South Island Explorer

Collect your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura, renowned for its Maori cultural experiences and whale watching excursions.

Collect your rental car from the airport depot and make your way to the quaint coastal town of Kaikoura, renowned for its Maori cultural experiences and whale watching excursions.

In pictures

Enjoy an early morning whale watch excursion. Every tour is a unique experience and sightings vary. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical whale watch tour may encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales. Orcas and Hector’s dolphins are common sightings. In the afternoon continue onto Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Spend the day exploring the national park with an Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass giving you complete flexibility to explore the coves, beaches and forest trails at your leisure.

Spend the day exploring the national park with an Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk Open Day Pass giving you complete flexibility to explore the coves, beaches and forest trails at your leisure.

In pictures

From the tranquil golden beaches of the Abel Tasman head out west to the wild and rugged west coast, and its astonishing variety of landscapes, rich history and abundant wildlife. Stop at Punakaiki to view the fantastic blow holes and rock formations.

Make your way to glacier country and to the world’s most accessible temperate-zone glaciers, nestled in valleys lined with rainforest. On arrival you may like to take a heli-hiking trip or guided walk on the glacier (additional cost applies).

Make your way to glacier country and to the world’s most accessible temperate-zone glaciers, nestled in valleys lined with rainforest. On arrival you may like to take a heli-hiking trip or guided walk on the glacier (additional cost applies).

In pictures

Enjoy a magnificent drive through World Heritage rainforests and cross the Haast Pass to reach the stunning alpine resort town of Queenstown, which lies at the heart of the spectacular Southern Lakes region.

Enjoy mountain views and farm country on the drive to Te Anau. Situated beside a stunning lake, this small township is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Enjoy mountain views and farm country on the drive to Te Anau. Situated beside a stunning lake, this small township is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

In pictures

Travel by coach from Te Anau to Milford Sound along the spectacular Milford Road. Photo stops will be made along the way into Milford. On arrival join a nature cruise for a leisurely journey the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, majestic mountains and rare wildlife. A nature guide will also provide you with fascinating interpretation throughout the cruise. Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel. Following the cruise, re-board your coach and return to Te Anau.

Drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka, which has an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. It is a slightly quieter alternative to Queenstown and is in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park.

Drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka, which has an abundance of outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting. It is a slightly quieter alternative to Queenstown and is in close proximity to Mt Aspiring National Park.

In pictures

Enjoy a day at leisure in the heart of the Southern Lakes region. Wanaka is an ideal location for keen hikers and those wanting to explore pristine picture-perfect landscapes.

Head north through magnificent rural landscapes en route to Mount Cook National Park which lies at the heart of the Southern Alps. The scenery here is breathtaking as you take in mesmerising blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills as well as clear skies, perfect for stargazing, before arriving at Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Head north through magnificent rural landscapes en route to Mount Cook National Park which lies at the heart of the Southern Alps. The scenery here is breathtaking as you take in mesmerising blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills as well as clear skies, perfect for stargazing, before arriving at Aoraki/Mount Cook.

In pictures

Drive to the city of Christchurch today via scenic Lake Tekapo and the charming town of Geraldine where you may like to stop en route.

Drop off your rental car at the airport today as you bid farewell to South Island.