Top of The South

Meet and greet service with rental car pick up at Christchurch Airport.

Travel across broad, braided rivers and the rich patchwork farming landscape of the Canterbury ranges. Continue up the ruggedly beautiful coastline between the surging Pacific Ocean and the steeply rising Kaikoura Ranges to the wine growing region of Marlborough. On arrival in Picton park your car and travel by water taxi to your accommodation. Recommended Optional Tour Enroute: Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical tour may encounter fur seals, pods of dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. You may also see Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kiaoura is home to world’s largest dolphin the Orca and the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin the Hector and has the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand.

Day at leisure. The South Island’s northeast corner is dominated by the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, a half-submerged mountain range revealed as a labyrinth of waterways, inlets, coves, bays and islands. The result is a marvellous recreation area for boating, swimming, and fishing as well as walking and cycling.

Take a water taxi back to Picton today to collect your rental car and make the short journey to Nelson.

Day at leisure. The Nelson Tasman Region is known for its vibrant coastal towns, full of bustling cafes, charming boutiques and funky art galleries. Rich with spectacular scenery, three national parks are within 90 minutes of the city. Recommended Optional Tour: Journey north to Abel Tasman National Park to cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Pause to view the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony then land at historic Tonga Quarry Beach. Take a one hour walk over a picturesque forested saddle and around the Bark Bay waterfall trail to bays of golden beaches before the return to Nelson.

A beautiful drive today will take you via the Nelson Lakes to Hanmer Springs. Situated in the foothills of the Southern Alps Hanmer Springs is a destination for relaxation and indulgence. Bike rides, bush walks and horse treks are all on offer but by far the most famous and popular activity the town boasts is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa – to which entrance is included.

The return route to Christchurch follows the beautiful Waiau River. Farmland, vineyards and olive groves characterise the Waipara region, which is known for its wine and food The last leg of your journey takes you past surf beaches to Christchurch where your tour concludes with the return of your rental car to Christchurch Airport depot.