Budget Christchurch Loop

Christchurch - Punakaiki. You will be collected from our pick up spot in Christchurch (detail in Trip Notes). Prepare for an epic adventure as we drive across one of three scenic passes through the Southern Alps to the west coast. We'll travel via the Lewis Pass, which takes us through unmodified beech forests, alpine wetlands, and along the Lewis River. Although we have a significant distance to cover, we'll encounter stunning landscapes and make stops along the way, finally reaching the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

Please Note: This tour offers a variety of optional excursions throughout the tour that can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. Sightseeing and activities are generally not included on tour, this gives you the flexibility to shape your own adventure!

The idyllic coastal village of Punakaiki is the ultimate destination for beach side adventure and exploration. It offers a wealth of exciting activities and is renowned for the Pancake Rocks, where water columns burst skyward from rock formations that resemble giant stacks of pancakes. Spend your afternoon exploring the lush coastal forest, stunning limestone cliffs and canyons, mysterious caves, pristine rivers, and a breathtakingly beautiful coastline.

Punakaiki - Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the wild west coast with stops to admire lighthouse views and visit seal colonies. As we venture inland, we pass through the picturesque Nelson Lakes on our way to Abel Tasman, widely considered one of New Zealand's most stunning national parks. Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint town or embark on an adventure to gather fresh green-lipped mussels.

Abel Tasman National Park - Golden Bay - Wharariki Beach - Abel Tasman National Park. Today, we venture to Golden Bay, home to New Zealand's longest sandspit, featuring stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. Prepare for a day of adventure as we first explore the Ngarua Caves. Our next stop is Te Waikoropupu Springs, renowned for having some of the clearest water in the world. Lastly, we'll follow the track to Wharariki Beach, the northernmost point on the South Island. We head back to Abel Tasman National Park for the night.

Relax on the beach, or if you're up for some adventure, explore the pristine natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park with a range of optional activities. Experience hiking sections of the park, or paddle a kayak to navigate the coastal route. With some luck, you may encounter native wildlife like the Tui or Tuatara.

Abel Tasman National Park - Kaikoura. After a few epic adventures on our way out of town, we head to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region. We drive through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds before settling into one of our favourite wineries for an included wine tasting. Enjoy a sip or two of its world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and capture some Instagram-worthy shots in the vineyards.

Next up is Kaikoura, boasting natural wonders both on land and at sea. As we arrive, you'll notice the dramatic, rugged cliffs on the town's edge. As well as checking out the cliffs, you can enjoy optional whale watching and dolphin swimming experiences in Kaikoura.

Please note: There is one included group dinner on this tour. This will take place at a favourite spot of your guide, and the day on which it takes place varies by tour and guide!

Kaikoura - Christchurch. Spend the morning checking off the remaining items on your bucket list, whether that involves spotting seals, searching for whales, or swimming with dolphins. Following an adventurous morning, we will hit the road for our final drive back to Christchurch. Say your farewells to your tour group or encourage them to continue the adventure through the vibrant neighborhoods of Christchurch. We aim to drop you off back at our pick up point at around 3 pm (details in Trip Notes), where we'll part ways. But don't be sad - you'll leave with memories to last a lifetime!