Free activities and attractions

All of the free activities and attractions listed below can be enjoyed on a self-drive South Island motorhome holiday.

Kaikoura

Located 2.5 hours’ drive from Christchurch on the East Coast of the South Island is the spot to see whales, seals and dolphins.  At Ohau Point Seal Colony, you can see the baby seal pups swim around at the waterfall as their mothers are out gathering food.  It is a short five minute walk from the car park to the waterfall where you can get up close to take lots of pictures. 

Christchurch

Known as the “Garden City,” the Christchurch Botanical Gardens feature a collection of native New Zealand plants as well as some exotic ones covering 21 hectares.  Spring is a great time to visit the gardens to see the Cherry Tree blooms.  Our parts of the garden to explore are the Central Rose Garden, Azalea and Magnolia Garden and the Herb Garden.

Punakaiki

Just over 30 minutes’ drive from Greymouth along the West Coast is Punakaiki.  Located inside Paparoa National Park are the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.  Just off of SH 6 is a 20 minute track which will take you in a loop to see the limestone rock formations and water as it crashes against the rock walls. 

Queenstown

Enjoy a game of Frisbee Golf in the Queenstown Gardens.  The game is played with a disc frisbee and there are different targets set up throughout the course.  Queenstown Gardens are a great spot for a picnic or to take a stroll around to see the plants and views of Lake Wakatipu. 

Oamaru

Take a walk around Oamaru to see the Victorian architecture which is featured in several of the buildings throughout the town.   Just 30 minutes’ drive south of Oamaru is Koekohe Beach which features the Moeraki Boulders.  The 50+ giant boulders sprinkle the beach and largest boulder weighs seven tons. 

Explore the South Island on your next motorhome adventure! 

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