How to Book
There are many places to begin your journey around the top of the south and to help you out we’ve put together some tips, including where to start and how to make the most of your time here. We’ll also help you uncover some of the region’s hidden gems, so you can craft the trip of a lifetime!
Book from overseas
If you’re coming from overseas, check in with your travel agent for top of the south packages. Alternatively, book your flights and a rental car, grab a map and book as you go.
Book a package
Life is busy, we get it, sometimes it’s easier (and more reliable!) to leave the booking up to the professionals. Below, are some links to some reputable travel companies, that offer fantastic packages to explore the top of the south. The packages vary as to their inclusions, so be sure to read carefully over a glass of wine before booking.
Book as you go
If you’re making your own travel arrangements and are already in New Zealand, the i-SITE Visitor Centres are the perfect place to start planning and to book through. i-SITE is New Zealand’s official network of visitor centres that provide free, friendly and objective information on local attractions, transport and accommodation for their region and the rest of the country. Professionally trained staff can answer questions, provide maps and other resources, plus book all your top of the south getaway for you.
You can also check out a range of accommodation and attractions online, and book directly as you please. Keep in mind, New Zealand’s summer months of November to February are very busy and pre-booking accommodation is highly recommended.
List of Official i-sites / Visitor information centres
Hurunui
Hurunui i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
42 Amuri Ave West, Hanmer Springs
Tel. +64 3 315 0020, email: info@visithurunui.co.nz
Kaikōura
Kaikōura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
West End, Kaikōura
Tel. +64 3-319 5641, email: info@kaikoura.co.nz
Marlborough
Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
The Foreshore, Picton
Tel. +64 3 520 3113, email: Picton@MarlboroughNZ.com
Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
8 Sinclair Street, Blenheim
Tel. +64 3 577 8080, email: Blenheim@MarlboroughNZ.com
Havelock i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
61 Main Road, Havelock (open from Oct-Apr)
Tel. +64 3 574 2161, email: Havelock@MarlboroughNZ.com
Nelson Tasman
DOC Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
View Road, St Arnaud
Tel. +64 3 521 1806 email: nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
DOC Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre
Millers Acre, 79 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Central
Tel: +64 3 546 9339 email: nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz
Motueka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
20 Wallace Street, Motueka
West Coast
DOC Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
4294 Coast Road, RD1, Rununga 7873, Punakaiki
Tel: 64 3 731 1895 email: paparoavc@doc.govt.nz
Hokitika i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
36 Weld Street, Hokitika
Tel: +64 3 755 6166 email: enquiries@hokitikainfo.co.nz
Kawatiri Westport i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Coaltown Museum, 123 Palmerston Street, Westport
Tel: +64 3 789 6658 email: westport.info@coaltown.co.nz
Māwhera Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
The Railway Station, 164 Mackay Street, Greymouth
Tel: +64 3 768 7080 email: info@westcoasttravel.co.nz