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

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

7 Day South Island Lightening Bolt Tour
Christchurch/Banks Peninsula - Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs - Nelson - Christchurch

Click map to enlarge

For rental car options we recommend:

Pegasus Rentals - Vehicle support and depots nationwide.
Airlink Rental Cars - A wide range of cars, vans and 4WD's.

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 - Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs Accommodation options:

Albergo Hanmer Lodge & Alpine Villa, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$140 B&B)
Alpine Lodge Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$100)
Alpine Springs Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$120)
Hanmer Resort Motel, Hanmer Springs (*from NZ$95)
Riverview Lodge, Hanmer Springs (*POA)

Hanmer Springs Activities:

Riverview Lodge Trout Fishing - Fly fishing for Large Brown Trout in crystal clear mountain rivers.
Back Trax Quad Bike Tours - Join BackTrax for a great day out. Experience the thrill of driving your own fully automatic Quad Bike through some of Hanmer Springs most spectacular alpine regions.
Thrillseekers Canyon Adventure Centre - From a blood pumping bungy jump to an adrenalin surging jetboat ride, Thrillseekers will look after you with a high reputation both with domestic & international tourists alike.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa - Relax and unwind and ease your aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters, or enjoy a range of massage and beauty treatments from the trained professionals at Health, Body & Mind.

Day 5 & 6 - 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)