On arrival at Christchurch Airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Papanui. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and tour hosts at your welcome dinner. You will receive your comprehensive tour notes, along with a briefing on the exciting days ahead on your South Island campervan tour. If you would like more time to discover Christchurch, we are more than happy to book extra nights for you.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
MEALS: Dinner
KMS TRAVELLED: 0

After breakfast, we’ll head off to pick up our roving accommodation for the next 11 days. At the depot you’ll receive comprehensive information on your motorhome. The first and most important stop is at a nearby supermarket to stock your pantry. We’ll then meet around 30 minutes out of Christchurch, just to make sure everyone is comfortable in their motorhomes. The idea is not to travel in convoy but to stop at the sights that interest you along the way. A daily planner with all the points of interest will be in the extended trip dossier you’ll receive at the trip briefing. Our travels today take us from the Canterbury plains, through the picturesque Rakaia Gorge, to the South Canterbury high country. Stop at the Staveley Cafe for a delicious snack. Then as we leave the main road behind, you’ll be amazed at the ‘Big Sky’ country we are heading into. Once at the Station, we’ll settle into our overnight sites in time for an introductory walk around the farm, and then we’ll have happy hour before our hosted dinner in the homestead.

ACCOMMODATION: High Country Station (Merino and Beef)
POWERED SITE: No
MEALS: Breakfast and 2 course Dinner with wine
KMS TRAVELLED: 155km, approximately 2hrs 30mins driving time

This morning as we leave the station, we have plenty of opportunity for walks near Lake Heron and time to take in the vistas. Once back on the main road we head towards the quaint town of Geraldine. Take time for a stop here, where the Barkers store and café is a unique attraction. It’s a great place to stock up on condiments for happy hour or a lunch stop. There are many shops and eateries, along with a Swazi shop to browse through.

Uniue to our motorhome tour, we stay at Raincliff, where we’ll be treated to a fascinating hour’s tour, showing how this working deer farm operates. Enjoy a BBQ dinner this evening hosted by the farm owners.

ACCOMMODATION: Deer Farm
POWERED SITE: No
MEALS: BBQ Dinner
KMS TRAVELLED: 130km, approximately 2hrs driving time

There’s so much to see and do today! If you’d like a morning coffee stop, the Farm Barn Café is 20 mins down the road. Owned by the daughter of Dave & Jan at Raincliff Station, it has what we think are the best Custard Squares south of Christchurch and a lovely shop as well! You’ll also pass through Fairlie, which is famous for its pies, and for good reason. Take time to visit an Alpaca farm and the Garage art gallery. At Burkes Pass Heritage Township you’ll find Three Creeks Service Station, full of yesteryear charm and knick knacks. You may like to stop at the St Patrick’s Church, the oldest Union church on its original site, and Burkes Pass cemetery, where many McKenzie country pioneers were laid to rest, along with Connie Scott, the ‘lupin lady’. Soon you’re greeted by views of beautiful Lake Tekapo. There’s lots to keep you busy today! The Holiday Park is located on Glentanner Station and commands beautiful views of Mt Cook. We’ll enjoy a BBQ this evening at the park.

ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Park
POWERED SITE: Yes
MEALS: BBQ Dinner
KMS TRAVELLED: 152km, approximately 2hrs driving time

Sure to be a highlight of the journey is the included helicopter trip. This includes a flight to a wonderful vantage point on Glentanner Station, a guide to talk about the various aspects of farming at Glentanner, morning tea and a pleasant walk back to base. There are also many other walks to enjoy in the area, such as Sealy Tarn & Kea Point. The drive to Omarama is relatively short today, so depending on time, you may like to book in a soak at the Omarama hot/cool tubs, only a 10min walk from the station. Or maybe try your hand at fishing from one of the streams that runs through the property.On arrival at the station, we’ll have a guided walk around the farm that takes in the historic woolshed, brought over from the UK in the late 1800’s, and the operation of the farm. Enjoy drinks and nibbles at a scenic viewpoint.

ACCOMMODATION: High Country Station (Merino and Beef)
POWERED SITE: No
MEALS: None
KMS TRAVELLED: 71km, approximately 1hour driving time

Today you may like to take a round trip detour to the amazing Omarama Clay Cliffs. Later, head over the Lindis Pass. Don’t forget to stop at the Tarras Cafe and check out the Merino shop while you’re there. On the way to Queenstown, stop in to explore the old town of Cromwell and there are plenty of wineries to choose from for a tasting or delicious lunch.
Arrowtown is another option for exploration, along with its old Chinese Gold mining settlement and historic center.

ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Park
POWERED SITE: Yes
MEALS: None
KMS TRAVELLED: 170km, approximately 2hrs 10mins driving time

Today we’ll embark on a beautiful Lake Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw. The rest of the day is free for you to choose from the many options in the surrounding area. Maybe head to Cromwell to walk the winery trail, or you may like to just relax and explore Queenstown. The choice is yours.

ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Park
POWERED SITE: Yes
MEALS: BBQ Dinner at Walter Peak Station
KMS TRAVELLED: 0km

On the way to Haast head over the stunning Crown Range and take time to explore Wanaka and its attractions. There’s so much to see on the way! 

Then we travel from east to west over the Haast Pass and into the temperate rainforest of the magical West Coast. There are many short walks and sights along the way, such as; the Blue Pools, Fantail and Thunder Creek Falls. You may like to stop at the Haast Visitors Centre or pub, before turning off towards Jackons Bay.

One of the bonuses of a motorhome tour is being able to freedom camp. Our site this evening is beside the Waiatoto River. Surrounded by trees, and located at our starting point for our Waiatoto Jetboat Safari in the morning. 

ACCOMMODATION: Waiatoto River Safaris
POWERED SITE: No
MEALS: None
KMS TRAVELLED: 230km, approximately 3hrs driving time

Today we include a scenic Jetboat Safari on the Waiatoto River and into the Haast UNESCO World Heritage area. This 2 hour safari will leave you in awe of the incredible scenery, whatever the weather.
Then for a delicious lunch, head to Jacksons Bay and visit the sisters Dayna and Nicole at the Cray Pot Cafe. Who have carved out a life in this remote part of South Westland.
There are plenty of short walks in Jacksons Bay and also the beautiful Ship Creek river and dune walks are a “must do” as you head towards Fox Glacier. Take your time; explore and enjoy stunning South Westland.
We’ll see you at happy hour this evening. Our accommodation is at scenic Fox Glacier with views of Mt Cook on a fine day.  

ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Park
POWERED SITE: Yes
MEALS: None
KMS TRAVELLED: 196km, approximately 2hrs 35mins driving time

Our journey up the wild West Coast continues with a full day of sights. You’ll have the option of taking walks to Fox Glacier, though if it’s clear, we highly recommend Lake Matheson for spectacular views of Mount Cook. There’s also Franz Joseph Glacier and walks. Though our personal favourite is the little known settlement of Okarito. There are wetland and hill walks with spectacular views over the coast. You may opt for a White Heron Colony tour in Whataroa, or to stop in Hari Hari to see a replica of Guy Menzies biplane, the first ever flight across the Tasman.

A unique West Coast Scenic Waterway cruise is included this afternoon, to beautiful Lake Mahinapua. Our Holiday Park tonight is booked exclusively for our group. So enjoy a BBQ dinner and you can even feed the tame eels as well!

ACCOMMODATION: Holiday Park
POWERED SITE: Yes
MEALS: BBQ Dinner
KMS TRAVELLED: 203km, approximately 2hrs 50mins driving time

At 9am we’ve arranged a special group visit to the Arahura Marae, including a Powhiri and to hear stories of Marae history and culture. There’s also time to visit Hokitika itself for glass blowing and pounamu carving. Shantytown and Greymouth (Monteiths Brewery tour). You may like to drive to the Pancake Rocks and return via Blackball, and Lake Brunner to the settlement of Otira where we’ll spend the night. Lester Roundtree, the owner of the Otira Stagecoach Hotel, has family links with the first stagecoach drivers through the pass. The hotel itself is like a living museum, and Lester will explain the unusual collection of knickknacks and artefacts on display. Enjoy a final evening together and a roast dinner in the hotel tonight

ACCOMMODATION: Otira
POWERED SITE: No
MEALS: Roast Dinner
KMS TRAVELLED: 127km, approximately 1hr 50mins driving time via Greymouth & Lake Brunner

This is our last day on the road of our South Island campervan tour, before returning our motorhomes back to base in Christchurch. On the way you’ll pass over the amazing Otira viaduct and you may like to go on a bush walk in Arthurs Pass. We loved exploring the walks around the Castle Hill rocks, and you can sample the best pies in Canterbury at Sheffield! As you return your motorhomes to the depot, we’re sure you’ll reflect upon the amazing country we live in and the new friends you’ve made. Safe travels.

ACCOMMODATION: None
MEALS: None
KMS TRAVELLED: 156km, approximately 2hrs 5mins driving time