The Quickest Auckland to Christchurch Tour (Part II)

Do a half-day Lord of the Rings Location Tour with a local tour company in Wellington or drop by the Wellington i-Site Visitor Centre for a copy of the Film Location Map (or see travel tip below). Do a self guided tour visiting movie locations in the city including the popular Weta Cave. If you're feeling famished after a long tour, head over to Cuba Street District and dine at the award winning Matterhorn Restaurant or the Logan Brown Restaurant.

Head to South Island by taking a vehicle ferry to Picton. Enjoy the cruise as you pass by the famous Malborough Sound. In Picton, start you day's itinerary by visiting the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum and learn about the history of the oldest surviving merchant ship in the world. Then take a break and do a DIY(do-it-yourself)  walking tour around the town centre. Visit local shops and cafes along the waterfront area. Finally, end your day with a good meal at a local restaurant and enjoy a lovely view of Picton's marina.

Second day in Picton calls for some Queen Charlotte Sound adventure. There are series of water based activities offered by tour companies in Picton, among the popular ones are sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving and boat cruise. Looking for a mix of inland & water based activity? Take a day walk via the Queen Charlotte Track. From Picton, there are water taxis available to drop you at some points where you'll start the walk. Make sure to contact DOC or visit Visitor Centre for assistance.

Kaikoura is well known for its abundant marine life, thus considered as one of the best place for whale and dolphin watching. Book your Whale or Dolphin Tour before the start of the trip and enjoy a full day with the marine animals. Watch sperm whales, swim with the dolphins, join a kayaking tour or get up close and personal with New Zealand's fur seals. If you'd rather stick to inland activity, take the Mt. Fyffe track up the Seaward Kaikoura mountains to get a magnificent view of the peninsula.

Start your day with Punting on the Avon River, a popular activity in Christchurch that you don't want to missed. Enjoy a serene boat ride through the Avon River gently guided by an Edwardian punter. Then head over to Heathcote Valley and take the Christchurch Gondola for a 360 degree view of the city and the whole peninsula. Head back to downtown Christchurch and explore the Cathedral Square, then end your day with a good meal at one of the local restaurants in SoMo (South of Moorhouse Avenue).