Trip Itinerary

adventurers
beach
city escapes
couples
family friendly
group of friends
individuals
nature
relaxation
romantic
trending trips
A seven-stop tour that ensures you'll see the best of New Zealand's South Island. Begin in bustling Christchurch and punt along the river Avon; enjoy the wildlife of Kaikoura and spot sperm whales from the lookout points; pass through Blenheim and sample the areas wines, then see filmmaker Peter Jackson's collection of World War I planes; enjoy more wine at the vineyards of Nelson and browse the arts and crafts created and sold there; in Murchison go white-water rafting on one of the many water-ways that converge on the "Four Rivers Plain"; explore the verdant landscapes and coastal blowholes of Punakaiki; lastly, relax in the thermal pools and spa at Hanmer Springs, before exploring the rugged landscapes and rivers.
1

CHRISTCHURCH

DAY 1 - 1

2

CHRISTCHURCH

Day 1 - 3

i

Despite the 2011 earthquake which devastated much of the city, Christchurch is changing and rapidly redeveloping itself into a popular destination once again. The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch’s flourishing and pedestrianised city centre is filled with lush botanic gardens and trees, and offers as a gateway to explore the nearby epic nature. Just a short drive away are the hidden bays and beaches of the Banks Peninsula, as well as Arthur’s Pass and Lake Tekapo.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

3

KAIKOURA

Day 3 - 5

i

A coastal town situated on the South Island, Kaikoura is set on a picturesque landscape backed by snow-capped mountains and clear blue waters which lead into the Pacific Ocean. Known for its abundant population of sperm whales as well as other marine life, the area is also part of a sustainable development approach which aims to protect its diverse wildlife. The town itself is small and relaxed yet bustling with life, with a small selection of restaurants where visitors can sample the town’s speciality of Crayfish.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

4

BLENHEIM (NEW ZEALAND)

Day 5 - 7

i

Boasting the title of one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, Blenheim is an agricultural town now famed for its growing wine industry. A sleepy and quiet yet redeveloped town set within the beautiful Wairau Plains, Blenheim is worth visiting for those looking to enjoy the temperate climate and visit one of the many vineyards of the region.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

5

NELSON (NEW ZEALAND)

Day 7 - 9

i

Set in a stunning area of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a vibrant city situated in close proximity to the region’s many national parks and beaches. It is home to a thriving creative scene, with an annual Arts Festival taking place every October, as well as many galleries featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople. One of New Zealand’s oldest, sunniest and most liveable cities, Nelson offers a diverse range of attractions for those looking to explore the surrounding nature or enjoy the culture.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

6

MURCHISON

Day 9 - 11

i

Murchison is a small township in New Zealand on SH6 between the West Coast and Nelson. It has a small selection of cafes and restaurants.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

7

PUNAKAIKI

Day 11 - 13

i

Perhaps the most famed attraction of Punakaiki are its Pancake Rocks, picturesque limestone formations resembling pancakes, and the blowholes which send streams of water into the air. This small community is part of the Paparoa National Park, which is home to epic coastal scenery and many interesting natural formations such as the Punakaiki Cavern - just make sure to visit at night to see the glow worms.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

8

HANMER SPRINGS

Day 13 - 15

i

Hanmer Springs is a small spa resort in the South Island of New Zealand.

TOP RANKED NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Day 15 - Fly Home

SIMILAR ITINERARIES

Check out our other Trending destination itineraries below you may be interested in
See More