Search Cars → Change your itinerary Pickup Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch Queenstown Dunedin Drop Off Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch Queenstown Dunedin Choose trip duration --- 4 Days 12 Days Want to change the duration of your journey? Change trip duration 4Days 12Days 4Days Christchurch to Wellington in 4 days Driving Tour The South Island of New Zealand is one of the world’s unspoilt wonders and Christchurch is a great starting point for your South Island adventure. On arrival at Christchurch International Airport, head across to the friendly GO Rentals team and pick up your lovely new hire car. With only 4 days to get from here to Wellington on the North Island, you’re going to have to get your skates on so let’s GO! If you’re still in the planning stage of your trip, make sure you check out the great deals on car rental in Christchurch or our hire cars in Wellington – we’re not one of New Zealand’s favourite rental car companies for no reason! Contents Route map with key locations Recommended vehicle for this trip Trip itinerary Christchurch Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Hanmer Springs to Picton Wellington Book a vehicle for this trip We recommend: Compact Auto Toyota Corolla Hatch Get a Quote Seats 5 seats Large Bags 1 Small Bags 2 Transmission Auto trans Trip Itinerary 1Christchurch Although you’ve just picked up your new GO Rentals car, don’t be in too big a hurry to leave Christchurch as there is plenty to explore. Take the time on your first day to explore the ‘Garden City’, the largest city on the South Island where you can relax your way into your latest adventure. Christchurch Complete Guide Christchurch has unfortunately made headlines in recent times for a string of earthquakes that caused serious damage to the city – but its charm remains untouched and the city is rebuilding. The tree-lined Avon River and Christchurch’s many parks and gardens give the city its reputation as the Garden City so make sure you check out the botanical gardens and the beautiful parks. Check out the several Gap Filler projects that volunteers have created to temporarily “activate” sites left empty by the earthquakes – you’ll be able to see some unique and really creative work that is proof of Christchurch’s charm and resilience. 2Christchurch to Hanmer Springs (134km – 1 hour 55mins) An early start will take you the short drive north towards Hanmer Springs where a relaxing day awaits you. Surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps with crisp alpine air, relax and unwind in the award-winning thermal pools or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Hanmer Village and surrounding areas. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa The thermal pools and spa complex in Hanmer have been soothing peoples’ aches and pains away for the best part of 125 years and all those who have been before you can’t be wrong! Relax in one of 15 open-air pools or try out one of the 3 aquatherapy pools. Families and children are catered for too since a recent redevelopment has added three waterslides and a lazy river to keep even the liveliest of kids entertained. Photo and box Wai Ariki Farm Park If getting crinkly is not your thing, there are plenty of other attractions in Hanmer and one of the best is the Wai Ariki Farm Park. Offering a hands-on experience, Wai Ariki is home to some weird and wonderful animals which are sure to keep kids and adults amused for the morning. The Tibetan Yak are a particular favourite! Shopping Although this is only a relatively short trip, we know how much some of you love your retail therapy. With a fantastic range of boutique outlets including the quirky ‘Up the Garden Path’ and ‘Wink’, we’re sure you’ll find the shopping as relaxing as a trip to the thermal pools. Monteith’s Brewery Bar If you’ve not managed to sample the delights of one of New Zealand’s favourite beers, fear not! Although it may not offer the full brewery tour experience, The Monteith’s brewpub in Hanmer is certainly a great place to go and try your favourite Monteith’s ale and relax and unwind. Situated right in the heart of the town, there is a great vibe to match the great beer so whatever you have been up to during the day, this is a great place to end your night. Our top tip is the Monteith’s Southern Pale Ale. When in Rome as they say! 3Hanmer Springs to Picton After a day spent relaxing in Hanmer, you’ll be ready to hit the road again and after a day off yesterday, your GO Rentals car will be raring to GO! Swim with the dolphins (130 km – 2 hours 6 mins from Hanmer Springs) Heading out of Hanmer Springs, take the road north heading towards Blenheim. A great stop off on the way is Kaikoura which is a whale watcher’s delight. Not only that, this is a great opportunity for you to take a dip and swim with the dolphins at the right time of the year – this must be on a few wish lists so let’s get it ticked off! Cellar View Café and Restaurant Kaikoura is one of New Zealand’s best locations for seeing marine life including whales and dolphins. It is also the home to the Cellar View Cafe and Restaurant. This place serves up some pretty amazing dishes matched only by the stunning views out to the pacific. It’s easy to let an afternoon drift by, enjoying the delicious food and admiring the endless view. Nice. Swimming with dolphins GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity GO Play partner Encounter Kaikoura offers a brilliant opportunity to get in the water in the south Pacific and swim with these amazing animals with tours operating three times a day. It’s not just dolphins that pass through the waters around Kaikoura though and if you time things right, there is also the chance to see various species of whale as well as seals and birds. 10% off Use your GO Play card here Adrenalin Forest Aerial Forest Adventure Wine tasting and much more (129km – 1 hour 47mins) Marlborough is a world-famous wine region and it would be rude not to sample some of the local delights on your way through (hopefully it may be a more sociable time of the day!). There are plenty of wineries that will gladly take you through their wide range of vinos from a fruity pinot noir to the flagship wine of the region, Sauvignon Blanc. There are some famous vineyards down here like Cloudy Bay but we recommend sampling some of the more boutique wineries – a great way to get around is on a bike although be careful if you have a few vinos on the way as you may get a bit wobbly! Wine tours by bike offer bike hire or guided tours which helps as they will transport you back to Blenheim. Marlborough Complete Guide If wine is not your thing, there are also lots of microbreweries in the region so this is the perfect place to stock up for the road trip ahead. Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track (28.1km – 25 mins from Blenheim) For those adventurous souls out there who love nothing more than strapping on a pair of hiking boots and heading off into the unknown, the Queen Charlotte Track offers you the perfect opportunity to explore rural New Zealand. Dominated by a bush-clad shoreline, the track takes you on an amazing journey through the Marlborough Sounds and the 70kms of track will energise even the most active. For those of a less active disposition, the Sounds are famous for the greenshell mussels which are found in abundance so why not treat yourself to a fantastic late lunch or early dinner. From here it is a short hop to Picton where you will catch the ferry and leave the South Island behind. Tomorrow it’s time to hit New Zealand’s capital city! 4Wellington It might be small but New Zealand’s cool capital is jam-packed with things to do and places to see. It’s the last day of this road trip so make the most of it and enjoy a relaxing day in Wellington. Wellington Complete Guide Museums Park your car and head for a walk around the waterfront where you’ll find the fascinating Museum of Wellington City and Sea in the old Harbour Board Bond Store, complete with its opulent 1920s board room and a complete teak cabin from an 1879 steamship. It’s not far from New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa – a futuristic multi-storied complex that forms one of the largest new museums in the world, with numerous interactive displays. Amazing views For the best panoramic views of the city and Port Nicholson all the way across to the Hutt Valley, head up to the lookout on Mt Victoria. The historic cannon on the summit was installed in 1877 and was fired each day as a time signal for many years. If you look down below, in the suburbs, you will spot the New Zealand Cricket Museum, located in the Old Grandstand at the Basin Reserve, not far from the Colonial Cottage Museum on the site of one of the original 1840 New Zealand Company Town acres. Coffee culture Grab a coffee (Wellington claims to have the best coffee in New Zealand) and visit the cool one-of-a-kind stores along Manners Mall and Cuba Street. When you’re on that street, notice the cool Bucket Fountain that doesn’t actually work the way it’s supposed to (take a close look at it and you’ll see the water doesn’t actually obey the easy bucket system and sometimes misses the buckets altogether). Treaty of Waitangi A visit to Archives New Zealand on 10 Mulgrave Street allows you to see the Treaty of Waitangi (the document that is considered the foundation of the country). You can also take a tour of the Beehive, the country’s parliament if you’re feeling politically inclined before taking a stroll along the waterfront, decorated with interesting sculptures and populated by numerous bars (including some decent craft beer spots). Weta workshop If you have some free time, we suggest a visit to the Weta Workshop, nestled away in the Miramar suburb. Weta is known worldwide for its weird and wonderful creations for film, including creatures, makeup and digital special effects for movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Avatar and The Chronicles of Narnia among others. You can take the 45-minute guided tour through the workshop, which provides unique behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work of this award-winning company. Related Blog Posts 12 Fun Things to do in Wellington at Night The 5 biggest cities in New Zealand and what to do there 9 Top Destinations within 3 hours’ Drive of Wellington 9 Fun Things to Do in Picton Book a vehicle for this trip We recommend: Compact Auto Toyota Corolla Hatch Get a Quote Seats 5 seats Large Bags 1 Small Bags 2 Transmission Auto trans
4Days Christchurch to Wellington in 4 days Driving Tour The South Island of New Zealand is one of the world’s unspoilt wonders and Christchurch is a great starting point for your South Island adventure. On arrival at Christchurch International Airport, head across to the friendly GO Rentals team and pick up your lovely new hire car. With only 4 days to get from here to Wellington on the North Island, you’re going to have to get your skates on so let’s GO! If you’re still in the planning stage of your trip, make sure you check out the great deals on car rental in Christchurch or our hire cars in Wellington – we’re not one of New Zealand’s favourite rental car companies for no reason! Contents Route map with key locations Recommended vehicle for this trip Trip itinerary Christchurch Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Hanmer Springs to Picton Wellington Book a vehicle for this trip We recommend: Compact Auto Toyota Corolla Hatch Get a Quote Seats 5 seats Large Bags 1 Small Bags 2 Transmission Auto trans Trip Itinerary 1Christchurch Although you’ve just picked up your new GO Rentals car, don’t be in too big a hurry to leave Christchurch as there is plenty to explore. Take the time on your first day to explore the ‘Garden City’, the largest city on the South Island where you can relax your way into your latest adventure. Christchurch Complete Guide Christchurch has unfortunately made headlines in recent times for a string of earthquakes that caused serious damage to the city – but its charm remains untouched and the city is rebuilding. The tree-lined Avon River and Christchurch’s many parks and gardens give the city its reputation as the Garden City so make sure you check out the botanical gardens and the beautiful parks. Check out the several Gap Filler projects that volunteers have created to temporarily “activate” sites left empty by the earthquakes – you’ll be able to see some unique and really creative work that is proof of Christchurch’s charm and resilience. 2Christchurch to Hanmer Springs (134km – 1 hour 55mins) An early start will take you the short drive north towards Hanmer Springs where a relaxing day awaits you. Surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps with crisp alpine air, relax and unwind in the award-winning thermal pools or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Hanmer Village and surrounding areas. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa The thermal pools and spa complex in Hanmer have been soothing peoples’ aches and pains away for the best part of 125 years and all those who have been before you can’t be wrong! Relax in one of 15 open-air pools or try out one of the 3 aquatherapy pools. Families and children are catered for too since a recent redevelopment has added three waterslides and a lazy river to keep even the liveliest of kids entertained. Photo and box Wai Ariki Farm Park If getting crinkly is not your thing, there are plenty of other attractions in Hanmer and one of the best is the Wai Ariki Farm Park. Offering a hands-on experience, Wai Ariki is home to some weird and wonderful animals which are sure to keep kids and adults amused for the morning. The Tibetan Yak are a particular favourite! Shopping Although this is only a relatively short trip, we know how much some of you love your retail therapy. With a fantastic range of boutique outlets including the quirky ‘Up the Garden Path’ and ‘Wink’, we’re sure you’ll find the shopping as relaxing as a trip to the thermal pools. Monteith’s Brewery Bar If you’ve not managed to sample the delights of one of New Zealand’s favourite beers, fear not! Although it may not offer the full brewery tour experience, The Monteith’s brewpub in Hanmer is certainly a great place to go and try your favourite Monteith’s ale and relax and unwind. Situated right in the heart of the town, there is a great vibe to match the great beer so whatever you have been up to during the day, this is a great place to end your night. Our top tip is the Monteith’s Southern Pale Ale. When in Rome as they say! 3Hanmer Springs to Picton After a day spent relaxing in Hanmer, you’ll be ready to hit the road again and after a day off yesterday, your GO Rentals car will be raring to GO! Swim with the dolphins (130 km – 2 hours 6 mins from Hanmer Springs) Heading out of Hanmer Springs, take the road north heading towards Blenheim. A great stop off on the way is Kaikoura which is a whale watcher’s delight. Not only that, this is a great opportunity for you to take a dip and swim with the dolphins at the right time of the year – this must be on a few wish lists so let’s get it ticked off! Cellar View Café and Restaurant Kaikoura is one of New Zealand’s best locations for seeing marine life including whales and dolphins. It is also the home to the Cellar View Cafe and Restaurant. This place serves up some pretty amazing dishes matched only by the stunning views out to the pacific. It’s easy to let an afternoon drift by, enjoying the delicious food and admiring the endless view. Nice. Swimming with dolphins GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity GO Play partner Encounter Kaikoura offers a brilliant opportunity to get in the water in the south Pacific and swim with these amazing animals with tours operating three times a day. It’s not just dolphins that pass through the waters around Kaikoura though and if you time things right, there is also the chance to see various species of whale as well as seals and birds. 10% off Use your GO Play card here Adrenalin Forest Aerial Forest Adventure Wine tasting and much more (129km – 1 hour 47mins) Marlborough is a world-famous wine region and it would be rude not to sample some of the local delights on your way through (hopefully it may be a more sociable time of the day!). There are plenty of wineries that will gladly take you through their wide range of vinos from a fruity pinot noir to the flagship wine of the region, Sauvignon Blanc. There are some famous vineyards down here like Cloudy Bay but we recommend sampling some of the more boutique wineries – a great way to get around is on a bike although be careful if you have a few vinos on the way as you may get a bit wobbly! Wine tours by bike offer bike hire or guided tours which helps as they will transport you back to Blenheim. Marlborough Complete Guide If wine is not your thing, there are also lots of microbreweries in the region so this is the perfect place to stock up for the road trip ahead. Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track (28.1km – 25 mins from Blenheim) For those adventurous souls out there who love nothing more than strapping on a pair of hiking boots and heading off into the unknown, the Queen Charlotte Track offers you the perfect opportunity to explore rural New Zealand. Dominated by a bush-clad shoreline, the track takes you on an amazing journey through the Marlborough Sounds and the 70kms of track will energise even the most active. For those of a less active disposition, the Sounds are famous for the greenshell mussels which are found in abundance so why not treat yourself to a fantastic late lunch or early dinner. From here it is a short hop to Picton where you will catch the ferry and leave the South Island behind. Tomorrow it’s time to hit New Zealand’s capital city! 4Wellington It might be small but New Zealand’s cool capital is jam-packed with things to do and places to see. It’s the last day of this road trip so make the most of it and enjoy a relaxing day in Wellington. Wellington Complete Guide Museums Park your car and head for a walk around the waterfront where you’ll find the fascinating Museum of Wellington City and Sea in the old Harbour Board Bond Store, complete with its opulent 1920s board room and a complete teak cabin from an 1879 steamship. It’s not far from New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa – a futuristic multi-storied complex that forms one of the largest new museums in the world, with numerous interactive displays. Amazing views For the best panoramic views of the city and Port Nicholson all the way across to the Hutt Valley, head up to the lookout on Mt Victoria. The historic cannon on the summit was installed in 1877 and was fired each day as a time signal for many years. If you look down below, in the suburbs, you will spot the New Zealand Cricket Museum, located in the Old Grandstand at the Basin Reserve, not far from the Colonial Cottage Museum on the site of one of the original 1840 New Zealand Company Town acres. Coffee culture Grab a coffee (Wellington claims to have the best coffee in New Zealand) and visit the cool one-of-a-kind stores along Manners Mall and Cuba Street. When you’re on that street, notice the cool Bucket Fountain that doesn’t actually work the way it’s supposed to (take a close look at it and you’ll see the water doesn’t actually obey the easy bucket system and sometimes misses the buckets altogether). Treaty of Waitangi A visit to Archives New Zealand on 10 Mulgrave Street allows you to see the Treaty of Waitangi (the document that is considered the foundation of the country). You can also take a tour of the Beehive, the country’s parliament if you’re feeling politically inclined before taking a stroll along the waterfront, decorated with interesting sculptures and populated by numerous bars (including some decent craft beer spots). Weta workshop If you have some free time, we suggest a visit to the Weta Workshop, nestled away in the Miramar suburb. Weta is known worldwide for its weird and wonderful creations for film, including creatures, makeup and digital special effects for movies such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Avatar and The Chronicles of Narnia among others. You can take the 45-minute guided tour through the workshop, which provides unique behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work of this award-winning company. Related Blog Posts 12 Fun Things to do in Wellington at Night The 5 biggest cities in New Zealand and what to do there 9 Top Destinations within 3 hours’ Drive of Wellington 9 Fun Things to Do in Picton Book a vehicle for this trip We recommend: Compact Auto Toyota Corolla Hatch Get a Quote Seats 5 seats Large Bags 1 Small Bags 2 Transmission Auto trans
