The Great Southern Road Trip
Wellington · Cable Bay · Marahau · Mokihinui · Moana · Mount Cook · Queenstown · Te Anau · Kaka Point · Oamaru · Wanaka · Hokitika · Kaikoura · Christchurch
Przegląd wycieczki
This journey begins in the bustling capital city of Wellington, in New Zealand’s North Island - the perfect spot from which to launch this amazing 6-week adventure down through the incredible South Island.
Starting with a ferry ride into the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, this trip then zigzags through National Parks of native forest, turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches before crossing the world-famous Arthurs Pass and heading on to Akaroa, a cute harbourside village steeped in French history, culture and ambience.
We then meander South through an array of iconic Kiwi landscapes – impossibly bright blue lakes and rivers surrounded by the high snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, quaint towns brimming with goldmining history, rugged coastlines and lonely lighthouses – before arriving in the scenic adventure capitals of Te Anau, Queenstown and Wanaka.
And if that’s not enough, we still have time to visit New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, alpine hot pools, and whale and dolphin encounters.
Plan dzień po dniu
Day 1 | Free Day
Start your ZigZag adventure in our cosmopolitan capital.
Nestled around a deep working harbour and framed by steep, green hills, Wellington is a compact and walkable city known for its vibrant mix of culture, history, nature, and cuisine. It's also a hub for coffee lovers and craft beer enthusiasts, with countless cafés and breweries dotted throughout the city.
Wellington’s cultural heart beats strongly through its many museums, art galleries, theatres, and year-round festivals. Don’t miss Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, located right on the waterfront—renowned globally for its engaging and interactive exhibits.
Nicknamed the ‘Windy City’ thanks to the breezes that funnel through Cook Strait, Wellington still offers an array of beautiful outdoor experiences. Enjoy coastal walks, forested trails, sandy beaches, and waterfront promenades, or ride the historic red cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. For nature lovers, Zealandia, an urban eco-sanctuary just minutes from the city centre, offers the chance to see native birdlife in a truly unique setting.
Accommodation: Camping (Wellington)
Day 2
This morning, we board the ferry to cross the Cook Strait, named after Captain James Cook, the first European to navigate this stretch of water. Separating New Zealand’s North and South Islands, the strait is just 22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, and the journey takes approximately four hours.
Often described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, the crossing begins in Wellington Harbour and ends in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, offering breathtaking views throughout. As we sail into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, surrounded by steep, forested hills and sheltered coves, you’ll want your camera ready.
We arrive in the picturesque port town of Picton, where we’ll be based for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Camping (Picton)
Day 3 | Free Day
Today is yours to explore the charming seaside town of Picton, set against the stunning backdrop of the Marlborough Sounds. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, browse boutique shops and local galleries, or relax at one of the many cafés overlooking the harbour.
Picton is home to several unique attractions, including the fascinating Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, a small but popular aquarium, and a variety of scenic boat cruises that explore the bays, islands, and inlets of the Sounds. It’s also the starting point for the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s top-rated hiking trails—ideal for those keen to stretch their legs and take in some of the country’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
Just a short drive from Picton lies Blenheim, the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region. Consider joining a guided wine tour that departs directly from Picton and takes you into the stunning Wairau Valley, where you can sample world-famous Marlborough wines and learn more about what makes this region a global favourite among wine lovers.
Accommodation: Camping (Picton)
Day 4
This morning, we set off along the world-renowned Queen Charlotte Drive, a winding 35-kilometre route that stretches from Picton to Havelock, hugging the edge of the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound. With lush native forest on one side and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Marlborough Sounds on the other, this scenic drive offers some of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. Expect plenty of photo stops as we navigate the twists and turns of this unforgettable coastal journey.
Our destination is Cable Bay, a peaceful and secluded spot nestled among rolling farmland and native bush in the eastern Tasman region. Often overlooked by the typical tourist trail, Cable Bay is a true hidden gem—and the perfect place to unwind. We’ll be staying here for two nights, with plenty of time to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and relaxed pace.
Accommodation: Camping (Cable Bay)
Day 5 | Free Day
(optional day trip to French Pass)
Today is a free day to relax and soak up the serenity of Cable Bay. Take a peaceful coastal walk, enjoy the stunning views, and reconnect with nature in this tranquil corner of the Tasman region. For those looking for a bit more action, nearby Cable Bay Adventure Park offers an adrenaline fix with quad biking, mountain biking, and one of the world’s longest flying foxes soaring high above the forest canopy.
Alternatively, join us for an optional day trip to French Pass, one of New Zealand’s most remote and dramatic coastal drives. This steep winding gravel road isn’t for the faint-hearted, but those who venture along it are rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the Marlborough Sounds, with countless bays, inlets, and ridgelines stretching as far as the eye can see.
At the end of the road lies French Pass, a narrow channel of turbulent water separating the mainland from D’Urville Island. Known for its incredibly strong tidal currents, the pass often forms whirlpools and horizontal waterfalls—an impressive natural spectacle, especially at peak tide. Nearby, the tiny settlement of French Pass is the perfect lunch stop. It features a long jetty that stretches out into the bay – the perfect spot to watch eagle rays gliding through the clear shallows below.
Accommodation: Camping (Cable Bay)
