Price pp from:

$3,440
A high-altitude drone view of white limestone cliffs and a rocky reef jutting into a dark teal ocean, with three tiny yellow kayaks in the water and a bright sun glare on the horizon.
Wildlife

The Ultimate NZ Coastal Safari

Christchurch

Wellington

10 days, 9 nights

Road Trips

From: $3,440 pp

Overview

Discover New Zealand’s wild side on this unforgettable journey from Christchurch to Wellington. This carefully curated self-drive tour follows the dramatic eastern coastline, where snow-capped mountains meet the sea and wildlife thrives in its natural habitat. Watch whales breach off Kaikōura, and wake to birdsong in the serene Marlborough Sounds. In Wellington, experience a guided visit to Kapiti Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birds and unique wildlife. Prepare to pursue rare kiwi, spot majestic whales, and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Aotearoa.

Highlights & inclusions

10 days / 9 nights

Christchurch

Wellington

Apartments
Rental car included
  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat
  • Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington
  • Ultimate Overnight Tour in Kapiti Island

Make an enquiry about this trip or build a custom quote

Price pp from

$3,440

Why New Zealand Self Drive Tours

  • One dedicated travel specialist to plan, book, and manage your journey from first enquiry to departure.
  • We plan itineraries that work well once you’re actually here, with realistic drive times, thoughtful pacing, and the right balance of experiences.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

Welcome to Ōtautahi / Christchurch

Kia ora and welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand. After checking into your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Christchurch, known in Māori as Ōtautahi, is the largest city on the South Island. Often referred to as the Garden City it boasts one of the largest public parks in the country and the city centre is full of very impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The inner city has almost been completely rebuilt following earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Explore the city and see how the old mixes with New Zealand's "newest" city.

With a blue sky background the Christchurch Cathedral in the foreground with its colourful mosaic glass windows

Accommodation

Modern glass facade hotel building illuminated at night with trees and parked cars nearby.
Quest on Cambridge

Activities

Highlights of The Ultimate NZ Coastal Safari

Boat on green water near rocky cliffs under blue sky with clouds.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat

Interislander ferry Kaitaki with a kayaker on the water in front of mountain landscape

Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington

Family relaxing on porch of wooden cabin while kids play on grassy lawn in sunny outdoor setting.

Ultimate Overnight Tour in Kapiti Island

Additional inclusions

Cougar Line Shared Transfer - Picton to Marlborough Sounds

Cougar Line Shared Transfer - Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove

Cougar Line Shared Transfer - Marlborough Sounds to Picton

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

Talk to an expert travel consultant. Enquire