Itinerary
- Days 1 - 3
Akaroa to Punakaiki
Leave Akaroa early and head across the country via Arthur's Pass National Park, heading toward Punakaiki on the west coast. You'll wind up over Banks Peninsula hills, pass Lake Ellesmere, and drive through the Canterbury Plains before entering dramatic alpine scenery. Arthur's Pass, the highest of three South Island passes, features vast peaks, steep gorges, and shingle-bottomed rivers perfect for photos. Multiple stops break up the journey before you reach your base for the next two nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Photography stops in Arthur's Pass National Park
Landmarks Arthur's Pass National Park Lake Ellesmere Canterbury Plains Lake Brunner - Days 4 - 8
Murchison
Free day in Murchison, dubbed New Zealand's whitewater capital. The region has rivers ideal for canoeing, kayaking, jet boating, gold panning, and fishing with rapids ranging from Class 2 to 4. If land activities appeal more, explore mountain biking trails and scenic walks, or hike to the world's only perpetually burning fire in a forest setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Whitewater canoeing and kayaking
- Jet boating
- Gold panning
- Fishing
- Mountain biking trails
- Scenic and historic walks
- Hike to world's only perpetually burning forest fire
Landmarks Gowan River Mangles River Matiri River Glenroy River Matakitaki River Maruia River Buller River - Days 9 - 13
Collingwood
Free day in Collingwood, a tranquil ecotourism destination near Kahurangi National Park. The Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary approximately 35km long, though public access is limited to the first 4km. A registered tour company offers scenic day trips visiting Cape Farewell (South Island's northernmost point), Fossil Point, and the historic lighthouse. After any Farewell Spit visit, explore Wharariki Beach with its high dunes, secluded bays, caves, rockpools, and dramatic offshore islands. Other activities include biking the Aorere Valley, kayaking Ruataniwha Inlet, or visiting the museum and cafes. Fresh seafood like fish and chips or scallops make for great dinner options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Farewell Spit Nature Reserve guided tour with Cape Farewell, Fossil Point, and lighthouse
- Visit Wharariki Beach with dunes, bays, caves, rockpools, islands and archways
- Bike rental for Aorere Valley exploration
- Kayak rental for Ruataniwha Inlet
- Visit Collingwood museum
- Browse Collingwood art gallery
- Explore Collingwood cafes
- Enjoy local seafood (fish and chips, scallops)
Landmarks Farewell Spit Nature Reserve Cape Farewell Wharariki Beach Kahurangi National Park Aorere Valley Ruataniwha Inlet - Days 14 - 19
Wellington
Check out by 10am. Tour concludes.
