To receive our newsletter please enter your details below:
Starting in Christchurch this tour travels through the Southern half of the South Island taking in some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery along the way. This dramatic region epitomises what your vision of what New Zealand might be - rugged mountain ranges, sheep stations, dry barren lands and vineyards combined with rain forests, dams, lakes, glaciers - this is the land where Lord of the Rings was filmed! If awe inspiring scenery isn't enough you'll also come across small friendly towns and quiet roads. Take time to get to know some 'Southerners' along the way and you're sure to get a small taste of the 'kiwi' way of life!
Located on the east coast of New Zealand, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. New Zealand’s most beautiful gardens are found in Christchurch and infact, the city is widely known as “The Garden City”. Christchurch is a fascinating mix of old English charm, sophisticated nightlife and glorious parks and beaches. Specialising in pink and orange sunrises over the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is a city that truly shines. It is an easy city centre to navigate with shopping, the Arts Centre and musuems all within the same area.
From Christchurch head south and traverse away from the coastline inland towards the MacKenzie Country. Continue past the bright blue Lake Tekapo towards the Mount Cook National Park where you will also find the beautifully scenic Lake Pukaki. Mount Cook is 3755 metres high and is the tallest peak in Australasia. The area attracts many hikers, bikers and mountain climbers.
From Mount Cook head through the hardy scenery of the McKenzie Basin through Omarama and the Lindis Pass. Stop off in Cromwell to sample some fruits from this region then continue on through the Kawarau Gorge famed for it's gold mining. NOt far from there will then arrive into the cosmopolitian alpine resort of Queenstown. Since Queenstown invented Bunjy jumping in the 90's the whole area has become a playground for adventurous thrill seekers. It is a great destination all year round - in the winter world class ski fields offer powder snow and in the summer visitors enjoy jet boating, rafting, biking and water sports. For a fantastic view over Queenstown take a gondola ride or perhaps a boat trip across Lake Whakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw.
The Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage site. It is the largest National Park in New Zealand and is also one of the most beautiful. The road to Milford is possible one of the most scenic routes in the South. From the point you reach Te Anau the road twists and turns down towards Eglington and the Hollyford Valley then through the Homer Tunnel. At the end of the Tunnel your will be truly amazed at Mitre Peak soaring out from the waters of Milford Sound. Take time to ride on the Milford Sound Red Boat at your leisure before driving back to Wanaka.
There are two routes to Wanaka - one directly over the top of the Crown Range (not recommended if you are touring in a large motorhome). The other is via the Shotover river, Lake Dunston, the Clutha river and past Gibbston Vineyards. Wanaka is tha holiday destination set on a large lake which offers a range of water sports based activities, fine cafes and restaurants and plenty of fun and relaxation all year round!
From Queenstown travel towards Dunedin via the Central Otago Rail Trail. This drive takes you through the original gold mining areas and brings you out to the East coast of the South Island. This area has two extremes in weather being very hot in Summer and extremely cold in winter and the scenery along the way it just as diverse. Once you reach Dunedin you will be amazed to find a buzzing city set beautifully along the sea sheltered by a grand harbour.
The journey along the coast from Dunedin back up to Christchurch is approximately four hours yet offers plenty of changing scenery and places to visit along the way including Mouraki Boulders and some Penguin colonies. On reaching Christchurch relax for a day or so in this tranquil, English city. Enjoy a punt down the Avon river or perhaps visit the arts centre and Botanical Gardens before delivering your motorhome back to the depot.
Motorhomes New Zealand ~ Campervans New Zealand ~ Motorhome New Zealand ~ Campervan New Zealand ~ Hire Motorhome New Zealand ~ New Zealand Motorhome Rental ~ Cheap Campervan New Zealand ~ Campervan Rental New Zealand ~ New Zealand Holidays ~ New Zealand Vacation
