Departure Schedule
Home / 6N7D · Christchurch Round Trip

[6N7D · Round Trip] Kaikoura · Abel Tasman · Hanmer Springs

Newly Launched | South Island touring shuttle · multiple scenic stops | 421+ passengers served

From a whale's breath to a hot spring's warmth — the other side of the South Island.

Instant confirmation Free cancellation up to 48h before Round-trip loop departing/returning Christchurch Board with your booking code

Upcoming Departures

Click a date to fill it into the booking box. Seat counts are live.

What's Included / Not Included

Included

  • Dedicated shuttle bus (12-seat minivan or 45-seat coach, allocated by booking volume)
  • Pickup from major accommodation areas in Christchurch CBD · returns to the same point (exact spot sent the night before)
  • Kaikoura·Abel Tasman·Hanmer Springs·Akaroa stops
  • 23kg checked luggage per person
  • Comprehensive vehicle insurance

Not Included

  • Accommodation (6 nights) — see "Book Your Stay" section below
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Tour guide (shuttle only — no guide included)
  • Optional activities (whale watching, heli-hike, bungee jumping, skydiving, etc.)
  • Travel insurance

Route Map

Drag or zoom the map to see the full route.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Accommodation must be booked separately at each stop city. You can book directly from the \"Stay & Activities\" section below.

1
DAY 1

Christchurch → Kaikoura

Book a Hotel for This Day
07:45 Meet08:00 Departure · 11:00 ArrivalTotal 3h180 km
  • 08:00–11:00Christchurch → Kaikoura· en route rest stop 20m · Arrival then free time
Whale Watching · Optional

A scenic coastal drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura — the Pacific's whale city. Join a whale watching tour (optional) and watch sperm whales surface right before your eyes.

Kaikoura 1 | DAY 1 Christchurch → Kaikoura - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttleKaikoura 2 | DAY 1 Christchurch → Kaikoura - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
2
DAY 2

Kaikoura → Abel Tasman

Book a Hotel for This Day
07:45 Meet08:00 Departure · 12:40 ArrivalTotal 4h 40m310 km
  • 08:00–09:40Kaikoura → Blenheim· stops & rest stop 20m
  • 10:00–12:40Blenheim → Abel Tasman· stops & free time
Marlborough Wine Tasting

Leave Kaikoura and cross New Zealand's largest wine region, Marlborough, sampling local Sauvignon Blanc along the way — a uniquely flavourful travel day. Arriving at Abel Tasman, the emerald coast awaits tomorrow's explorationperfectly..

Kaikoura 4 | DAY 2 Kaikoura → Abel Tasman - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
3
DAY 3

Abel Tasman (Free Day)

Book a Hotel for This Day
Abel Tasman Free DayNo shuttle · Full free day
  • Recommended Activities
  • Abel Tasman Water Taxi Cruise · Half-day cruise along golden beaches · approx. NZD 90
  • Coast Track Hike · Anchorage–Torrent Bay section 3–5h · beginner-friendly
  • Glacier Kayak Tour · Half-day paddle to Seal Colony · guided tour recommended
  • Skydiving (optional) · 16,500ft above Nelson · South Island's best view · advance booking required
  • Split Apple Rock · Abel Tasman's iconic rock · accessible by kayak or boat
Kayaking Skydiving Canyoning · Optional

Kayak along golden beaches, or skydive (optional) for an aerial view of the national park. Add canyoning (optional) and you have a perfect day across Abel Tasman's sea, sky and valleys.

Lake Wakatipu Queenstown 3 | DAY 3 Abel Tasman () - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
4
DAY 4

Abel Tasman → Hanmer Springs

Book a Hotel for This Day
07:45 Meet08:00 Departure · 13:30 ArrivalTotal 5h 30m319 km
  • 08:00–10:30Abel Tasman → Maruia Falls· stops & free time 1h
  • 11:30–13:30Maruia Falls → Hanmer Springs· stops & free time
Nelson Lakes visit Conical Hill Walk

Travel via Nelson Lakes National Park's crystal-clear lake to Hanmer Springs, a hot-springs village at the foot of the Southern Alps. The panorama of Lake Rotoiti from the Conical Hill Walk summit rewards the journey ..

Kaikoura 3 | DAY 4 Abel Tasman → Hanmer Springs - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttleKaikoura 4 | DAY 4 Abel Tasman → Hanmer Springs - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
5
DAY 5

Hanmer Springs (Free Day)

Book a Hotel for This Day
Hanmer Springs Free DayNo shuttle · Full free day
  • Recommended Activities
  • Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort · 22 outdoor pools & water slides · day pass approx. NZD 32
  • Spa & Massage · Thermal spa treatment · advance booking recommended
  • Hanmer Forest Walk · Conical Hill lookout round trip 1h 30m · panoramic village view
  • Mountain Biking · Beginner–intermediate forest park routes · equipment rental available
  • Waiau Ferry Bridge Bungee · 35m Bungee Jump & Zipline · thrilling combo for adventure lovers
Hanmer Springs Hot Springs

Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is South Island's finest outdoor pool complex. Soak away every travel ache in mineral-rich warm water— perfect rejuvenation.. Water slides and private spa pools are also available — a wonderful day for everyone.

Hanmer Springs hot springs 1 | DAY 5 Hanmer Springs () - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttleHanmer Springs hot springs 2 | DAY 5 Hanmer Springs () - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
6
DAY 6

Hanmer Springs → Christchurch

Book a Hotel for This Day
09:45 Meet10:00 Departure · 11:40 ArrivalTotal 1h 40m133 km
  • 10:00–11:40Hanmer Springs → Christchurch· Arrive Christchurch, free time
Iron Ridge Sculpture Park Christchurch Street Art Tour

On the way back to Christchurch, discover the city's artistic rebirth at the Iron Ridge Sculpture Park and inner-city street art. Experience the vibrant energy of ChristchurchChristchurch's vibrant energy reborn after the earthquake.

Hanmer Springs hot springs 2 | DAY 6 Hanmer Springs → Christchurch - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttleHanmer Springs hot springs 3 | DAY 6 Hanmer Springs → Christchurch - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle
7
DAY 7

Akaroa Day Tour → Christchurch End

Book a Hotel for This Day
08:45 Meet09:00 Departure · 17:00 ArrivalTotal 8h164 km
  • 09:00–10:30Christchurch → Akaroa· stops & free time
  • 15:30–17:00Akaroa → Christchurch· stops & tour ends
  • Akaroa — lunch & free time approx. 5h.
Pohatu Penguin Nature Tour

The finale: a day trip to the Akaroa Peninsula. Stroll through a charming French-style harbour village and join the Pohatu Penguin Nature Tour to meet the world's smallest penguins up close — a perfect end to your 7-day journey — the perfect end..

5 | DAY 7 Akaroa → Christchurch - NZ Bus Trail South Island shuttle

Accommodation Booking & Activity Reservation Service

This package covers shuttle transport only. Book both accommodation and activities directly via the links below.

Meeting Point & Confirmation Process

1

Booking Confirmation Email

Your booking confirmation and booking code will be sent by email within 1 business day of payment. Simply show your booking code to the driver on departure day.

2

Pickup & Final Return

We pick up from major accommodation areas within Christchurch CBD and return to the same point on Day 7. The exact location and time are sent via WhatsApp between 8–9pm the night before departure.

3

Board 30 Minutes Before Departure

Please arrive at the pickup point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

We don't handle bookings directly, but you can check live pricing and availability and book instantly online.

Cancellations made 48 hours or more before departure get a full refund.