Off The Beaten Path

Discover the charm, beauty, and history of one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking regions on this private, guided day tour. Begin your journey in the gold rush-era town of Arrowtown, where cobblestone streets and heritage buildings tell stories of a bygone era. Explore the restored Chinese settlement, browse local boutiques, and soak up the quaint village atmosphere. From there, we take to the road one of the most scenic in the world as we travel alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy. Sit back in the comfort of a luxury European SUV or Mercedes van and enjoy the flexibility to stop whenever you please, whether for photo opportunities, fresh mountain air, or a moment to take it all in. We pause at the breathtaking Bennett’s Bluff Lookout for panoramic views, then continue to the gateway of Paradise: Glenorchy. Here, we visit the iconic Glenorchy Shed and enjoy lunch at one of the town’s charming cafés (at own expense). On the return journey, we take a peaceful walk through the native bush and along the shoreline at Bob’s Cove an idyllic final stop before arriving back in Queenstown.

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Queenstown airport to meet your flight.

This tour's from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs. See the most popular range here.

First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self drive experience on our roads.

Leaving Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu guides you south. The rolling green hills of Southland accompany you as you pass through the farming communities of Garston, Athol, Lumsden and Winton before arriving at the worlds southern most city, Invercargill.

Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand and one of the most southern in the world. On the southern scenic route, Invercargill is the gateway to Southland, the Catlins district, and Stewart Island. Early pioneers settled here to establish a flax industry however it was the rich plains that brought prosperity to the city as the settlers turned to farming. There are some impressive buildings including the city's water tower. The Southland Museum is worth a visit, which houses a state-of-the-art tuatara house. These creatures are unique to New Zealand and date back to the age of dinosaurs.
Invercargill is a lively city with plenty of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions. It seems like the town is obsessed with anything that has wheels. You can visit Transport World, celebrate the town's motorcycle history at Classic Motorcycle Mecca, and learn about the legend of speed - Burt Munro at E-Hayeas Motorworks. Alternatively, you can try making chocolate at the Seriously Good Chocolate Company.

The Southern Scenic route continues from Invercargill through farmland to the Catlins and its many secluded beaches and bays.  The Catlins is a haven for New Zealand flora and fauna.  The coastline is home to penguins, dolphins and it’s the only place in New Zealand where the 4 types of New Zealand Seal can be found.  Inland the Catlins Conservation Park is a thick forest of rimu, kāmahi, rātā and silver beech which together form the largest area of native forest on the east coast of the South Island. For ancient forests, Curio Bay is home to a 160 million year old fossilised forest.

A major highlight on the Southern Scenic Route, the Catlins is a walker's paradise offering a variety of walks from waterfalls, hidden lakes and coastal walks over rolling farmland. Don't forget to watch out for the amazing wildlife as well!

South Catlins Area

Waikawa
The Old Coach Road is a walk across the estuary, possible at low tide, starting from the right side of the jetty. Evidence can still be seen of the stone bridges over the creeks and the road raised above the sand.

A short forest walk named in memory of a well-loved local, George Aitken, starts behind the Waikawa Hall. You will find some helpful labels naming the native trees, and peaceful views of the estuary.
Easy Walking

Curio Bay
Easy walking to the beach, the headland and to view the Fossil Forest.

Slope Point
The southernmost point in the South Island, which is accessible through private property, is closed to the public from 1 September to 1 November due to the lambing season. It is absolutely essential to respect the signs at the parking area.
Easy Walking - 30 minute return

Otara
It is a short walk from the road to the Tararua Acre. There is a cemetery here with graves of some of the casualties of the worst civilian shipwreck in New Zealand which occurred on the Waipapa Reef in 1881. The Waipapa Lighthouse, the last wooden lighthouse built in NZ, was erected in 1884 as a result of the disaster. If sea lions and tide permit you can walk east on a wide sandy beach for eight kilometres and on towards Slope Point via a legal road line. A derelict gold dredge lies in the sandhills.
Easy Walking - 20 minutes return

Waipohatu
The Waipohatu Recreation Area gives wheelchair access to an excellent example of the southern rainforest, with an impressive range of species especially ferns. It is registered as a Kiwi Walk. A second, less-maintained, three hour track leads to two small waterfalls.
This is a short bush walk suitable for wheelchairs - approximately 15 minutes return. There is a longer bush walk of approximately 3 hours.

Fortrose
The walk along the beach and around the headland near the golf course at Fortrose leads to a view over the swirling exit of the Mataura River.
Easy Walking - 30 minute circuit

O'Neill's Bush
This is a small remnant of lowland beech forest on the flat close to where the Fortrose-Invercargill highway crosses the Titiroa River.
Easy Walking - 15 minute circuit.

Kaka Point Area

Nugget Point
There is a 20 minute return walking path to the Roaring Bay viewing hide, as well as a 10-20 minute return walk to the Lighthouse. This is a 47 hectare wildlife reserve and is home to many of the southern coast's animals and birds, including elephant seals, fur seals, New Zealand (Hooker's) sea lions, the rare yellow-eyed penguin and many other species of seabirds. Please use the hide for viewing the yellow-eyed penguins, and never approach within 20 metres of penguins or sea lions.
Easy Walking - 20 minutes return

Awakiki Bush
Farm and bush walk to a conservation reserve featuring a very large totara tree.

Kaka Point
Bush track at the top of Marine Terrace. This 30 minute loop track takes you through a good cross-section of vegetation types, including ferns and perching plants. Most podocarp species are also present.
Easy Walking - 30 minutes return

Tunnel Hill
On the road between the Nugget Point turn-off and Owaka you will find one of the last remains of the old Catlins River railway which, when completed, ran from Balclutha to Tahakopa. The tunnel was completed in 1895. It is just a short walk (10 minutes each way) to the tunnel. You can walk through the 250m tunnel, but the old line beyond the other side is impassable and overgrown. Take a torch with you.
Easy Walking - 20 minutes return

Chaslands Area

Cathedral Caves
Another trademark of the Catlins is the Cathedral Caves on Waipati Beach, south of Tautuku. The caves and access road are only accessible two hours before and up to two hours after low tide. The 40 minute return walk winds down to the beach through dense bush and then a short distance north along the beautiful Waipati beach. The charge to visit the caves is $5 per adult and $1 per school child. Access to the caves may be closed, even at low tide, due to inclement weather. Be sure to check Tide Times before visiting the caves.
Easy Walking - 40 minutes return

McLean Falls
Take the turn off at Rewcastle Road and travel 3km to the car park where this 40 minute return walk begins. This is a forest walk to what some say is the most striking of the Catlins waterfalls.
Easy Walking - 40 minutes return

The journey from Curio Bay is a scenic and memorable drive through the heart of The Catlins region, typically taking about one hour of driving time. Starting from the coast, the route winds through stunning landscapes of native bush and rolling farmland. If time permits, you can make a stop at the magnificent Cathedral Caves, which are accessible at low tide, before continuing your drive. 

Explore the private haven for complete relaxation and connection with nature. You can immerse yourself in the outdoor hot tub, soaking up the stunning views with a drink or book, or indulge in quiet reflection with local history books and classic board games. Nature lovers will enjoy relaxing on the deck, watching for wild deer and native birds, or using the in-retreat telescope for a closer look at the landscape. For active options, guests are welcome to wander the surrounding farmland with guidance from the hosts, or for a unique experience, join a farm tour featuring a working dog demonstration and complimentary 'farmers smoko'. Alternatively, treat yourself to a rejuvenating full-body massage right in the privacy of your accommodation (subject to therapist availability and payable directly).

The journey from your elevated stay to the historic city of Dunedin is a beautiful transition, taking approximately one hour and fifty minutes. You begin with a memorable descent and quickly join the scenic coastal drive through the northern Catlins, passing picturesque rolling hills and peaceful farmland. If time permits, make a detour to the iconic Kaka Point or as far as the Nugget Point Lighthouse to admire the stunning coastal rock formations and potentially spot wildlife. The drive then transitions smoothly onto the main highway, bringing you into the vibrant, architecturally rich city of Dunedin.

Dunedin, known in Māori as Ōtepoti, is referred to as the "Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere". The city has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Of particular note is Dunedin Railway Station, built 1904 - 1906, and St Paul's Cathedral in the Octagon. The Otago Museum is renowned for its Māori and Pacific Island collections and natural history displays. A visit to the Speights, New Zealand's oldest brewery, is also considered a must while in Dunedin. The Botanic Gardens is a great spot and at the right time of year, you can witness the Rhododendron Dell in bloom. The Otago Peninsula is the only home in the world to the Northern Royal Albatross. The Peninsula can be visited for the day from Dunedin and the stunning harbor landscape and wildlife are worth exploring. High among the rolling hills of the Peninsula is Larnach Castle, the grand home of an early politician. Construction of the castle began in 1871 and was completed 12 years later. From here, views out to sea and back towards the city emphasize the singular beauty of Dunedin and its jewel-like harbor.

Keeping with the historical setting of Larnach Castle, a four-course dinner is offered in a grand Castle Dining Room. This is a trust-the-chef experience where you may indulge in incredible meals and meet other guests. The menu reflects local meats and vegetables, served in a traditional New Zealand-style cuisine with the opportunity to pair with regional wines.

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is New Zealand's first botanic garden and is also a Garden of International Significance. It is home to more than 6,800 plant species and is spread across both rolling hills and flatlands. Wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and tui can be heard on most days. The garden occupies 30.4 hectares in North Dunedin.  Its varying range of floriculture and horticultural includes roses, herbaceous and perennial borders, a rock garden, New Zealand native plants and four hectares of Rhododendron Dell. It also houses a New Zealand Native plant collection including cultivation of rare and endangered native plant species.

During this tour, you will see and understand the unique ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology, and botany of the Otago Peninsula. Excellent tour for nature enthusiasts, and for those who want to see and learn as much as possible about the environment, the animals, and the visited places. The tour includes viewing a range of local wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and albatrosses. It is guided by local experts.

Heading north from Dunedin your first stop should be Moeraki to explore the famous and unique Moeraki Boulders strewn on the beach. The town of Oamaru is most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Visit the 'old quarter' to see some fine examples of these historic buildings. Oamaru is also home to a blue penguin colony and a visit during the day allows you to peer inside their burrows and the visitor centre has displays which explain their habitat and life cycle.  If you don't mind a late arrival into Timaru, stay longer and watch the birds come ashore at dusk after a day spent at sea feeding. Continuing north towards Timaru a short detour to the town of Waimate is worthwhile (well signposted). This delightful country town has some interesting stores to explore, a fantastic public park (Knottingley) and is home to a collection of tame wallabies which you can walk amongst and feed. Considered a feral pest here in New Zealand the region is also famous for its wallaby hunting. Continuing just a short drive north delivers you to the busy port town of Timaru. From here, your destination of Geraldine is just a short drive inland.

Nestled at the foot of rolling countryside and bisected by the tranquil Waihi River, Geraldine is a picturesque village that exudes charm. Just five minutes from town, you'll discover a rare remnant of lowland podocarp native forest, offering breathtaking views over the plains and mountains.
In Geraldine itself, a vibrant community of local artists and craftspeople showcases their wares, and you can indulge in a variety of fine local foods. If you are interested in cars, then a must-visit is the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, home to over 1,400 exhibits from the South Canterbury area. Here, you can marvel at over 100 tractors, 30 vintage and veteran cars, an exceptionally rare Spartan biplane, farm machinery, hot air and stationary engines, and much more.

The picturesque journey from Geraldine to Akaroa winds through the heart of Canterbury's diverse landscapes. Initially, the drive offers expansive views of the fertile Canterbury Plains, dotted with farms and leading towards the foothills. As you approach the Banks Peninsula, the scenery dramatically shifts, transitioning into rolling hills and then steep, winding roads that hug the coastline, offering breathtaking glimpses of sparkling inlets and the vast Pacific Ocean. The final stretch descends into the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa, nestled beside a stunning, sheltered harbour, a reward after a truly scenic drive. This journey is a delightful blend of pastoral beauty and dramatic coastal vistas.

The Banks Peninsula lies just around 1 hour from Christchurch city centre. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the region's first settlers were Maori who recognised its potential for shelter and food. The sealers and whalers followed them, and European colonists founded and settled Akaroa, Little River and Lyttelton and many of the Peninsula's other bays. Abounding with wildlife and history, it's a great place to spend the day exploring.
The jewel is Akaroa, which lies just over 70 kilometres from central Christchurch, and the drive to this picturesque harbour town is a wonderful experience in itself, as it can either take you via the port of Lyttelton and along the bays or over the Summit Road of the Port Hills.
The well-signposted tourist routes will guide you on a loop around the peninsula and through some spectacular and rugged farmland scenery. As you approach the small settlement of Duvauchelle, you are greeted by New Zealand's oldest hotel.
The town of Akaroa has rather a French feel with many flags flying and cottages and streets with distinctly non-kiwi names. The reason being that 63 Frenchmen arrived here to settle the Banks Peninsula under the French Flag, only to find the British had beaten them by 5 days. Their influence on architecture, combined with a Victorian seaside feel, makes the town a delightful place to spend an afternoon. There are many activities, such as nature cruises and swimming with dolphins. Be sure to visit the quirky The Giant's House, a unique and whimsical garden and mosaic sculpture gallery.

Imagine a night under the stars, with no crowds, no noise, and no distractions. Just you, your loved ones, and the universe. Date Night offers a private stargazing experience like no other, in the tranquil setting of Akaroa. Your expert guide will take you on a personalized tour of the night sky, sharing stories, myths, and legends that bring the stars to life. With the state-of-the-art telescopes and binoculars, you'll get up close and personal with the celestial wonders that surround us.

Experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife daily on a Black Cat Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. You’ll see the rare, native dolphin – the Hector’s or New Zealand Dolphin. There’s also the chance to spot the world’s smallest penguin, the White Flippered Little Blue Penguin, Fur Seals and other sea birds. Other cruise highlights are some majestic volcanic cliffs (including the impressive Cathedral Cave) and signs of Akaroa’s fascinating past including early Maori, French and British settlements.

Head to Christchurch today crossing the hills with spectacular views of the harbour. We recommend taking the slightly longer but much more scenic route around Lyttelton Harbour.  Just turn at Gebbies Pass Road and follow the road as it passes by the bays named after the areas naval past such as Corsair and Governors Bay. Take the tunnel into the city.

Christchurch known in Māori as Ōtautahi, is the largest metro area in the South Island. Commonly referred to as New Zealand's "Garden City", Christchurch is home to one of the biggest public parks in the country, and beautiful botanic gardens. The city was hit with devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, now the city crosses the line between its English heritage and a new modern archetecture. To take in some arts and culture, pay a visit to the Canterbury Museum or the Christchurch Art Gallery. Take a step back in time with a tram around the city or punt along the Avon River. If tasting your way around the city is your means of travel, try out a cultural eating tour. A short drive from the CBD will lead you to the outskirts of the Banks Peninsula beachside suburb of Sumner or through the tunnel to Lyttleton Harbour which hosts fantastic markets on Saturday mornings.

It's time to return your rental car and let the South Island journey come to an end. If time allows spend the day exploring more of Christchurch, we'd suggest a leisurely drive up the Port Hills for some great sites and then over to the harbour of Lyttleton, before circling through the tunnel and back to the airport to continue your journey home. 

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Experience three of Christchurch's iconic attractions in one day: the Christchurch Tram, Christchurch Gondola, and Punting on the Avon River. The historic tram is a delightful way to explore the evolving inner city, taking in the various sights with the hop-on hop-off pass and learning about the city from the live commentary. You'll also enjoy a bird's eye view of Christchurch and the Canterbury region including the distant peaks of the Southern Alps when you ride the gondola cableway to the top of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley. Punting on the Avon River takes you through the city's green belt: a relaxing way to explore what is affectionately known as the 'Garden City'.

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. You'll have a 40 minute wait at the Greymouth Railway Station before checking in for your return journey.

Explore Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city known for its English Gothic architecture and heritage, situated on New Zealand’s South Island East coast. Enjoy the tranquil Avon River, Hagley Park, and the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Discover our new roof-topped stadium (due for completion in 2026), the transitional cardboard Cathedral, and delightful New Regent Street.
Heading north to visit Glenafric Farm, a 770ha spectacular coastal sheep and beef property. With Corriedale and South Suffolk sheep and Hereford cattle, this authentic working farm supports two families and three generations. Witness sheep shearing, try for yourself, and admire very clever well-trained farm dogs. Experience a unique farm tour with a vintage tractor and trailer ride. Enjoy a delicious lunch before travelling to the award-winning Waipara wine region for a wine tasting and then returning to Christchurch City Centre.

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch International Airport in time for your departing flight.

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!