At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Would you love to visit some of the South Island's highlights at a relaxed pace? During this journey, you will see vibrant and buzzing cities, wineries, alluring nature, golden beaches and an array of unique nature. Taste the food, soak up the culture, meet the locals and discover the hidden gems. A trip that allows you to experience New Zealand in an authentic way.
Quick facts about this sample itinerary
- This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
- Best travel time is February - April and October - December
- Relaxed travel pace with 2-3 nights at each location
- The average drive between each accommodation is 2-4 hours
- Stay with locals at 9 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of small-group activities with locals
- Collect and return your rental car in Christchurch
Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.
Route and Impressions
![new-zealand](/img/maps/map-new-zealand-fc.png)
![Canterbury is the largest region of New Zealand with diverse landscapes](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/canterbury-1666.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=1ce0195c09a519d6a78d7519785bee9a 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/canterbury-1666.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=57a2bd89b138d199977b2e7e14538988 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/canterbury-1666.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=bb825274b6758263de6b04d50e842b20 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/canterbury-1666.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=37dff154947b787515907be0cc41be1c 400w)
![Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=9fd2ce3449bcd5597b97ccdfeb3d9b62 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=85d9d4334349746e9376caa6d6f467f7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e53139cd88aecb182df580ab6df09a7 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d3172d49169fd252ab2d54cb2b0f6286 400w)
![Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=8c55cb926055ab70583b2712b7e98228 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=133fcab8840c80151c4c9cd86c942ca1 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e1b88046b80ab4b069951aa25acfdcfd 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=7aec9d88be1819f1f127a106aef79492 400w)
![Cycle through New Zealand's spectacular landscapes](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b7190103802af9620b37dc53861df620 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9ff6e742173e62bbafbf68f563c920a6 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9c1734fc06e1a50ef3d549569af5165e 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=0dae644396a20afd06356b3a6ba5b176 400w)
![Travel at a relaxed pace and find the hidden gems of the West Coast Route](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=953b2e39f6a01b26f82151b3e1446f9e 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2477f6bca2c5b0e33344c60726e97058 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2d1d4b7e33ba40eadad13ba07d051105 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/cars-roadtrips/nz-west-coast-punakaiki-road-solo-compact-car.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=cd2842d34baa581ff38dc0cf8ec97716 400w)
![Discover the crystal waters of Abel Tasman](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f804b4abbaac77bf03b3a4d24495ccc8 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=ecafaeaa59efdeb38d64a61c52c75b4e 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=3d8d7fcce8c2b920b9515cc805fbddf8 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d990ed2d2c8a8a629fdcad3358d909d6 400w)
![Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d25703b1198689da921c3b43e0b3fa8b 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2cbc1cd2793c724169c82c831a202b7a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=a32d58bb15b14e898e44a3230b73b2a2 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=90beb68a7cb3dcc9b8ac1511d5c1dd6f 400w)
![The best way to explore Christchurch is on foot](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=7b6f18768364089cdb6b0c46990caa43 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=7bdf09da9d68d7d0ca3887d9ee3c5ea1 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=7311f8c8adf61a3af32198be6fde9e64 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=0279fa42b3d0e900433231642e7e402d 400w)
Price guide per person
and car change
During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69
More sample itineraries
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.