Your South island road trip takes you to all of the must see south island hotspots

A self-drive South Island road trip is the perfect way to experience the majesty and charm of New Zealand's South Island.

Your itinerary takes you on a loop of the South Island, and features many of those stunning locations that you've read so much about. 

And with numerous multi-night stays, there's time to relax and experience those special locations.

Where to?

From the charms of Christchurch, the Garden City, your adventure then takes you north to the marine wonders of Kaikoura.  From there the vineyards and bays of the Marlborough region await, closely followed by Nelson, and the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Then it's over to the wild West Coast, home to rugged beaches, blow holes and glaciers. Wanaka and Queenstown, in the Southern Lakes, offer a visual feast and a never ending variety of things to see and do. And the World Heritage listed Fiordland will leave you speechless, before the turquoise coloured lakes in the Mackenzie region offer a final surprise, before you  return to Christchurch.

South island road trip

Click on the highlighted links below to go to that day.

Today you arrive in Christchurch, known as the "garden city". With over 300 parks, it's a beautiful green city. With numerous walks and gardens to explore, Christchurch is a nice relaxing place to start your South Island road trip adventure.

Where to stay in Christchurch

With a population of more than 400,000 people, Christchurch covers quite a bit of territory, and there's a wide range of places to stay.

Depending on your flight arrival time, it may be more convenient to stay near the airport (which is around 20 minutes drive from the Christchurch city centre). The Novotel is the closest, and it's around 100 steps from the terminal. The Sudima is about a 10 minute walk. They have a courtesy bus but you need to call them on arrival. We've stayed at both and recommend them. For late night flights, we prefer the convenience of the Novotel. Otherwise, the Sudima is a good choice, as it's adjacent to the Spitfire Square shopping centre that has a variety of restaurants and a well stocked supermarket. We love the New Zealand greenlip mussels (known as "Mussel Mania") at Lonestar. Delicious.

To see hotels throughout Christchurch, click here.

We love to spend time in the city centre. The area known as the Terraces fronts the Avon River, and the riverside markets, have a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars, together with merchants selling locally sourced food and veges. The Avon river is home to a healthy population of trout, and they are easy to spot in the clear water. Nearby, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an easily accessible spot to pass an hour or two. The other great activity here is the punt ride down the Avon. You could almost be in Venice.

If you want some beautiful local views, a visit to the Christchurch Gondola will not disappoint. There's a cafe at the top, a discovery adventure ride, and some nice trails, with lots of photo opportunities.

These combo tours are an excellent introduction to Christchurch and highly rated.

Near the airport, the International Antarctic Centre features a chill room (Brrr!), a penguin display, and an ATV ride. Quake City in the CBD documents the horrific earthquake that devastated Christchurch in 2011. Around 90 minutes drive from Christchurch, the French influenced village of Akaroa is well worth a visit, and while you are there, you can swim with the dolphins.

You can search a huge range of Christchurch activities below.

Today takes you north to the marine wonderland of Kaikoura. Here, strong ocean currents provide nutrients that support a stable marine eco-system that includes whales, dolphins, seals and birdlife.

Around 30 minutes out of Christchurch the country opens up, revealing numerous wineries, and those rolling green hills that New Zealand is famous for. 

Around 90 minutes into your journey, the town of Cheviot is a good place to break the trip and have a coffee or a snack. A further 45 minutes brings you back onto the coast at Goose Bay, and onto what has to be one of the most spectacular drives in the country. From here to Kaikoura the highway hugs the coastline, and our New Zealand fur seals love to sun themselves on the rocks. There's lots of spots to pull over and get some pictures. From here it's only 20 minutes or so to Kaikoura. 

Where to stay in Kaikoura

Kaikoura has a couple of distinct accommodation zones. There's a variety of motels scattered along the highway near the township, and there's the accommodation along the seafront near the town centre (known as the Esplanade).

When you arrive, we would be very surprised if you are not left gobsmacked by the views. Turquoise ocean waters, fringed by the towering Seaward Kaikoura ranges, capped with snow in the cooler months. For that reason, we always stay along the Esplanade, and our go to place is the Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel. The ocean view rooms are beautiful, and have a small outdoor seating area where you can relax and admire the views. From here it's a flat 20 minute walk to the town centre, or about 10 minutes walk to the iconic Pier Hotel (great food, and those views).

You can see a range of Kaikoura accommodation here.

Off the coast, nutrient rich waters provide the perfect environment for a marine paradise. 

There's a range of excellent tours, which are very popular, and can often book out well in advance. The whale watch tours are probably the most popular, and are really, really good. You can also try scenic whale spotting flights, or to get up and close to some of our marine friends, try the kayak tours. In the afternoons, the winds can increase, so we usually prefer a morning tour.

The name Kaikoura translates from two Maori words, "Kai" (a meal or food) and "Koura" (crayfish), so it's no surprise that seafood is high on the list of delicacies here.

A few kilometres from the town centre at 55 Fyffe Quay, the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ should not be missed. Sitting roadside next to the ocean, a small caravan houses a large hotplate, on which your hosts prepare a variety of yummy local seafood. Crayfish, fish, scallops, whitebait and paua (a tasty marine snail) are all available, and we always try a selection. On a fine day, it's the perfect lunch time treat.

On the highway about 30 minutes north, Nins Bin and Karaka Lobster are both iconic local attractions, and if you want to try our delicious local crayfish, try one of these.

Hugging the coastline, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway offers stunning local views, and takes about three hours to complete. It's a fairly easy walk, suitable for most. If you don't want to do the full walk, you can do selected sections. The Department of Conservation (DOC) website has all the information you need.

To see our local seals, Point Kean is easily accessible by road, is well worth a visit, and is only a ten minute drive from the centre of town.

The Kaikoura Museum in the town centre has some excellent historical exhibits and focuses on the region's whaling history. Thankfully, that industry no longer exists.

Classic cars buffs will love Harmon's Motor Museum, and Bernie's Diner offers a flashback to the 60's. Great fun.

We always head up to the Kaikoura Lookout at 274 Scarborough Street. This spot offers panoramic views to the north and south, and most "hero" shots of Kaikoura are taken from here. There's plenty of room to park, and a viewing platform. The views are indescribable.

You can see a range of available Kaikoura tours below.

Today your South Island road trip takes you north to the Blenheim, and the Marlborough region.

Around 20 minutes north of Kaikoura, Ohau Point has a large seal colony, and there's a large parking area and walkway so you can stop and get some pictures.

The first hour or so of your drive north the highway hugs the coastline and we are always in awe of the scenery here. Towering alps on the left and blue ocean on the right.

Following the devastating earthquake in 2016, the highway was cut for many months. Extensive work was required to restore the highway and rail line, and the engineering work here is amazing, with huge retaining walls and protective netting used to future proof access.

Just south of the town of Ward the highway heads inland and twists and turns through the hills as it leads to Blenheim.

Welcome to Blenheim, the main town in the Marlborough region. With a population of over 30,000 people, there's a good range of services and accommodation here. Around 30 kilometres north of Blenheim, the town of Picton is the South Island port for the inter island ferries that operate between the North and South Islands.

Marlborough accommodation

If your focus here is a visit to the wineries, a motel in Blenheim is probably more suitable. But coastal areas like Picton and the bays throughout the Marlborough Sounds, have some great places to stay, like the Bay of Many Coves. Wonderful views, and a more relaxed holiday feel.

The beauty of the Sounds

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough sparkles as a jewel of natural beauty and exquisite experiences, ready to captivate first-time visitors (and regulars for that matter).

Blenheim, a vibrant, sun-drenched town, is renowned as the epicenter of New Zealand’s wine industry. Here, flavor-rich vineyards beckon with the promise of Sauvignon Blanc, enriched by the fertile soils of the region. Wine tastings and gourmet culinary adventures that blend local ingredients with international flair, against the backdrop of vineyard vistas are popular and a "must do" experience.

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. The Sounds are a breathtaking natural wonder of sunken river valleys, weaving together secluded beaches and lush, forested landscapes. Exploring these majestic sounds by boat or kayak opens up a world of serene waters and stunning scenery. For the adventurous, the Queen Charlotte Track offers a dynamic trek amidst spectacular coastal and forest views, perfect for hiking or biking enthusiasts. This tour combines a one hour cruise from Picton with your self guided hike.

Marlborough’s charm extends beyond its landscapes. The Sounds are home to diverse marine life, offering unforgettable wildlife tours where seals, dolphins, and a kaleidoscope of bird life frolic in their natural habitat. A visit to the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum in Picton provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's maritime heritage.

We know that you will love the Marlborough district just as much as we do.

You can search a range of Marlborough experiences below:

Today you head to the bustling city of Nelson, and the famed Abel Tasman.

Your journey takes you through rolling countryside, pine forests and mountainous sections and it's a relatively easy trip.

About an hour from Blenheim, the highway crosses Pelourus Bridge, and the gorge underneath is well worth a look. There's a cafe across the road and some public toilets.

Welcome to Nelson and the Tasman

Nelson and the adjoining towns of Richmond and Stoke have a combined population of over 100,000 so there's an excellent range of facilities and accommodation here. 

Your choice of where to stay will depend on your preferred activities while you are here.

Most visitors come for the bays and beaches and the Abel Tasman National Park, around an hour from Nelson. For convenience we recommend accommodation at either Motueka (20-30 minutes from the park), Kaiteriteri, a seaside village around 15 minutes from the park, or Marahau, the small village at the park entrance. 

You can see accommodation for the various locations using the links below:

Nelson accommodation

Motueka accommodation

Marahau accommodation

Kaiteriteri accommodation

Here's a few ideas so that you can maximise your available time in the region.

Great things to do near Nelson city

* Visit some of the numerous galleries and workshops featuring the works of local artists. 

* See some stunning creations at the World of Wearable Arts.

* Founder's Heritage Park in the city is fun for all ages. There's a train ride, historic displays, a cafe,  and galleries.

* Car buffs will love the Nelson Classic Car Museum . There's more than one hundred and fifty classic cars, some over 100 years old. If you are there around lunch time, just over the road, Speight's Ale House is an excellent lunch option.

* Visit one of the region's wineries like Neudorf or Seifried.

Top picks in the Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman was for us, a second home for many years, with relatives at Marahau. The Abel Tasman National Park is a beautiful spot, with so many gorgeous beaches, clear waters, and wonderful hiking trails.

A guided tour is probably your best option with limited time, and these tours can include cruise, hiking and kayak components. For something a bit more thrilling, you can even skydive over the park.

Over the Takaka Hill around an hour from Motueka, Te Waikoropupu (PuPu) Springs are something not to be missed, if time permits. As New Zealand's largest, they discharge 14,000 litres of freezing fresh water every second!  The water is some of the clearest ever measured. The track around the springs is mostly flat and well maintained, and we love the large observation deck.

Here's a selection of Abel Tasman National Park tours and activities for you:

Today your adventure takes you roughly south-west, through the villages of Wakefield and Brightwater and the surrounding farmland. Gradually the road ascends to the Hope Saddle and there's a lookout at the top. After the Hope Saddle you start to descend, and are eventually joined by the Buller River, which twists it's way through the region, on its journey to the West Coast.

Around 90 minutes into your trip, the town of Murchison is a great spot for a break. The Rivers Cafe in Fairfax Street has excellent coffee and food.

From Murchison it's a little over 2 hours to Punakaiki.

Just out of Murchison, the Buller Gorge Swingbridge is worth a look. There's a swingbridge over the gorge, a flying fox, and a jetboat that runs on a limited seasonal schedule.

Handy tip - Punakiki is a small village with an information centre, a tavern, a few motels (the Scenic Hotel has a nice restaurant), and not much else. There's no fuel here, so we recommend filling up at either Murchison, or at the town of Westport (where you can also get other supplies) which is around 50 kilometres north of Punakaiki.

Where to stay in Punakaiki

There's a small, but excellent range of accommodation here.

Over the years we've developed a fondness for the oceanfront Scenic Hotel (ocean view rooms are a must). But we've also traveled with friends, and love Wave Watchers retreat, a small beachfront cottage. The sound of the waves crashing as you fall asleep is a rare and welcome treat. And a West Coast sunset from your own deck or balcony is unforgettable.

You can see some Punakaiki accommodation options here.

Although there's not much here in terms of facilities, we love it as an overnight stopover because its just so peaceful. 

The unusual Pancake Rocks and blowhole are probably the main attraction here, and from the highway, there's a fully sealed pathway that leads a hundred metres or so through the forest to the rocks. If the seas are rough, you can hear the waves pounding as you get nearer to the rocks, and hopefully the blowhole will be gushing for you.

The rugged West Coast features towering limestone cliffs, forests untouched by civilisation, and the unusual Nikau Palm, with its upward pointing fronds.

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Paparoa Track runs through the Paparoa National Park.

On the highway just out of the village, the Punakaiki Cavern has a chamber filled with twinkling glowworms. Beautiful. It's easily accessible via the pathway.

Punakaiki is not well stocked with restaurants, but both the Scenic Hotel, and the Punakaiki Rocks Hotel and Garden Bar offer excellent food, and lots of the famous West Coast hospitality.

Handy tip - on the coast, midges (a small sandfly) can be an annoyance for some. They sometimes leave an itchy mark (but are not venemous), so perhaps buy an insect repellent before you arrive here.

Today promises one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, as you head south on State Highway 6.

Less than an hour from Punakaiki, Greymouth is the departure/arrival point for the well known TranzAlpine train. Often referred to as one of the world's best rail journeys, the TranzAlpine snakes its way through the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

About thirty minutes further south, you will arrive at Hokitika. Famous as a base for artisans crafting jewellery and artifacts from jade, there are several workshops where you can watch them at work. Jade is also known as pounamu (the Maori name) and greenstone, and features heavily in ancient Maori culture, where it was used for weapons and decorative items.

A little over 30 minutes south east of town, the Hokitika Gorge is a great detour if time allows. Steep gorges carved by the Hokitika River envelop huge, clear rock pools, which are viewable from several spots including a suspension bridge.  Its around 15 minutes walk from the car park to a viewing platform, and about 15 minutes further to the suspension bridge.

Where to stay in Franz Josef

We always like to stay right within the village, close to all the bars, cafes and restaurants. There's also a few motels along the outskirts of the village on the highway, but some of these might require a drive into the village.

One of our favourites is Punga Grove. Close to everything and a good range of room types and sizes.

You can see what's available in Franz Josef here.

Around 30 minutes south, Fox Glacier village also has a range of places to stay and a selection of pubs and restaurants.

Franz Josef village, and nearby Fox Glacier village, are the two service centres for Glacier Country. 

Both have a range of hotels, motels, hostels, bars, pubs and restaurants. They also each have a small well stocked supermarket and fuel supplies.

Franz Josef and Fox are also the starting points for a range of tours, like the ever popular glacier hikes and scenic flights (some with the highly recommended snow landing).

If you open the search widget below, you can see a range of tours and activities for the region. A favourite for us has always been the glacier flight and snow landing. The flight reveals huge ice crevices, that at times reflect some amazing shades of blue.  On our snow landing we were welcomed by cool, crisp air and an almost indescribable alpine environment. It's the stuff of lifetime memories, and we can't wait to do it again.

While here, we can also recommend the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home to the rare rowi Kiwi, followed by a relaxing soak at the Waiho Hot Tubs.

Handy tip - once you pass Haast, you can't purchase fuel for several hours, so be sure to top up the tank in either Franz Josef, Fox, or Haast.

Today you drive south along the coast before the highway heads inland after Haast. It's a stunning drive, featuring wild coast, snow capped alps, raging rivers, and beauriful lakes.

Knight's Point, around 115 kilometres from Franz Josef, is a good place to stop for a rest break. The coastal views are excellent and there are public toilets at the car park.

Another 30 minutes down the highway brings you to the small village of Haast. We sometimes stop here as there are a couple of cafe's, a fuel station, and a hotel which is good for lunch.

On the outskirts of Haast, a bridge takes you across the Haast River. Be careful here for two reasons. Firstly, the bridge is single lane, but has some passing bays, and seondly, you will be tempted to look at the views up river rather than concentrating on your driving lol. This is one spectacular view, with snow capped alps, the river, and forested hills. Stunning.

The highway meanders through the mountains, revealing several interesting spots like the Gates of Haast, the Makarora Blue Pools, and Fantail Falls.

Not far after Makarora, mighty Lake Wanaka comes into view, and continues for around twenty five kilometres. Then you cross a hill (called "the neck"), and the equally impressive Lake Hawea appears. Not long from here to Wanaka.

Where to stay in Wanaka

Although not as large as Queenstown, Wanaka still has an excellent range of services and accommodation.

We normally stay at The Moorings, because they are a couple of minutes walk from the town centre, and the studios have great lake views. They also have apartments for larger groups.

You can see a range of Wanaka accommodation here.

Wanaka is a visual feast. Another impossibly beautiful lake, surrounded by towering mountains.

In the distance, the snow capped peaks of the Mt Aspiring National Park beckon, and the park is a hikers heaven, with a multitude of wonderful walks. The Department of Conservation website has a wealth of information available here.

There's lots to see and do in and around Wanaka, and we have lots of information on our dedicated Wanaka page here.

A few favourites are Puzzling World (fun for all ages), the National Transport and Toy Museum, trout spotting from the small wharf in town (they are huge), a visit to the famous "Wanaka Tree", or if the weather turns nasty, catching a movie at the quirky Cinema Paradiso.

In the winter months from late June to early September, the region comes alive as a snow skiers and snow boarders flock to Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Soho Basin.

Another day another stunning road.

Today you head through Cardrona towards Queenstown before branching off to Te Anau on the outskirts of Queenstown.

From Wanaka, head towards Cardrona. Cardrona is about 20 minutes from Wanaka, and is home to the Cardrona Distillery and the historic Cardrona Hotel. 

Not far out of Cardrona you begin to climb over the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest main road. The road winds its way over the alps, and during the winter months can be affected by snow and ice. If there's too much, the road is usually closed untill it can be cleared, but just take your time, and enjoy the drive. As you reach the top of the Crown Range, there's a lookout with magnificent views through the valley towards Queenstown. Be sure to have your camera ready.

After descending the Crown Range, turn right onto State Highway 6, and continue on towards Queenstown. A few kilometres out of town, you head left, following the signs towards Milford Sound.

Around 15 minutes or so from here, the road follows Lake Wakatipu, and it's another jaw droppingly beautiful drive. From here it's around 2 hours drive to Te Anau.

Te Anau accommodation

Te Anau is the service town for Fiordland, and has a good range of accommodation, with everything from hostels to luxury lodges, like Fiordland Lodge.

You can search options here.

Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage area, and home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions.

The famous British author Rudyard Kipling (the Jungle Book) once described Milford Sound as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". And  if you visit you will understand why.

For many though, Doubtful Sound is more enticing, and, assuming you don't have time to visit both, the choice of which one to visit proves a difficult decision for many.

Both are visually stunning. When it rains (which is often) Milford Sound becomes a theatre of hundreds of huge waterfalls cascading into the Sound, surrounded by towering peaks, some of which are capped in snow.  Tourist boats head back and forth, and for some, it's a little too commercialised. Personally, we love it, and once you get out onto the water, the sheer scale and majesty of your surroundings takes your breath away. Add to that a memorable 2 hour drive from Te Anau, and Milford Sound is a wonderful adventure. You can read more about it on our dedicated page here.

Doubtful Sound is in many ways very similar to Milford. Tall forest clad peaks and waterfalls, but much larger than Milford, at around 40 kilometres long from the head to the ocean. Doubtful Sound also has a more remote, isolated feel. In fact the Maori name of Patea translates to "place of silence". Getting to Doubtful Sound involves a  20 minute drive from Te Anau to the village of Manapouri. From there it's a short boat ride across Lake Manapouri, before boarding a coach for the journey over Wilmot Pass to meet up with your tour boat.  To access Doubtful Sound you need to book a tour that includes your lake crossing, coach transfer, and cruise. There's more information on our Doubtful Sound page here.

You can see a selection of tours for both Sounds using the search widgets below:

Today you head to Queenstown for four nights of adventure.

Important information about where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown is perhaps the most "tourist focussed" location in New Zealand. There are over 100 wineries nearby. There's over 100 pubs, bars and restaurants. And there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of accommodation options.

But choosing the right part of Queenstown to stay in is crucial. The town itself is very hilly, making late evening walks home a challenge. And accommodation is spread out over a wide area. Couple this with a town centre where parking is notoriously difficult to find, or pay as you go, and you really need to choose the right location. 

We've analysed all of this on our Queenstown accommodation page. Please take some time to read our suggestions. And if you have any questions at all, just ask us.

Where to start?

Queenstown is one of those very special places that can cater to all age groups and to a vast range of interests.

Want to bungy off a bridge, or jetboat through a gorge? No problem. But how about just chilling at a local winery, or wandering through the lakeside markets, or riding the gondola high above town and taking in the stunning views?

Queenstown is know as the "Adventure Capital", and with very good reason. But it's also a place where you can just relax and take in the visual masterpiece in front of you. 

There's volumes of information on our website about things to see and do here (just explore the navigation menu), and there's also a handy widget below to help.

But we'll also give you a few of our best "mild" and "wild" selections to whet your appetite:

Our "mild" favourites

Here in no particular order are a few of our favourite relaxing activities in Queenstown.

* leave the car at the hotel and take a wine tour.

* ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for breathtaking views. Add lunch or dinner at Stratosfare restaurant (book a window table to make the most of those views).

* wander through the Queenstown Gardens by the lake.

* pick up a trinket at the Queenstown markets.

* hop on the historic TSS Earnslaw and cruise Lake Wakatipu. Add lunch or dinner at Walter Peak farm for some delicious local treats.

* drive to Glenorchy (45 - 60 minutes) or Arrowtown (20 - 30 minutes).

* see some amazing countryside on a Lord of the Rings tour.

* drive up to Deer Park Heights.

Some "wild" selections

* bungy bungy bungy! Head out to the original site at the historic Kawarau Bridge or leap from the 134m Nevis Bungy.

* take a thrilling jetboat ride with Shotover Jet, Kawarau Jet, or the wilderness experience of the Dart River safari.

* leap from a plane on a skydiving experience of a lifetime.

* whitewater raft down some amazing rapids.

Today takes you north to the picturesque village of Tekapo.

Around 30 minutes out of Queenstown, the rugged Kawarau Gorge winds beside the highway, and various wineries dot the landscape. After an hour or so, the service town of Cromwell is a good place to stop for a stretch. Well known for its stonefruit, Lake Dunstan, and the Heritage Precinct, Cromwell is a pretty town, and the surrounding peaks are often snow covered in the cooler months.

Another hour or so from Cromwell, the highway ascends through Lindis Pass. We love the golden tussock grasses that line the hills here, and there's a couple of spots where you can pull over for photos.

The towns of Omarama and Twizel are the largest towns between the Lindis Pass and Tekapo, and are probably a good spot to top up your fuel, as it can be expensive in Tekapo.

Just before Twizel, at the High Country Salmon Farm, you can learn about how salmon are farmed, you can buy some delicious salmon, and you can even fish for your own.

Where to stay in Tekapo

Tekapo is divided by the highway, and although there's a good selection of accommodation, it does tend to book out months in advance, and can be expensive. Twizel is often a more economical option if you have difficulty in Tekapo. You will find that anything in Tekapo with a lake view is more expensive (and more popular).

If you love the outdoors, there's so much to see and do here in Tekapo, and in nearby Mt Cook (a little over 1 hours drive). 

Recommended in Tekapo are:

* the obligatory pictures at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

* from November to January, the shores of Lake Tekapo are covered in multi-coloured lupins, a beautiful sight.

* soak away your cares at Tekapo Springs. You can even combine your soak with a star gazing experience.

* visit the Mt John Observatory and watch the stars under perfect conditions.

* catch a trout in the local waters on a guided expedition.

* see the alps and glaciers on a scenic flight.

Must do's in Mt Cook:

* visit the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre and learn about the region's history.

* while you are there, visit the planetarium

* between September and May, the Glacier Explorer's tour takes you onto the waters of the Tasman Glacial Lake, where floating icebergs and huge moraines amaze.

* explore the trails that dot the countryside, like the legendary Hooker Valley Track. The Department of Conservation information centre has lots of information.

You can see a range of activities for both Tekapo and Mt Cook below:

Another scenic drive today as you head north to Christchurch. 

The towns of Fairlie and Geraldine lead you out of the Mackenzie and into the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains. 

Around half way to Christchurch, the town of Ashburton is the perfect place to take a break.

It's almost the end of your epic South Island road trip. But it's not over yet, and Christchurch still has some gems waiting for you.

Time to catch up on anything that you missed out on on Day 2.

Perhaps a day trip to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs (around 2 hours drive). The hot pools are the stuff of legend, attracting visitors from around the world.

To see some of our unique local wildlife, head out to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. 

Hot tip - to maximise your last full day, how about a guided tour into the Southern Alps including a return trip on the legendary TranzAlpine train? Experience the Otira Gorge, Arthur's Pass National Park and Castle Hill. You may even see some cheeky Kea!

Time to head home. We hope you've enjoyed this 24 day South Island road trip, and we can't wait to welcome you back to New Zealand next time.

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