Arrive in Christchurch and collect your rental — allow time for baggage, a quick coffee at C1 Espresso or Unknown Chapter, and a stroll through the Botanic Gardens to stretch your legs. Pick up picnic supplies from the Riverside Market or a local deli before heading south; the drive to Akaroa along the Banks Peninsula takes about 75-90 minutes and rewards you with sweeping harbour views as you wind over hilltop ridges.
On arrival in Akaroa, check into your accommodation then explore the French-influenced township — wander the harbourfront, pop into the Akaroa Museum and browse galleries and boutique shops. Book a harbour cruise or wildlife tour (common options include dolphin- and island-watching cruises) to see Hector’s dolphins and little blue penguins, or take the scenic Hilltop Road viewpoint for panoramic photos of Akaroa Harbour.
For dinner, choose a waterfront bistro such as The Little Bistro or Ma Maison for fresh seafood and local produce while watching the harbour light up at dusk. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed walk along the wharf or join a guided penguin-spotting tour if available, then return to your accommodation for a quiet night — perfect preparation for tomorrow’s Banks Peninsula explorations and drive toward Arthur’s Pass.
Wake to the harbour and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at The Little Bistro or Akaroa Farmers’ Market (seasonal), then join a morning wildlife cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals and seabirds — many operators also offer commentary on local Maori and French history. If you prefer to stay ashore, take the Akaroa Museum’s short heritage walk and climb to the Hilltop Road viewpoint for sweeping photos of the harbour and surrounding basalt hills.
After lunch at a waterfront café, set out on the scenic Akaroa coastal walks: the Pine Harbour Loop is an easy 1-2 hour option with beachside viewpoints, or head further to the longer Godley Head / Corsair Bay route for dramatic coastal bluffs and shipwreck history. Alternatively, rent a kayak from a local outfitter to paddle into secluded coves and get close to birdlife and the harbour’s sheltered waters.
Return to town for a sunset stroll along the wharf before dining at Ma Maison or The Brasserie Restaurant, where you can sample local seafood and Marlborough wine. Finish the night with a guided little blue penguin-spotting tour or a quiet harbour-side drink, then relax back at your accommodation and rest up for tomorrow’s scenic drive across Banks Peninsula toward Arthur’s Pass.
Leave Akaroa after breakfast and take the scenic route back toward Christchurch, stopping at the Port Hills Summits (e.g., Crater Rim Walkway or Sign of the Takahe) for sweeping views over Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps. Continue north on SH1 and then west along the picturesque inland route via Springfield, pausing at the historic Sheffield murals or the TranzAlpine viewpoint platforms to stretch your legs before the mountain road climb toward Arthur's Pass.
Arrive in the Arthur's Pass village in time for a hearty lunch at the Wobbly Kea Café, then explore short alpine walks such as the Devil's Punchbowl Track (a 1.5-2 hour return to the waterfall) or the gentle Otira Viaduct lookout for dramatic gorge and viaduct views. If weather and time permit, take the River Walk to see kea in the beech forest and visit the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre to learn about local flora, fauna and mountaineering history.
As dusk falls, check into your mountain lodge or cosy B&B and enjoy a relaxed dinner—many local properties and the Wobbly Kea offer comforting seasonal fare—before stepping outside for star-filled alpine skies and the chance to hear the call of native birds. Wind down early to be ready for tomorrow’s coastal drive to Kaikōura and potential marine wildlife experiences.
Leave Arthur's Pass after an early breakfast and enjoy the scenic descent toward the east coast, stopping at viewpoints along SH73/CHCH-Kaikōura route such as the Kowhai River lookout or the pretty seaside town of Amberley for coffee. As you approach Kaikōura, stretch your legs at the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway start — the path offers dramatic coastal cliffs and seals lounging on the rocks, setting the mood for a day of marine wildlife encounters.
Book an afternoon whale-watching cruise with one of Kaikōura’s reputable operators (e.g., Whale Watch Kaikōura) to search for sperm whales, or choose a scenic flight/heli-trip for panoramic views of whales, dolphins and the alpine-to-sea landscape; alternatively, join a guided snorkel or swim-with-dolphins tour to meet Hector’s dolphins up close. If you prefer to stay on land, visit the Kaikōura Museum and then head to the South Bay for seafood at a local café — try crayfish if in season — while watching fur seals and seabirds on the nearby rocks.
As evening falls, stroll the waterfront and the Wharf area to catch a colourful coastal sunset, then dine at a seaside restaurant such as The Pier Hotel or No.8 Kitchen & Bar for fresh local seafood and Marlborough wine. Finish the night with a relaxed walk along the Esplanade or a visit to the Kaikōura Hot Pools for a soak under the stars before turning in for the night, ready for tomorrow’s drive down the east coast toward Blenheim.
Leave Kaikōura after breakfast and follow State Highway 1 south through rolling farmland and seaside views, pausing at the charming seaside village of Ward or the Conway River lookout for a short stretch and photos. Stop in the historic town of Cheviot or at a roadside café in Amberley for coffee and a snack, then continue into the vineyards as you cross the Wairau Plains toward Blenheim, arriving in time to check into your accommodation and orient yourself to the town centre.
Spend the afternoon exploring Marlborough’s world-class wineries — join a guided cellar-door tour or bike tour through the vineyards with stops at favourites such as Wither Hills, Cloudy Bay or Villa Maria for tastings and vineyard walks, or head to the Wairau River wine trail to sample boutique producers and learn about Sauvignon Blanc production. If you prefer a non-wine option, visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to see Peter Jackson’s theatrical displays or stroll the Seymour Square and Blenheim Farmers’ Market (if operating) for local artisan food.
As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a vineyard restaurant like Montana or Cloudy Bay’s dining options, or return to central Blenheim for seafood and regional fare at Hall & Soul or The Mussel Pot for a relaxed harbour-side meal. Finish with a sunset walk along the Taylor River reserve or a nightcap at a local wine bar, letting the mellow Marlborough atmosphere prepare you for the next day’s crossing to Nelson and Abel Tasman.
Check out of your Blenheim accommodation after breakfast and enjoy the scenic drive over the Rai Saddle toward Nelson, stopping at the picturesque Pelorus Bridge for a short walk among native beech and rimu trees or a quick coffee at a roadside café. Arrive in Nelson mid-morning and take time to wander the waterfront and visit the Nelson Saturday Market (seasonal) or the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum to get a taste of Nelson’s creative vibe before heading to Marahau, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Board a water taxi from Marahau for a classic Abel Tasman experience — hop off at Torrent Bay or Bark Bay for short coastal walks and golden beaches, or book a guided kayak tour to explore sea caves and spot seals and blue penguins up close. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, take the scenic 1-2 hour return walk to the Anchorage for lunch at the Anchorage Lodge café, followed by a swim or sunbake on one of the sheltered beaches.
Return by water taxi to Marahau and drive back into Nelson for dinner at one of the city’s excellent eateries such as Hopgood’s or The Boat Shed, sampling fresh Tasman seafood and local wines or craft beers. Finish the evening with a stroll along Tahunanui Beach or a drink at a rooftop bar, then rest at your Nelson accommodation ready for tomorrow’s coastal drive to Punakaiki and the wild West Coast.
Leave Nelson area after breakfast and follow SH6 down the rugged west coast, enjoying coastal lookouts and native forest glimpses en route; pause at the historic Buller Gorge to stretch your legs and walk the suspension bridge for a dramatic riverside start to the day. Arrive at Punakaiki mid-morning and explore the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point — take the well-maintained loop track to see the layered limestone formations and watch seawater explode through the blowholes at high tide.
Continue south along the coast to Hokitika, stopping at the scenic spots along the way such as the Truman Track or the serene Oparara Arch if you have time for a short detour into karst country; otherwise enjoy roadside stops for coastal photography and a picnic lunch with ocean views. In Hokitika, visit the Hokitika Gorge for its turquoise waters and short walking trails, then browse the town’s artisan galleries and pounamu (greenstone) workshops on Sewell and Gibson Quays — consider a guided pounamu carving demonstration or a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery at Rotokare if operating.
As dusk falls, stroll Hokitika’s beach to watch a West Coast sunset and collect driftwood-inspired souvenirs from the local galleries; for dinner, sample locally caught seafood at Fat Pipi or Woods Restaurant, paired with a craft beer or Central Otago pinot if you’re heading further south tomorrow. If you’re staying overnight, consider an evening visit to the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell for a short, atmospheric walk (best after dark) or relax at your accommodation and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to the glacier country of Franz Josef / Fox Glacier.
Wake to the rainforest valley and fuel up with breakfast at King Tiger Eastern Eating House (Franz Josef) or The Landing (Fox) before heading to a pre-booked heli-hike — morning flights often offer the calmest conditions and spectacular light on the ice. Land high on the glacier with a certified guide for a 2-3 hour heli-hike or guided ice-walk, learning about crevasses, ice formations and the rapid changes these rivers of ice undergo while enjoying panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
After your flight or glacier walk, relax with a late lunch at Alice May or The White Pub and stroll the Franz Josef / Fox Glacier township to visit the Glacier Hot Pools or local visitor centres to deepen your knowledge of glaciology and Māori connections to the land. If you prefer a lower-key option, take the accessible Franz Josef Glacier Walk or the longer Fox Glacier Valley Walk for rainforest-to-glacier lookout views, and consider a guided eco-tour to spot native birds and learn about the temperate rainforest ecosystem.
As daylight fades, soothe tired muscles in the Glacier Hot Pools or enjoy an alpine-inspired dinner at Monsoon Pizzeria (Franz Josef) or The Landing (Fox) paired with Central Otago pinot; many lodges also offer cosy evening menus and local stories. Finish with a short twilight walk to the river terraces or a stargazing moment from your accommodation — the remote valley skies make for a peaceful end to a big day of glacier adventure before you continue south toward Wanaka tomorrow.
Leave the glacier region after an early breakfast and enjoy the dramatic Haast Pass drive (SH6) toward Wanaka, stopping at picturesque viewpoints such as the Gates of Haast and Fantail Falls to stretch your legs and photograph cascading waterways framed by rainforest. Pause at Blue Pools for a short, easy walk across the swingbridge and crystal-clear river views, then continue over the Lindis Pass as the landscape opens into tussock and alpine foothills — arrive in Wanaka mid to late morning and check into your accommodation before a lakeside coffee at Relishes or Francesca's Kitchen.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Wanaka’s shoreline: walk the flat, scenic Wanaka Lakefront to the iconic Wanaka Tree for photos, then hire a SUP or kayak from Wanaka SUP or Nereus to glide across the mirror-like lake with mountain reflections. If you prefer a short hike, tackle the gentle Roys Peak lower-track or the Diamond Lake / Rocky Mountain circuit for panoramic vistas without committing to the full Roys Peak climb, finishing with a late-afternoon visit to Puzzling World or a stroll through the town’s boutique shops and galleries.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant such as Big Fig or The Cow, sampling seasonal Central Otago produce and local pinot noir while watching the sunset over the Southern Alps. After dinner, take a quiet lakeside walk or head to a rooftop bar for a nightcap — if skies are clear, step away from town for stargazing in Wanaka’s dark-sky-friendly environs before turning in, refreshed and ready for tomorrow’s adventure in Queenstown.
Start your day with a lakeside breakfast at Vudu Café or Bespoke Kitchen, then take the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables — consider booking the Luge for a few fun runs to warm up. If you prefer a gentler pace, stroll the Queenstown Gardens or join a morning jet-boat tour on the Shotover River for high-adrenaline canyon scenery and spectacular photo opportunities.
After lunch at Fergburger or Rathbone’s Wine Bar, pick an adventure: bungy from the historic Kawarau Bridge with AJ Hackett for the classic Queenstown thrill, or choose a scenic helicopter flight that lands on a nearby snowfield for a short snow walk and panoramic alpine vistas. Alternatively, explore Arrowtown’s charming heritage streets and the Lakes District Museum for a relaxed afternoon of gold-rush history and boutique shopping before returning to Queenstown.
As dusk falls, dine at Botswana or Amisfield for Central Otago cuisine paired with local pinot noir, then wander the waterfront to soak up the lively town atmosphere and live street music in summer. Cap the night with a cruise on Lake Wakatipu (sunset or evening options) or head to a rooftop bar such as The Bunker or Eichardt’s for cocktails under the stars before turning in—tomorrow’s early start for Milford Sound will thank you for a good night’s rest.
Set out early from Queenstown or Te Anau and enjoy the scenic coach or self-drive route through Te Anau, skirting Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley before the alpine pass; pause at the Cascade Creek or The Divide for quick photos and a short stretch. Arrive at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and board a morning cruise (several operators run 2-3 hour cruises) to glide beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls—keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and resident black coral gardens while the guides explain Māori legends and fiord geology.
After your cruise, have lunch at the Milford Sound Café or a picnic at the marina before exploring short shore walks like the Milford Foreshore Walk or the easy Walker Creek track to get closer to rainforest gullies and cascading streams. If time and budget allow, upgrade to a scenic flight back toward Queenstown or take a nature kayak from the marina to paddle quietly under Mitre Peak’s shadow for an intimate view of the fiord’s calm inner reaches.
Return toward Te Anau or Queenstown as daylight wanes, stopping for a relaxed dinner in Te Anau at a lakeside bistro such as The Fat Duck or Kepler Restaurant to sample Southland lamb or fresh fish while recounting the day’s wildlife highlights. Back in Queenstown, finish with a gentle lakeside stroll or a nightcap at a cosy bar like The Bunker, letting the dramatic fiord memories settle in before tomorrow’s drive to Dunedin and the Otago coast.
Leave Te Anau after breakfast and take the scenic route east and then south along SH94/SH1, pausing at the Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley for morning photos and a short leg-stretch among the sweeping tussocklands; continue through Gore and stop in Balclutha for coffee and a view of the Clutha River mouth. As you approach Dunedin, detour to the coastal lookout at Nugget Point or the Moeraki Boulders (if time allows) for iconic coastal geology and seal colonies before arriving in town in the late morning.
After checking into your Dunedin accommodation, explore the city’s historic heart with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its gardens on the Otago Peninsula, or wander the ornate Victorian precinct — visit the Dunedin Railway Station and the Otago Settlers Museum for local history. Alternatively, head out to the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head for the chance to see nesting albatross and other seabirds, then drive the scenic coastal loop back toward central Dunedin.
Enjoy dinner in the Warehouse Precinct or along George Street at a venue such as The Good Oil or Plato for modern New Zealand cuisine paired with Central Otago pinot, then take an evening stroll up Baldwin Street — the world’s steepest street — for a playful photo op and city lights. If you prefer wildlife after dark, join a guided tour to see little blue penguins returning to shore at dusk on the Otago Peninsula, otherwise relax at your accommodation and prepare for tomorrow’s deeper Otago Peninsula exploration and the return drive toward Christchurch.
Start the day with a scenic drive out the Portobello Road, stopping first at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head to watch adults soar above their cliff-top colony and learn about conservation at the visitor centre; timing your visit for the morning light gives excellent photo opportunities. Afterward, continue along the peninsula to the nearby Sandfly Bay or Tunnel Beach tracks for short coastal walks where you can often spot sea lions hauled out on the beaches and enjoy dramatic sea-cliff views.
Head to Larnach Castle for a guided tour of the historic rooms and a wander through the formal gardens with panoramic harbour views, pausing for lunch in the castle café or at a seaside café in Portobello. In the mid-afternoon, visit the Penguin Place or a guided Otago Peninsula wildlife tour to see little blue penguins and learn about habitat restoration, or stop at Hoopers Inlet and Papanui Inlet for birdwatching and chance encounters with wading shorebirds and local seals.
Return to central Dunedin for dinner in the Warehouse Precinct—try Vogel Street Kitchen or Plato for a relaxed meal—then if you’d like one last wildlife moment join an after-dusk penguin transfer or guided penguin-spotting tour on the peninsula to watch little blue penguins come ashore. Alternatively, begin your drive north toward Christchurch this evening or overnight in Dunedin to break the long return journey, setting off early tomorrow with refreshed energy for the northbound coastal route and Moeraki Boulders stop.
Leave Dunedin after breakfast and take the coastal route north, pausing at the iconic Moeraki Boulders for photos and a short beach walk among the spherical stones at low tide; explore the nearby Koekohe Beach and read the interpretive panels about the geology and Māori traditions. Continue through rolling Otago farmland and seaside villages, stopping in Oamaru to browse its Victorian precinct and visit the Blue Penguin Colony visitor centre if you’d like a daytime introduction to the region’s wildlife and heritage.
After lunch in Oamaru (try a café on Thames Street or a seafood spot at the harbour), press on along SH1 with a scenic coffee stop in Timaru and a short walk on Caroline Bay to stretch your legs and enjoy coastal views. As you drive into the Canterbury plains, detour to the Mackenzie Country turnoff if time allows for a quick look at the stark tussock landscapes, otherwise aim to arrive in Christchurch mid-to-late afternoon to check into your accommodation and take a gentle stroll through the Botanic Gardens or along the Avon River to unwind.
For New Year’s Eve in Christchurch, book ahead for a special dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants—options include Twenty Seven Steps or Inati for a memorable tasting menu—then head to the Ōtākaro/Avon riverside or Hagley Park where public festivities and fireworks are often held; alternatively, enjoy a quieter evening with a river cruise or a cocktail at a rooftop bar like The Other Side. Cap the night with a late walk through Cathedral Square to see the city lights and welcome the new year, reflecting on two weeks of South Island highlights before turning in.