New Zealand's Ultimate Highway

Start the day with a stroll around the Botanic Gardens. Grab your caffeine fix from Ilex Café and see if you can find the tree that locals hide inside (hint it’s by the Canterbury Museum).

Christchurch’s breakfast of champions is an American-style diner, Drexels - fluffy pancakes, crispy hashbrowns and bottomless coffee … need we say more? 

Once you’re fuelled, whip up to Christchurch Adventure Park for views over the city. The park has the longest zipline in New Zealand, mountain biking, walks (for both the fearless and the faint-hearted) and a whole lot of pure South Island air – it doesn’t get much better than that.

For the kids, hit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and get up close and personal with native and exotic animals. Their award-winning Kiwihouse can have you less than a metre away from the iconic flightless bird.

A meal at 5th Street is among the South Island’s best dining experiences – order the chargrilled ribeye, you won’t regret it.

Skip brekky in Christchurch and hit the road, Little Vintage in Amberley is calling your name. 

Amberley also has a few boutiques well worth a look, Ruby Six, and Out of the Bleu.

Just down the road, it’s wine time! You’ve arrived in North Canterbury Wine Region (aka the coolest little wine region in the country).  

With limestone soils and a unique microclimate, the 90+ wineries in this area are famed for their award-winning Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. 

The menu at organic Greystone winery is sensational (you must try their Pétillant Natural) while family-owned Pegasus Bay and Black Estate are also great. If you ask nicely, the staff at Peg Bay may show you where you can feed their friendly eels.  

The next stop is hot pool heaven, the alpine wonderland of Hanmer Springs will envelop you with tranquillity – so much so you’ll find it hard to leave.

Every drop of the Hanmer Springs’ mineral-filled thermal waters has been warmed by heat from the earth’s core – a natural process that takes 173 years. 

Indulge in a long soak, and if you really want to relax book a treatment at The Spa (their 90 minute Aroma Bliss massage is divine). The kids are set with some of the largest hydroslides in New Zealand – Hanmer Springs is a place for everyone. 

Make dinner easy so you don’t disturb your zen, Boulder Burgers and curry at Spice Village are mouth-watering options or the pizzas at Saints Café are always great.

Start the day off right, head up Conical Hill for 360-degree panoramic views of the village or head to Hanmer Heritage Forest for the Forest Amble Walk among sculptures – including a friendly giant.   

You can’t go past The Powerhouse Café for breakfast or brunch and take some time to browse in the boutiques in the village’s centre.   

Just outside of the beautiful alpine village, nestled over Waiau Gorge, the Waiau Ferry Bridge is tall enough for you to throw yourself off bungee style. The 35-metre freefall towards the surging river is a surefire way to get your blood pumping.

On the way to Kaikōura, rolling hills, mountain scenery and farmlands fill your vision, take your time and enjoy the scenes. 

You’ll cross over the Waiau Uwha River, one of the longest single-lane bridges in New Zealand. There are some passing bays on the bridge which makes for the perfect stop to catch a sunset snap.

It would be rude to come to such a stunning coastal town as Kaikōura and not enjoy some fish and chips, a New Zealand delicacy. 

Start the day by getting up close and personal with the sealife that’s made Kaikōura an eco-tourism hotspot. It’s world-famous for whales (which you can see by boat, plane, or helicopter) but there’s more to this moana (sea) than those giant marine mammals. 

Dolphin Encounter will take you to watch or swim with acrobatic dusky dolphins, you can also kayak with NZ fur seals with Kaikōura Kayaks. Fans of our feathered friends should grab an Albatross Encounter and meet nature’s most extraordinary giant seabirds. 

Come lunchtime, there are plenty of eateries in the township – local favourites include the character-filled Beach House Café (the avo toast is 10/10) and The Slam Club. 

Kaikōura literally means ‘eat (kai) crayfish (kōura)’ and those who are keen to do so should head to food caravans Nin’s Bin or Kaikōura seafood BBQ.

As you head out of town towards Marlborough, you might like to stop at Ohau Point Lookout or grab a coffee at The Store in Kekerengu (the halfway point between Kaikōura and Blenheim). Enjoy a dinner out in Blenheim – the much-awarded Arbour is great with Gramado’s Brazilian fare also a winner.

Make the most of waking in the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region with a visit to a world-acclaimed Marlborough winery or two. 

You can self-drive or take a guided tour around the 30 cellar doors or, if biking’s your jam, then consider an e-bike. 

Those short on time should simply head to Fidelio Cafe & Wine Bar featuring small Marlborough wine producers and their gourmet platters complete the experience. 

The road to Nelson will take you to the charming village of Havelock – the departure point for many boat tours into the Marlborough Sounds including Mills Bay Mussels - it's a must do! It's where you can indulge in freshly steamed mussels and the region’s famous Sauvignon Blanc. 

There’s plenty of options for dinner in Nelson but the five-course tasting menu at Hopgoods would be a great way to round out the day. Take a stroll up The Cawthron Steps afterwards and enjoy a view of the lights over this seaside city. 

Another great option is The Boatshed Café which straddles with sea with breathtaking views

If it’s the weekend, head to the legendary Nelson Market – from food to local designer clothing to art and homewares, it’s all ripe for the picking with a relaxed and enjoyable vibe.  

Nature lovers should head to 690-hectare Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. This very special part of New Zealand is the largest fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island.

As you head out of the city towards Mapua, you’ll head past some local berry farms – pop in for a Real Fruit Icecream. 

Make a stop at Mapua Wharf – this is a picturesque spot in a tidal estuary. If conditions are calm (which they mostly are) you can jump off the wharf and climb back up for seconds. 

The wharf has a number of boutiques (with some incredible New Zealand art) and a famous hat shop. 

Ready for dinner? Indulge in fine fare at The Apple Shed or Jellyfish or dine casually at craft brewery The Golden Bear (top tip: the nachos are fantastic) or grab what are undoubtedly some of the best fish ‘n chips in New Zealand at The Smokehouse. 

Early birds can make the most of the day by hitting the road and heading into Abel Tasman National Park which is either a 40-minute drive from Mapua or you can grab a kayak or boat tour from Kaiteriteri and Marahau. The golden beaches and aquamarine seas are well worth it. 

Lunch in Kaiteriteri or if you’re in Marahau hit up The Fat Tui for a burger you’ll crave in the future. 

Afterwards, head back through Motueka and Moutere – do stop and grab some of the fresh fruit that’s grown here from one of the roadside stalls where you pay with an honesty box. 

If you are a sweet tooth, the donuts from The Smoking Barrel are a must. With flavours like Ferrero Rocher, Caramilk deluxe and raspberry double chocolate, you won’t be able to leave with just one.

The berries at Tapawera are worth loading up on and if you fancy a dip, Murchison’s best-kept secret is The Eel Hole – a majestic swimming spot. To get there, park at the Riverview Holiday Park.

From Murchison head to Springs Junction where you’ll head west to Punakaiki.

On your travels to the coastal dream town that is Punakaiki, don’t miss a tour of the Reefton Distilling Company (there’s a reason Little Biddy gin is so popular) and if you do decide to stay here, definitely look at Reef Cottage Bed and Breakfast.   

Punakaiki is famous for its natural beauty, 30 million years in the making. Time your stroll through the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for high tide so you can see them at their most powerful. 

Wake up and smell the pancakes (see them again if you want to!) at Pancake Rocks Café which promises a mean pancake – quite appropriate really.

Want a keepsake you’ll treasure forever? You can forge your own knife at Barrytown Knifemaking from red-hot steel with a native timber handle and lunch is provided (even better!).

As you travel to Hokitika, beer lovers will want to stop and enjoy the 45-minute tour of the Monteiths Brewery Company in Greymouth – it’s a great spot for lunch too. 

Hokitika is the coolest little town on the West Coast. Snap a selfie in front of its iconic driftwood sign on the beach – it’s a great pic to send to the whānau (family) back home.

The Pioneer Hotel boasts a classic kiwi pub feed or, if you are looking for views of Hokitika, look no further than Ocean View Restaurant & Bar. 

A natural marvel you can’t miss is the Glow Worm Dell just a short wander from Hokitika town. Bring a flashlight but turn it off once you get to the glow worm colonies so you can see the bugs at their brightest.

Start the morning with a glorious sandwich from the Hokitika Sandwich Company. Regarded as some of the best grub in Aotearoa, we promise these are worth the wait. 

Head 30 minutes out of town to Hokitika Gorge and take the an easy one-hour walk through lush native bush to a rocky gorge with iridescent turquoise blue water. It’s a real sight.

It’s onwards towards the glaciers through native forests and stunning mountain views. If you feel like it, take a short detour to Ōkārito … it’s a coastal hideaway and hidden gem.

Half an hour south and you arrive in Glacier Country. 

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the only glaciers in the world to span all the way to sea level, with Fox Glacier stretching 13 kilometres in length. 

There are so many ways to see the glaciers in all their glory, from simple walks to Glacier Heli Hiking. Whatever way you choose to see the glaciers doesn’t matter, it’s only important that you do.

Warm up with a hearty meal at Alice May or perhaps you fancy a bit of pool and pizza at the Blue Ice Restaurant down the road.

With a long day of travel ahead, fuel up at SnakeBite Brewery. On offer is a mix of kiwi classics and Asian-inspired breakfasts, the big brekky is not one to look past. 

The drive further south is up to you. If you don’t mind a few stops along the way, Fantail Falls and the Blue Pools are known to be one of the best sights of the south – if it’s hot enough to swim, bring your togs and take a refreshing dip in the ice-cold water. 

Make your next pit stop Wānaka, there is plenty to do in this adventure-packed town. We are talking sky diving, the world’s highest waterfall climb and if you are making the trip in winter, skiing and snowboarding galore.  

If a bite to eat is all you’re after, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen will have you drooling with their beef cheek gnocchi or try Wānaka’s bustling food truck scene. Don’t forget a stop for a bevvy at the iconic Cardrona Hotel.

Continue on to your final destination, Queenstown! A pocket rocket of a little town, you have adventure, entertainment and world-class dining at your fingertips.

One of the best ways to see the surrounding landscape is a cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.

No matter what night of the week it is in Queenstown, the town will be abuzz. For drinks, all you need to know is the three B’s - Bardeaux, The Bunker and Barmuda.

Dinner is the dealer's choice, brave the lines of the infamous Fergburger (it’s absolutely worth it), maybe an upmarket experience at Rātā or perhaps Asian fusion with a whole lot of flare at Blue Kanu. 

Come desert, head to Patagonia Ice Cream – you can’t go wrong with their award-winning banana split.

Queenstown has some absolute bangin’ brekky spots, including Bespoke Kitchen, Vudu Café & Larder and Yonder. 

Now your next big decision is wine and dine or action and adventure? Maybe a bit of both? After all, Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world. 

As well as jetboating, you can bungy jump, tandem skydive, river surf and canyon swing.  Can’t decide how to get your blood pumping? AJ Hackett have some ka mau te wehi (awesome) combo adventure deals. 

The Gondola and Luge are perfect ways to inject a small dose of adventure into your day if you have kids in tow or don’t quite have the stomach for a bungy. 

If you are a dedicated winer and diner, book a Queenstown Wine Trail Tour and be guided through some unforgettable wineries, enjoy a perfectly paired lunch and taste why Central Otago is renowned for wine. 

Prefer to go it alone? Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa and Kinross should all be on your list.

Maybe you don’t want wine, dine, action or adventure and you want to see nature at its best. 

About a four-hour drive from Queenstown, winding along Lake Wakatipu, deep into southern farmland, you’ll find Milford Sound – New Zealand’s best natural attraction. 

On-route, stop by the biggest lake in the South Island, Te Anau. Grab a bite to eat at The Fat Duck, the Fiordland Venison Pie is everything you want and need a NZ pie to be. 

Travel on through to Mirror Lakes, for exactly what you’d expect, very mirror-y lakes! Cast your eyes over some of the best of New Zealand wildlife, like our smallest duck pāpango.

Continue on through the Homer Tunnel, now you are closer to paradise than ever. 

Arrive at Milford Sound Wharf and jump on a boat tour. Cruise around on the inky black water taking in the jagged cliffs and lush surroundings, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with native wildlife, rushing waterfalls and the almighty Mitre Peak.

Finish your trip off right, indulge in world-class dining at Pio Pio Restaurant overlooking the stunning Cleddau River.

Duck into Arrowtown as you hit the road. The historic mining town will have you in a trance with its cute heritage buildings and natural beauty. Dishery is the one for a brekky feed. 

Jump in the car and head through toward Twizel, stop at the hip new Mint Folk & Co cafe and it’s important you make a detour towards the Hooker Valley Track. 

The Hooker Valley Track is at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a 3-hour return trip ideal for kids, those who complain about physical activities and people who like seeing stunning natural sights. The midpoint of the walk rewards those with a view of iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake looking up to the remarkable Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. 

After a day of hard mahi (work), it’s only right that you indulge in Tekapo’s finest: Ramen Tekapo. The spicy miso ramen is the only thing that needs to be crossing your mind, maybe some fried chicken for good measure.

Wake up to the sun rising above the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Take a stunning lakefront walk and enjoy a coffee and a bite of breakfast from the Greedy Cow. 

If you’re up for the extraordinary, book an epic adventure with Helicopter Line or head off the beaten track in a 4WD with Tekapo Adventures.

Unwind with an afternoon soak and massage at Tekapo Springs – it has some of the best views in town.

Come dinner time, you’re spoiled for choice … Kohan offer great Japanese, dine with a view at the waterfront’s TLV Restaurant or head to Blue Lake Eatery and Bar for some great Kiwi kai (food).

At night, sit back with a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir for some self-guided stargazing.

Stop off at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse for one of their incredible Kiwi pies (aka love wrapped in pastry). The most popular? Pork Belly and Apple hands down (probably due to the crunchy crackling baked into its lid).

On your drive home, stop to explore Rakaia Gorge Walkway. An easy 3-4 hour walk as you traverse along some of the most picturesque blue water you’ll ever see.

Once you arrive in Ōtautahi, treat yourself to a massage at O-Studio, you can even book into their luxe wellness centre recovery space. A perfect way to decompress after seeing the sights of the South Island. 

The final dinner of your trip should be at Twenty Seven Steps on iconic New Regent Street for modern European fare.

Finish off with some cocktails at the extremely cool Gin Gin and have a toast to your spectacular roadie across the South Island.