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Shared Historic Tour

Evening tours, chilling tales, city walking tours, educational school group tour.

  • Prices & Times
  • Our History

Sharing Canterbury with the world

Explore historic Canterbury with our award-winning guided river tours . Discover the city’s hidden secrets along the beautiful River Stour that flows through the heart of Canterbury.

Browse our Tours:

Canterbury’s rich history told with insight and humour.

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Take a relaxing trip along the Stour on a warm summer evening.

Gruesome stories from Canterbury’s darker past…

Entertaining and informative fully-guided walking tours through the centre of historic Canterbury.

An interactive experience aimed at a younger audience.

How to book your tour

Please simply follow the instructions below/opposite to book one of our multi-award winning river tours .

Need help? Call us on 0044 (0)1227 379 600 or 0044 (0)7790 534 744

Canterbury's Perfect Visitor Attraction For Visiting Groups

1. view our availability and book online (or call).

Find your perfect tour and time and book your places online. We only accept online bookings for our Historic tour 2 hours in advance or 48 hours in advance for Evening tours, though we may be able to accommodate you if you call or email us within those timeframes.

2. You’ll receive your E-ticket via email

Within a few minutes, you’ll receive your booking confirmation to your email. This contains your e-ticket which you can print or show on your phone.

3. Meet at the King’s Bridge on Canterbury's High Street, between the Old Weavers’ House and ASK restaurant

Bring your ticket to our jetty around 5-10 minutes before your allocated time, then sit back and enjoy the tour.

Find our friendly crew on the King’s Bridge on Canterbury’s High Street

You can find us on the King’s Bridge every day from around 10-10.30am until 5pm. Our Chilling Tales tour will be available on selected evenings during the last couple of weeks of October 2023.

Award-winning tours

award

“One of Kent & Canterbury’s Favourite Things to do!”

canterbury-historic-river-tours-4.jpg

Canterbury Historic River Tours

As featured in the special canterbury edition monopoly board.

This multi-award-winning guided Historic River Tour provides a truly entertaining experience which is perfect for visitors of all ages and nationalities. 

Guided Historic River Tours have been a favourite pastime for over 80 years and this Canterbury attraction allows you to escape the busy city centre and discover Canterbury from the unique perspective of the River Stour.

This Company are nationally and internationally renowned for their historic and humorous interpretation of the city’s fascinating history. The company is officially accredited by Visit England, and has also been awarded their top national accolade of ‘Best Told Story’. What is more, the company received a Bronze in the 2015 Beautiful South Awards in the category of Tourism Experience of the Year, and was a finalist in the national Visit England awards for Excellence 2016!

The guides will provide an enjoyable historical commentary whilst you discover some of Canterbury's finest and most important architecture set against outstanding views of natural scenery.

For more information visit their website at www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk

Find them on Instagram  @canterburyrivertours or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanterburyRiverTours

Tour includes:

  • Kings Bridge - Eastbridge Hospital - Franciscan Island - Greyfriars Chapel - 
  • Old Weavers House - Kings Mill - Alchemist Tower - Cromwellian Forge - Friars Bridge - 
  • Blackfriars - Dominican Priories - The Abbots Mill - The Marlowe Theatre - The Ducking Stool

Canterbury Historic River Tours is the trading name of Canterbury River Tours Ltd. 

Previous awards  2016: Finalist in the National Visit England Awards for Excellence in the category of ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ 2015 Beautiful South Awards: Bronze in the category of ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’

canterbury-historic-river-tours-4.jpg

Canterbury Historic River Tours The Ducking Stool, Old Weavers House, Kings Bridge Canterbury CT1 2AT

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canterbury-historic-river-tours-4.jpg

Canterbury Historic River Tours

As featured in the special canterbury edition monopoly board.

This multi-award-winning guided Historic River Tour provides a truly entertaining experience which is perfect for visitors of all ages and nationalities. 

Guided Historic River Tours have been a favourite pastime for over 80 years and this Canterbury attraction allows you to escape the busy city centre and discover Canterbury from the unique perspective of the River Stour.

This Company are nationally and internationally renowned for their historic and humorous interpretation of the city’s fascinating history. The company is officially accredited by Visit England, and has also been awarded their top national accolade of ‘Best Told Story’. What is more, the company received a Bronze in the 2015 Beautiful South Awards in the category of Tourism Experience of the Year, and was a finalist in the national Visit England awards for Excellence 2016!

The guides will provide an enjoyable historical commentary whilst you discover some of Canterbury's finest and most important architecture set against outstanding views of natural scenery.

For more information visit their website at www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk

Find them on Instagram  @canterburyrivertours or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanterburyRiverTours

Tour includes:

  • Kings Bridge - Eastbridge Hospital - Franciscan Island - Greyfriars Chapel - 
  • Old Weavers House - Kings Mill - Alchemist Tower - Cromwellian Forge - Friars Bridge - 
  • Blackfriars - Dominican Priories - The Abbots Mill - The Marlowe Theatre - The Ducking Stool

Canterbury Historic River Tours is the trading name of Canterbury River Tours Ltd. 

Previous awards  2016: Finalist in the National Visit England Awards for Excellence in the category of ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ 2015 Beautiful South Awards: Bronze in the category of ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’

canterbury-historic-river-tours-4.jpg

Adult £11 Seniors £9.50 Students £9.50 Child under 17 £7.00 Family £28 Group rates available upon request

Canterbury Historic River Tours The Ducking Stool, Old Weavers House, Kings Bridge Canterbury CT1 2AT

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Canterbury Historic River Tours

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Canterbury Historic River Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Canterbury Historic River Tours

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Canterbury Historic River Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Drift along on a Canterbury Historic River Tour

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Take a boat trip along the River Stour for a relaxing and slightly different Canterbury experience.

Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame said, “There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” And once you’ve experienced a trip down the River Stour through Canterbury you’ll know exactly what he meant.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, as your friendly and informative guide rows you gently down the Stour. Before the soothing motion of the boat, the gentle slap of the oars and tweeting birds carry you off into the land of nod remember this is a Canterbury Historic River Tour so open your eyes and pay attention.

From the comfort of the boat, you’ll glide effortlessly (on your part) past some of the finest history from the small Franciscan island with its cute 13th century chapel to the Cromwellian iron forge. Before long the Cathedral rolls into view, even more impressive when viewed from the river, and before you have the chance to catch your breath the 14th century Dominican priories appear.

And when there isn’t an historic gem to look at, you can always admire the graceful swans, stooping willow trees and vibrant wild flowers but just don’t fall asleep.

  • Find out more about the Canterbury Historic River Tours
  • Find more things to do in Canterbury

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Sailing along on a river tour in Canterbury

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THE 5 BEST Canterbury Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in canterbury.

  • Water Sports
  • Gondola Cruises
  • Kayaking & Canoeing
  • Scuba & Snorkeling
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Good for Kids
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for Couples
  • Good for Big Groups
  • Hidden Gems
  • Good for Adrenaline Seekers
  • Honeymoon spot
  • Adventurous
  • Good for a Rainy Day
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

river boat trip canterbury

1. Canterbury Punting Company

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2. Westgate Punts

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3. Canterbury Historic River Tours

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4. Canoe Wild

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5. Grove Ferry River Trips

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6. Canterbury Scuba Diving Club

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What travellers are saying

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Canterbury Punting Company is open

Classic guided punting tours.

The finest way to see and learn about Canterbury, from the comfort of a classic hand-built punt on the historic river Stour.

Join us on a guided tour through the heart of Canterbury and benefit from the beautiful views and history of the city.

Our tours are perfect for families, educational groups, children, friends and  loved ones.

A relaxing, fun and interesting day out. Our standard tours typically last for 40-45 minutes.

Please enquire to make a special customised event.

Drinks available to reserve through booking.

Shared Tour

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Private Tour

Nature tour, haunted river tours.

Come join us for Halloween and take part in a chilling ghost tour along the Great Stour, our undead tour guides will spook you with their ghoulish tales of Canterbury's dark folklore. Click here to book your journey into the supernatural.

Halloween Shared Tour

Halloween private tour.

PLEASE NOTE:

You must show up 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time to be guaranteed a place on your boat.

Ticket policy

To Book quickly scroll up to the booking form or for more in-depth information about a wider range of tour options hit the drop-down titles "tours/prices"

A limited number of advanced tickets are now available for purchase online. These tickets are at least 10% cheaper than booking on the day.

Booking in advance also guarantees you a seat on your boat for a specific date and time. 

Free, no questions cancellation by telephone is possible up until 3 hours before departure.

Punting with a picnic

river boat trip canterbury

River Trips & Wildlife Experiences from Upstreet Nr Canterbury

river boat trip canterbury

2024 Season

The plan for 2024 is to continue running river trips and wildlife experiences, we’ll stick to what we know. We prefer that all trips are pre-booked (Wildlife experiences must be pre booked), this is easy with our proven online booking system, however, we can still accept some spontaneous walk-ins if space allows.

If you are unable to book online, email or call us and we will assist in making a booking for you.

The main news is that despite the rise in the cost of everything we are not increasing our prices, but will hold them at 2022 levels for at least 2024

There are links above to all the relevant details but if you have any question Contact Us .

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Scheduled Trips 2024

Scheduled trips run hourly from 1200 till early evening. weather and river conditions permitting…. final decision on all trips rests with the skipper..

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You are here: Things To Do > Grove Ferry River Trips

Grove Ferry River Trips

Type: boat trip.

Tel: +44 07985 273070

Grove Ferry River Trips

Book Tickets

Establishment features.

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Event Venue

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 1 Hour
  • Booking essential
  • Groups Accepted
  • Max group size - 12
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Compulsory for Groups
  • Guided Tours Compulsory for Individuals

TripAdvisor

Map & directions.

Click here to view the map.

Road Directions

From A28, in Upstreet, take road sign posted 'Grove Ferry.' After level crossing, turn left into Grove Ferry picnic site car park.

Sat Nav CT3 4BP

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Number 8 (Canterbury to Margate) Mon-Sat: every 30 mins, Sunday: hourly

Train: Nearest Station Sturry (4 miles) main Ramsgate to London line

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Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Car driving down a road with golden fields on either side, leading towards snow-capped mountains on the South Island of New Zealand

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

  • Two-Week North Island Route
  • Two-Week South Island Route
  • One Month Itinerary
  • Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

The city skyline of Auckland, New Zealand

  • Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
  • See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Visit Hobbiton
  • Experience a Maori Cultural Show
  • Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Go skydiving or bungy jumping
  • Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

A car, campervan, and Jeep on the road in the rainforests of New Zealand.

  • Travellers Autobarn
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Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: auckland.

The skyline of Auckland, New Zealand at night

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

Lighthouse on the coast in the Bay of Island, New Zealand

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

A Hobbit home in Hobbiton, New Zealand from the Lord of the Rings set

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay : Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added atmosphere.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

Maori warriors doing a performance in New Zealand

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

Where to Stay : Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

Silhouettes of people staring up at the starry blue lights of glowworms in the caves of Waitomo, New Zealand

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

Red sailboat in front of a Maori rock carving on Lake Taupo in New Zealand

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The emerald green lakes against the stark volcanic landscape of Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a hike in New Zealand

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

The red cable car ascending its track with the skyline of Wellington, New Zealand in the background

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Aerial view of Queenstown, New Zealand, showing the city on the water with mountains in the background

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

A  ship set against the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound in New Zealand

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

Famous tree in the water of Lake Wanaka, with snow-capped mountains in the background in the town of Wanaka, New Zealand

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

People hiking on a glacier in Franz Josef, New Zealand

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

Sandy beach and bright blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

Gondolas set against a backdrop of lakes and mountains in Christchurch, New Zealand

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Snow-capped mountains in the background of a green valley in New Zealand

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

  • Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
  • You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
  • There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
  • Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
  • As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
  • If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

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Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Snow-capped mountains in New Zealand

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IMAGES

  1. Canterbury River Tours in Muddy Stilettos' Little Black Book

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  2. Boating on Stour River, Canterbury, UK Editorial Image

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  3. River trips to try in Kent from Canterbury to Tonbridge and Sandwich to

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  4. A boat tour on the River Stour in Canterbury, Kent.

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  5. Canterbury: Canterbury river tours

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  6. Boat Trip on the River Stour, Canterbury Editorial Stock Photo

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VIDEO

  1. Herne Bay Harbour Boat Trip Return

  2. Jet Boating the Godley River

  3. Nz Jet Boating Mid Canterbury LVB

  4. Field Trip: Canterbury Village

  5. Akaroa 2011

  6. tekapo river jetboating november spill

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  18. New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: 2-4 Weeks (Updated 2024)

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