8-Day The South Island Scenic Highway

Begin your South Island adventure in Otautahi Christchurch, the gateway to the Canterbury region with a blend of historic and modern architecture and natural attractions on its doorstep.

Upon arrival, collect your rental car from Christchurch Airport and check into your accommodation. Take the rest of the day to explore the city's revitalised centre, where street art, pop-up installations and restored heritage buildings come together.

Take a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the heart of the city, or hop aboard a punt on the Avon River for a serene perspective of the city. If you're interested in history, visit a city museum to learn about the region's Maori heritage and Antarctic exploration.

Delve deep into the city's budding culinary and cultural scene. Enjoy kai (food) at Little High Eatery, an indoor/outdoor marketplace with nine family and locally-run eateries before embarking on a self-guided tour of the city's creative spaces, a visit to the Cardboard Cathedral or a ride up the gondola to the top of the Port Hills for panoramic views of the city and beyond.

For an evening experience, consider a dining tram tour, which blends gourmet cuisine with a journey through the illuminated streets of the city.

Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Depart Christchurch and make your way to Lake Tekapo, a breathtaking destination famed for the turquoise waters of its alpine lake and starlit skies. Along the drive, stop in the quaint town of Geraldine for artisanal treats and fresh produce.

Check into your accommodation and spend your afternoon exploring the lakefront. Visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, an idyllic spot for photos and quiet reflection. If relaxation is on the agenda, soak in the thermal pools while admiring views of the Southern Alps.

As night falls, join a stargazing experience with Dark Sky Project, which takes place within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve known for its lack of light pollution, making it one of the best places in the world for observing the cosmos.

For those looking for outdoor adventure, hike up Mount John for sweeping views of the region. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a scenic flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook will reveal the grandeur of New Zealand's highest peak. End the day at Dark Sky Diner for lakefront dining which fuses modern New Zealand flavours with traditional Maori fare.

Stay 2 nights in Lake Tekapo.

The journey from Lake Tekapo to T?huna Queenstown is a visual delight, with vast plains, rugged mountains and deep blue lakes. Along the way, consider breaking up the trip with a stop in Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan with a history going back to the gold rush era and well-known for its wineries and fresh fruit.

When you get to Queenstown, check into your accommodation and explore the town's centre. Stroll along the waterfront of Lake Whakatipu, where you can take in the spectacular mountain backdrop. For a relaxed evening, enjoy a lakeside dinner at Flame Bar & Grill, a popular local restaurant known for its steaks and ribs.

Dive into the region's renowned wine scene on Altitude Tour's Queenstown Wine Sampler Tour. This half-day experience takes you through Central Otago's acclaimed wineries, where you can sample exceptional Pinot Noir and learn about the region's winemaking history.

For adventure seekers, Queenstown is a playground. Take your pick from thrilling activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating on the Shotover River, or paragliding from Bob's Peak. For those preferring a slower pace, the gondola offers breathtaking views and access to scenic walking trails.

On the final day, return your hire car to Queenstown Airport and depart home or continue your journey to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.