New Zealand South Island Self Drive

The South Island has much to explore and a self drive holiday is one of the best ways to see all that this beautiful destination has to offer.

New Zealand is the perfect destination to self drive – excellent roads, beautiful scenery and you are never far from a major place of interest.

Self drive gives you complete freedom and independence, allowing you more flexibility for sightseeing – you can travel at your own pace, stop wherever you like and get off the beaten track.

And the South Island is a great place to start. You can do short 3 day trips or take as long as you like to experience the wonderful scenery, delicious local food and wine and the friendly towns you stop at.

There are two main airports you can fly into, Queenstown and Christchurch. Flying into Christchurch allows you to have more flexibility with airlines and flight times but if you are looking for a weekend of action packed adventure or a one flight ski holiday, Queenstown may suit you better.

A great 7 day drive from Christchurch is to take in the top of the South Island which takes in the Marlborough, Nelson and Canterbury regions.

The Nelson region, “the sunshine capital of New Zealand”, offers spectacular national parks, beaches and lakes, vineyards, gourmet cafes, a colourful arts community and fantastic boutique shopping.

Charming Nelson city is just one hour from the Abel Tasman National Park, popular for sea kayaking, sailing and walking the Abel Tasman Track.

Marlborough’s port town of Picton is the departure point for the Queen Charlotte Track and the Marlborough Sounds, a labyrinth of sea-flooded valleys, popular for cruising and fishing. Inland, Blenheim is known for its world class Sauvignon Blanc and wine tasting opportunities.

Half way between Blenheim and Christchurch is the small coastal town of Kaikoura. In Maori, kai means “eat” and koura means “crayfish” and true to its name is a popular place for sampling the local crayfish.

Dolphin and whale watching are also highlights of this area. Just a little south on the inland route is the thermal centre of Hanmer Springs, a great place to soak in the thermal pools, relax and reflect.

The itinerary below gives you an idea of drive times and places to stop at.

Day 1: Christchurch

Arrive at Christchurch and collect your rental vehicle. Remainder of day is at your leisure. Be sure visit the Antarctic Centre.

Day 2: Christchurch – Hanmer Springs (135 km)

This morning depart Christchurch and followstate highway 7 to Hanmer Springs. Stop at the famousHanmer Springs so you can relax in thehot pools.

 Day 3: Hanmer Springs – Nelson (350 km)

Today continue your journey further north to the Marlborough Region. This region is renowned for its National Parks, golden beaches, artist, wineries, seafood and the country’s highest sunshine hours. Before reaching your destination you drive over the Lewis Pass through Maruia Forest, past the town of Murchison and onto Nelson. This afternoon visit the World of Wearable Arts and Collectable Cars Museum.

Day 4: Nelson  

Today you have the entire day in Nelson. Take the opportunity to explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Choose from: sea kayaking, a cruise or join a guided walk tour in the National Park.

Day 5: Nelson – Blenheim (117 km)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Nelson before driving across to Blenheim, the largest town in the Marlborough wine region and also New Zealand’s premier wine growing town. Be sure to sample the local wines and take some home with you.

Day 6: Blenheim – Christchurch (320 km)

Drive south along the Kaikoura Coast arriving in time to join a midday Whale Watching tour. Continue your drive south through the Canterbury Plains, before arriving into Christchurch.

Day 7: Christchurch

Depart Christchurch.

Total Driving Distance > 922 kms