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The Top of the South New Zealand itinerary takes you North from Christchurch to see the best of the northern half of New Zealand's South Island.
This New Zealand itinerary showcases the "Top of the South", a region which has so much to offer. If your time is limited to 10 days, this itinerary could be for you.
Day 1.
Arrive in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, with a population of 370,000.
Christchurch
has a very "English" feel, as reflected in it's architecture, parks and gardens, and Avon River, running through the city centre.
Click here to see the many
accommodation
options in Christchurch.
Day 2.
Today you are free to explore Christchurch. There is
plenty to do
in Christchurch. Highly recommended are the International Antarctic Centre, a drive to the French themed seaside village of Akaroa, a punt ride on the Avon, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, a hot air balloon ride, or perhaps a tram ride through the city centre.
Day 3.
Today your Top of the South New Zealand itinerary takes you north from Christchurch to the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs (1.5 hours drive).
Hanmer Springs is a lovely alpine village, and is well known for it's thermal pool and water park. The pools are set in natural surroundings and are of varying temperatures. A very relaxing way to spend a few hours.
Hanmer has a wide range of
quality hotels.
Day 4.
Today you travel from Hanmer Springs to one of the scenic highlights of your trip.
Kaikoura (2 hours drive) is located seaside on a large crescent shaped bay. The Kaikoura ranges touch the sea here and make for an amazing backdrop, particularly in the colder months when they are snow capped.
Kaikoura is well known for it's sea food, scenery, seal colonies, and
whale watching.
The whale watching trips are well run, and offer a close up view of whales, dolphins, and seals. The cruise is best undertaken in the morning, before the winds and seas rise.
Days 5, 6, & 7.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to sunny Nelson (3 hours drive) in the
Tasman region.
Nelson is known as the sunniest place in New Zealand, and is a bustling city of 50,000. It is the gateway to the world famous Abel Tasman National Park, which is about 1 hours drive from Nelson.
The park offers a range of
activities
and is accessed via the sea side village of Marahau.
Other things to see and do in Nelson include winery tours, a visit to the World of Wearable Arts, and the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Nearby are Golden Bay and Farewell Spit, which, at over 30 kilometres in length, is one of the world's longest recurved sand-spits. The area is home to over 90 varieties of birdlife, and because of the shallow nature of the water, is a regular site of whale strandings.
Another interesting attraction on the way to Golden Bay is Pupu Springs. Reputed to have the clearest spring water in the world, the springs discharge up to 14,000 litres per second through eight interconnected vents. The water has a constant temperature of 11.7 degrees, and divers are permitted only short stays in the springs.
Click here for
accommodation
options in Nelson.
Day 8.
Today you head to the spectacular and rugged west coast, and the small village of Punakaiki (3.5 hours drive).
Punakaiki is known for it's Pancake Rocks and blowholes. The layered rock formations were formed over millions of years and actually resemble stacks of pancakes. The blowholes are best seen when the seas are rough, and are spectacular when in full flow.
Your accommodation options are a little limited in Punakaiki, but I can highly recommend the Rocks Resort, which is absolute beach front. The restaurant provides the perfect place to sit and watch the sun set over the ocean.
Day 9
Today your Top of the South New Zealand itinerary takes you through the spectacular Arthur's Pass to Christchurch (4 hours drive).
On your journey you actually travel through two passes, Arthur's Pass (920 metres) and Porter's Pass (942 metres). The Otira Gorge below Arthur's Pass is an amazing feat of engineering, and at one point the road is covered by an open tunnel to protect it from rocks and water. The 440 metre long Otira Viaduct bypasses the worst of the old road, and can be viewed from the nearby lookout.
The journey to Christchurch can also be undertaken by train from Greymouth. The
TranzAlpine train
journey has been described as "one of the great train journeys of the world" and is a wonderful, relaxing way to finish your trip if driving is not for you. The photo opportunities from the Tranzalpine are stunning.
Day 10.
Unfortunately all good things must end, and today you fly home.
We hope that you have enjoyed your Top of the South New Zealand itinerary and hope that you will return to see more of New Zealand.
To learn more about the regions in your
Top of the South New Zealand itinerary click here
Top of the South Route Map
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