8 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: Top of the South South Island Tours New Zealand

8 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: “Top of the South” bus tour has been pre-planned and for ease and peace of mind we have pre-booked all your accommodation and sightseeing needs to allow a truly memorable experience.

If you want to spend additional time exploring New Zealand, we highly recommend checking out our extensive selection of day tours or all of our New Zealand self drive tours.

  •    TOUR DURATION:
    8 days
  •    TOUR STARTS/ENDS:
    Christchurch to Christchurch
  •    TOUR CATEGORY:
    Self Drive Tour
  •    TRANSPORTATION:
    Rental Car
  •    TOUR DEPARTURES:
    Daily
  •    AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
    N/A
  •    MEALS:
    7 x Breakfast 
  •    ACCOMMODATIONS:
    First Class Hotels, Superior Hotels, Standard Hotels
  •    PASSENGERS:
    no minimum number of passengers
  •    TOUR CODE:
    GTNZ20
  •    PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION:
    “Available“
  •    CITIES/REGIONS VISITED:

    CHRISTCHURCH – KAIKOURA – BLENHEIM – NELSON – PUNAKAIKI – GREYMOUTH

ITINERARY

(B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Depart from United States Of America, US

DAY 1 : ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

On arrival in Christchurch, ‘The Garden City’, self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

DAY 2 : CHRISTCHURCH - KAIKOURA

Travel through North Canterbury before turning towards the coast and arriving in Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history and legend. Enjoy a Whale Watch experience by boat (weather permitting – tomorrow morning early is the alternative cruise time). You will have the opportunity to view the magnificent Sperm Whale as well as New Zealand’s own tiny Hectors Dolphin, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. (B)

DAY 3 : KAIKOURA - BLENHEIM

A leisurely start this morning before you continue north to Blenheim, the centre of the Marlborough region and New Zealand’s most famous wine growing area. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)

DAY 4 : BLENHEIM - NELSON

Explore the Marlborough Wine Region this morning including a winery visit with tasting before heading through to Havelock Marina. Join the Greenshell Mussell Cruise this afternoon on the Marlborough Sounds before continuing by road through to Nelson. (B)

DAY 5 : NELSON

At leisure to enjoy Nelson. Optional activities include a day excursion to Abel Tasman National Park or enjoy a visit to one of the many wineries in the region. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)

DAY 6 : NELSON - PUNAKAIKI

Travel across hill country today through the Buller Gorge to Westport and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. (B)

DAY 7 : PUNAKAIKI - GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH

A short journey today to reach the town of Greymouth. Travel through the rainforest of the West Coast to reach Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Southern Alps, before descending through the rugged gorges of the Waimakariri and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)

DAY 8 : DEPARTURE DAY

Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your New Zealand Vacation! (B)

Arrive to United States Of America, US

Inclusions & Highlights

Our Package Touring offers the following:

 Daily departures
No minimum number of passengers
Breakfasts Daily at all hotels
All sightseeing entry fees included (as mentioned in each itinerary)
A choice of accommodation options
All tours can be added to
All packages can be taken in reverse (except ‘Stunning New Zealand’)

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Accommodation Options
Standard is equivalent to a good 3-star tourist hotel.These hotels represent excellent value for money and usually have a licensed restaurant and bar on the premises.

Superior Accommodation Options
Superior describes hotels in the 3 1/2 to 4-star category. More often than not, these will be centrally located and offering a wide range of services and facilities.

First Class Accommodation Options
First Class are central city or resort location hotels at the top end of the scale rating 4 to 4 1/2 stars. All hotels at this level have excellent facilities, bars and restaurants etc, full services, and many feature swimming pool, spa baths, and fully equipped gymnasium for the enjoyment of guests.