide another way to appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
Days 14 - 15: Franz Josef
Distance: 286 km / 178 miles
Enjoy spectacular views along the shores of Lake Hawea as you head north towards Haast Pass, where the landscape changes dramatically as you enter lush rainforest. The small settlement of Haast has a touch of the Wild West about it, making it a good place to pause, stretch your legs and explore. Just north of Haast, peaceful Lake Moeraki is surrounded by forest, with a 1.5-hour return walk leading to the penguin colony at Monro Beach.
Onto the twin glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. Explore the glaciers via one of the walking tracks or join a guided experience on foot or by helicopter for a closer look at this remarkable landscape.
Day 16: Greymouth
Distance: 173 km / 108 miles
From Franz Josef, follow the rugged West Coast north towards Greymouth, passing through the historic gold-mining settlement of Hokitika. Take time to explore the town before venturing to the nearby Hokitika Gorge, where a short and easy walk leads through native forest to spectacular views of the vivid blue waters of the river. For another perspective of the region’s ancient forests, visit the West Coast Treetops Walk and follow purpose-built boardwalks high among the forest canopy. Continue to Greymouth for your overnight stay.
Days 17 – 19: Abel Tasman
Distance: 300km / 188 miles
Before leaving the West Coast, make time to visit Punakaiki and its famous Pancake Rocks, where layers of limestone have been sculpted by the sea into striking formations along the coast. Continue north through Westport, a former gold-mining town with handsome period architecture and a fascinating mining heritage. A visit to the gold-mining museum offers an insight into the lives of those who once worked these remote goldfields.
The road to Marahau winds through a spectacular landscape, skirting the edges of three national parks and offering plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic, enjoy a short walk or simply take in the scenery. From here, the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park is within easy reach. Renowned for its golden-white sandy beaches, spend time exploring the park’s pristine coastline, sheltered coves and lush native forest. Whether you choose to explore by foot or simply relax on the beach, Abel Tasman is a wonderful place to slow the pace and enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Days 20 – 21: Nelson
Distance: 54km / 34 miles
Nelson is a vibrant city known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches and thriving arts scene. Its streets are filled with cafés, restaurants, galleries and independent art and craft shops to wander around. Beyond the town, explore the surrounding forests and coastline, with scenic walks and beaches offering the chance to experience the natural beauty of this captivating corner of New Zealand.
Days 22 - 23: Picton
Distance: 138 km / 86 miles
Set amongst the sheltered waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, the picturesque port town of Picton is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region with the variety of activities available, including sea kayaking and mountain biking.
For a memorable day out, explore part of the 70km Queen Charlotte Track on foot or by bike, taking in spectacular coastal scenery and lush native bush along the way. Combine your adventure with a scenic cruise through the sounds for a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty of the Marlborough region.
Days 24 - 25: Kaikoura
Distance: 155 km / 96 miles
Enjoy the scenic journey south, winding through the vineyards of Marlborough before reaching the Pacific coast. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Kaikōura is a picturesque coastal town with plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can relax and take in the views. Its nutrient-rich coastal waters attract an abundance of marine life, with whales, dolphins and fur seals frequently spotted offshore.
For an unforgettable experience, join a whale or dolphin-watching cruise for the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Sperm whales can be found here year-round, making Kaikōura one of New Zealand’s premier destinations for whale watching.
Day 26: Christchurch
Distance: 181 km / 113 miles
Return to Christchurch, drop off your motorhome and transfer to your hotel for your final night’s stay on New Zealand’s majestic South Island.
Day 27 - 28: Christchurch to UK
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
The holidays to New Zealand are provided by Alan Rogers Travel Ltd, a subsidiary of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ATOL No.11309
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