A$3,000 | 10 days | from Sydney | Comfortable
Why you'll love it
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, and the gateway to the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula. It gets Triptakeo's top score for nature, and 9 out of 10 for adventure and safety, so it's a natural start to a South Island road trip.
The best time to visit Christchurch is December to February, the summer months, with long days for hiking and driving. Winter brings snow to the nearby ski fields.
The compact city centre has laneways, street art and a lively café scene. Walk or punt along the Avon River through the Botanic Gardens, and ride the Christchurch Gondola for views. Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula, offers harbour cruises with Hector's dolphins. The TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps to the West Coast.
Christchurch suits road-trippers, nature lovers and families.
Your trip cost
For 10 days from Sydney