Ultimate South Island road trip with Stewart Island

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Christchurch
• 2 nights Kaikoura
• 3 nights Blenheim
• 2 nights Abel Tasman
• 1 night Punakaiki
• 2 nights Fox Glacier
• 2 nights Wanaka
• 3 nights Queenstown
• 1 night Te Anau
• 1 night Doubtful Sounds cruise
• 1 night Invercargill
• 2 nights Stewart Island
• 2 nights Dunedin
• 1 night Oamaru
• 2 nights Lake Tekapo
• 1 night Christchurch

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you'll be met at the airport and driven into the city, checking into your hotel for two nights. Why not head straight out to explore this quaint city - we've included a tram ticket, so you'll be able to hop on and off as you explore the heart of the city in the vintage tram. 

Included: Transfers, tram hop on hop off, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Christchurch

Today is yours to enjoy the quaint city of Christchurch. We've included a peaceful punting tour along the River Avon past the Botanic Gardens before heading out to join the foodie walking tour for lunch. Tuck into the best of Christchurch on the Kai Bites tour which blends Māori traditions and the importance of food (kai) in bringing people together. You'll learn about the role of native plants in New Zealand cuisine, as you try artisan cheeses, honey, coffee, craft beer and traditional ingredients like horopito and kawakawa, which have long been used in Māori cooking.

After this fascinating tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city - why not continue your foodie adventures at Riverside Market, where you can taste Asian street food and famous hokey pokey ice cream?

Included: Punting tour, Kai Bites food tour, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Drive to Kaikoura

Leaving the city behind, today you'll pick up your hire car and drive north along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, passing through the quaint vineyards of the Waipara wine region and the lush farmland of North Canterbury before hitting the coast. The rugged scenery becomes increasingly more dramatic as you get closer to Kaikoura - stop for a coffee in the seaside town of Cheviot, keeping an eye out for seabirds along the shore before arriving in Kaikoura, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Kaikoura

Spend the day enjoying Kaikōura’s spectacular coastline and abundant marine life, with the mountains providing an impressive backdrop to your day. We've included a whale-watching cruise, taking you out onto the water in search of the whales found off the Kaikōura coast. Sperm whales can be found here year round, while humpbacks pass through on their migration from Antarctica between June and October. If you'd rather, we can change this to a whale watching flight or helicopter experience - these tend to be shorter but give you incredible views of the mountains and ocean, as well as the chance to see the whole length of the whale from above - it's pretty incredible! If you'd like to add this, just ask.

In the evening, we've booked you on a relaxing sunset kayak tour, watching seals swim and dive around your kayak as they hunt for octopus. Keep your eyes peeled for blue penguins and albatross, as well as dusky dolphins in the dark waters. Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of being out on the water amongst all this wildlife as the day draws to a close. 

Included: Whale watching cruise, sunset kayaking tour, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Drive to Blenheim

Enjoy your final morning in Kaikoura before heading up the coast, enjoy the views of the mountains meeting the ocean. Stop in at Ohau Point to spot more New Zealand fur seals, tuck into some fresh local crayfish from one of the roadside shacks and pause in Kekerengu for a coffee. As the coastline gradually gives way to rolling vineyards, you'll arrive in the heart of Marlborough wine country, where you'll check into your hotel for three nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Marlborough Sounds 

Today is yours to explore the nearby Marlborough Sounds, from the jumping off point of Picton. Why not enjoy breakfast by the harbour in one of the cosy cafes before enjoying the Bob's Bay Walk, an easy coastal track through native forest and past secluded coves. If you'd like something a little harder, the Queen Charlotte View Track is around 5km return from the car park and offer spectacular views over the sounds at the summit. 

In the afternoon, you'll head out on the iconic Seafood Odyssea cruise, sailing out into the Queen Charlotte Sound on a catamaran, discovering some of the best fish and shellfish that New Zealand has to offer. Feast on fresh King Salmon and Greenshell mussels prepared in several delicious ways. You'll visit the marine reserve, soak in the spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds from the water and sip cold sauvignon blanc as you look out for dolphins that often follow the boat. It's a magical and tasty way to spend the afternoon. 

Included: Car hire, Seafood Odyssea cruise, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Marlborough Wine Region 

Spend the day exploring the wine region with a morning guided tour and an afternoon of self-guided fun! Start with three winery visits this morning, cycling along scenic trails, past river banks and down quiet roads. Your guide will explain about the history of Blenheim and the background of growing wine in this region, before sipping wine in the different vineyards and enjoying a grazing platter of local cheeses and fruit. They'll also give you maps and advice on how to spend your afternoon, based on what kinds of wine you enjoy and whether you'd like to explore small or larger vineyards. It's the perfect way to spend the day in Marlborough. 

Included: Car hire, morning guided wine cycle tour with afternoon self guided, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Drive to Abel Tasman

Leaving the wine region behind, today you'll drive west towards Nelson and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. It's a scenic drive through winding roads, past pine forests and rolling countryside until you reach the coastal region of the north west and the pleasant city of Nelson. Known for it's sunny weather, thriving arts scene and right on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful national parks and beaches, Nelson is the perfect stop for a couple of nights exploring this scenic region.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Abel Tasman

Experience the heart of Abel Tasman today on a cruising and kayaking tour of the national park. Start with a scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay, admiring the beaches, forest-clad headlands and turquoise waters along the way. On arrival, you'll meet your guide and set off by kayak to explore the sheltered lagoons and golden bays, admiring the fur seal colony at Pinnacle Island and soaking up the views from the water. After your kayaking adventure, you'll head back around Adele Island on the boat, before enjoying a short coastal walk and completing your experience of Abel Tasman's views from the land as well as the ocean. 

Included: Kayak and cruise tour, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Drive to Punakaiki

Leaving Abel Tasman, today you'll drive down to the west coast, throughout he rolling countryside into the lakes region of Nelson Lakes National Park. Drive through native beech forest towards the lakeside village of St Arnaud, where you can enjoy some walking trails around Lake Rotoiti before carrying on towards the west coast. Wind your way through river gorges and dense rainforest to arrive at Punakaiki, where the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes await. Powerful waves have created this limestone coastline over thousands of years, so take the time to enjoy the scenery before watching the sun set into the ocean from your beachfront hotel.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Drive to Fox Glacier

Leaving Punakaiki, you'll carrying on driving south along one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal routes with rugged cliffs, wild sea views and dense rainforest lining the highway. We always recommend taking the short detour inland to Hokitika Gorge, where a short walk leads to a swing bridge overlooking striking turquoise waters. Back on the coast, the journey continues towards the Southern Alps and by the time you reach Fox Glacier, you'll find yourself in one of New Zealand's most dramatic natural settings, a rare combination ancient rainforest, snow-capped mountains and the famous glaciers.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Fox Glacier

You’ve got a whole day here to enjoy the beauty of the Southern Alps and explore the west coast glaciers at your leisure. We've included the iconic heli-hike, which takes you high up onto the glacier, fitted with crampons and waterproofs to experience the ice blue world above. You'll head out on a hike across the ice, taking in the wild shapes and jagged peaks around you - every hike is different as the glacier is constantly changing. Admire shimmering blue pools, squeeze through ice caves, peer down narrow crevasses and soak up the other-worldly landscape of the glacier. It's an incredible way to spend the day!

Included: Heli hike, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Drive to Wanaka

Continue your drive down the west coast before turning inland on your journey to Wanaka. Don't miss the views across shimmering Lake Matheson where you can enjoy the loop walk around the lake and the Blue Pools, where you can admire the bright water as you explore the swing bridges over the water. This region is famous for it's seafood; why not tuck into whitebait fritters during the season or order a whole crayfish tail covered in garlic butter for lunch - delicious! Drive down the side of Lake Wanaka before arriving in town, checking into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Wanaka

Beautiful Wanaka is your playground today, as you enjoy a cruise across the lake to Mou Waho Island. This protected and predator-free reserve is an incredible place to explore with a guide, as you hike along the walking track through regenerating forest, learning about the unique conservation efforts on the island. Eventually you'll reach Arethusa Pool, a rare lake on an island within a lake, with sweeping views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the cruise back over the water and head back to town. 

Included: Car hire, cruise with island tour, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Drive to Queenstown

Today you'll continue south towards Queenstown. We always recommend visiting the quaint village of Arrowtown, nestled in the hills behind Queenstown with pretty buildings, boutique shops and gold-mining history. Explore the small galleries and don't miss tasting an iconic New Zealand pie at the bakery! After a few hours enjoying the backroads and Arrowtown, you'll arrive in Queenstown, which sits on the edge of a deep blue lake under the gaze of the Remarkables mountain range. Check into your hotel here for three nights and head out for a walk around town on your first evening in this mountain resort.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Days 17 & 18: Queenstown

Nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a major hub of activities and adventures in New Zealand. You'll have a few days to explore - we always recommend enjoying the scenic drive down to nearby Glenorchy, where you'll be able to admire the mountains over the lake and stop in at various viewpoints on your way to the scenic village. We also love heading up on the gondola to Skyline Queenstown, where you can enjoy lunch with a view and head down on the iconic luge - it's great fun!

We've included a lunchtime trip on the TSS Earnslaw, the historic steamship that offers scenic cruises across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once you arrive you'll enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, as well as a farm tour and learn about life on a New Zealand sheep station.

On your second day in Queenstown, we've the epic Dart River Wilderness Jet, an exhilarating adventures along the remote and pristine Dart River. Drive along to Glenorchy, before getting onboard the jet boat, zooming up the braided channels of the river through Mount Aspiring National Park, where snow-capped peaks and ancient beech forests create a stunning backdrop. It's so much fun going so fast along the river, with the occasional 360° spin in the wider areas of the water, before taking a hike along the riverbanks at the furthest point of the trip. An epic day to spend the morning in unreal scenery. 

Included: Dart River Wilderness Jet, TSS Earnslaw cruise, 4* hotel 

Day 19: Drive to Te Anau & Milford Sound

Today you'll drive south into the heart of Fiordland National Park, firstly along the shores of Lake Takatipu before heading into the dramatic forests of Fiordland. You'll arrive a tthe lakeside town of Te Anau, checking into your hotel for one night, before continuing your drive up towards Milford Sound, one of the most iconic spots in New Zealand. 

When you arrive, you'll head off on a 2.5 hour cruise of Milford Sound, where you'll witness the dramatic beauty the sound from the water. Sail beneath cascading waterfalls and towering peaks, you'll glide through the water looking out for fur seals, dolphins and, occasionally, penguins. Enjoy majestic scenery at every turn, before returning back to the cruise depot and driving back to Te Anau. 

This evening is yours to relax in this peaceful spot, or if you'd like we can book you on the glow-worm experience, where you can sit quietly as you cruise through the dark limestone caves near Te Anau, beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms. If you'd like to add this, just ask!

Included: Car hire, Milford Sound cruise, 4* hotel 

Day 20: Doubtful Sounds overnight cruise

Spend the morning strolling around the pretty lake front of Te Anau, before heading off to begin your overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. First you'll cross Lake Manapouri, before a coach takes you across the Wilmot Pass, through dense rainforest as you arrive at Deep Cove on Doubtful Sound. 

Here you'll join the boat, and begin your cruise past the lush scenery, learning from your knowledgeable guides about the pods of resident dolphins, rare penguins and tiny bays you'll pass by. Anchoring in a sheltered cove, you can explore the shoreline by kayak or boat, and even try a swim if you can bear to brave the cold! Enjoy a delicious evening meal on board as you chat with fellow travellers, and enjoy star-gazing on deck if the skies are clear. Spending the night on the sound is a magical experience, falling asleep amongst the vast silence and tranquillity of Fiordland National Park.

Included: Car hire, lunch, dinner, cabin on overnight cruise

Day 21: Drive to Invercargill

Start your morning in the misty Doubtful Sound with a hearty cooked breakfast and get ready to explore the other arms of the fiord. Before long, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and take the trip back to Manapouri and on to Te Anau. From here, you'll pick up your car and drive south through the scenery of the Southlands to Invercargill, checking into your hotel for one night, ready to head to Stewart Island tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 22: Ferry to Stewart Island

Take the morning ferry over to Stewart Island, a wildlife haven off the south coast of New Zealand. Check into your hotel, Stewart Island Lodge, for two nights before heading out to explore the island at your leisure. You can do your own thing today or we can book a cruise to the nearby Ulva Island, one of New Zealand's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Hop on the catamaran past secluded beaches as you look out for seabirds and penguins before enjoying a guided nature walking through the native forest. Look for weka, South Island robins, saddlebacks and yellowheads - this is some of the easiest and most rewarding bird watching in New Zealand. If you'd like to add this tour, just ask!

Included: Car hire, ferry tickets, Stewart Island Lodge

Day 23: Stewart Island

Enjoy Stewart Island's laid-back vibe and beautiful natural surroundings. Wander around the small township of Oban, browse the local galleries and cafés or follow the short walk up to Observation Rock for sweeping views across Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet. Alternatively, return to Stewart Island Lodge to relax on the terrace with a good book as you and soak up the peaceful waterfront setting. 

This evening, you'll head out on a wild kiwi encounter, one of New Zealand's most memorable wildlife experiences. Cruise across Paterson Inlet from Halfmoon Bay to Little Glory Cove at dusk before heading ashore with a guide in search of the elusive southern brown kiwi. As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. Walking through native forest under the cover of darkness, you'll have the rare opportunity to observe these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. Exploring this pristine wilderness with an expert guide is a truly unforgettable experience.

Included: Evening kiwi encounter tour, Stewart Island Lodge

Day 24: Ferry to Bluff, drive to Dunedin

This morning, you'll head back on the short ferry journey to Bluff, picking up your hire car and heading north as you drive towards Dunedin. Explore the scenic Catlins region, as you pass by rolling farmland and rugged cliffs. Make sure you stop in at Nugget Point to see the dramatic sea-carved rocks and Purakaunui Falls to look out for sea lions and fur seals. The further north you drive, the landscape will gradually change from remote wilderness into the relaxed town of Dunedin, where heritage architecture and some of New Zealand's most fascinating European history awaits. 

Included: Ferry tickets, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 25: Dunedin

Today is yours to explore the historic town of Dunedin, as well as the spectacular nearby Otago Peninsula. We've included a Castle to Cruise tour, showing off the architecture of New Zealand's only castle, Lanarch Castle, before enjoying a wildlife cruise on the Otago Peninsula. Explore the castle's restored interiors and pristine gardens before heading out to look for fur seals, seabirds and the royal northern albatross, as well as the adorable little blue penguins. 

Beyond these highlights, there's plenty more to see in Dunedin, whether you're strolling through town admiring the Victorian architecture, visiting vibrant galleries and quirky coffee shops or heading to the nearby Royal Albatross Centre to get a close up of these fascinating creatures. 

Included: Car hire, Castle and cruise tour, 4* hotel 

Day 26: Drive to Oamaru

Continuing your journey north, today you'll drive towards the tiny town of Oamaru, along a peaceful stretch of the South Island's east cast. Stop at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders, where you'll find dozens of enormous spherical stones scattered across the beach before stopping in the village of Moeraki for fish and chips by the water for lunch. Drive pass lush farmlands before arriving in Oamaru, one of New Zealand's most charming towns. Explore the beautifully preserved Victorian precinct and head out for an early dinner before enjoying the most iconic Oamaru experience. 

As dusk falls, you'll be able to watch the world's smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, emerge from the sea and their way up the shore to sleep after a day feeding at sea. Watching these tiny creatures head back to their nests as the sun sets is a magical way to end the day. 

Included: Car hire, Penguin viewing experience, 4* hotel 

Day 27: Drive to Lake Tekapo

Today you'll leave the coast behind and head back into the heart of the lake country in the South Island, making the journey towards Lake Tekapo. Drive through the vast plains of the Waitaki Valley, along the braided Waitaki River before you see the Southern Alps on the horizon and the scenery starts to become more dramatic. Famous for it's bright blue water and mountainous backdrop, Lake Tekapo will be your base for the next few days, as you check into your hotel for two nights. 

Tonight, you'll enjoy an unforgettable night under some of the darkest skies on earth, on a stargazing tour from Lake Tekapo. You'll get to enjoy naked-eye stargazing, as well as using some powerful telescopes to view deep space from your comfortable moon chairs and cosy blankets, whilst keeping warm with a hot drink. This area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with crystal-clear night skies revealing thousands of stars, planets and the Milky Way.

Included: Car hire, stargazing tour, 4* hotel 

Day 28: Lake Tekapo

Today is yours to explore this region at your own leisure. We always recommend driving down to Mount Cook, where you can explore some excellent hiking trails in the shadow of the tallest mountain in New Zealand, from the easy Hooker Valley Track, with its swing bridges and glacier-fed river views, to shorter trails leading to viewpoints of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Even just the drive along Lake Pukaki is one of the most spectacular journeys in New Zealand, with endless viewpoints and stop offs to take photographs. If you'd like to keep active, nearby Twizel has a huge network of cycling trails that wind through alpine landscapes and lakes. No matter how you spend your time, a day amongst the mountains will fly by. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 29: Drive to Christchurch

Head north for the last time, as you leave the mountains behind you and drive through the wide plains of the Mackenzie Basin and Canterbury towards Christchurch. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Geraldine, where you can explore the boutique shops and cafes before arriving back in Christchurch. You've completed your epic road trip of the South Island so why not head out for a delicious dinner and toast to your incredible journey, reminiscing about your favourite stops along the way. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel  

Day 30: Depart New Zealand

Spend your final morning having a lie in, before heading back to the airport to drop off your hire car and catching your flight back to the UK. 

Included: Car hire, international flights 

Day 31: Arrive UK