Nelson, Marlborough & The Sounds, Abel Tasman & Golden Bay - 7 Day Road Trip
(Start and finish Christchurch)
7 Days of Long & Winding Routes!
Starting and finishing in Christchurch, we go north to the Top of the South Island, taking in glorious coastal drives skirting the Kaikoura and Marlborough Sounds coastlines, visiting Blenheim, Nelson, and wonderful beaches of Kaiteriteri and Golden Bay. Plus there’s extra time for boat trips and walks in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and relaxing those well used feet in Hot Springs! Staying at premium accommodation en route, there’s optional time for steam train rides, spa treatments, and wine tasting. And you get to drive over 16 hours in some of the most charismatic classic European cars made, enjoying top down driving on relatively uncrowded roads….
The Long & Winding Roads: Top of the South 7 Day Tour starting from Christchurch
Saturday to Saturday on:
- 4th – 11th April 2026
or request dates to suit your group!
Driving mode = Relaxed: Approx 1050km / 16 hours driving over 7 days.
Start Christchurch > Blenheim > Nelson > Golden Bay > Kaiteriteri (Abel Tasman) > Hanmer Springs > Finish Christchurch
Highlights 
- Superb mix of safe, amazing driving roads
- Glorious scenery, coastal & inland, driving
- the twisting Queen Charlotte Drive by the Marlborough Sounds
- alongside the dramatic Kaikoura coastline
- the gentle rolling Tasman hills
- the invigorating Lewis Pass and Takaka Hill!
- Unhurried breaks at characterful quality cafes en route
- scenic destinations
- 2 nights at Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman
- Six nights in quality, premium accommodation
- Many hours free time for optional delights like:
- Steam Train Ride Picton – Blenheim & return
- Boat Cruises
- Wine Tasting
- Theatre Show
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Walks
- Waterfall Walks
- Horse Riding
- Golf
- Hot Springs
Share the experience with friends old….& new!
Destinations en route....
| Day | Depart | Overnight at | Optional time for | KM Drive | Hrs Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christchurch | Blenheim | Beach Walks Vineyards Theatre | 310 | 4.75 |
| 2 | Blenheim | Nelson | Steam Train Sounds Cruise | 135 | 2.25 |
| 3 | Nelson | Golden Bay | Nelson Explore | 100 | 2 |
| 4 | Golden Bay | Kaiteriteri | Bird Watching Waterfall Walks Horse Riding | 55 | 1.25 |
| 5 | Abel Tasman | Abel Tasman | Abel Tasman - Day Walks - Boat Rides - Kayaking - Spa Treatments | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | Kaiteriteri | Hanmer Springs | Hot Springs | 315 | 4.5 |
| 7 | Hanmer Springs | Christchurch | Hot Springs | 135 | 2 |
contact us now for departure dates
Prices per couple, sharing room
- Class of car chosen determines package price
- (Image shows the actual car you’ll drive – ‘read more’ for full details)
- All class packages include:
- 6 nights accommodation
- (4 star equivalent or better)
- 6 breakfasts
- Welcome & Farewell Dinners
- Route Instructions
- Accompanying Tour Concierge
- Comprehensive Car Insurance with $500 excess
- Roadside Assistance Package
- Unlimited Kilometres
- Car briefing & documentation
- Sat nav/GPS unit hire
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker hire
- Want to bring your own car? Please enquire for pricing.
Brilliant BRONZE = Characterful Value
$7999nzd
Cars with character and panache yet also offering superb value for money.
Superlative Silver = Stylish yet Affordable
$8749nzd
Premium luxury Europeans with an excellent reputation for serious driving enjoyment.
Gorgeous Gold = Premium Rarities
$9499nzd
Few places in the world offer cars as sublime and iconic as these for self drive hire.
