Overview
Get off the beaten track and deep into the heart of New Zealand on this epic 28-day South Island camping adventure. The tour starts in Queenstown, the ultimate adventure hub, where adrenaline meets stunning landscapes. You’ll have lots of time for bungee jumping, wine tours, hiking, or just relaxing by crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
You’ll then spend time exploring incredible Fiordland from Lake Te Anau, the wildlife havens of Curio Bay and the Otago Peninsula, and the rugged ‘nuggety’ coastline of Kaka Point. From penguin colonies to fossil forests, atmospheric gold towns to steampunk cities, each stop offers a new side of the south to discover. Hike alpine trails in Wanaka, explore the icy wilderness of Fox Glacier, and stroll beside the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge — all at a relaxed, immersive pace.
Unwind in Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools, go whale watching in Kaikoura, and savour French-Kiwi charm in Akaroa before wrapping up in Christchurch’s blooming, post-quake creativity. With nights spent under starlit skies and days filled with coastlines, mountains, lakes, and laid-back towns, this journey is for travellers who want more than a highlights reel—it’s a full sensory experience of New Zealand’s wild, wonderful Te Wai Pounamu (‘South Island’ in Maori). Bring your sense of adventure (and your camera)—this is the South Island like you’ve never seen it before.
highlights
- The Adventure Capital - Queenstown
- Te Anau – gateway to Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound
- The Southern Scenic Route
- Southernmost points: Bluff & Slope Point
- Marine life encounters in Kaikōura
- Glacier Country
- Haast Pass & Lewis Pass
- French charm in historic Akaroa
- New Zealand’s themed highways
- And so much more!

What's included
Welcome
All Accommodation
Equipment Provided:
Single stretcher bed x 1
(double for couples on request)Camp chair x 1
Accommodation Styles:
Meals
Community
Max. group size x 10
All transport
Connections
Activities & attractions included
- Otago Peninsula Tour
- Naseby Curling
- Lake Matheson
- Hokitika Gorge
- Nugget Point
- Moeraki Boulders

Optional Free Day Trips
What's Not included
Flights
Visas/passport costs
airport transfers
Additional activities
Alternative Accommodation
drinks not specified
Meals not specified
Phone & internet
travel insurance
basic itinerary
28 days, 27 nights
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Route Map
detailed itinerary
LEG
Days 1-5 Queenstown To Te Anau - That Iconic Bit With The Fiords
Days 1-2 | Free Days
Join your ZigZag tour in the adventure capital of the South, Queenstown.
Queenstown is a vibrant alpine town nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic peaks, including the aptly named Remarkables and offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing thrills, seeking relaxation, or simply want to soak in the scenery.
For the adrenaline seekers, Queenstown is your playground. Take the leap at the world’s first commercial bungy jump, experience high-speed spins on a jet boat, go white water rafting or try riverboarding, soar above the mountains on a skydive, or fly through the treetops on a zipline. For something truly unique, don’t miss the wild ride in a semi-submersible “shark” boat, or head off-road with a 4WD adventure into the backcountry.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, there’s just as much to enjoy. Ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then perhaps take a paraglide back down. Cruise across the lake aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a 100-year-old coal-fired steamship, or explore Queenstown’s beautiful botanic gardens and waterfront walkways. Nearby Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions—join a wine tour and sample world-class pinot noir while taking in stunning vineyard views.
Film buffs can take a day trip to Glenorchy, a picturesque village at the head of Lake Wakatipu and the gateway to many famous Lord of the Rings filming locations. The drive itself is worth it—often called one of the most scenic in the world.
With two days to explore, you could also hire a bike, go fishing, enjoy the local restaurants and cafés, or take a drive up to Deer Park Heights for some of the best views in town (and perhaps spot a few friendly Highland cattle and alpacas).
However you choose to spend your time, Queenstown never disappoints—whether you're ticking off your bucket list or simply enjoying the atmosphere in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations.
Accommodation: Camping (Queenstown)
Meals Included:
Day 1 - None
Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
This morning we depart Queenstown and begin our journey towards Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The drive is incredibly scenic from the start, as we follow the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, winding along cliffside roads with stunning lake and mountain views. We soon reach the Devil’s Staircase, a dramatic zig-zagging section of highway that climbs steeply above the lake and offers panoramic views back across to the Remarkables and Queenstown.
From there, the road opens out as we pass through high country farmland and large commercial deer stations, with towering peaks lining the route. By early afternoon, we arrive in Te Anau, a peaceful lakeside town surrounded by spectacular natural beauty—and our base for exploring the world-renowned Fiordland region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Te Anau)
Days 4 & 5 | Free Days
Fiordland is a breathtaking wilderness of towering mountains, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest. Experiencing this natural wonderland is easy, with the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound both within reach.
Known as the ‘8th Wonder of the World,’ Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. Its dramatic, waterfall-draped peaks rise sharply from the dark fiord waters, with the majestic Mitre Peak—one of the country’s most photographed landmarks—standing proudly at its heart.
Further south lies Doubtful Sound, larger and even more remote than Milford. Accessible via a scenic boat ride across Lake Manapouri, Doubtful Sound is best explored on an overnight cruise. Enjoy delicious meals, your own private cabin, and the unforgettable experience of waking to sunrise over this pristine, silent paradise.
Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland and offers a wealth of sightseeing options, from cruises and helicopter flights to 4x4 adventures, guided hikes, kayaking, and scenic seaplane tours. You can even book combined tours to both Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Whichever you choose, this region is sure to become one of your most treasured Kiwi memories.
Accommodation: Camping (Te Anau)
Meals Included:
Day 4 - Breakfast
Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner
LEG
Days 6-9: Te Anau To Kaka Point - That Remote Scenic Southern Bit
Day 6
Today, we leave Te Anau and head south through the Mararoa River Valley and along the stunning coastline of Te Waewae Bay toward Invercargill. Driving on, we reach Bluff — New Zealand’s southernmost town — where State Highway 1 begins/ends, and where you can enjoy views from Stirling Point across to Stewart Island on a clear day.
After a bite to eat (fresh Bluff Oysters, anyone?), we meander east through lush green farmland before stopping to visit the ‘real’ most southerly point on the island. Slope Point juts out on a small, windswept peninsula and is accessed via a short walk from the nearby car park. The sign post erected on top of the rugged cliffs confirms its most southerly location, and the views along the coastline in both directions are superb.
We then continue on our journey, arriving a few minutes later in Curio Bay, one of the many jewels in The Catlins, a spectacularly scenic region of rugged, isolated coastline and forest in the south-eastern corner of the South Island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Curio Bay)
Day 7 | Free Day
Take time today to explore Curio Bay, home to a remarkable 180-million-year-old petrified forest and one of the most unique coastal landscapes in New Zealand. Start with a visit to the excellent CurioScape interactive centre, which offers fascinating insights into the area’s ancient geology, rare wildlife, and natural history.
From there, follow one of the many short walking tracks leading to the Jurassic-era fossil forest, best viewed at low tide, and keep an eye out for native wildlife—including rare yellow-eyed penguins, seals, sea lions, and Hector’s dolphins.
If the weather plays nice, take a dip in the clear waters of Porpoise Bay, or enjoy a long, peaceful walk along its empty stretch of white sand beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Curio Bay)
Day 8
Today, we wind our way along the Southern Scenic Route, a journey filled with rolling green hills, lush native forests, cascading waterfalls, wild sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rugged bays battered by the powerful Southern Ocean swells.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in—this stretch of coastline is where the true magic of the Catlins shines through.
A standout highlight is Nugget Point, located in the Totāra Scenic Reserve. We’ll take you right to the trailhead, where a short walk leads to a spectacular viewing platform perched beside the Nugget Point Lighthouse—New Zealand’s oldest. The steep headland juts out into the ocean and is surrounded by a cluster of rocky islets that resemble scattered gold nuggets, giving the spot its name. The views here are unforgettable.
We settle into our coastal camp in Kaka Point this afternoon for a peaceful two-night stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Kaka Point)
Day 9 | Free Day
Today is yours to relax and soak up the laid-back charm of Kaka Point, a peaceful seaside village nestled at the northern edge of the Catlins. Take a stroll along the sweeping golden-sand beach, go for a swim if the weather allows, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh ocean air.
The local café offers a cosy spot for coffee or lunch with a view, and birdlife lovers may spot shags, terns, and other coastal birds along the shoreline. For those feeling more active, nearby walking tracks and viewpoints offer fantastic coastal panoramas—especially at sunrise or sunset. Whether you’re unwinding with a book or heading off on a beachside wander, Kaka Point is a perfect place to recharge.
Weather permitting, we may also look to visit Pounawea and Jack’s Blowhole.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Kaka Point)
LEG
Days 10-12: Kaka Point To Oamaru - That Scottish Bit With Penguins
Day 10
Today we leave the quiet beauty of Kaka Point and make our way north towards Dunedin, taking the road less travelled along the Southern Scenic Route. Skirting the wild Catlins coast one last time, we weave through farmland and bush-clad hills before detouring toward the windswept stretch of Taieri Mouth. This small coastal settlement, where the Taieri River meets the Pacific Ocean, offers a peaceful beach and estuary setting, perfect for a short walk or photo stop. The drive from here toward Dunedin hugs the coastline and delivers striking sea views, cliffside farmland, and glimpses of dramatic headlands as we approach the city from the south.
Before arriving in central Dunedin, we spend time exploring the Otago Peninsula—a striking, volcanic finger of land forming the southern edge of Otago Harbour. Known for its rugged coastline, sheltered bays, and stunning views, the peninsula is also a haven for native wildlife. Keep an eye out for fur seals and sea lions basking on the rocks, and if we’re lucky, the rare yellow-eyed penguin or the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue. At the far tip of the peninsula lies Taiaroa Head, home to the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world—a rare sight, and one that’s unforgettable.
After a full day of spectacular coastline and wildlife encounters, we settle into our accommodation in Dunedin for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cabins - shared cabin (Dunedin)
Day 11
Heading north from Dunedin, we follow a quiet stretch of stunning coastal road through Waitati and Warrington, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful seaside villages along the way. A highlight of the drive is the scenic detour to Karitane, a small coastal settlement nestled between sea and hills, offering picture-perfect beaches and panoramic coastal lookouts. Keep your camera ready!
From there, we continue to the famous Moeraki Boulders, scattered like giant marbles across the sands of Koekohe Beach. These smooth, spherical stones have become one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural sights, and are a must-see photo opportunity.
Our journey then brings us to Oamaru, a harbour town renowned for its grand Victorian architecture, penguin colonies, and its title as the Steampunk capital of New Zealand.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Oamaru)
Day 12 | Free Day
Today is yours to explore the unique charm of Oamaru, a town where Victorian elegance meets quirky creativity. Start your day with a stroll through the beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct, where cobbled streets are lined with limestone buildings housing artisan bakeries, boutique galleries, antique stores, and steampunk-themed curiosities. Step inside the fascinating Steampunk HQ—a surreal, interactive museum of retro-futuristic art—or learn more about the region's past at the North Otago Museum.
Nature lovers might want to walk or cycle a section of the scenic Alps 2 Ocean trail, which starts (or ends) right here next to our campsite, or take a short walk to the Oamaru Public Gardens, one of the oldest and loveliest in New Zealand.
In the evening, don’t miss your chance to visit the blue penguin colony—just a small stroll from our camp—where you can watch these adorable birds return from the sea after a day of fishing. For a quieter encounter, walk the headland trail and keep your eyes peeled for yellow-eyed penguins, seals, and other coastal wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Oamaru)
LEG
Days 13-16: Oamaru To Wanaka - That Olde Worlde, Curly Wurly Bit With 'That Tree'
Day 13
Today we leave Oamaru behind and head south and west into the remote Maniototo, an elevated inland plateau in Otago known for its wide-open skies, braided rivers, sweeping tussock plains, and dramatic sense of space. This is high country New Zealand—raw, beautiful, and timeless. It’s also home to the Otago Central Rail Trail, a much-loved multi-day walking and cycling route that follows the path of a former railway deep into the heart of the region. Life moves a little slower out here, and it often feels like you’ve stepped back a century.
We travel through rolling hills, granite-strewn farmland, and tiny historic hamlets, passing long-abandoned gold mining buildings that hint at a once-booming past. At one point, we crest a ridge and are met with a striking contrast: the vast, modern expanse of Macraes Mine—the country’s largest gold-producing site—set dramatically into the landscape.
From there, the road winds on through otherworldly paddocks dotted with strange rock formations and more forgotten relics of Otago’s gold rush days, before arriving in the 1930s ‘Art Deco’ town of Ranfurly.
A short drive further brings us to Naseby, our home for the next two nights. Once a bustling gold-mining hub, Naseby has retained much of its historic charm, with stone hotels, old miner's cottages, and the wonderful Naseby Museum telling the stories of the past. The town is also New Zealand’s curling capital, and you can try this unique winter sport for yourself at the indoor curling rink—open year-round. The surrounding forest offers peaceful walks, scenic biking trails, and even a local swimming dam for a refreshing dip on warm afternoons.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Naseby)
Day 14 | Free Day
Today is all about slowing down and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the Maniototo region. You have the option to explore this high-country landscape on foot, by bike, or at your own relaxed pace.
For those wanting to stretch their legs, walk or cycle a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s original and most iconic multi-day trail. The section between nearby Ranfurly and Wedderburn is a popular day option, offering big skies, rolling golden hills, and sweeping views of the distant ranges. The old railway line is wide, gently graded and well-maintained—perfect for casual cyclists or walkers. Along the way, you’ll pass restored stations, old stone bridges, and maybe even a herd of curious sheep.
If you’d rather stay closer to base, Naseby Forest offers a beautiful network of walking and mountain biking trails through tall pine trees and historic water races from the goldmining era. The cool forest shade and peaceful atmosphere make this a refreshing contrast to the open tussocklands of the surrounding region.
Prefer a slower pace? Stroll through Naseby’s historic village, visit the local museum, or grab a coffee and soak up the charm of a town where time really does seem to stand still.
Tonight, we enjoy a uniquely local experience—curling. Played here since 1878, this quirky Olympic sport is best described as ‘bowling on ice.’ We’ll organise a group session at the indoor curling rink, where you’ll learn the basics and have a go for yourself. It's fun, competitive, and surprisingly addictive!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Naseby)
Day 15
This morning’s drive takes us on a wonderfully scenic journey across Central Otago, where wide-open landscapes, big skies, and gold-rush history come together to create a uniquely atmospheric experience.
We begin by heading north through the Maniototo and make a short stop in St Bathans, a tiny town frozen in time. Once a booming gold mining settlement, St Bathans is now best known for the eerie beauty of Blue Lake, and its iconic Vulcan Hotel. With its white clay cliffs and intense turquoise waters, this small detour is well worth your camera's attention.
From there, we descend into the Cromwell Basin, passing dry, tussock-covered hills and old stone farm buildings as the landscape slowly transforms into the region’s fruit-growing heartland. Before we reach Cromwell, the road opens up to reveal stunning views of the Clutha River and Lake Dunstan.
We stop in Old Cromwell Town, where restored heritage buildings from the original settlement now house boutique galleries, cafés, and artisan shops. This charming lakeside precinct offers a perfect blend of history and hospitality, with time to wander the cobbled lanes or grab a bite to eat.
Continuing west, we wind our way through the Upper Clutha Valley, with glimpses of the Southern Alps appearing on the horizon. As we approach Wānaka, the scenery becomes truly spectacular—think shimmering lakes, rugged mountain backdrops, and expansive, glacier-carved valleys.
We settle into Wānaka for the next two nights, giving you time to explore this vibrant alpine town and its incredible surrounds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Wanaka)
Day 16 | Free Day
Wānaka, perched on the shores of its stunning alpine lake and backed by the towering Southern Alps, is the perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back adventure. As the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, this is a place where mountains, lakes, and trails converge to create an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
If you're feeling active, tackle the short, sharp climb up Mount Iron for panoramic views over the town and lake—or for the more adventurous, test your legs (and lungs) on the challenging Roy’s Peak Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic day hikes, offering jaw-dropping 360° views at the summit.
Prefer to keep things low-key? Wānaka offers everything from kayaking, paddleboarding and boat tours on the lake to scenic bike rides, or a wander along the peaceful lakeside trail. In town, you’ll find a charming boutique cinema, quirky local shops, excellent ice creameries, and an international food truck courtyard that sits beside a tumbling stream and a historic waterwheel.
And of course, no trip to Wānaka is complete without a visit to #ThatWanakaTree—a lonely willow growing out of the lake, famous worldwide for its picturesque setting and Instagram stardom.
Whether you're chasing thrills or chilling with a coffee by the water, Wānaka is sure to win you over.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Wanaka)
LEG
Days 17-21: Wanaka To Hokitika - That West Coast Bit With The Glaciers And Gorges
Day 17
Leaving Wanaka behind, we’re immediately treated to jaw-dropping views of Lake Hawea and the towering peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. This is one of the most spectacular driving days of the entire 90-day journey—glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and ancient Beech forests surround us at every turn.
We soon stop for a short forest walk that takes us to the magical ‘Blue Pools’—deep, crystal-clear turquoise water fed by mountain streams. Keep an eye out for trout, and if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in this alpine paradise!
Next, we wind our way over the dramatic Haast Pass and follow the Haast River down through remote valleys and out to the wild West Coast. The landscape shifts constantly—from desolate black sand beaches to dense rainforest—as we enter Glacier Country, home to New Zealand’s highest peaks, longest glaciers, and wildest rivers.
Out of over 3,000 glaciers in the Southern Alps, Fox and Franz Josef are the most accessible—and absolutely breathtaking. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier stretches 13km and descends nearly 2,600m toward the coast, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush rainforest.
Tonight, we stay in the village of Fox Glacier, right on the doorstep of this natural wonder.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Fox Glacier)
Day 18 | Free Day
With a free day in Fox, many visitors choose to experience the glaciers from the air by booking a helicopter flight. These scenic flights often include snow landings, giving you the unique chance to step onto the ice and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Southern Alps from high above.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, guided glacier hikes offer an unforgettable opportunity to walk on the glacier itself, navigating ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves with expert guides. These hikes vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible to a wide range of fitness levels and experience.
For those who just want to relax and watch the world go by, Fox Glacier may be small, but its cosy cafés are perfect for warming up with great coffee, hearty meals, and fresh home-made baking.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Fox Glacier)
Day 19 | Free Day
A second free day in Fox.
Start the morning with us on an optional visit to Lake Matheson, where on a still clear day, nature puts on one of her finest shows. The glassy waters of Lake Matheson perfectly reflect New Zealand’s highest peaks — Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman — in breathtaking clarity. The gentle loop walk around the lake is especially magical at dawn, making it a favourite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Fox Glacier)
Day 20
We continue driving north along this spectacular stretch of State Highway 6 this morning, as lush rainforest gives way to wild beaches, rugged cliffs, and rivers that tumble straight out of the Southern Alps. It’s a classic Kiwi drive — remote, dramatic, and ever-changing — with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in/photograph the scenery along the way.
We stop today in Hokitika, a pleasant harbour town located on the mouth of the Hokitika River. Hokitika is the West Coast’s and New Zealand’s pounamu (greenstone/jade) capital.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hokitika)
Day 21 | Free Day
(Optional half day trip to Hokitika Gorge – weather permitting)
This morning, we head inland on a short road trip to the stunning Hokitika Gorge. Here, the alpine waters shimmer an unbelievable blue-green hue as they carve through the dramatic rock walls. A gentle track leads across curved boardwalks and swing bridges, winding through native beech and rimu forest. Viewing platforms along the way offer picture-perfect angles of the gorge, while the 90-metre suspension bridge provides a breathtaking vantage point over the river with the Southern Alps rising in the distance.
You’ll have time to enjoy Hokitika this afternoon. This relaxed little beach town has a fascinating history - wander amongst its heritage buildings, browse shops and galleries showcasing pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, or simply soak up the coastal charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hokitika)
LEG
Days 22-25: Hokitika To Kaikoura - That Bit With The Hot Springs And Those Whales
Day 22
This morning, we head north along the coast to Greymouth, before turning inland to follow the Grey River towards the charming town of Reefton — once a bustling gold-mining centre and, interestingly, the first place in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric streetlights back in 1888.
From here we continue across the Lewis Pass, the northernmost of the three mountain passes through the Southern Alps. The road then winds slowly down alongside the Waiau River before bringing us to Hanmer Springs, where we’ll spend the next two nights.
Hanmer Springs is a welcoming alpine resort town in North Canterbury, best known for its famous Thermal Pools and Spa complex located right in the heart of the village. With a mix of natural sulphur and mineral pools — some with soothing bubbles and water jets — it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the alpine atmosphere.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Hanmer Springs)
Day 23 | Free Day
(Optional half-day trip to Lake Tennyson — weather permitting.)
Beyond the famous Thermal Pools, Hanmer Springs offers plenty to fill your day. Wander the village with its cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, or head out on one of the many walking and cycling tracks in the surrounding hills. For the more adventurous, there are high-energy activities like rafting, quad biking, and even bungee jumping.
Alternatively, you might choose a day trip into the neighbouring Molesworth Station — New Zealand’s largest farm, covering almost half a million acres. Its vast landscapes of scree-covered mountains, alpine lakes, braided rivers, and wide valleys are simply unforgettable, dotted with historic farm buildings that tell stories of its pioneering past.
And if the weather is good, why not join us for a scenic day trip from Hanmer Springs to the remote Lake Tennyson, where alpine peaks, tussock valleys, and mirror-like waters create a breathtaking backdrop.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Hanmer Springs)
Day 24
You’ll have the morning free to relax in Hanmer Springs before we set off along the beautiful inland route to Kaikōura. The drive takes us through the historic settlements of Rotherham, Waiau, and Mt Lyford, with rolling farmland and mountain views unfolding along the way.
Arriving in Kaikōura, you’ll find a picturesque coastal village dramatically positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range. The town is world-renowned for its marine life encounters — from whale watching trips to wild dolphin swimming, both of which operate year-round — as well as its fresh seafood and stunning coastal scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Kaikoura)
Day 25 | Free Day
You have a free day in Kaikōura today, one of the best places in New Zealand to experience marine life up close. Here you can encounter whales, dolphins, seals, and countless seabirds — by boat, scenic flight, or even from the shore. Options abound: join a whale watching cruise, swim with dolphins, kayak among playful fur seals, dive beneath the waves, or try your hand at sea fishing and sampling the region’s famous crayfish.
For a deeper understanding of the area, the Kaikōura Museum in the town centre offers a fascinating look at local natural history, Māori heritage, and the town’s whaling past, along with its surf culture. A major feature is the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake of 2016, which reshaped the coastline — lifting the peninsula by 70 cm and shifting it nearly a metre to the north-east.
The township itself has a vibrant selection of waterfront cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views. There are also plenty of scenic walks around the Kaikōura Peninsula, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea. Along the way, you’ll find Fyffe House — the oldest surviving building in Kaikōura and the last remnant of an 1840s whaling station. This simple cottage, filled with relics and artifacts (some built on whale vertebrae foundations), offers a compelling glimpse into the region’s pioneering past.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Kaikoura)
LEG
Days 26-28: Kaikoura To Christchurch - That French Bit With The Dolphins
Day 26
Leaving Kaikōura this morning, we journey south along the rugged Pacific Coast before turning inland through the rolling farmlands of North Canterbury. We then wind through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains, framed by the Southern Alps to the west, before leading us onto Banks Peninsula.
The final stretch of today’s drive into Akaroa is especially scenic, with high twisting roads and astonishing harbour views.
We settle into Akaroa this evening, ready to enjoy its unique blend of history, culture, and seaside atmosphere from our fantastic campsite nestled high above the town.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Akaroa)
Day 27 | Free Day
Today is yours to discover Akaroa — the most ‘French’ town in New Zealand. Stroll past historic cottages and churches, browse galleries and craft stores, or linger at a boulangerie or waterfront café.
The harbour is a focal point for relaxation and adventure alike: you might join a cruise or kayak trip, visit one of the quirky local art collections, or simply sit by the shore with a gelato, soaking up the village’s unique charm.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping (Akaroa)
Day 28
We say adieu to Akaroa this morning and climb out of the harbour and over the ridgelines of Banks Peninsula, bound for Christchurch.
As you would expect, we take the road less-travelled via Gebbies Pass and loop around the edge of beautiful Lyttelton Harbour, with its volcanic hills and sparkling blue waters providing a dramatic final backdrop.
Continuing up and over the hills once more, we arrive in the hill suburbs of Christchurch, from where we meander our way down into the South Island’s largest city and our final ZigZag destination for this tour.
Meals Included: Breakfast



