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Recommended Duration: 16 to 20 days
Kaikoura
The road to Kaikoura from the south runs along the ocean, offering impressive views of the rugged coastline. Keep your eyes open along the way: many seals bask on the rocks by the water, and several roadside spots allow you to stop and observe them up close in their natural environment, though they tend to be quite skittish.
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, you are now arriving in the town of Kaikoura, a must-visit for nature and seafood lovers. Kaikoura is a true marine sanctuary, and marine wildlife tours are highly popular here. Depending on the season, you may see whales and dolphins frequenting the waters of the region, with several local companies offering boat tours to encounter them.
Nelson is known as one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, with over 2,400 hours of sunshine per year.
The climate is temperate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a great destination year-round.
Attractions and Activities in This Region:
The landscapes, vegetation, water color, beauty, and purity of the beaches, as well as the peaceful atmosphere, make Abel Tasman National Park a must-visit destination that deserves a few days of your stay!
You can enjoy incredible hiking experiences, such as the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
You can also take the Abel Tasman Inland Track, which is considered one of the best hikes in New Zealand.
This place is also ideal for kayaking. You can visit the nearby small islands, camp at spots accessible only by kayak, observe seal colonies while paddling, swim, snorkel, and much more.
This beach is undoubtedly one of the most iconic in New Zealand, largely thanks to the image popularized by Windows’ default wallpaper. Accessible via an easy but enjoyable walk, this beach will immerse you in an absolutely stunning setting.
The hike starts from a small parking lot, leading you on a short walk through New Zealand’s lush green fields and countryside. Along the way, you’ll likely come across numerous sheep, which, as expected in New Zealand, peacefully graze under the watchful gaze of the surrounding mountains.
The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track is one of the most famous and accessible hikes on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Located in Punakaiki, within Paparoa National Park, this walk takes you through impressive geological formations and a breathtaking coastal landscape.
Explore the stunning Hokitika Gorge, a natural site where you can admire the Hokitika River, whose water sources come from the fjords of the backcountry.
Its pure turquoise blue color comes from fine white rock particles. The water remains cold year-round, but the team still took a dip! Be careful—the current is strong and can be dangerous, so always stay cautious.
This circuit takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the West Coast of the South Island, where majestic glaciers, lush forests, and wild coastlines intertwine.
For those lucky enough, why not extend your stay by a day for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Join the Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Hike Tour and explore the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
Your journey begins in the village of Franz Josef, where you’ll board a helicopter to reach Franz Josef Glacier.
A Glacier Landing:
You’ll fly over breathtaking landscapes before landing on a specific section of Franz Josef Glacier, a 10.5 km-long glacier within Westland National Park. The vibrant colours and unique formations of the glacial flow, set in a pristine environment, make this a truly unique experience.
Guided Glacier Exploration:
Equipped with glacier boots and crampons, you’ll embark on a two-hour guided hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, experts with over 100 years of experience leading visitors through this icy wonderland.
Discover the Glacial Terrain:
During your hike, you’ll navigate through impressive ice formations and towering pinnacles, immersing yourself in Westland National Park.
More information and booking here
On your way to the town of Wanaka from the west coast, you will travel along the picturesque Haast Pass, which offers many scenic viewpoints within Mount Aspiring National Park.
First stop:
A 10-minute stop at Thunder Creek Falls, an impressive 96-meter-high waterfall. This short break will allow you to recharge while admiring this natural wonder!
Next stop:
Blue Pools, famous for their crystal-clear water. The river originates from the backcountry fjords, making it completely transparent! You can access this spot via the Blue Pools Track, a 30-minute walk from the parking lot.
Final stretch:
Your journey south now follows Lake Wanaka, where you can stop at the Lake Wanaka Lookout to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the mountain range in the background.
Wanaka, a small town on the shores of Lake Wanaka, is one of the most charming and relaxing destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities, the town is a joy to explore, despite its small size.
The Lonely Tree
The famous Lonely Tree is one of Wanaka’s most iconic images. This solitary tree growing in the lake is a favorite photography subject and a must-see attraction.
Get ready for a 7-hour hike, gaining 1,600 meters in elevation to reach two breathtaking viewpoints.
The first viewpoint (after hiking ¾ of the way) offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Wanaka with the Southern Alps in the background.
The final summit provides an even more impressive perspective, making it one of the most photogenic hikes in New Zealand.
Milford Sound, one of the most remote and wild places in New Zealand, is instantly magical. This majestic fjord, carved by glaciers, opens to the ocean, surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic cliffs.
From here, you can board a boat to explore this natural wonder in depth.
The 1.5-hour cruise lets you observe amazing wildlife, including seals lounging on rocks, penguins (if you’re lucky!), and of course, the incredible waterfalls cascading into the fjord.
Mitre Peak, with its distinctive conical shape, dominates the landscape, adding an epic touch to this experience.
The cruise is spectacular in all weather conditions—mystical in the mist, idyllic in the sun. The region receives up to 200 days of rain per year, making it one of the wettest places in the world!
More information and booking here
Queenstown is world-famous for extreme sports and is considered New Zealand’s adventure capital. The town is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Despite having only 16,000 permanent residents, summer and winter bring in thousands of tourists, making it a bustling hub of adventure tourism. The economy thrives on tourism, with plenty of souvenir shops, artisan boutiques, and a festive, lively atmosphere.
Shotover Jet Queenstown
Hop into a high-speed jet boat for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! The speedboat performs 360-degree spins, racing along the Shotover River, narrowly dodging cliffs and rock walls.
This must-try experience lets you admire Queenstown’s stunning mountain scenery while enjoying an exhilarating ride!
Post-adventure tip
Head to Canyon Brewing, right next to the jet boat base, to enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas!
Pro tip
Dress warmly and wear waterproof gear—the wind is strong, and you may get wet depending on where you sit!
More information and booking here
You’re now traveling along one of the most beautiful roads in New Zealand, Highway 80, which follows Lake Pukaki at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. The road is filled with incredible viewpoints, so make sure to stop for some stunning photos! (Be mindful of traffic, of course.)
Welcome to the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain!
Recommended hike: Hooker Valley Track
Duration: ~2h30 (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
The trail crosses suspension bridges, offers 360° mountain views, and ends at Hooker Lake, a breathtaking glacier-fed lake with a unique milky-blue color.
Mt John Summit Circuit Track
A 1-hour hike to the summit of Mount John for spectacular views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the town of Tekapo.
Pro tip
Bring your camera—the views are worth it!
Cold plunge challenge
If you’re feeling adventurous (like the Vanz Travel team), take a refreshing dip in Lake Tekapo after your hike —it’s cold, but unforgettable!
Dark Sky Project & Summit Experience
Evening excursion to one of the world’s clearest night skies.
A bus takes you to the top of Mount John, where you’ll experience a breathtaking view of the constellations.
More information and booking here
Akaroa is a picturesque town that invites exploration.
Wander through charming streets lined with boutiques and artisan shops, where you’ll find handmade souvenirs and local products. Due to its French heritage, the town retains an authentic charm that makes it a delightful stop on your journey.
Vanz Travel’s favorite activity!!The absolute highlight is swimming with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. After putting on your wetsuit (included in your booking—gloves, boots, and wetsuits provided), you’ll board a small-group cruise to encounter these playful and friendly dolphins.Since they are a protected species, touching them is not allowed, but they are incredibly social and will curiously approach you! The cruise continues along the coast, where you’ll also see seals lounging on the rocks.
Comfort tip
Back on board, you’ll get a hot chocolate and a cookie, plus a hot water hose inside your wetsuit to warm you up! Even in winter, the wetsuits are thick enough to keep you nice and warm—we tested and approved it!
More information and booking here
Christchurch, often called the “Garden City”, blends historic charm with modern resilience, especially following the 2011 earthquakes. Today, the city showcases an impressive revival, merging nature, art, and architecture.
Looking for the perfect van for your next adventure? Look no further than Vanz Travel! We offer an extensive range of campervan rentals in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that you’ll find the ideal vehicle to suit your needs and budget.
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