14 Day South Island Coastal Itinerary New Zealand Tours & Holiday Packages New Zealand Travel Reservations New Zealand Self Drive Tours

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HOW TO PLAN AND BOOK THIS NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Within this detailed itinerary you will find lists of accommodation and activity operators in each New Zealand area.
Beside each of these operators names is either a nightly price indication or a brief description about their operation. For more information and to make a booking with each individual operator, simply click the operators name which is an active link to their web page. On their web page you can read more about their establishment and are able to make enquiries and bookings directly with them.
If you would like a customised quote for this itinerary CLICK HERE

14 Day South Island Coastal Discovery Tour
Christchurch/Banks Peninsula - Kaikoura - Nelson - West Coast - Wanaka/Lake Hawea or Queenstown - Southland - Dunedin - Oamaru/Timaru/Geraldine - Christchurch

Shuttle Transport Greymouth-Christchurch-Greymouth - Contact: West Coast Shuttle

Click map to enlarge

For rental car options we recommend:

New Zealand Rent-A-Car, Greymouth - Enhance your holiday on the West Coast by taking advantage of our excellent service and great rental rates when you hire one of our vehicle
- Pegasus Rentals - Vehicle support and depots nationwide.
- Airlink Rental Cars - A wide range of cars, vans and 4WD's.

For a guided tour using this itinerary contact Canterbury Shuttles & Tours and Ecotours and Active Planet Ltd

SOUTH ISLAND BUS SERVICE - Southern Link Coaches

Day 1 - Christchurch/Banks Peninsula

Christchurch/Banks Peninsula Accommodation Options:

Colombo in the City Motel, Christchurch (*POA)
Camelot Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$125)
A Nest on Mount Pleasant Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch (*from NZ$80 B&B)
A Nest on Mount Pleasant Holiday Home, Christchurch (*from NZ$120)
Thomas's Hotel on Hereford, Christchurch (*from NZ$ 22-$155)
YMCA Budget Hotel, Christchurch (*from NZ$25)
Clearview Lodge 5 Star Accommodation, Christchurch (*POA)
Kowhai Farmstay, Oxford, 40 mins from Christchurch (*from NZ$75)
Destination Akaroa - Akaroa information service
Seascape-Escape Bed & Breakfast, Mt Pleasant, Christchurch (*POA)
Glentanner Park, Mt Cook (*from NZ$13-NZ$110)
Avon Grove Villa Bed & Breakfast, Christchurch (*from NZ$100 B&B)
Eyrewell Downs Executive Holiday Home, Christchurch (POA)
298 Westside Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$99)
Langdon House Luxury Accommodation, Christchurch (*from NZ$350 B&B)
Waitaitama City Retreat Fendalton, Christchurch (price on application)
Stonehurst Accommodation, Christchurch City (*POA)
Lyell Creek Lodge, Kaikoura (*from NZ$40)
Denton Park Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$110)
Middlepark Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$90)
Wayside Motel, Woodend (20mins north of Christchurch) (*from NZ$75)
Airport Gateway Motor Lodge, Christchurch (*from NZ$125)
Addington City Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$95)
Raceway Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$80)
Base Christchurch Backpackers, Christchurch (*from NZ$26pp)
CentrePoint on Colombo (*from NZ$105)
City Oasis Lodge & Motel (*from NZ$20-NZ$95)
Bishops Manor, Christchurch (*POA)
Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park, Christchurch (*from NZ$45)
Riccarton Village Inn Hotel, Christchurch (*from NZ$79)
306 on Riccarton Motel, Christchurch (*from NZ$105)

Christchurch/Banks Peninsula Activity options:

West Coast Shuttle - Daily transport from Greymouth to Christchurch. Mountain bike tours & ski packages.
Adventure Tours, Christchurch & Canterbury - Christchurch Day tours, half day tours, Maori Cultural Performance & lots more.
Antigua Boatsheds Boat Hire, Christchurch - Canoe, Paddleboat and Rowboat hire, on site cafe - available for parties, groups and special occassions.
HELiPRO, Christchurch - Unique and Unforgettable scenic flight options, combination packages and weekend getaways.
Katoro Waka Heritage Journeys, Christchurch - Your gateway to the world of the South Island Maori - waka (canoe) journeys, natural wildlife, and friendly Maori cultural performances
River Tours, Rakaia Gorge - Choose from anexciting range of Fishing and Jet Boat Tours on the pristine waters of the Rakaia Gorge
Kowhai Farm Horse Riding Holidays, Oxford - Horse trekking tours and riding school, from half day to 3 months.
Destination Akaroa - Information and bookings for Akaroa accommodation, rentals and activities.
Tamaki Heritage Village, Christchurch - Experience New Zealand Maori culture and see history come to life!
Airlink Rentals - Renowned for providing quality rental vehicles with handy New Zealand wide locations.
nzski.com - New Zealand's Premiere Skiing & Snowboarding Areas - Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt
Pohatu Penguins, Banks Peninsula - See the large White Flippered Penguin colony unobtrusively by kayak and enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Pohatu Marine Reserve.
Canterbury Shuttles & Tours - Superior passenger transport service offering transfers, transport for private functions and personalised tours.
KoTane, Christchurch - Maori Cultural Experience
Jet Thrills, Christchurch - Jetboating on the mighty Waimakariri River
Southern Link Coaches - Daily buses & coaches from Christchurch to Queenstown and Nelson
Bill Rodgers Guided Fly Fishing, Timaru & Gore - Guided brown trout fishing in select parts of the Mataura River normally fished only by experts.

Day 2 - Kaikoura

Kaikoura Accommodation options:

Lyell Creek Lodge (*from NZ$40)
Panorama Motel (*from NZ$110)
Colonial Court Motel (*from NZ$85)

Kaikoura Activity option:

Kaikoura Fishing Charters, Kaikoura - Enjoy excellent deep sea fishing with a safe, experienced team.
Wings Over Whales, Kaikoura - Kaikoura Whale watch by air

Day 3 & 4 - Nelson

Nelson Accommodation Options

Mount Richmond Resort, Rai Valley, between Nelson & Picton (*fron NZ$24-$99)
Kershaw House Bed & Breakfast, Richmond, Nelson (*from NZ$150 B&B)
Airport Greens Motel, Nelson (*fron NZ$105)
Balmoral Motels & Motor Lodge, Nelson (*from NZ$85)
Blue Waters Motel, Nelson (*from NZ$80)
Cedar Grove Motor Lodge, Nelson (*from NZ$120)
Kingsland Court Motel, Nelson (*from NZ$95)
Kaiteri Lodge, Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson (*from NZ$25-NZ$80)
The Honest Lawyer Country Pub, Nelson (*from NZ$130)
Leisure Lodge Motor Inn, Nelson (*from NZ$120)
Villa 10 Waterfront Apartments, Nelson (*from NZ$255)

Bay Tours - Offering a full range of half and full day tours of the Nelson region. Specialising in wine tours, we also offer small personal scenic tours and craft tours, and exclusive custom designed tours.

Day 5 - West Coast
Spend 1 night in this area. Your choice to stay in either Greymouth or Hokitika.

Greymouth Accommodation

Rosewood Bed & Breakfast, Greymouth (*from NZ$180 B&B)
Paroa Hotel, Motel, Restaurant & Bar, Greymouth (*from NZ$110)
Beachview Motels, Rapahoe, Greymouth (*from NZ$130)
Neptunes International Backpackers, Greymouth (*from NZ$18pp)
Revingtons Hotel, Greymouth (*from NZ$19pp)
Bellavista Motel, Greymouth (*from NZ$105)
Lake Brunner Resort, Moana, Lake Brunner (37kms from Greymouth) (*from NZ$180)
South Beach Motel & Motor Park, Greymouth (*from NZ$22-NZ$135)
Greymouth Motel, Greymouth (*POA)
Recreation Hotel, Greymouth (*from NZ$64)
Alpine Rose Motel, Greymouth (*from NZ$95)
Highpark Motor Inn, Greymouth (*from NZ$95)
Aachen Place Motel, Greymouth (*from NZ$95)
Scenicland Motels, Greymouth (*from NZ$90)

Greymouth Activities & Rental Vehicles

West Coast Shuttle - Daily transport from Greymouth to Christchurch. Mountain bike tours & ski packages.
New Zealand Rent-A-Car, Greymouth - Enhance your holiday in Greymouth by taking advantage of our excellent service and great rental rates when you hire one of our vehicles.
On Yer Bike! Adventures, Greymouth - Brace yourself for the off road adventure of a lifetime in a backdrop of lush West Coast rainforest.
Waiatoto River Safaris, Haast - New Zealand's only sea to mountain eco-jet adventure

Hokitika Accommodation

Hokitika Holiday Park, Hokitika (*from NZ$37.50)
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (*from NZ$159)
Bella Vista Motel, Hokitika (*from NZ$85)
252 Beachside Motels & Holiday Park (*from NZ$25-NZ$130)

Hokitika Rental Vehicles

New Zealand Rent-A-Car, Greymouth - Enhance your holiday in Hokitika by taking advantage of our excellent service and great rental rates when you hire one of our vehicles.
Waiatoto River Safaris, Haast - New Zealand's only sea to mountain eco-jet adventure

Day 6 & 7 - Wanaka/Lake Hawea or Queenstown
Spend 3 nights in this area. Your choice of the duration of your stay in both Wanaka/Lake Hawea and Queenstown.

Wanaka & Lake Hawea Accommodation

Lake Outlet Holiday Park, Wanaka (*from NZ$12pp to NZ$250)
Hunter Cottage Holiday House, Wanaka (*from NZ$130)
Hislop Cottage Holiday House, Wanaka (*from NZ$270)
Alpine Motel Apartments, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$95)
Maple Lodge, Wanaka (*from NZ$250 B&B)
Clarion Suites Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$299)
Wanaka Bed & Breakfast Association, Wanaka - A wide diversity of Wanaka Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Benbrae - Cardrona Valley Resort, Cardrona Valley (*from NZ$149-NZ$399 seasonal)
McDougalls Apartment, Wanaka (*from NZ$135)
Wanaka Lakehouse Super Luxury Mountain Chalet (*from NZ$600 B&B)
Heritage Village Country Resort, Wanaka (*from NZ$250 for 2pp)
Green Gables Bed & Breakfast Apartment, Wanaka (*from NZ$75 B&B)
Aspiring Campervan Park, Lake Wanaka (*POA)
Wanaka Springs Boutique Lodge Accommodation, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$295 B&B)
Cardrona Terrace Estate Luxury Lodge & Vineyard, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$495 B&B)
Whare Kea Lodge & Alpine Chalet, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$500pp DBB)
Wanaka Luxury Apartments, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$240)
Lake Hawea Motor Inn, Lake Hawea (*from NZ$25pp to NZ$120)
Makarora Homestead Wilderness Accommodation (45 mins from Wanaka) (*from NZ$100)
Wanaka Accommodation, Lake Wanaka - Holiday Homes for all Budgets
Wanaka Apartment, Lake Wanaka - (*from NZ$150)
Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$195 B&B)
Lime Tree Lodge Luxury Accommodation, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$295 B&B + extras)
Maungawera Lodge, Maungawera Valley (between Lake Wanaka & Lake Hawea) (*from NZ$150 B&B)
Fairway Motel Wanaka (*from NZ$100)
Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$210)
Lake Hawea Motel & Lakeside Cottage, Lake Hawea (*from NZ$95)
Manuka Crescent Motel, Lake Wanaka (*from NZ$100)

Things to See & Do in Wanaka & Lake Hawea

Wanaka River Journeys, Wanaka - Experience jetboating and helicopter tours through Lord of the Rings locations, watched over by Avalanche Glacier and Tititea (Mount Aspiring).
Lakeland Adventures, Wanaka - Choose from a selection of quality activities surrounded by stunning scenery in Lake Wanaka. Enjoy jet boating, guided trout & salmon fishing, and luxury yacht charters.
Southern Alps Air & Siberia Experience, Wanaka - Milford Sound, Mount Cook and Mt Aspiring scenic flights as well as the Siberia Experience hiking trip with hunting and fishing options available.
Alpine Kayak Guides, Luggate (12km from Wanaka) - Fun, scenic and safe kayaking trips and instructional courses on local Wanaka Rivers from October to April. Experience first hand the thrill of kayaking from a relaxed introduction to a full-on day of paddling.
Wanaka RentaCar, Wanaka - Short or long term hires in the Wanaka region , from small economical runabouts, mid-size and touring cars to 4WD and 8 seat people carriers.
Cardrona Adventure Park, Wanaka - Quad bike (ATV) safaris in the historic Gold Mining area of the Cardrona Valley, Wanaka - Queenstown.
Cardrona Adventure Park, Wanaka - See awesome Monster Truck stunts and record breaking jumps at this international stunt show - the only one of it's kind in the world!
NZ Back Country Saddle Expeditions, Wanaka - Horse trekking adventures in the Cardrona Valley tussock covered high country, taking in the Cardrona River.
Inside New Zealand Wilderness Adventures, Makarora, Wanaka - Experience fast-paced shallow water jet boating, thrilling scenic helicopter rides, classic backcountry bush walks, hunting, fishing and exclusive heli-skiing, all within the stunning World Heritage listed Mount Aspiring National Park.

Queenstown Accommodation options:

Thomas's Hotel on the Waterfront, Queenstown (*from NZ$25-$155)
Wakatipu View Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$95)
1V Four Seasons Motel, Queenstown (*from NZ$145)
Cranbury Court Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$160)
Blue Peaks Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$110)
Trelawn Riverside Boutique Lodging, Queenstown (*from NZ$200 B&B)
The Glebe Luxury Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$192)
Villa Del Lago Luxury Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$240)
Base Discovery Lodge, Queenstown (*from NZ$26pp)
Abba Garden Motel, Queenstown (*from NZ$120)
Spinnaker Bay Resort, Queenstown (*from NZ$280)
Coronet Peak Hotel, Queenstown (*from NZ$80)
Alexis Motor Lodge & Apartments, Queenstown (*POA)
Gateway Apartments, Queenstown (*from NZ$140)
Lomond Lodge Motor Inn, Queenstown (*from NZ$125)
Nokomai Station, Lumsden, 1 hour from Queenstown (*from NZ$250)
Five Rivers Retreat, Lumsden, 1 hour from Queenstown (*from NZ$220 B&B)

Queenstown Activity options:

Heliworks Helicopters, Queenstown - Scenic flights in and around Queenstown and Fiordland including Milford Sound or even deeper into the Fiordland to Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound.
JAG Air, Queenstown - Experience adrenaline fueled adventure, aerobatic, acrobatic flights in our Pitts Special Bi plane!
Real Journeys, Queenstown, Fiordland & Stewart Island - Providing a range of quality tourism excursions offering authentic experiences among some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand.
Southern Wings Charters, Invercargill - Offering visitors to Southern New Zealand a range of "Discovery" scenic flights to the Catlins Coast, Fiordland and Stewart Island.
Milford Sound BBQ Bus, Te Anau & Queenstown - Sit back and relax in our comfortable, modern coach and take in the experience of a personal tour of Milford Sound.
Ecotours & Active Planet, Te Anau & Queenstown - Milford Sound day trips ex Te Anau and Queenstown, Lord of the Rings tours, New Zealand wide itineraries.
Cruize Milford, Milford Sound - Providing personal friendly service and uncrowded Milford Sound boat cruises.
Topline Tours, Te Anau & Queenstown - Providing an all year round first class shuttle service for travellers, between Te Anau and Queenstown and return and tour charters throughout the South Island
Mitre Peak Cruises, Milford Sound - Specilaizing in cruises to Milford Sound, an up close and personal view of one of the worlds most spectacular settings
Fat Tyre Adventures Ltd - Ride the best mountain biking New Zealand has on offer around Queenstown, guided single track, Cross Country and Free Ride mountain biking over some of the most scenic mountain biking trails.
nzski.com - New Zealand's Premiere Skiing & Snowboarding Areas - Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt
Sail Queenstown - A unique opportunity to sail an America's Cup boat on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's only sailing experience!
Air Milford, Queenstown - Experience New Zealand flightseeing at its best with exclusive flight seeing tours of Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook and the Catlins
NZONE Skydiving - "the ultimate jump'". Tandem skydiving adventures in Queenstown & Rotorua
Air Fiordland - Take a scenic flight with Air Fiordland to iconic Milford Sound, as well as flights to the Glaciers, Doubtful Sound, Mt Cook, Lord of the Rings tours & private charters.
Cardrona Adventure Park - Several activities available for the whole family, a wide variety of Quad Bikes, Buggy and Monster Truck rides to suit all, from beginners to intermediate to the outright adrenalin junkie.

Real Journeys, Queenstown, Fiordland & Stewart Island - Providing a range of quality tourism excursions offering authentic experiences among some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand.

Bill Rodgers Guided Fly Fishing, Gore - Guided brown trout fishing in select parts of the Mataura River normally fished only by experts.

Southern Wings Charters, Invercargill - Offering visitors to Southern New Zealand a range of "Discovery" scenic flights to the Catlins Coast, Fiordland and Stewart Island.

Jewel Charters, Riverton & Doubtful Sound - Charter trips and tours in Fiordland and Stewart Island - fishing & diving, hunting, scenic and nature tours.

Southern Aqua Adventures, Bluff - Dive Milford Sound, tours & dive training, adventure store dive shops in Invercargill & Bluff.

Lake Hauroko Tours, Tuatapere - Providing transport to the Dusky Track & tours on Lake Hauroko in Southwest Fiordland.

Hump Ridge Jet, Otautau - A premier jet boat experience based in a land of untouched wilderness and breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park

Air Milford, Queenstown - Experience New Zealand flightseeing at its best with exclusive flight seeing tours of Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook and the Catlins

Waiau Downs Farm Adventures, Riverton - Aunique farm experience that has several tours available including sheep shearing, wool-handling, dogs working, cow milking, deer farm and plenty more.

Nokomai Station, Lumsden - A working farm with a wide range of on-site activities such as horse treks, hunting, fishing, 4WD tours, flightseeing, farm activities and more. Cottage accommodation available.

Wairaurahiri Jet, Tuatapere - Adrenaline pumping jet boat rides into the heart of the Fiordland National Park, including fascinating and educational guided nature walks, native Podocarp forest, and South Coast Beech forest.

Catlins Wildlife Trackers Eco Tours, Catlins - Tourism award winning guided and unguided overnight walks on private tracks and creative workshops and conservation work opportunities staying with your hosts.

Canterbury Shuttles & Tours - Shuttle services available from the airport, railway station, hotel or home. We also cater for function or special event transport. Personalised tours are also available.

Getaway Car Hire, Dunedin - a family owned customer focused car rental business based in the Dunedin
Elm Wildlife Tours, Dunedin - Award winning Nature and Wildlife experiences of Otago Peninsula and the southeastern Coast.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Dunedin - Providing voyages of discovery amongst a unique diversity and abundance of wildlife, dramatic views and significant geological and historical features
Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin - Dunedin's prestige tourist train operating from the historic Railway Station.
Helicopters Otago, Dunedin - Breathtaking scenic flights over the city and Dunedin's spectacular harbour and the highlights of the peninsular.
NZ Marine Studies & Aquarium, Dunedin - Tour the Aquarium and discover the secrets of New Zealand's southern ocean without getting wet!
Sams Peninsula Off Road Tours, Dunedin - A 2½ hours personalised wildlife tour, off road, to view seals, New Zealand sea lions, Yellow Eyed penguins, and other bird life.

Baywatch Motor Lodge, Timaru (*from NZ$110)
Parklands Motor Lodge, Timaru (*from NZ$99)
Kingsdown Manor, Timaru (*from NZ$180 B&B)
Caroline Motel, Timaru (*from NZ$85)

Visit Oamaru & Waitaki Valley - A wide range of activity options in the Oamaru & Waitaki Districts

Coast Line Tours/Pengiun Express, Oamaru - Visit the Yellow Eyed Penguins followed by a visit to The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Bus service between Oamaru & Dunedin + other scenic tours available.

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Oamaru - A conservation area for blue penguins, the smallest penguin in the world, which naturally nest along the coastline of Oamaru.

Day 14 - Drive back to Christchurch for your final night (accommodation options as above).

IMPORTANT NOTES

NZ Online does not arrange air flights or rail travel
*All accommodation prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars, are based on 1-2 people per night and are indicative only
Seasonal rates may apply