South Island · Journey idea · 7–10 nights
Wine & Wilderness
Marlborough → Kaikōura → Christchurch → Central Otago → Queenstown
- Best Feb–Apr
- Relaxed pace
- Premium · Luxury
Overview
A tasting route down the South Island — Sauvignon Blanc, crayfish coast, alpine rail and pinot country.
- Marlborough cellar doors
- Kaikōura whales & crayfish
- TranzAlpine rail
- Central Otago pinot
Best time
Feb–Apr
Harvest in the vineyards, autumn gold in Central Otago and settled coastal weather.
Pace
Relaxed
Two- and three-night stays, short drives.
Works at
Premium · Luxury
Comfort levels this route suits — mix them along the way.
Who it suits
7–10 nights
Food-and-wine travellers and anyone who prefers long lunches and scenic rail to early starts.
Shape it to your dates
The same route works at 7–10 nights. Pick the shape that's closest — we start from there, and the quote is built for your dates and group.
Need something in between, or longer? Say so in the enquiry — every shape is a starting point.
The route
Day numbers below follow the 8-day classic shape.
Day by day
Day 1
Marlborough
Day 2
Kaikōura
Where the mountains meet whales
What you’ll do
1 night in Kaikōura
Day 3–4
Christchurch
Garden city & alpine gateway
What you’ll do
2 nights in Christchurch
Day 5
Central Otago
Day 6–8
Queenstown
Your route
Day 1 · Marlborough
Where you’ll stay
Pick a comfort level and we match every night to it — or mix and match along the way.
Comfort
Well-located 3–4 star hotels & motels
Premium
Boutique 4–5 star and standout lodges
Luxury
Design lodges, suites and private touches
Experiences on this journey
What’s included
- Accommodation
- In-country transport & transfers
- Listed experiences
- Day-by-day itinerary
- 24/7 local support
Not included
- International flights
- NZeTA / IVL / visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Some meals
- Optional add-ons
Make it yours
This is a journey idea, not a package, so there's no price on it — the cost depends on your dates, group, stays and pace. Tell us what you have in mind and a local planner will shape the route with you and send a written quote in New Zealand dollars. No obligation.