Roam New Zealand

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change):

Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart today, you will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (don’t worry you get it back on your way home.

Day 3: Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand

Haere Mai – welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand).  On arrival, make your way to  your Christchurch hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure.

Day 4: Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It is known as the ‘Garden City’,  for its English heritage, and more recently for its resilience following devastating earthquakes.  The city offers a rich blend of nature, vibrant urban culture and innovation. Your time is flexible here to explore the city as you please.

In Christchurch we have included a full day pass on  the Christchurch restored heritage trams to help you explore.  You can hop on and off as you please and there is onboard commentary as you cruise around the central city.

Day 5: Christchurch – Omarama

Pick up your rental car today and start your road trip adventure.  Travel from Christchurch to Omarama, a tiny town in the Mackenzie basin between mountain ranges and at the crossroads of the Waitaki District, Mackenzie Region and Lindis Pass. Omarama is a great base to explore Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve or soak in Hot Tubs Omarama with incredible vistas as a backdrop. Approximate driving distance today (without stops) 4 hours / 315 km

Day 6: Omarama – Queenstown

Continue your journey through the Southern Alps and Lindis pass to Queenstown.  You may choose to stop along the way in places like Wanaka, Arrowtown or Cromwell, as well as see sights like Clay Cliffs Lane and The Wrinkly Rams. Approximate driving distance today (without stops) 2.5 hours / 170 km

Days 7-9: Queenstown

You have three full days at your leisure in this beautiful alpine resort town to explore National Parks, lakes, wineries or a whole range of outdoor adventures from jet-boating, 4×4 back country safaris, cycling and zip lining to bungy jumping and scenic helicopter flights.  This region is filled with scenery that served as a backdrop for Lord of the Rings films.

In Queenstown we have included the following experience: cruise across Lake Wakatipu onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you will enjoy farm tours and a gourmet BBQ dinner, plus naturally some spectacular scenery.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 10: Queenstown – Invercargill

Depart Queenstown and drive through to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill. The Southern Scenic Route brings together the best of the south and showcases the natural environment, scenery, wildlife, heritage and people. You will travel through mountain, rural , coastal and forest landscapes of small-town coastal New Zealand.

Approximate driving distance today (without stops) 2.5 hours / 190 km

Day 11: Invercargill

Explore Invercargill today, the southernmost city and home of the tuatara, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings that give the city character and Queen’s Park.  It also has a surprisingly diverse food scene and here you can enjoy sampling at a distillery or local seafood sourced from the waters of the Foveaux Strait between the South Island and Stewart Island that are teeming with blue cod, crayfish and oysters.

In Invercargill we have included entrance to the city’s leading visitor attraction Bill Richardson Transport World. This is a treasure trove of southern icons was started by one man’s passion – and is the largest private automotive museum of its kind in the world boasting over 300 vehicles including retro Kombis, Henry Ford Letter Cars and 1930’s V8 cars. The museum also features a growing collection of wearable arts, vintage petrol pumps and interactive displays.

Day 12: Invercargill – Dunedin

Depart Invercargill today and we highly recommend taking the scenic rote via the Catlins. From mesmerising coastal views to a petrified forest and adorable penguins this. You may choose to stop at The Southernmost Point in New Zealand (Slope Point), Curio Bay filled with prehistoric fossilised forest, Cathedral Caves, McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls or Nugget Point lighthouse. Approximate driving distance today (without stops) 3.5 hours / 240 km.

Day 13: Dunedin

You have the day to explore Dunedin at your leisure. There is a variety of attractions and activities from unique wildlife and historic sites to a vibrant local arts and culture scene. Popular choices include visiting Larnach Castle (New Zealand’s only castle), Olveston Historic Home, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, or perhaps checking out the Dunedin Street Art Trail. Dunedin also has a thriving brew scene and you may enjoy visiting Speights Brewery.

In Dunedin we have included a wildlife Albatross excursion on the Otago Peninsula. This area is renowned for its wildlife, including albatrosses at the Royal Albatross Centre, penguins and seals. Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour that includes a presentation on the albatross breeding cycle and short film, followed by a short walk up the hill to view nesting albatross from a glass observatory.

Day 14: Dunedin – Christchurch

The last leg of your road trip today is a beautiful coastal adventure and we recommend stopping along the way where you will find rural scenery, wildlife-spotting opportunities, surf beaches and delicious local food and craft beer. Consider breaking the journey in Oamaru (known for its Victorian architecture, Steampunk HQ and penguin colonies), the coastal town of Timaru (Caroline Bay is a popular spot for a walk to stretch your legs) or Ashburton. You may also may consider a detour to check out the large Moeraki Boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Approximate driving distance today (without stops) 5 hours / 360 km.

Return your rental car in Christchurch on arrival and proceed to your airport hotel where you will overnight.

Day 15: Depart Christchurch, New Zealand

Your down under kiwi adventure comes to an end today.  Make your way from your airport hotel to Christchurch Airport to start your journey home.

Want to extend your trip or customise a different New Zealand vacation itinerary? Contact our destination specialists, this is what we do best!

Browse other popular sample New Zealand trips for inspiration:

Bay of Islands Escape – 4 day Tour

New Zealand Uncovered – 17 day Guided Tour

Kiwi Experience – 21 day Guided Tour

NZ Walks Adventures – 13 day Walking & Hiking

Best of New Zealand – 19 day Road Trip