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| self drive tours > 9 Day Top of the South Self Drive Tour |
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Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch! On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure. You can punt down the picturesque River Avon, visit the Anglican Church in Cathedral Square, visit the city's many museums, art galleries and cafes or maybe even try your luck at the Christchurch Casino!
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Christchurch |
| B&B: |
The Charlotte Jane |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel |
Day 2: Christchurch, Tranz Alpine Train & Punakaiki
This morning you board the world famous Tranz Alpine Train, which is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. You then climb into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. On arrival in Greymouth you collect your rental vehicle and travel the short distance to Punakaiki, which is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay. When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular.
Included for the duration of your rental car is an innovative commentary system. Imagine driving around New Zealand automatically gaining an in-depth knowledge of the history of the towns and regions you pass through, hearing ancient Maori myths and legends, listening to stories told by the characters that shaped our history, learning of the unique wildlife, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions that you see as you travel. Packed with over 2,000 audio commentaries, KRUSE® is guaranteed to keep you entertained and informed everywhere you go on your New Zealand self-drive holiday.
| Hotel: |
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel |
| B&B: |
Beach Hideaway |
| Boutique: |
Punakaiki Rocks Villas |
Day 3: Punakaiki to Nelson
The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. From Westport the road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you’ll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. Then travel up the Motueka River Valley on a pretty, winding road that takes you past magical scenery and tiny settlements to arrive in Nelson.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Grampian Villa (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Bronte Lodge (2 nights) |
Day 4: Discover the Abel Tasman National Park
Today you discover and experience for yourself the Abel Tasman National Park. After driving to Kaiteriteri you cruise to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach via the Seal Colony at Tonga Island. Here you walk 1 ˝ hours over a forested saddle to the picturesque estuary and calm waters of Bark Bay. Then walk the most varied section of the track, 2 hours to Torrent Bay, with vegetation ranging from dappled sunny regenerating Kanuka forest to dense temperate rainforest, including the Swing Bridge over Falls River. You then rejoin your water taxi back to Kaiteriteri. If you want to start your walk at Bark Bay, this can easily be arranged.
Day 5: Nelson to the Marlborough Sounds
The drive to Blenheim is both beautiful and interesting. Rai Valley has a delightful cottage museum, and at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim. And Havelock is the place for a seafood meal – it’s known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. When you reach Renwick, which is surrounded by vineyards, it will be clear that you’ve arrived in wine country. Then travel to Picton where you join your water taxi for your cruise across Marlborough Sounds to your accommodation.
| Hotel: |
The Portage Resort (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Raetihi Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Bay of Many Coves (2 nights) |
Day 6: At Leisure
The Marlborough Sounds is a paradise offering the opportunity to partake in so many enjoyable activities. Indulge in a favourite pastime or try a new diversion! Perhaps enjoy bush walking as you tramp the Queen Charlotte Track at your own pace. Hire a kayak and explore the sheltered bays and beautiful Sounds coastline either on a guided or independent option. Try your hand at fishing or take a helicopter or seaplane flight to see the region from another perspective. The choice is yours.
Day 7: Marlborough Sounds to Kaikoura & Whale Watching
State Highway 1 takes you through the coastal foothills, and then out into the picturesque Awatere Valley. Then after the small town of Ward, the road turns toward the awesome beauty of the Pacific Coast which you follow to reach Kaikoura. On arrival you enjoy a three hour Whale Watching experience by boat. Off the coast of the Kaikoura village is a marine environment so rich in nutrients that it attracts some of the most magnificent creatures with which we share our planet. Among them the giant Sperm Whale which can grow up to 20 metres in length and has the largest brain of any animal alive. Not only can you be introduced to the magnificent Sperm Whale, but also to migratory Humpback Whales (June & July), Orca (summer months), New Zealand's own tiny Hectors dolphin, the high spirited displays of the Dusky dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals and the Royal Albatross.
| Hotel: |
White Morph Inn |
| B&B: |
Fyffe Country Lodge |
| Boutique: |
Hapuku Lodge |
Day 8: Kaikoura to Christchurch & Evening Dining
The trip south today takes you along the edge of the rugged coastal ranges. From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. The landscape becomes gentler as you approach Waipara – a region known for its vineyards and olive groves and could be a great place to stop for refreshments. The last leg of your journey takes you past the surf beaches of Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku and Woodend before arriving in Christchurch. Christchurch is famous for its fabulous dining, entertainment, breath-taking scenery and cultural heritage. This evening you combine all of the above onboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant where dining is not only a culinary delight but also a trip back into history. We invite you to sit back in the luxury of our air-conditioned, colonial style, dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages that New Zealand has to offer.
| Hotel: |
Heritage Hotel Christchurch |
| B&B: |
The Charlotte Jane |
| Boutique: |
The George Hotel |
Day 9: Depart Christchurch
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Christchurch Airport in time to join your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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Package Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation of your choice
- Breakfast included daily
- Transfer by private vehicle from airport to accommodation
- Transfer by private vehicle from accommodation to train station
- Tranz Alpine Train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Transport by your choice of rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance on days 2-9
- KRUSE commentary system for duration of rental vehicle hire
- Cruise & Walk package in Abel Tasman National Park
- Return water taxi transfers to your accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds
- Whale Watch tour by boat in Kaikoura
- 4 course evening dining on Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
- Arrival documents
- Driving directions & maps
- 24 hour on call assistance from Luxury Vacations NZ representative
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Package Prices
Valid for travel 01 October 2008 to 30 April 2009
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
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Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$2,521 |
$2,713 |
$3,183 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$2,547 |
$2,739 |
$3,209 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$2,615 |
$2,807 |
$3,277 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$2,834 |
$3,027 |
$3,497 |
- Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation
- Single & triple prices available on request
- B&B properties are not suitable for children
Fully Flexible Holidays!
All of our self drive holidays are completely flexible. Whether you want to mix and match a couple of packages, add some extra nights before, after or during your stay or include some additional attractions or activities, our team of travel specialists are here to assist you. We're New Zealander's so we have the local knowledge and expertise to tailor a package just for you. Just let us know when you enquire.
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| Enquire Now |
To receive more information about this package, please complete the below enquiry form. Once received, one of our specialist travel consultants will be in contact by the next working day.
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