South Island's natural beauty and laidback Sydney
Explore the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of the South Island at your own pace by rental car, stay overnight in uniquely situated luxury lodges and top off your travel adventure with a sun-drenched city break to laid back Sydney. Where the world can't find you...
Tips & tops of Selfdrive South Island with city break Sydney:
- Christchurch is a vibrant setting of ultramodern architecture and Edwardian structures. Pointing across the Avon River, you will see a chaotic, crazy and colorful mix glide by.
- Nowhere else do giant sperm whales, humpback whales and dolphins come as close to shore as they do in Kaikoura. On a whale watching excursion you will observe the hunters even closer.
- Explore the maze of peaks, bays, beaches and winding waterways of Marlborough Sounds by helicopter and get dropped off for a late picnic lunch.
- Let a water cab drop you off at Abel Tasman N.P. to explore the forested park's inviting sandy beaches, meandering streams and mossy valleys on your own.
- Alternate blood-pumping activities like bungee jumping and jet boating in Hanmer Springs with a soothing dip in a thermal pool.
- Pause along the way for a photo stop in Lake Tekapo at The Church of the Good Shepherd.
- During your stay at Lake Pukaki, take a flight over Mount Cook for panoramic views of the sacred mountain and the bright turquoise Lake Pukaki .
- From Tasman Valley, a Mac boat departs and travels through overwhelming ice landscapes to the imposing Tasman Glacier.
- From Queenstown, take part in a tasting in the surrounding young wine countries and take a fly-in excursion to Milford Sound.
- Behind the rustic wooden door of The Bunker restaurant in Queenstown, intimate dinners, craft cocktails and late night house music await.
- Let the casual local lifestyle in Sydney wash over you and relax at the world-famous Bondi Beach.
- This trip can be extended with a stay on the sun-drenched beaches of the Sunshine Coast.
