Spend some time exploring vibrant Christchurch before you head across the Southern Alps to the untamed West Coast.
Discover a region where temperate rainforest meets glaciers and dramatic coastlines, explore the lakeside resort town of Wānaka, home to the Mt Aspiring National Park and experience the energy of Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.
CANTERBURY
Stretching from the ocean to the Southern Alps.
Enjoy shopping, art, great food & wine and stunning scenery in Christchurch.
Read moreSpend the first day of your journey exploring the fast-changing and funky city of Christchurch, South Island's largest city.
Old English gardens contrast with pop-up bars and innovative precincts in this enduring centre.
Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or taking a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa.
For a truely magical experience try hot air ballooning over the patchwork Canterbury Plains.
WEST COAST
Rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Rugged natural beauty, unique experiences and gold mining history.
Read moreHead south down the Great Coast Road(opens in new window), one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet. Travel alongside ancient limestone cliffs, rivers, glowworm caves(opens in new window), mining heritage and untamed native forest to glacier(opens in new window) country.
Fox and Franz Josef are New Zealand's most accessible glaciers. Easy walking trails to the glacier's terminal face pass through scarred ancient valleys dotted with morraines.
For the ultimate view, take a scenic heli-flight or ski plane to the glacier's top.
WĀNAKA
The most tranquil set of the South Island lakes.
Head inland past waterfalls and river scenery as you leave the coast, taking a break to explore the Haast River Valley on a guided safari(opens in new window) before heading to the lakeside resort town of Wānaka.
Combining small town tranquility with exciting outdoor adventure, Wānaka is a great place to visit any time of year. In winter, skiers and snowboarders head to Cardrona and Treble Cone ski fields.
Mt Aspiring National Park offers a plethora of day and short walks, the clear waters of Lake Wānaka are perfect for kayaking and the surrounding mountains offer bike trails, and climbing adventures.
QUEENSTOWN
Home of the ultimate adventure bucket list.
The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic.
It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure, including 4WD adventures(opens in new window), bungy(opens in new window), jet boating(opens in new window), rafting(opens in new window) and river surfing(opens in new window).
It’s also a destination for luxury experiences – gourmet food and wine, spa treatments(opens in new window) and leisurely games of golf(opens in new window).
Explore wineries, epic film locations and adventure activities.
Read moreSpend your last day exploring the fascinating Queenstown region.
Nearby Arrowtown is rich with gold mining history and one of New Zealand's most picturesque towns. Wander through the remains of the Chinese gold rush village, visit the Lake District Museum(opens in new window) or pan for gold in the Arrow River.
Discover spectacular scenery and famous filming locations with a horse trek in Glenorchy or spend the day exploring the vineyards of Central Otago.
Important things you need to know about driving in New Zealand.
Getting around New Zealand is easy with a great range of transport options available.
There are plenty of accommodation options for every budget and travel style.
No matter the season, the majority of our main attractions are open year-round.
More information on basic costs for accommodation, travel and food.
