The following itinerary is designed for those who relish the joy of driving, with a primary focus on coastal routes. It allows for potential stops in Timaru and Oamaru before reaching Dunedin and ultimately returning to Christchurch.
However, for those who prefer a more leisurely pace or wish to extend their journey to three days, you can explore the 2-day itinerary and consider adding additional destinations along the way to enhance and complement the experience.
Begin your journey in Christchurch, a city known for its English heritage and vibrant arts scene. On Day 1, you’ll travel to Akaroa, a picturesque harbor town on the Banks Peninsula.
| Time of Day | Activity | Details | Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast in Christchurch | Begin your day with breakfast in the city. | – | – |
| Morning | Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Explore the lush gardens and aviaries. | – | – |
| Lunch | Lunch in Christchurch | Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or café. | – | – |
| Afternoon | Drive to Akaroa | Embark on a scenic drive to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. | 85 km | – |
| Late Afternoon | Akaroa Harbor Cruise | Take a harbor cruise to see dolphins and scenic views. | – | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Akaroa | Savor dinner with a harbor backdrop in Akaroa. | – | Overnight in Akaroa |
Highlights:
On Day 2, you’ll leave Akaroa and journey to Dunedin, a city known for its rich Scottish heritage and stunning coastal landscapes.
| Time of Day | Activity | Details | Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast in Akaroa | Start your day with breakfast in Akaroa. | – | – |
| Morning | Akaroa Nature Cruise | Enjoy a nature cruise to observe marine wildlife. | – | – |
| Lunch | Lunch in Akaroa | Savor lunch at a local restaurant in Akaroa. | – | – |
| Afternoon | Drive to Dunedin | Begin your drive to Dunedin, a scenic coastal city. | 150 km | – |
| Late Afternoon | Otago Peninsula Drive | Explore the Otago Peninsula’s scenic beauty. | – | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Dunedin | Have dinner in Dunedin, known for its culinary scene. | – | Overnight in Dunedin |
Highlights:
On Day 3, you’ll begin your journey back to Christchurch, enjoying the scenic drive and exploring more of the South Island’s beauty.
| Time of Day | Activity | Details | Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast in Dunedin | Start your day with breakfast in Dunedin. | – | – |
| Morning | Dunedin Railway Station | Visit the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. | – | – |
| Lunch | Lunch in Dunedin | Enjoy lunch in a local eatery. | – | – |
| Afternoon | Drive to Christchurch | Begin your scenic drive back to Christchurch. | 360 km | – |
| Late Afternoon | Moeraki Boulders | Explore the unique Moeraki Boulders on the coast. | – | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Christchurch | Conclude your journey with dinner in Christchurch. | – | – |
Highlights:
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