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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

South Island New Zealand Road Trip Planner • EPIC 2024 ITINERARIES

Just skip North Island and go to South Island.

That’s the advice that I received before arriving in New Zealand. Now, after round-tripping the country twice, I understand why:  South Island is next-level New Zealand.

South Island’s must-go destinations are some of the finest examples of New Zealand’s prehistoric landscapes that you will see. South Island is harsher and more uncut: it’s a wilder New Zealand. However, it’s hard to truly explore the magnificence of this place unless you’re touring New Zealand by car.

South Island is way more spread out than North Island, and the choices for transport are extremely limited. Driving around the South Island of New Zealand with your own vehicle is an absolute must to experience even a fraction of it properly, but the cost of travel is so high that every tank of gas feels like a sucker punch to your budget!

That’s why today we’re planning a road trip in the South Island of New Zealand before your arrival! We’re talking about the best South Island road trip itineraries and everything you need to do get those wheels on the road.

It’s the ultimate New Zealand road trip—one that doesn’t leave any hidden gems hidden beneath the muck.

Oh, who am I kidding? It’s New Zealand; there is no muck.

A road crowded by sheep on a scenic drive in South Island

Why Road Trip in New Zealand’s South Island

Driving in the south island of new zealand, south island road trip route #1: the golden north, south island road trip route #2: the deep south, the last few tips of the south island road trip planner.

Once you board the ferry in Wellington and cross the strait into the sounds of South Island’s north, it all makes sense. Oh, that’s why skip North Island… It’s New Zealand Level 2.

South Island’s reverent beauty is hard to put into words, but it’s a land made for road trip travels.

Truck on a driving holiday in New Zealand's South Island near Lake Tekapo

  • Majestic Drives – Long winding roads—built for manual transmission and cheeky smokes—through some of the most awe-inspiring yet gently soothing landscapes you will ever see.
  • Easy Drives – Traffic, cops, and excessive road rules are few and far between making driving holidays in the South Island a very relaxed affair.
  • Much, Much More Freedom – The intercity public transport on South Island is like a poltergeist (haunting yet non-existent), and reaching off-beat and rural locations is nigh on impossible unless you’re travelling by hitchhiking . A vehicle is a strong necessity.
  • Much More Camping Potential – While New Zealand is pushing to crack down on freedom camping, there are still plenty of sites available (free and paid) for everyone from car campers up to self-contained RVers. And there are still plenty of secret places to pitch away from the probing eyes of the law too…
  • Endless Stopping Potential – The supreme lookouts, day hikes, and unreal attractions of New Zealand’s South Island—often easily accessible from the road—means that there are endless worthwhile rest stops and picnic places!

I really would proudly stand on my soapbox in Auckland and declare South Island to host the best road trips in New Zealand until the Northerners came for my blood. While North Island does have its sights—and some truly special ones at that—South Island is where things truly feel New Zealand.

That wonderful special mix of Kiwi, Aotearoa, and Middle-earth.

Other than majestic and mind-blowing, what else can be said of a driving tour of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s mega-chill: it’s all relaxed roads, little traffic, and mostly considerate drivers too (there’s always the odd jerk). As long as you know the ins-and-outs— your road rules, rentals, and insurance —she’ll most certainly be alright, mate.

She’ll be better than alright.

Get an International Drivers Licence

International Drivers Licence

One aspect that many travellers often overlook when taking a road trip, is the importance of getting an International Drivers licence. While it is not always 100% strictly necessary to hold an international driving permit, some countries and states DO insist that foreign road users have them – ignorance of this is not a valid defence and the penalties for not having one can prove expensive.

Even if you are visiting a region where an International driving license is not mandatory, they can still make your experience a lot better by speeding up the vehicle rental process and making traffic police roadside shakedowns that bit smoother.

Finally, in some countries officials may charge informal fines (aka levy baksheesh) if you can’t produce an IDL. All in all, we think the $50 application fee is a sound investment.

You can apply for an international drivers licence quickly and easily by hitting the button below.

Renting a Vehicle in South Island

Honestly, I’m gonna skip the humdrum and straight-up tell you to travel New Zealand by campervan . It’s bloody New Zealand: God made this land for the vanlifers.

jucy campervan rental in new zealand and australia

There are plenty of choices for hiring a van in New Zealand including some big-name rental companies. Britz , and Maui Rentals are a few players you’ll see everywhere on the road, however, get yourself a JUCY . They’re a long-time rental company in New Zealand AND Australia who have been serving backpackers their Batmobiles for two decades strong.

Now, if the vanlife ain’t calling, all the above-mentioned rental companies—and a whole bunch more ( Hertz jumps to mind)—still have lots of options. Cars, 4x4s, larger RVs, and even camping trailers.

Hiring a car is pretty easy in any of New Zealand’s arrival hubs (Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch) as well as any major town or city. You just need to be aware of the hidden fees:

  • Age Surcharge – There are variations amongst companies but  most  rental companies have a minimum renter’s age of 21, and there are additional surcharges (usually in the range of $10-$30 NZ per day ) for drivers younger than 25.
  • Bond/Deposit – This is a much more complicated subject. Generally, rental companies are going to want a credit card pre-authorisation  in place of a bond  (i.e. you can skip the fee). Other methods—such as debit cards, cash, or external rental agencies—are likely to incur a deposit. The variation in the deposit is huge: I’ve seen it as low as $400 NZ and go as high as $2500 NZ (or posibly even higher).
  • Additional Drivers – Charges vary greatly with additional drivers but generally you’re looking at anywhere between $5-$25 NZ per day (dependent on age and other factors). A lot of companies will include spouses as an additional driver at no additional charge, howver.

Rental Insurance in New Zealand

Urrgh, insurance. The deal with rental insurance in New Zealand is the same as anywhere in the world: it’s all hogwash.

The good news is that rental companies already offer a basic coverage free (or more aptly, built into your base rental cost). It’s a legal requirement. You could technically just take off galivanting with that albeit with a much higher excess.

That’s where the good news stops though. The rest is all just organised crime, particularly in a country like New Zealand where the car insurance and registration laws are already so wack.

A rental car crashed in New Zealand without insurance

What’s actually covered in your insurance is up to you to decipher from the hieroglyphic Terms and Conditions they provide. They’ll then also offer you their special packages: the ‘Bronze’ , ‘Silver’ , ‘Blood Diamond’ , and ‘Salty Tears of Broke Backpackers’ tiers. Although it varies, this could run you anywhere form an extra $15-$30 NZ per day (and that’s not even taking the insurance on your own person into account).

Instead, just skip the rental mafiosos. Organise insurance before you go with a reputable and dedicated rental insurance company. At The Broke Backpacker, we’re a fan of RentalCover.Com ; their coverage is excellent, up-front without the ugly behaviours, and their rates are better than most anything else you’ll find in New Zealand!

Road Rules in South Island

Honestly, commonsense leads the way. New Zealand does have plenty of road rules, but, unlike its sister state Australia, there aren’t so many asinine ones that you need a codex just to keep track. Also (and also much unlike Australia), cops in New Zealand aren’t so much just glorified tax collectors with revenue quotas to meet, so you really should be fine.

All the same, here are some basics to driving in New Zealand you shouldn’t overlook:

A scenic drive near Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island.

  • New Zeland is a left side country! You drive on the left and give way on the right—simple.
  • Similarly, overtaking on the left is illegal. It’s also illegal to speed up when someone overtakes you; that could get you booked.
  • You can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand as long as you have a current driver’s licence from your home country or an international driver’s licence. Licences not in English will require a translation though.
  • Whether you’re living and travelling in a van , car, RV, or motorised pumpkin, always check the relevant overnight parking/camping laws. The rules change in every area, and they vary quite substantially depending on whether you’re driving a self-contained vehicle or not.
  • Beware yellow lines. A yellow line in the centre of the road means you can’t overtake and one on the side of the road means you can’t pull over/park.
  • Pay attention to the signage on one-way bridges (which are super common). They denote who has right of way.
  • Lastly, be prepared to slow down, stop, and wait for livestock.  New Zealanders have a lot of sheep and they’re just as precious about them as Indians are about their cows. Who else are they going to marry? (Hurhurhur.)

Oh, and I know I said that the roads are chill, however, they may be narrower and more winding then what you’re used to. Just go slow and easy. You should be paying attention to the scenery anyway!

audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Map of the New Zealand South Island road trip route #1

  • South Island road trip from Picton
  • Finishing at the Farewell Spit, Golden Bay
  • Distance: 915 km

This is the first driving route for the South Island of New Zealand and one that assumes you’re starting a road trip from Picton (most likely after crossing on the ferry from Wellington ). This almost-circuit (shaped more like a horseshoe) tracks down and up through some of the northern highlights of South Island before finishing in the Tasman/Golden Bay area —my personal favourite area of New Zealand to stay in —lapping up the sunshine for whatever time is left in your itinerary. 

It’s worth noting that the most famous points of interest in South Island—eg. Queenstown and Milford Sound—aren’t featured here. Instead, I’ve given you a few drives around South Island that are much more underappreciated. Both the south drive to Kaikoura and northern drive along the West Coast and then up to Tasman Bay (skirting the Kahurangi National Park) before lapping up the sticky and sunny north are personal favourites of mine.

Woman at Wharariki Beach while on a self-drive in South Island's Golden Bay

At the end of this self-drive around the South Island of New Zealand, the return to Picton is a fairly simple trek. Nelson (an even closer drive from Takaka) is also close by with a domestic airport, or you can instead drive this entire South Island road trip itinerary in reverse and opt to travel to Christchurch after Hanmer Springs instead of Kaikoura. The international airport is there. You’ll also find plenty of yoga retreats in this area.

Road Trip Highlights:

  • Sunrise from the east coast.
  • Melting in the hot springs at Hanmer Springs.
  • Driving the West Coast.
  • The beaches of the Tasman.
  • Slowing down in Golden Bay.

Day 1: Picton to Kaikoura (156 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Ahh, Picton, the gateway to South Island… the semi-boring gateway to South Island. The township itself is admittedly a bit dull, but the beauty of the surrounding area of the Malborough Sounds act as a very suitable introduction to the island.

picton

The southbound drive to Kaikoura along State Highway 1 and following the east coast of South Island is just a taster of things to come. First, it’ll be a gentle coast through New Zealand’s premier wine country (the New Zealand vineyard tours here are EPIC!) before reaching one of South Island’s (marginally) less dramatic coastlines—mountain ranges on the west sloping into rolling hills to the ocean.

Once you arrive in Kaikoura—the windswept coastal town—there’s no better way to celebrate a successful first day of the South Island road trip than with a proper seafood feast. New Zealand style of course…

The good ol’ takeaway shop!

  • Check out Crow Tavern for a proper pub feed in Picton.
  • Nin’s Bin (in Halfmoon Bay) or the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk have the seaside greasy delights that New Zealand is renowned for.

I strongly recommend camping to wake up to that bombshell east coast sunrise. The Paparoa Point Campsite 30 km north of Kaikoura is an option while Kiwa Road Beach USED to have a free campsite which is reportedly now gone (whereas the beach remains).

Otherwise, book a dope Airbnb out on the Kaikoura peninsula for that early-morning seal-watching goodness.

  • Ward Beach Boulders – A beautiful isolated beach stop-off with some absolutely spectacular boulder formations to check out (but only during low tide).
  • Ohau Point Lookout – Yay for seals! A lookout over the majestic yet slippery fur seal colony that call the area home.
  • Blenheim and Malborough Wine Country – New Zealand’s wine exports are world-renowned, so why not book a winery tour to sample the delectable delights? Wine country equals wine and wine equals fun… Therefore you’re in fun country! (…Unless you’re the designated driver.)

Spotting a fur seal in Kaikoura - popular tourist attraction

Day 2: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs (131 km | 2-2.5 hours)

There’s plenty to do in Kaikoura but nothing is better than catching the dawn on the coast (potentially with a stop-off to say hi to the aquatic furry locals at the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway ). When you’re ready to depart, drive to Hanmer Springs, another gem of a destination in South Island.

The faster route is via the Inland Kaikoura Route (70) , however, adding a scenic extra leg to the trip by continuing on Highway 1 south is definitely a recommendation. Although having been repaired quite substantially, remnants of Kaikoura’s 2016 earthquake still litter this section of coastline. Somehow, all the fractured and fragmented stretches of the landscape just make the scenery even more beautiful.

Ferry Bridge, Hanmer Springs - good adventure destination for a road trip of New Zealand

And then you get to finish day 2 of your South Island road trip melting away your problems in the springs! Queenstown’s introverted and more chill little bro, Hanmer Springs is the perfect place for an adventure holiday in New Zealand without the rampant backpacker-fuelled binge alcoholism. You’ll find some of the classic South Island adventure activities here like rapid rafting, quad biking, ski fields, bungee jumps, and, of course, the show-stealer: the hot springs!

PJ’s Chalet does tasty burgers, fish, and chips at tasty burgers, fish, and chips prices. Can’t really go wrong with that!

Check out the YHA Kakapo Lodge for a cheaper place to stay in Hanmer Springs with the lodge feels.

  • Hike Up Mt Fyffe – This is only really an option for those with the extra time in their road trip itinerary for South Island, however, if you got it, flaunt it! Stop off to climb the 1602-metre beauty for a proper panorama of the Kaikoura coastline.
  • Bungee Jumping – Jump from the 135-year-old Ferry Bridge with nothing but a thin elastic rope tied around your ankles—genius!
  • The Springs of Hanmer Springs – Thermal pools are a no-brainer anywhere in the world (I may have a not-so-secret love affair with hot springs). Buy your entry ticket , skip the line, and don’t waste a single second not sitting in naturally heated bubbly alpine bliss.

A man enjoying the hot spring thermal baths at Hanmer Springs in New Zealand

Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Westport – the West Coast (313 km | 4-4.5 hours)

Ok, so you’re actually going to drive from Hanmer Springs to Westport via Greymouth. That’s because the goal is not Westport but purely to drive the West Coast itself. And that’s because the West Coast is one of the best drives in New Zealand full stop.

Untamed, wilderness, and wild are just some of the words people use to describe the West Coast of South Island. Personally, though, I prefer ‘prehistoric’ . The place just feels so ancient and is so sparsely populated that you truly feel like your catching a glimpse of the proper Aotearoa.

Driving the ultimate New Zealand road trip down the West Coast

Also, the weather sucks farts. Like, you may think that’s a crude and ineloquent way to put it but trust me—once you get to the West Coast, your first thought will also be ‘the weather sucks farts’ . It’s cold and windy (even in summer), it’s the wettest area of New Zealand (even in summer), and the sandflies are always lurking about. Truthfully, the West Coast  is best experienced from inside a car…

But that’s part of the charm! They don’t call it the Wild West Coast for nothing. Travel into the wilderness and experience it! You go for the untouched landscape; if you want joints and sun, you go to Golden Bay (spoiler warning).

It’s a little bit pricey but Denniston Dog in Westport is popular with the locals for a good reason. Stone-grilled carnivorous delights and also stone-grilled herbivorous delights – something for everyone!

In the northern half of the West Coast, I wouldn’t really suggest staying anywhere other than Westport. In fact, if you’re willing to drive another 100 kilometres up the coast to Karamea , that area is majestic with some killer campsites.

  • Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks – An uber-popular series of coastal rock formations that double as natural blowholes. It’s mega-touristic but fun as a stopover.
  • Exploring Karamea –  Conversely, Karamea (north of Westport) is criminally underexplored and well worth the detour while touring the South Island of New Zealand. Go find the Oparara Basin Arches to see what I mean.
  • Drive It – Seriously, pick your most bangin’ backpacking playlist, pre-roll a few cigs (if that’s your style), and enjoy the drive. The West Coast really feels like one of those old-school IMAX dinosaur films with one nice long road through the middle (minus the dinosaurs, unfortunately).

Double rainbow and sunset over Karamea on New Zealand's West Coast

Day 4: Westport to Nelson (214 km | 2.5-3 hours)

Ohhh , this is a pretty South Island drive too! Through the lush forests, trailing the rivers, all the way to twinkling Nelson.

I’d say Nelson is the most East Coast Australia feeling place on South Island. East Coast Australia vibes is going be the reoccurring theme for the last few stops of our first driving itinerary for New Zealand’s South Island… Well, it’s like the east coast of Australia… except better!

Nelson

Perched right on Tasman Bay, the city is no stranger to blue skies and ridiculously blue water. Like, I’m talking twinkling ‘oh sorry, I got lost in your eyes’ blue. It’s the coastal life.

Swimming, restaurants, cafes, shopping, festivals, markets… you get the idea. It’s like a busy slow-life; alternative living at a premium price. Nelson is no stranger to tourists, budget backpacker hostels , and the weekend rush.

Honestly, it doesn’t attract me as much as the rest of South Island’s points of interest further up the bay (and the next bay over) but it’s still well worth checking out. Especially for anyone that enjoys that small beachside-city style of living.

Check out The Indian Cafe for a little more ‘Asia’ in your ‘Australasian Adventure’ . Or the frozen yoghurt place; it’s a totally conventional frozen yoghurt place but when has frozen yoghurt ever not been the tits?

Nelson has lots of choices for budget backpacker accommodation, however, I’d head to Tasman Bay Backpackers because they have free off-street parking. Nelson also has a more lenient system set up for freedom camping than many other places in New Zealand but only for those doing a South Island road trip in a self-contained vehicle. Failing all of that, I just did the sneaky in the Botanical Reserve.

  • Art Galleries – The Nelson area is something of an art hub; Nelson itself, nearby towns, and even places further up the bay are loaded with groovy exhibitions. The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson is a perfect starting place! For something a little different, the Hoglund Glass Gallery in Appleby features live glassblowing demonstrations or for something  really different check out the National WOW Museum (World of WearableArt) .
  • Markets! – Ahh, the weekend markets: the hive of all things activity in a sleepy coastal life. This is more timing-based, but if you happen to be swinging through Nelson on a Saturday between 8 A.M. and 1 P.M., coast by Montgomery Square .
  • Ride the Skywire – As well as kooky art and kookier frozen yoghurt, Nelson has the world’s longest Skywire! And, honestly, if you were going to blast through the air at 100km/h on a thin wire, Nelson is a pretty good place to book a ride .

World of WearableArt museum exhibition in Nelson, New Zealand

Day 5: Nelson to Motueka (42 km | 30-45 minutes)

Blimey, that’s a short drive! Truthfully, I hitched it in about an hour, and what a nap that was!

The drive may be short, but you’re going to be grateful for the extra time to explore these next two stops. Tasman Bay (and Motueka) is a pretty standard visit on most people’s itineraries for the South Island of New Zealand. It’s home to the magnanimous Abel Tasman National Park .

Even outside of the national park, Tasman Bay is home to heaps of stellar beaches. It’s a hippy-haven, a major point of interest on South Island for lovers of permaculture, and an area that just carries a real feeling of openness to travellers, drifters, and backpackers alike.

Busker at the markets in Motueka seen while driving through the north of South Island

Good vibes, good bud, and good boogies are what define Mot and the surrounding villages. Even on a quick drive through town, chances are you’ll make a friend!

Arcadia Organics Shop and Cafe is a must. It’s Hare Krishna-owned and run, and that means ridiculously good food in ridiculously good portions at ridiculously good prices. Eating with the Krishnas is a top tip for any and all New Zealand road trips.

There are heaps of cheap (and free) options for camping around the Motueka area. Kina Beach has an excellent campsite: $5 a night and all the best dirtbags stay there. There’s also a free site by Motueka River on the way to Ngatimoti.

  • Beaches, Baby! – With fewer sandflies than the West Coast and fewer people than Nelson, pack for a beach day because Motueka is a prime spot! Kaiteriteri Beach  is both super famous and super popular, Kina Beach is super underrated, or alternatively, you can try and hunt down something more secluded in the Abel Tasman.
  • Cheap Fruit and Veg – Being South Island’s epicentre for sustainable living and agriculture, roadside honour system produce stalls are everywhere, especially if you head into the hinterland. The absolute best stall in the region is at the end of  Greenhill Road in Ngatimoti .
  • Exploring the Abel Tasman –  A massively famous national park AND Great Walk in New Zealand, the Abel Tasman is super popular (so expect crowds and a need to book campsites). If you’re not feeling the multi-day tramp, then booking a sailing tour and getting out in those crystal blue waters is a fine alternative.

Split Rock Apple, Abel Tasman National Park - popular place to go while road tripping through South Island

Day 6: Motueka to Takaka (57 km | 1-1.5 hours)

Oh, snap—we’re here! If I get a bit gushy and start talking about joints way too much, I apologise, but we’re here! There’s no feeling quite the same as the drive into Golden Bay, summitting Takaka Hill and seeing the spread of the intoxicating landscape beneath you.

Takaka—weird and wonderful Stuckaka—is a bubble of a town in every sense of the word. A snowglobe without the snow.

Bridge crossing when entering Golden Bay - one of the best drives in New Zealand's South Island

Weirdos, ferals, travellers, drifters, normies, (honourable) thieves, and honest folk all float into Takaka and many never leave. It’s pure hippy-shenanigans through and through: scrumptious spliffs, bangin’ tunes, and a friend is only ever a stroll through town away. That’s why I reckon any road trip in New Zealand’s South Island should finish in Takaka: because you may just want to get stuck for a while.

If the slow and easy budget backpacker lifestyle isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s still lots to draw you in: surfing, rock climbing, and the immense Kahurangi National Park to disappear in for at weeks at a time. Whether you’re there for the mountains, the beaches, or the forests, Golden Bay has it all.

Y’know… if you actually leave Takaka.

There’s a little internet cafe/laundromat/video store/library (the owner is quite resourceful) called FrontSeat and it’s a meeting place of sorts for travellers in town. The Curry Leaf across the road does the best chips in town and up the other end of town is an ice-cream shop that I’ve forgotten the name of but it’ll blow your mind into the realms of the dairy gods.

There’s a spot in town all the ferals rough it at which I’m not gonna spoil, but I’m sure you can find it. Hangdog Camp is the climber camp just outta town and it’s cheap! Failing that, Gazebo Backpackers in town is a good balance of comfort to price.

  • Rock Climbing – There’s a healthy chunk of climbing in the area and  Hangdog Camp has cheap gear for hire. The best part is that it’s next to a river so you can finish the day’s climb with a dip!
  • Boogie Down – Finding hippies, ferals, and psy-kids always means finding good boogies. Festival season goes  off , the  Roots Bar in Takaka has d-floor tunes every night, and the  Mussel Inn (in Onekaka) has the pub feel with an alternative twist.
  • Te Waikoropupu Springs – Close to town is this sacred Maori site with some of the clearest crystal-like water you will ever see anywhere. It’s a chill walk to a truly special place.

A sunset in Takaka with two people I met while touring the South Island of New Zealand by car

Day 7: Takaka to Puponga/The Farewell Spit (47 km | 45-60 minutes)

And this is your last trek north. While I’d always recommend doing the sticky Takaka life for as long as feels right, taking your South Island road trip this far north and not finishing the job would just be plain silly!

When you look at a map of South Island, you’ll see a strip of land jutting out the top like a talon: that’s the Farewell Spit —one of the longest natural sandspits in the world. While driving this far north on South Island is a pretty spectacular thing to do in New Zealand , it’s not always so popular on the tourist trail given its remoteness.

Hiking up the dunes while on a driving tour of the Farewell Spit, New Zealand

But to reiterate, Golden Bay is so yummy . Girt by clean, Kiwi ocean waters, secluded beaches, and the overlooking mountains (yet avoiding the harsher weather of further south), it’s one of the most tranquil places in New Zealand to finish a South Island road trip itinerary.

Getting stuck purely in Takaka for two weeks would be a mistake (*cough* me *cough*).

Allll  the way at the top of South Island near a place called Wharariki Beach is a darling little place called Archway Cafe .

There are a few holiday parks up that way both at Wharariki  and  Puponga , but if you’re not feeling it, I’d recommend just doing the sneaky. It’s pretty remote out that way.

  • Whanganui Inlet – The inlet that separates Golden Bay and the West Coast. It’s perfect for a swim and equally perfect for a scenic seaside drive.
  • Wharariki Beach – The beach at the very top of South Island. You’re definitely off New Zealand’s beaten path here; not many people come up this far. It’s a secluded beach with beautiful dunes, heaps of wildlife, and unique rock formations to soak up.
  • The Farewell Spit – The spit runs about 35km to a scenic lighthouse at its terminus. The downside is that there’s restricted access for both walking and vehicles! If you want to reach the very end (and you definitely do to finish this South Island driving tour right), you’ll need to book an eco-tour .

Sunset from a lookout on Takaka Hill, Golden Bay

  • South Island road trip from Christchurch
  • Finishing at Mount Cook, Southern Alps
  • Distance: 1661 km

Ok, we’re heading further south; it’s the South Island of New Zealand road trip itinerary numero dos! If you know much about New Zealand at all, then you know that there are some glaring omissions on our first driving itinerary. It’s time to go visit the other famous attractions of South Island!

This time we’re planning our South Island road trip from Christchurch . It’s where the only sizable (though not very sizable) international airport is on South Island. It’s also a major thoroughfare for flights coming from North Island.

South Island is about to get really South Island. We’ll be driving through a huge host of terrains from devastating mountain passes to (more) primordial coastlines and sweeping fjords.

A swing bridge on the Hooker Valley Track - hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Things are really starting to get otherworldy. You’re about to experience the real Aotearoa .

  • Arthur’s Pass, rain, hail, or shine.
  • More West Coast magic!
  • My sweet, darling Wanaka.
  • The haunting majesty of Milford Sound.
  • The approach to New Zealand’s highest mountain—Aoraki (Mount Cook).

Day 1: Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass (148 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Honestly, fuck Christchurch. You can stay in Christchurch if you want; it’s not a bad city (it’s certainly no Auckland), but my God is it boring. Just get your car and get out: that’s the recommendation.

Instead, you’re going out to experience some of that devastating, primordial nature I told you about—Arthur’s Pass! Arthur’s Pass is a trip.

Surging river in a valley photographed hiking in Arthur's Pass

The first time I passed through Arthur’s pass, the road-weary entourage of misfit travellers I’d banded with didn’t stop. We drove through the Jurrasic valley: the weather was misty and the rains spewed in cascading falls from the cliff faces streaming down enormous ferns and into the surging river below.

I made a not-so-silent promise to my friend that we would return with more time. So we did.

You won’t find much in the way of inhabitants in Arthur’s Pass. There’s a small settlement at Castle Hill and then a tourist centre in the middle of the pass and that’s about it. This is a place to visit in South Island to shush your face, shush the ambient noise of the world, and sit in stoned silence by the sheer magnitude of nature.

The hiking is hella mean too.

I mean, there’s a cafe in town. I feel a bit insincere recommending though considering it’s, like, one of two options. This is the kinda place you should really come with packed with your own camping gear and supplies.

You’ll find the odd beautiful New Zealand lodge or homestay in the area, however, a place this special deserves to be camped. There are heaps of DOC campsites throughout, but I stayed at Hawdon Shelter Campsite which had a firepit. Klondyke Corner Campsite is also really popular with road trippers.

  • Castle Hill’s Bouldering Basin – A must-stop on the drive into the Pass for climbers and a probably-should-stop for everyone else. Castle Hill presents a proverbial playground of magnificent limestones boulders and formations that are equally fun for monkeying on or just wandering blissfully amongst.
  • Bealey Spur Track – Arthur’s Pass is a tramper’s paradise with some real hardcore offerings for the hikers and general avalanche enthusiasts. The Bealey Spur Track, however, is done-in-a-day medium-ish difficulty alpine hike good for a meaty challenge on the way through.
  • Devil’s Punchbowl Falls – Conversely, the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls (props to whoever coined that name) is a done-in-an-hourish easy difficulty hike to full-power waterfall madness .

Christchurch to Arthurs Pass

Day 2: Arthur’s Pass to Franz Josef Glacier (233 km | 3-3.5 hours)

The southern stretch of the West Coast—no less gorgeous and no less wild (and still with all your sandfly homies). It’s much the same vibes as the northern side of the West Coast, however, the drive down through Haast into the Otago region and Wanaka is mesmerising. That’s tomorrow though; first, Franz Josef Glacier.

Personally, I don’t get Franz Josef—it feels like a tourist trap through and through. An expensive town coupled with a short and exceedingly popular walk to a glacier that’s receded so far it looks like it left skidmarks in its undies.

Helicopter tour on the snowy top of Franz Josef Glacier

Still, Franz Josef Glacier is a massive tourist attraction on South Island—it’s in all the brochures—and it’s a good stopover to break up the drive to Wanaka. It’s worth a squizz at the very least. Particularly if you’re actually going on the glacier.

In Franz Josef? I dunno; I had free soup at the hostel and an UP&GO from the convenience store. The Hokitika Sandwich Company (in Hokitika on the drive through) makes killer sandwiches though!

I stayed at  Chateau Backpackers and Motels which was so forgettable I forgot if that was where I actually stayed (though the complimentary fresh soup was a nice touch). Alternatively, you could just forget Franz Josef and stay back up the road a spell in Hokitika.

  • Pounamu Fossicking – Pounamu, jade, greenstone… you know it. You see it hanging around the neck of every Maori, Kiwi, and backpacker in Kiwiland. But why would you want to buy some dinky souvenir pounamu as a trinket rather than find your own? The West Coast region is famous for its abundant stores of pounamu and you can hunt it down for yourself. Along the rocky beaches from Greymouth and the river mouth at Hokitika are great places to search. Just be sure to stay out of the Arahura River (it’s an off-limits sacred Maori location), and once you find one pounamu, stop. These are highly sacred stones to the Maori—New Zealand’s indigenous people. One is enough. You don’t choose your pounamu; your pounamu chooses you.
  • Franz Josef Walk – The short and popular walk up to the viewing platform for the glacier is admittedly super gorgeous—with some perfect spots for stone fossicking along the way—but then you get to the end of the track and it’s kind of like ‘Oh… is that it?’ . You’re not supposed to walk up further onto the glacier either, but also, there’s nothing really stopping you.
  • Heli-Hike on the Glaciers – Alternatively, the best way to see the glaciers (there’s another one thirty minutes up the road called  Fox Glacier ) is by booking a helicopter tour that takes you over and on top of them. But that’s only if you’ve left enough aside in your road trip budget for New Zealand.

Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone/jade) on display in a museum on South Island

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka (284 km | 3.5-4 hours)

Sweet, darling Wanaka; my busking paradise. It’s hard to recommend backpacking Queenstown to people when Wanaka is only an hour’s drive away. It’s still touristy and busy but it also feels like a town where you can escape all of that. The lake always feels tranquil.

Famous Lake Wanaka tree - famous tourist attraction on a South Island road trip

Perched on the shore of the absolutely drop-dead spectacularly sexy Wanaka lake, it’s a tourist town in the warmer months and a ski town in the colder months. Much like Queenstown, Wanaka is an all-year-round destination—with plenty of activities, nightlife, and cool places to stay —however, without the messy backpacker-and-booze execution.

And the drive there? A magical mystery tour, man.

The wild sights of the West Coast quickly turn into dense, moss-laden rainforests before becoming the rocky (and very Colorado-esque) hills of the Otago Lakes District). All in the space of a 4-hour drive. Magnificent, muckless New Zealand.

The Doughbin (opposite the lake) has got some smashing pies. Red Star Burger up the road from there does well-priced feeds too… and kumara chips!

I got three choices for ya:

  • For a good hostel in Wanaka, Wanaka Bakpaka may just have the best view in town—what a panorama!
  • Otherwise, Albert Town Campground outside Wanaka is a little bit pricey but worth the cost for the location and amenities.
  • Or , if you’re willing to make the half-an-hour drive, there’s a free campsite near Cromwell .
  • Skipping Stones at Blue Pools – Down in Haast Pass is the Blue Pools and the name is no misnomer! The walk through the native beech forest is gorgeous (with some insanely fluffy moss if you like your forest strolls barefooted) and the eponymous Blue Pools are spectacular and, yes, extremely blue (with pounamu-green tinting too).
  • Puzzling World – Here’s something to do if you’re sick of New Zealand’s life-changing scenery and the adrenaline-soaked thrills—puzzles!  A whole museum and playground of optical illusions, puzzles, mazes, and WTF moments. That’s not to say there aren’t heaps of adventure activities in Wanaka, but this is just something a little different from the usual New Zealand contenders.
  • Get Out on the Lake – It’s a damn big lake so get out there and explore! Book a kayak tour and explore the scenery at your own pace (it’s a very still lake too—easy paddling). Alternatively, just sit on the shore, smoke Js, and play tunes until a tribe of travellers flock around you: that’s what I did.

The road to Wanaka from the West Coast through The Neck and Lake Hawea

Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown (69 km | 1-1.5 hours)

So, I may not have been subtle about my displeasure for Queenstown. It’s the rum and raisin to my blessed hokey pokey Wanaka, HOWEVER, it is still mighty gorgeous (because it’s New Zealand).

There’s no shortage of cool things to do in Queenstown for adventure fiends, boozehound backpackers, and second-hand shoppers alike. Just about everyone on a driving tour of South Island or New Zealand as a whole will end up staying in Queenstown at some point.

A man on a self-drive holiday of South Island rock climbing in Queenstown

It has everything you’d pretty much expect from South Islands’s premier holiday destination and adventure capital: there’s shopping in droves, adventure activities, budget to luxury accommodation, and more food, booze, and drugs then you’ll ever need to consume! The downside is that there’s never a chill time of year to plan a trip to Queenstown . There’s really no off or shoulder season.

In the summer, the lake sparkles just as much as Lake Wanaka and the waterfront markets crowd with tourists. And then, come snow season, the town floods with snowbums and it becomes a proper ski town with everything that entails: powder snow, banger parties, and a lot of shitfaced Aussies.

Slice Pizza over on Shotover Street does $2 slices all day long. There are definitely some good reasons to visit Queenstown.

I would not recommend trying to rough it: freedom camping of any description is hardcore cracked down on. The free campsite at Cromwell is a good spot because it’s pretty much halfway between Wanaka and Queenstown. Otherwise, The Flaming Kiwi is a solid hostel in Queenstown itself.

  • Bonus Stops – Although I missed out on going, some chill places outside of Queenstown’s madness to visit are Arrowtown (a super quaint old mining town en route from Wanaka to Queenstown) or Glenorchy further north up the lake.
  • The Quintessential Queenstown Bungy Jump – Home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, bungy jumping is a pretty classic Queenstown thing to do. It’s kinda the titular Queenstown experience. Kawarau Bridge is the OG spot for the jump and now there are a few other locations around the Queenstown area including some sky swings!
  • Or Skydiving – It’s like bungy jumping except you have no rope and the death rate statistics are higher! Skydiving is another classic hit in the Queenstown adventure activities LP (with the follow-up secret hidden track of ‘Oh god, my parachute isn’t working’ ). You can book a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet … You can also go from lower but if you’re committing to jumping out of an aeroplane in flight, I don’t think you should half-ass it.

Man bungy jumping in Queenstown - popular tourist activity in New Zealand

Day 5: Queenstown to Te Anau and Milford Sound (171 km | 2-2.5 hours)

The Te Anau township is the gateway to Fiordland, which still remains one of the most unexplored places in New Zealand. Fiordland is marked by incredibly wet weather and often inaccessible terrain. It’s true to say that this landscape of Fiordland still remains untouched and authentic to New Zealand’s ancient heritage.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer, but it is the entry point to both Fiordland as well as the Milford Sound. What’s Milford Sound? Oh boy, you’re in for a treat. 

Mitre Peak, Milford Sound seen from a cruise tour

Rudyard Kipling’s own personal “Eighth Wonder of the World” . TripAdvisor’s 2008 winner of the Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards . And just an all-round marvel to behold.

From it’s inky black waters to sprawling fiord setting harkening back to Scandinavia (on steroids), the sheer cliff faces of lush vegetation and rolling cascades of water are unfathomable in any weather conditions. It sparkles under the sun, overwhelms the sense in the rain, and if there’s a lighting storm?

Well… that’s the holy grail.

The Habit Foods Truck is cheap and they do bao buns… with chips! It’s the best of both worlds!

You’re not exactly inundated with accommodation options this far south but the Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers will put you up nicely for your Fiordland adventures. You could camp but it rains a lot in Fiordland.

  • Cruise the Sound – While there are a few ways to see Milford Sound, hopping on a cruise tour is the standard activity that 80%-90% of Milford Sound’s annual visitors enjoy every year. It’s definitely one of those things that you just have to splurge on.
  • Hike the Sound – Stuff the cruise; if the Maori could walk it, so can you! You can walk the Milford Track or Kepler Track (both are stellar examples New Zealand’s Great Walks), and it’s easily one of the best and most authentic ways to experience the majesty of the sounds. There are plenty of day hikes in the area too if your South Island itinerary is getting kinda smushed. But you gotta do at least do one walk! Milford Sound is somewhere you may have to devote a few extra days too.
  • Dive the Sound – Beneath the sound is as dripping in every aspect of reverent majesty as above the sound. Reaching sprawls of black coral trees and a defiance of physics between the layers of salt and freshwater make this one of the most interesting spots to dive in New Zealand . Above, below, or around the sound, prepared to be astound…ed.

Milford Sound on a dark misty day

Day 6: Te Anau to Bluff (179 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Now, you could skip Bluff entirely. Bluff is the southernmost town on South Island (however, it’s not the southernmost point), and I’d be lying if I said there was much going on down there. It’s a bit of a dead-end seaport town (the humongous seaweed growing on the rocks is pretty damn special though).

So why come to Bluff? Simple—it’s where you catch the ferry to Stewart Island .

Stewart Island is about as far from the conventional backpacking trail in New Zealand as you can possibly get. It’s like New Zealand’s third smaller and more desolate island. It consists of one small settlement and then it’s just nothing: nothing but trees and animals. No roads, no people, no fish and chips; only nature.

'Beware of Kiwi Birds' road sign in Oban, Stewart Island (Rakiura)

Now, you may not have enough time on your road trip through South Island to cross the ferry and properly explore Rakiura (Stewart Island’s Maori name). However, if you’re in the throes of planning a road trip in New Zealand’s South Island, I’d strongly suggest putting some days aside for it (and particularly if you’re a lover of off-the-beaten-path travel).

You can’t get much more far out and much more into the “real New Zealand” than Stewart Island. Tell a Kiwi you tramped Stewart Island’s Great Walk, and they’ll be impressed. Tell them you saw an actual kiwi there, and you’ll definitely have their respect.

Desolate or not, there’s still some fish and chips on Stewart Island (it is still New Zealand after all). Kai Kart has you covered for a cheap and choice feed before you head out into the wilderness and then again when you’re craving it on your return.

If you’re not camping or walking, your only option is to stay in Oban , Stewart Island’s only settlement. There’s a hostel and a bunch of lodges and bed and breakfasts and that’s about it. I wouldn’t even bother staying in Bluff.

  • Hiking, Of Course! – The local Great Walk—the Rakiura Track —clocks in at only a measly 32km— bah! However, the North West Circuit takes 9 to 11 days, so if your goal is to eject from known civilisation for a spell, Stewart Island is the place to go! There’s also plenty of day tramps for beginner hikers and just those who aren’t too keen on that whole masochism thing.
  • Stargazing – Remember when the stars weren’t hidden behind a wall of ambient lighting from sports fields and street lamps? Stewart Island does. Stargazing from Stewart Island means long pensive moments of silence, deeply brooding thoughts about life elsewhere in the universe, and, if you’re lucky, the Southern Lights.
  • Find a Damn Kiwi – No, not of the two-legged ‘churr, bro’ variety! The actual kiwi in all of its elusive, rotund, flightless glory. The kiwis are actually so phenomenally rare in Kiwiland that most kiwis haven’t actually seen a wild kiwi. Stewart Island remains the best place in New Zealand to see kiwis (of the feathered variety). Nighttime or the early hours of the morning are the best times to go. There are a few good places to look but Ulva Island is undoubtedly your best shot. Alternatively, you could take a tour, but we all know that doesn’t count.

Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) and Milky Way seen while driving the south coast of New Zealand

Day 7: Bluff to Dunedin via the Southern Scenic Route (259 km | 3.5-4 hours)

Ahh, the Southern Scenic Route—it’s so good I hitched it twice! I hitchhiked solo from the Bluff end to meet my friend in a hostel in Dunedin ; he then promptly told me we were going to hitchhike to Bluff via the Southern Scenic Route. The second time around, we even got to hitch it in the rain!

But it is really pretty, to be fair. Is it worth ‘4 hours waiting in the rain for a ride’ pretty? Yeah—defs.

The Southern Scenic Route is (as the name would suggest) a very scenic drive in South Island and one that doesn’t make most people’s campervan itinerary for New Zealand. It should though. It’s a slower trundling drive along the windswept cliffs and through the ancient coastal forests of New Zealand’s Deep South.

Nugget Point Lighthouse - famous point of interest on the South Island Southern Scenic Route drive

And to top it off, you’ll be terminating the day’s drive in Dunedin, another overlooked highlight of South Island. Dunedin is a beautiful architectural disaster birthed by the genius idea of copying Edinburgh’s construction plan verbatim and plopping it down on New Zealand’s hilly southeastern coastline. The result is a charming and often oddly-designed Edwardian-style city that mixes off-beat student life with a more conservative feeling.

Which is kinda New Zealand’s Deep South in a nutshell: an eclectic mix of straight oddballs and more traditional rural life. There are way fewer people this far down, and of the ones that are here? The accent is even funnier!

  • On the way through Owaka, there are a couple of cafes. Lumber Jack is a chill spot for a coffee.
  • In Dunedin itself, opposite the university is the OUSA building (Otago University Student Association). Every weekday, between 12-2 P.M., you’ll find the Hare Krishnas serving up a $3 lunch.  Haribol,  indeed.

There are a couple of free campsites out of town for tenters and non-self-contained vehicles, plus Dunedin is actually relatively chill with self-contained overnight parking laws . Your second-best bet is to just stay at a backpackers in town:  On Top Backpackers serves up a free brekky. There are also a few affordable motels in Dunedin for a cheap night’s sleep.

  • Curio Bay – You could honestly camp here a night. It’s a pretty fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting—fur seals, penguins, and kiwi-exclusive miniature dolphins—plus a  ‘petrified forest’  which is admittedly nowhere near as impressive as it sounds.
  • Caitlins Forest Park – More essential NZ mossy elven forest vibes with some cool waterfalls to boot! Check out McLean Falls or  Matai Falls for a splash.
  • Cathedral Caves – Two massive sea-formed caves well-worth testing the acoustics in BUT you can only access them at low tide.
  • Bomb Baldwin Street – The world’s steepest street is in Dunedin: I told you the city planning was weird! Now, the mayor has asked that people don’t bomb it on a rental Lime scooters, however, I’m asking people that they do.
  • Dunedin’s Beaches – There are some good beaches scattered around the Dunedin area. On a warm sunny day (which is, admittedly, a rarity in the city), they’re magnificent. When Dunedin is having one of its classic Dunedin days—dreary grey skies and drearier winds—the beaches are a bit more like the harsh, misty maidens of the south. All that said, you  have to see  Long Beach regardless of the weather. I’m not even spoiling it; just trust me.

Old Dunedin train station seen on a road trip in the south of South Island

Day 8: Dunedin to Aoraki / Mount Cook (317 km | 4-4.5 hours)

The last stop of your South Island road trip and there’s nowhere more appropriate to finish than Aoraki (Mount Cook): the highest mountain in New Zealand. The road approaching Mount Cook and the Aoraki National Park still remains one of the best drives in the South Island of New Zealand purely for the truly humbling spectacle of it.

Approaching Mount Cook (Aoraki) by road - best drive in South Island, New Zealand

Mount Cook is the defining pinnacle of the Southern Alps mountain range—the 500 kilometre stretch of snowcapped peaks that run nearly the whole length of South Island. You get a whole host of ridiculously sexy mountains, a metric shittonne of glaciers (that blow Franz Joesf and Fox Glacier out of the water), and endless opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.

So while the Southern Alps may be a mountain-lovers paradise, the question is…

Can you climb Mount Cook?

Sure, if you’re an experienced mountaineer with the right outdoor adventure gear suited for the job. For everyone else, simply hiking around the behemoth and the surrounding alps will have to suffice.

You could stop in Oamaru on the drive through for a bite. There are a couple of cafes in Mount Cook Village too, however, there’s nothing overly special. Definitely bring some snackos.

There’s YHA in Aoraki Mount Cook Village or a few more options for backpackers in Lake Tekapo about an hour’s drive away, but I’d just go get booked into the Aoraki Court Motel . It’s popular, super comfortable, and just a little bit of a splurge for you last stop—job well done!

  • Hiking Galore – Damn, where to even begin! The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular; it’s an easy walk with the backdrop of the Mount Cook range terminating at the stunning Hooker Glacial Lake. The Tasman Glacier View Track is another goodie with views of glaciers that really are worth the effort.
  • Land on the Tasman Glacier – New Zealand’s longest glacier despite considerable shrinkage over the last three decades. You can definitely just look at it and be wowed by its unapolegetically raw beauty OR you can book a ski plane/helicopter flight combo deal and land on the bombshell beauty!
  • Lake Tekapo – I considered making this a stop all of its own, however, it’s also a perfect stopover on the return to Christchurch from Aoraki. It’s another alpine New Zealand lake to die for with hot springs, an ice-skating rink, and some angles that are simply  too postcard-perfect.

Church of the Good Shepard, Lake Tekapo - popular driving destination on South Island, New Zealand

Tip number one!

Make your own damn plans!

The (admittedly fucking awesome) road trip itineraries for South Island that I’ve done up are totally legit and can be completed in the time alotted. Still, slow travel is and unequivocally always will be the best type of travel.

A lot of these destinations deserve to be slowed down for. Golden Bay is a place for the slow-tempoed, Milford Sound really does deserve at least one multi-day tramp, and if it’s winter, you may really want to get into some snowboarding in Queenstown (or Wanaka because it’s better).

Don’t get locked in! New Zealand is pretty goddamn magnificent. She deserves to be enjoyed in her own time.

Tip 2: Staying Safe in New Zealand

New Zealand is fine. Totally and absolutely fine. Things can happen the same as anywhere else, but they don’t happen much in New Zealand.

Normal safety rules for travellers still apply: be smart and trust your gut. Do take care of your stuff though, especially in touristy areas like Queenstown. I had my phone in Raglan (on North Island) nicked letting my guard down like a dope.

The thing to really look out for is New Zealand itself: mother nature is a fickle bitch.

Crazy thunderstorm over

Talk to locals to get the lay of the land. Don’t go hiking unprepared. Don’t climb a mountain without knowing the weather forecast, and don’t dive headfirst into a river or lake.

It’s standard staying safe in nature stuff. Even the nature is lowkey though. There’s, like, one poisonous spider in the whole of New Zealand and no snakes. The earthquakes might get ya though.

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Tip 3: Insurance! (Again)

Yeah, we covered insurance, but this is one more firm reminder not to let the rental companies take you for a ride (so to speak).

Don’t be a dope—get yourself covered with RentalCover.com BEFORE you pick up your rental. And consider insuring yourself too!

Members of The Broke Backpacker team have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re an easy to use and professional provider that the team swears by.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

best road trips south island new zealand

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re still not sure what the right coverage for you is, then we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of the market’s best travel insurance companies . Just make sure you cover yourself!

Tip 4: My Favourite Second-Hand Shops – Bonus Section! 🙂

This is a bonus section because I wasn’t really sure where else to fit it in, but I just desperately wanted to talk about it. The second-hand shops in New Zealand are killer! Nothin’ but absolutely, splendiferously mean bargains left, right, and centre.

I made it a ritual of mine to check out the second-hand shops in any new place I rocked up in. Like, fair, I’m a bit of a nerd for op-shops, but even in regards to getting your hands on pre-loved budget backpacking tents , camping goods, or trekking gear, the second-hand shops have got what you need:

Traveller in New Zealand shows off his second-hand finds from his road trip through South Island

  • Nelson – There’s nowhere unique in Nelson that I know of; it’s just the usual contenders (Salvos, Vinnies, etc.) All the usual contenders are there, however, and they’re all close together with a sizable stock too!
  • Motueka – It’s the same deal as Nelson but definitely worth the browse.
  • Takaka – There’s a couple in Takaka and you’re looking for Trash Palace because it’s next-level! Imagine all the cool apparel and oddities that ferals, hippies, and weirdos leave behind.
  • Wanaka – The second-hand shops and cosy motels in Wanaka may be the other reason for my not-so-secret love affair with this gorgeous town. There’s a few in the town itself, and then, just outside of town a little bit (at the waste management plant), is WasteBusters which still remains as one of the best second-hand shops I’ve ever been too.
  • Queenstown – Queenstown has a bunch of good ones and the other added bonus is—given that it’s the adventure capital of New Zealand—you’ll get heaps of cheap outdoors gear. Especially clothes: there’s a lot of woollens, merinos, and trekking stuff.

Tip 5: Have a Blast on Your South Island Road Trip!

There’s so much to see. And it’s all so goddamn pretty! That’s why I say slow down.

South Island is a New Zealand road trip on steroids, opiates, and every other drug under the sun. South Island is a drug.

From some of the most legitamately tear-inducing sunsets I’ve ever witnessed to some of the kindest souls I have ever met, South Island has it all. While the island may be more than 150,000 km² in size, it never loses that small village feeling.

The more you slow down, the more friends you will make and the more of South Island’s hidden gems you will discover. I’ve met people from North Island that have never even set foot on South Island, much less ventured all the way down to Southland. 

There really is the potential to still find the untouched Aotearoa. Despite the ease of travelling and closeness of everything, it still feels like somehow you’ve accidentally ended up far from where any human has ventured before. Like if you just pulled right over here, got out of the car, and crossed that hill over yonder, you’d find some glorious secret that hadn’t been seen since the days of the Maori.

So pack your car with the essentials and get yourself out on one of the best road trips in South Island you can! Whether it’s one of these driving routes or one of your own inception, you really can’t go wrong. There’s so much to discover and so much beauty: there really is a spark of the Divine in New Zealand’s landscape. And before you ask, can I afford it? Yes, of course you can, you dope, just make sure to budget well.

Plus, it’s still the most no-shoes-friendly country I’ve ever been in.

Woman jumps for joy on the road driving to Mount Cook in South Island

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

Ziggy Samuels

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Kate Abroad

Ultimate 10 Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary [2024]

The South Island is truly the most beautiful part of New Zealand , as a kiwi it’s where I tell all visitors to go! This 10 day South Island itinerary hits all the highlights from mountains to beaches to glaciers.

The itinerary is designed as a loop so you could start from Nelson if you are continuing from the North Island or alternatively if you are coming from overseas, the cheapest way to do it would be to fly into Christchurch, either direct (it’s an international airport) or via a domestic connection from Auckland.

This itinerary works perfectly with my 10 day North Island itinerary to make a 3 week New Zealand holiday.

If you’re combining the two, either take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and drive to Nelson or fly direct from Wellington to Nelson. The ferry/flight should be booked at least 3 months in advance as the ferry fills up and flight prices ramp up.

How to get around the South Island on this itinerary

To be honest, this really only works well as a South Island road trip itinerary. 

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could travel by bus (see my full  guide to New Zealand by bus ) but you will need to allow a few more days as there are limited intercity bus services each day.

You can check out rental car prices and book on  RentalCars.com

Where to stay on your 10 day South Island road trip

This itinerary works equally well for campervanning or driving and booking nightly accommodation. I have included both campground and hotel/motel accommodation options for each location. 

It’s worth noting that big hotels are only really available in Christchurch and Queenstown. Outside of there, it’s mostly small motels. If you usually use points to book chain hotels, you won’t have any luck.

10 Day South Island Itinerary

Days 1-2: nelson/abel tasman.

Nelson is the sunniest beachiest part of the South Island and a great place to start your South Island road trip, especially if it’s summer. 

It’s the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park and one of the best adventure tourism destinations in New Zealand .

I’d recommend checking out the Abel Tasman Track which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks on Day 1, assuming you arrive early in the day. You can hike sections of the track in a day by taking the water taxis into one of the bays or hike the whole thing as a long weekend (3-5 days depending on fitness).

Alternatively, leave the hiking boots at home and  hire some kayaks  to explore the Abel Tasman National Park from the water. You can pull up the kayaks at any of the golden sand beaches and have a picnic or swim.

kayaking abel tasman

If you’ve worked up a sweat on Day 1 then spend Day 2 either relaxing at the beach or hitting up some wineries. 

Tahunanui is the main beach right in Nelson, if you want a less crowded and more remote beach, make the drive out to Kaiteriteri.

The Marlborough region near Nelson is famous for its white wines. I love Neudorf wines where you can put together your own platters from their local produce store. Blackenbrook Vineyard is also very good. There are plenty of wine tour options if you need someone to drive.

winery

  • Pics Peanut Butter World  – I’m obsessed with peanut butter and my second favourite brand has a whole factory in Nelson, go try it
  • Melrose Café  – high tea or coffee and cake on the porch of a historic mansion
  • Jester House  – quirky Alice in Wonderland-esque venue with good food
  • YHA Nelson  – for a cheap and cheerful hostel option where you can dorm together
  • Trailways Hotel  – one of the bigger hotels in town with river views

Day 3: Kaikoura

It’s time to hit the road and head south down the east coast of the South Island. As there’s the southern alps in the middle of the island, this trip has you going don one coast and up the other. 

The first stop on your way is Kaikoura, the whale watching capital of New Zealand. So, book yourself onto a cruise and head out onto the water in search for some fins and flippers (there’s seals and dolphins too).

kaikoura whale watching on a South Island road trip

Make sure to get some seafood from Nin’s Bin when you get back, you can eat it on the beach and watch out for more wildlife.

  • The White Morph – beachfront units with views for days
  • The Pier Hotel – pretty basic but one of the more affordable options in town

Days 4-5: Christchurch via Hanmer Springs and Akaroa

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes Distance: 180km

After a few days chilling on the coast, it’s time to head to the South Island’s biggest city and New Zealand’s third largest. Christchurch is awesome because there’s always a new café opening or market or artwork.

On your way, stop off for a soak at Hanmer Springs. This place does an awesome job of having something for everyone whether that’s hydroslides for the kids or romantic rock pools to enjoy with a special someone. Entry isn’t cheap at $35 for adults but you get great value.

While Christchurch was devastated by earthquakes over 10 years ago, it has well and truly bounced back. There is still a lot of empty space in the central city but the walls have been covered in murals and shipping containers turned into bars and cafes.

Make sure to visit the Quake City Museum, it’ll help you understand what happened here and how far the city has come. The Antartic Centre is great too, especially for kids. Other than that, a stroll in Hagley Park and through the Botanic Gardens is a must, it’s beautiful and peaceful.

On your second day in Christchurch, consider a day trip out to Akaroa. It’s a bit over an hour’s drive and pretty windy but with gorgeous scenery.

Akaroa is where the French landed when they first came to New Zealand and it still retains some of that heritage, so if you’re looking for a croissant in New Zealand this is the place! 

scenery on the drive from akaroa to Christchurch in the South Island itinerary

  • Little High Street – it’s like an indoor street food alley with options for everyone
  • Riverside Market – somewhere between a market and a food hall, great for trying local artisan producers
  • Rollickin Gelato – awesome dessert, gelato and mug cakes and more
  • Sudima Christchurch – a brand new luxury hotel just north of the CBD
  • Breakfree – one of the cheapest hotels in the city but actually decent and in a great location (slightly funky mood lighting under the beds though)

Day 6: Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo

Drive time: 4 hours + stops Distance: 330kms

The road into Mount Cook is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, its definitely one of the most Instagram-able places in New Zealand so make sure to take it slow and get your camera out.

It’s not a short drive from Christchurch but there are plenty of places to stop along the way from small towns to sapphire lakes.

I’d recommend timing your lunch break for Geraldine so you can check out the tastings and grab a sweet treat at Barkers of Geraldine. 

After that, head to Lake Tekapo to see the most insanely blue waters, every photo I have from here looks photoshopped! The tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd creates the most romantic setting with the backdrop of the mountains.

church of the good shepherd photo lake tekapo

If your visit is from November to January, you might also see masses of purple lupins booming around the lake and the roadside.

If you have time when you get to Mount Cook, it’s worth making the effort to hike the Hooker Valley Track. It’s only 10km (5km each way) and a fairly easy walk (we saw people doing it in jandals). At the end you’re rewarded with the beautiful glacier lake and views of the mountain.

best road trips south island new zealand

  • The Hermitage – one of New Zealand’s most well-know hotels, it’s luxurious and has the absolute best views form the dining room and some of the rooms too, quite touristy though with buses in peak season
  • Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge – a good mid-range option in the village

Days 7-8: Queenstown via Wanaka

Drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes Distance: 260km

For many people Queenstown is the South Island and the South Island is Queenstown. The town is the adventure capital, and tourist capital, of New Zealand. Yet despite the throngs of visitors, it remains incredibly beautiful and peaceful.

The drive from Mount Cook Village to Queenstown is a beautiful one, through the alpine passes and over the Crown Ranges.

Make sure to stop at Wanaka for brunch and to visit the iconic Wanaka tree which somehow grows out of the lake at an impossible angle or the Wanaka Lavender Farm for photo ops and lavender ice-cream.

best road trips south island new zealand

Then head for an after lunch drink at Cardrona Distillery where you can taste their incredible locally made spirits. It’s the only gin I could drink straight, and the elderflower liqueur is a must-try.

There’s also the Cardrona Hotel perched on top of the mountains if you’re more of a pint of beer kind of person.

Once in Queenstown you have SO many options for things to do. Get out on the lake with a steamship cruise or a jetboat ride , depending on your speed. For the real thrillseekers, there’s the world’s first bungee jump.

Take a hike or a gondola up Ben Lomond and then race down in a luge . Then top it off with a fancy dinner at Rata or some winery visits in the Gibbston Valley. After that, relax in one of the Onsen private pools .

jet boat adventure queenstown

Find more ideas in my summer in Queenstown guide.

  • QT Queenstown – a luxe lakefront hotel with quirky décor and DIY negroni kits in the rooms
  • Novotel Lakeside – semi-affordable hotel in a premium location
  • Jucy Snooze – a cheap capsule hostel with a rooftop bar

Day 9: Fox Glacier

Drive time: 4 hours 15 minutes Distance: 330km

The glaciers are absolute must see on any South Island itinerary and one of the top natural attractions of New Zealand. 

There are lots of ways to see the glacier, you can climb, fly or hike. Hiking up to the base of the glacier is free, otherwise you can pay (a lot more) to be helicoptered onto the glacier and heli-hike there.

fox glacier on day 9 of the 10 day South Island itinerary

While you’re there visit the nearby glow worm caves. You can see them on the Minnehaha Loop walk which gets you up a lot closer than you would in the North Island glow worm caves.

  • Bella Vista Motel – it’s mostly motel options out on the West Coast and this is one of the best ones

Day 10: Return to Nelson via Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport

Drive time: 6 hours 15 minutes Distance: 480km

The last day calls for a big drive to get back to Nelson, while it’s a lot of time in the car you’ll get to see most of the Wild West Coast along the way which has some absolutely spectacular scenery.

Try and stop at:

  • Hokitika Gorge, the swing bridge over the river is not for the faint-hearted but awesome for photos
  • The famous Hokitika stick sign on the beach
  • The coal and gold mining towns of Westport and Reefton
  • The Shantytown historic replica village

Hokitika gorge stop on a nz South Island road trip

If you want to cut down the drive time you could take the train from Greymouth (2.5 hours from Fox Glacier) to Christchurch and fly back from there.

Alternative :  1 week South Island itinerary

While I absolutely don’t recommend trying to drive this same distance in a week. You could condense this to a 7 day South Island itinerary by staying only one day in Christchurch (skipping Akaroa) and finishing your trip in Queenstown. You would then need to fly out of Queenstown. If you’re coming from overseas, you might want to get a domestic connection via Auckland. 

Alternative: 2 weeks South Island itinerary

This extended itinerary fits even more in but is very action-packed. It works because many of these places are more about natural attractions than activities, so you don’t need as much time there.

For a more slow-paced option, you could take the 10 day itinerary and add extra days in Queenstown and Christchurch.

  • Arrive Nelson, wineries, tasting
  • Abel Tasman hike/kayak
  • Drive Kaikoura
  • Christchurch via Hanmer springs
  • Christchurch/Akaroa
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Queenstown (Milford sound walk)
  • Fox glacier
  • Nelson via Greymouth and Westport

As a kiwi, it’s hard to narrow down my favourite parts of my home country to a short itinerary. There’s so much to see and do and there’s no wrong way to see New Zealand.

In Short: 10 Days in the South Island of New Zealand

The South Island is well known as the most beautiful island of New Zealand and there’s no better way to see it than on a road trip. You can take your time and explore all the landmarks and small towns off the bus and flight routes.

This 10 Day South Island Road Trip Itinerary is a great place to start with planning your trip but don’t let it limit you, stay as long as you want in the destinations that vibe with you and skip on ahead if you run out of things to do.

More South Island Travel Guides

If you’re planning a trip to the South Island of New Zealand, be sure to check out these other guides:

  • Best Beaches in the South Island
  • Most Instagrammable Photo Locations in New Zealand
  • Top Weekend trips from Christchurch

Happy travelling!

New Zealand Travel Resources

  • Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
  • Pre-book your tickets to attractions on Klook
  • Find awesome day tours on Viator
  • Compare prices on cars and campervans for your NZ road trip at RentalCars.com
  • Sort your New Zealand dollars with a Wise currency card

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The Ultimate 3-Week South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

  • 23 November 2021 8 May 2023

In early 2018, Ben and I set out on a three-month road trip throughout New Zealand. We traveled both the North and South Islands in our renovated Sprinter van, staying in campsites as we went. The South Island in particular was a very beautiful drive that is a must for any nature lover. I’ve taken our trip and fine-tuned it into this 3-week ultimate South Island New Zealand road trip. Read on for every can’t-miss destination, as well as some lesser-known stops along the way!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Stops along your South Island New Zealand road trip

Christchurch (2-3 days), south island new zealand road trip overview.

Total driving distance : 2,474 km / 1,537 mi

Total driving time : 31 hours

This South Island itinerary assumes that you’re starting in Picton and ending in Christchurch, but you can obviously reverse the direction if you need to. If you’re visiting the North Island as well, it’s easy to connect via the Interislander Ferry in Picton. Most people visiting New Zealand want to see both islands, and the ferry makes it easy and convenient to cross the Cook Strait.

To make this South Island road trip into a full loop, simply continue north from Christchurch back to Picton on Highway 1.

Picton (1-2 days)

Nelson (1-2 days), abel tasman national park (2-3 days).

  • West Coast (3-4 days)

Wanaka (2 days)

Queenstown (3 days), te anau & milford sound (1-2 days), invercargill & the catlins (3 days), dunedin (1-2 days).

  • Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (1 day)

Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo (1 day)

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to know before you go

  • Although distances between places on a map may seem small, actual drive times can be much longer. This is because mountains, lakes , and valleys often get in the way!
  • Road conditions on the South Island can change very quickly due to weather or construction patterns. A one-hour drive can easily turn into two (or more!). Allow yourself extra time to avoid frustration.
  • Accommodation options in certain areas can be few and far between. Check for Department of Conservation campsites, Airbnbs, or youth hostels if you can’t find any standard hotels in your price range.

South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary

If you’re coming in on a ferry from the North Island, Picton will be your first stop. Located in the Marlborough region, Picton is a beautiful little town with lots in the surrounding area to do. If you can, try to spend some time out in the Marlborough Sounds for a relaxing break from reality. This whole region reminds me a lot of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island — simply breathtaking.

Things to do in Picton:

  • Tirohanga Track : 6.5 km (4 mi) hike over volcanic terrain with views over the town and water
  • The Snout : Scenic spot overlooking the Sounds
  • Queen Charlotte Track : 71 km (44 mi) Great Walk that can be partially done as a day hike
  • Visit a winery : Marlborough is wine country. Drive south to Blenheim and have a tasting at one of the many wineries.

Book a tour in Picton

Ferry from Wellington to Picton, New Zealand

Driving distance : 139 km / 86 mi

Driving time : 2 hours

Nelson, the oldest city on New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its local art scene (as well as for being the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park). Its eccentric vibe and lush landscapes combine to give it a very unique feel when visiting. Make sure to try a local beer from one of the many breweries before leaving!

Things to do in Nelson:

  • Tahunanui Beach : Sandy beach with a picturesque coastline
  • Pic’s Peanut Butter World : Take a tour and sample some of New Zealand’s most popular peanut butter
  • The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary : Nature preserve with wildlife and hiking tracks
  • Cable Bay Lookout : Scenic area where the bay meets the sea. Come here for kayaking, swimming, and hiking.

Book a tour in Nelson

South Island New Zealand road trip: Sunset in Nelson, New Zealand

Driving distance : 60 km / 37 mi

Driving time : 1 hour

Crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and exotic wildlife come together at Abel Tasman National Park. The tropical climate and flourishing plants will make you feel like you’re on a different planet. Whether you take a guided tour or forge ahead solo, the activities in the park are not to be missed.

Things to do at Abel Tasman National Park:

  • Day cruise : See all the major sights in one fell swoop
  • Attempt a Great Walk : The Abel Tasman Coast Track (60 km / 37 mi) can be done in as little as three days
  • Kayak around the park : Can be hired out for half days or full days
  • Look out for wildlife : Fur seals, little blue penguins, and bottlenose dolphins all call the park their home
  • Takaka Hill : See the Ngarua Caves and walk the Takaka Hill Walkway
  • Golden Bay : Long stretches of sandy beaches and clear water

Book an Abel Tasman Tour

South Island New Zealand road trip: Crystal clear green water in Abel Tasman National Park

The West Coast (3-4 days)

Driving distance : 642 km / 399 mi

Driving time : 8 hours 30 minutes

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a large region made up of many small towns. It’s remote, off-the-beaten-track, and less touristy than other places in the country. With forests that make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park and glaciers bigger than you can imagine, the wild West Coast is simply breathtaking.

Things to do on the West Coast:

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes : Natural phenomena made from limestone
  • Hokitika Gorge : Short hike with high swing bridges and powdery blue water
  • West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe : Canopy walkway through the trees
  • Blue Pools : Easy track that leads to bright blue glacial water
  • Franz Josef : Take a helicopter tour to Franz Josef Glacier (or hike if you’re looking for a budget option)
  • Fox Glacier : Another cool small town with a glacier. Drive to the nearby Lake Matheson which is known for its reflective views of Mt. Cook.

⇉ West Coast New Zealand Itinerary: An Adventurous 7-Day Road Trip

Book a tour on the West Coast

best road trips south island new zealand

Driving distance : 143 km / 89 mi

Driving time : 1 hour 45 minutes

Wanaka is like a smaller, chiller version of Queenstown. You’ll still find all the natural beauty and trendy spots but with less adventure and fewer crowds. Don’t be deceived — Wanaka is still a bucket list destination in its own right. With the stunning peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park in the background, Wanaka’s scenery is unmatched.

Things to do in Wanaka:

  • Roys Peak : Popular 16 km (10.1 mi) hike with picture-perfect views
  • Wildwire via ferrata : Guided waterfall cable climb with views over Wanaka
  • #ThatWanakaTree : A solitary willow tree on the lake that’s gained fame for being very Instagrammable
  • Lake Wanaka : Post up for some swimming or boating on Wanaka’s main lake
  • Lake Hawea : A smaller, neighboring lake with great freedom camping sites

Book a tour in Wanaka

South Island New Zealand road trip: Shores of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Driving distance : 68.5 km / 43 mi

Ahh, Queenstown. Adventure capital of New Zealand, hipster haven, and backpackers’ paradise. There is so much to do in this city. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or a luxurious spa getaway , Queenstown is the place for it.

The drive between Wanaka and Queenstown follows Highway 6 and Crown Range Road . It’s a very scenic drive and one that you’ll want to give yourself more time to experience. Make sure to stop at any of the roadside lookout points along the way!

Things to do in Queenstown:

  • Skyline Queenstown : Take a gondola up to the Queenstown Ultimate Viewpoint (or hike the Tiki Trail for a budget option)
  • Skydiving : Tandem with a pro with NZONE Skydive
  • Bob’s Cove : Easy hike with a lookout over Lake Wakatipu
  • Jet boating : Exhilarating jet boat ride down the Matukituki River
  • Coronet Peak : Hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding in winter
  • Go cafe hopping : Queenstown has the coolest cafe culture

Book a tour in Queenstown

South Island New Zealand road trip: Queenstown road and lake Wakatipu

Driving distance : 289 km / 179.5 mi

Driving time : 3 hours 30 minutes

If you were to send a postcard from New Zealand, Milford Sound would be on it 9 times out of 10. This famous fjord is home to hundreds of powerful waterfalls and colonies of fur seals. Spend your days here out in nature, then head back to a bit of comfort by staying at the Milford Sound Lodge .

Things to do in Te Anau & Milford Sound:

  • Drive the scenic road to Milford Sound : The stops along the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound deserve at least a few hours to explore!
  • Boat cruise through Milford Sound : Hands-down the best way to see Milford Sound. There are various operators running tours of different types & lengths. Prices start at about $60 NZD per person.
  • Scenic flight : Unbeatable views of Milford Sound and the Southern Alps for those that don’t mind the splurge. Many of these tours leave from Queenstown.
  • Lake Te Anau : Largest lake in the South Island
  • Doubtful Sound : Larger but less famous fjord than Milford Sound
  • Kepler Track : Another multi-day Great Walk that can be partially done as a day hike
  • Mirror Lakes : Super short walk with perfectly reflective water
  • Fiordland National Park : Tons of hikes and activities around the fjords. Cascade Creek Campground is a great campervan option!

⇉ 16 Exciting Things to Do in Te Anau, New Zealand

⇉ 14 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound: First Timer’s Guide

Book a tour to Milford Sound

South Island New Zealand road trip: Milford Sound from the back of a boat

Driving distance : 318 km / 197.5 mi

Driving time : 4 hours

The Catlins region is the most underrated in New Zealand. Stretching from Invercargill in the west to Balclutha in the east, the Catlins is filled with waterfalls , striking seaside cliffs, and mystical forests. This area of the country is remote and far-flung, but definitely worth the drive.

Things to do in Invercargill & the Catlins:

  • Queens Park : Spacious park with diverse foliage in Invercargill
  • Nugget Point : Dramatic cliffside lighthouse with big “nugget” rocks
  • Slope Point : Southernmost point on the South Island
  • Curio Bay : Coastal headland with a petrified forest and yellow-eyed penguin colonies
  • Cathedral Caves : One of the longest sea caves in the world

⇉ Catlins Road Trip Itinerary: 4 Days in New Zealand’s Most Underrated Region

Nugget Point Lighthouse, the Catlins, New Zealand

Driving distance : 78.4 km / 49 mi

Dunedin is a charming student town with a strong Scottish heritage. Throughout the adjoining Otago Peninsula, you’ll find windswept landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities to partake in. Dunedin is another town that is also known for its wildlife — in this case, albatross, seals, and penguins.

Things to do in Dunedin:

  • St Clair beach : Sandy beach that’s good for surfing (and wildlife spotting)
  • Larnach Castle : New Zealand’s only “castle”
  • Tunnel Beach : Rugged beach walk with a manmade tunnel
  • Signal Hill Lookout : Scenic lookout over Dunedin and the Otago Harbour
  • Baldwin street : Steepest street in the world

⇉ Dunedin Travel Guide: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Book a tour in Dunedin

South Island New Zealand road trip: Niki stands in front of the ocean, Dunedin, New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (1 day)

Driving distance : 317 km / 197 mi

Driving time : 3 hours 45 minutes

New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, dominates the skyline of its namesake National Park. With some of the best Southern Alps mountain views in the whole country, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is a must for any South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary. There is a variety of hikes for all experience levels, from quick walks to multi-day excursions.

Things to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park:

  • Mueller Hut Route : Iconic alpine track with a bright red hut. The first half of this hike is the Sealy Tarns Track.
  • Hooker Valley Track : Easy, flat walk with stunning views that end at Hooker Lake
  • Red Tarns Track : Lots of stairs for a killer view over Mt Cook Alpine Village
  • Tasman Glacier : The largest glacier in New Zealand. Can be seen on the Blue Lakes/Tasman Glacier hikes
  • Hermitage Hotel : Historic hotel with a museum and planetarium in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

⇉ The Ultimate Guide to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Book a tour to Mount Cook

South Island New Zealand road trip: view of mountains and lake, Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand

Driving distance : 104 km / 64.6 mi

Driving time : 1 hour 10 minutes

With bright blue water and snow-capped mountains, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are a photographer’s dream. Make sure to wear a cute outfit on the day you visit, because you’ll definitely be taking a lot of pictures! Because they’re so close, the two lakes can easily be combined into one day’s worth of exploring.

Things to do in Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo:

  • NZ Alpine Lavender : Roadside lavender farm that sells tasty lavender-flavored treats
  • Church of the Good Shepard : Picturesque stone church on the shores of Lake Tekapo
  • Mt John Walkway : Easy hike with views over the Canterbury Plains that ends at Mount John Observatory
  • Dark Sky Project : Planetarium that runs stargazing tours. This area is known as a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning there is very little light pollution!
  • Tekapo Springs : Soak in some hot pools to relax after a long day of exploring
  • Hunt for lupins : These pink, purple, and orange flowers bloom around the shores of Lake Tekapo in November and December

⇉ Tekapo Travel Guide: 14 Can’t-Miss Things To Do Around Lake Tekapo

Book a tour in Tekapo

Mountains and Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Driving distance : 230 km / 143 mi

Driving time : 2 hours 50 minutes

Known as the Garden City , Christchurch is famous for its mix of city living and lush outdoor spaces (as well as for the massive earthquake that hit in 2010). It’s the largest city on the South Island by population, and the city center has a lot to offer. Although a lot of areas have been rebuilt, you can still see remnants of the rubble in certain spots downtown. The city has a trendy and eclectic vibe, with lots of unique restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.

Things to do in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Gondola : Mountain cablecar with panoramic views
  • Hagley Park : Sizeable urban park with frequent festivals and markets
  • International Antarctic Centre : Come here to learn all about New Zealand’s footprint in Antarctica
  • Lyttelton : Trendy port town with cute cafes and shops
  • Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula : Unique, hilly landscape with a quirky French settlement

Book a tour in Christchurch

South Island New Zealand road trip: Gates with a crowd of people, Christchurch, New Zealand

If you have more time in New Zealand

There is so much more to do in New Zealand than what I’ve listed above. You’d need several months (or more!) to fully experience everything. If you’re blessed with a lot of free time, here are some suggestions to extend your New Zealand road trip.

  • Marlborough Sounds : Rent a holiday home and spend some time kayaking, hiking, and swimming
  • Embark on a Great Walk : Multi-day treks through New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery
  • Kaikōura : Coastal town known for its whale watching tours
  • Mt Aspiring National Park : Tall peaks, glaciers, and tons of waterfalls
  • Glenorchy : Charming town on Lake Wakatipu that’s great for outdoor enthusiasts. Only a 40-minute drive from Queenstown!
  • Central Otago : Visit the quaint small towns of Cromwell, Alexandra, and Roxburgh
  • Bluff : Coastal town in the far south that’s known for its oysters
  • Oamaru : Quirky town that’s home to the Steampunk HQ
  • Twizel : High country town with several nearby lakes. This is a great place to stay to take a day trip to Mt. Cook!
  • Timaru : Port city that’s perfect for a pleasant stopover between Christchurch and Dunedin
  • Arthur’s Pass National Park : Between Christchurch and the West Coast
  • Castle Hill : Alpine village in Canterbury with strange rock formations
  • Nelson Lakes National Park : Mountain park with beech forests, streams, and lakes
  • Stewart Island/Rakiura : Home to unique wildlife, incredible views, and Rakiura National Park
  • North Island : Get there by airplane or by ferry. You’ll find a warmer climate, Maori culture, and unique natural phenomena .

Thanks for reading this South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary! I hope that it’s been useful in planning your next trip .

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Finding Alexx

◦ Solo female travel blog

Australasia , Bucket list travel , New Zealand , Popular · December 24, 2020

The Ultimate New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

Congratulations for making the decision to do a New Zealand South Island road trip, this is going to be one of the best trips of your life!

The South Island is a sublime and striking part of the planet, where you’ll find glacial lakes, lush native forest, cloud-piercing mountains and golden beaches within a few hours from each other.

lady bowen falls milford sound

Throw in some buzzing cities, plenty of character-filled towns, moody national parks and abundant wildlife on land, underwater and in the air, and you’ve got the makings for a seriously impressive adventure.

After coming home in March 2020 due to it-that-must-not-be-named, I immediately started planning a New Zealand campervan road trip.

We kicked off our six weeks in the Marlborough Sounds and made our way down the West Coast , through Central Otago, Fiordland National Park , Stewart Island , along the Otago Coast and through Canterbury.

Obviously we had the time of our lives, and I returned for many more South Island road trip jaunts from 2020 to 2022, exploring places like Abel Tasman National Park , the Hurunui District plus Queenstown and Milford Sound a few more times.

campervan at cascade creek along milford road

We had a few mishaps along the way (like self-isolating after lockdown levels increased + a smashed window, ugh!) which messed with our itinerary BUT this blog is the perfect New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary that we had hoped for.

Scroll down to find out more about how to travel the South Island, how long to road trip for, the best time to visit the South Island, then dig in to all the best places to visit in the South Island plus things to do while you’re there and where to stay.

Happy planning!

How long should I spend doing my South Island road trip?

How long is a piece of string?

If you want to see a decent chunk of the island I’d suggest visiting for at least two weeks . But if you’re happy to stick to one city, like Queenstown for example, then five days will still give you enough time to experience the city plus add on a day trip or two.

If you’re lucky enough to have longer to spend in the South Island, you could easily fill a two month itinerary. On my South Island road trip I spent six weeks exploring and there were still places we missed or didn’t spend enough time in.

So basically, if you have a week or less stick to one place, two weeks and you can do a whirlwind tour of the main spots, and a month or more gives you much more time to see the island in-depth.

The itinerary below is based off a one month South Island road trip but you could easily spend more time in places you love or cut out some of the more out-of-the-way spots if you need to condense your trip.

franz josef helihike best places to visit in the south island

How do I get around the South Island?

If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around the South Island is by driving. New Zealand’s transport infrastructure is limited so you can’t rely on inter-city buses and trains the same way you would in other countries.

Driving yourself gives you the freedom to plan as you go, change your itinerary to fit in with weather and events, and gives you access to places you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.

You can rent a car or a campervan from most major cities but Queenstown and Christchurch have the most rental outlets so are the best places to pick up and drop off.

Renting a car in the South Island

Tossing up between a car and a campervan? Cars are cheaper to rent but you’ll need to include costs for accommodation, which can be pricey in New Zealand. Motels are common throughout the country, even in small towns, but the quality of cheap accommodation isn’t always great.

If you’re not comfortable driving a large vehicle, prefer modern luxuries and like having a decent amount of space, or just don’t mind spending a bit more on accommodation as you travel, then a car is probably best for you.

Keep in mind that in winter you may need snow chains or a 4WD if you’re planning on driving the alpine roads like Lindis Pass, Arthur’s Pass or the road to Milford Sound, all rental car companies offer these but you may need to book them a few days in advance during busy periods.

TRAVEL TIP: Snap Rentals are my go-to rental car company in New Zealand, they offer fantastic value and equally good service. Their Queenstown depot is right opposite Pak’n’Save, the budget supermarket chain in New Zealand, be sure to make a stop to top up on snacks before kicking off your South Island road trip.

You can use Klook to find the best rental car deals, simply search your travel dates and they’ll show you all the best options from rental companies like Snap, Sixt, Avis, GO Rentals and more so you know you’re getting the best deal.

te anau to milford sound

Renting a campervan in the South Island

With a campervan you’ll have more freedom on where you can stay, with a huge range of campgrounds as well as designated freedom camping spots found all over the South Island.

There’s a range of campervan options to choose from based on your travel style. Jucy Campervans have cheap and cheerful self-contained green machines with portable cassette toilets and kitchenettes.

If you want space and modern amenities, check out the range available through Sunrise Holidays . We spend most of our trip in a Sunrise Holidays 6.3m four berth campervan called Judy, with loads of space, a full kitchen including oven and microwave, toilet, shower, gas heating and a big enough battery to let us freedom camp for two or three days.

For something in between cheap and luxury, search online with Camper Rentals NZ and see all campervan options in NZ.

best road trips south island new zealand

What if I don’t want to drive?

If you don’t want to hit the road yourself, consider a group tour like this South Island Off-Grid Contiki tour or South Island Encompassed G Adventures tour .

Another option for getting around is Kiwi Experience’s hop-on hop-off bus passes, but these guys are currently mothballed and hope to reopen by October 2021.

When is the best time to do a South Island road trip?

It totally depends on what you’re into. Our trip in August/September South Island road trip was filled with hot pools, ski days, snowy evenings, great stargazing and less crowds, but if you prefer bikinis over beanies then summertime might be best for you.

best road trips south island new zealand

The South Island can get cold in winter and snow is common so be prepared for chilly weather. In summer the temperatures are warmer obviously but New Zealand’s climate can be temperamental so heavy rain is not uncommon at any time of the year, particularly on the West Coast.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds then don’t travel in December and January if you can help it, February onwards things start getting quieter and prices come down slightly.

Where do I start my South Island road trip?

The easiest places to start if you’re flying in would be Christchurch and Queenstown, which both have major airports and rental depots.

If you’re tacking the South Island onto a North Island road trip , or if you’re driving down from the north, you’ll need to get the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry from Wellington to Picton. The ferry trip takes about three and a half hours and you can drive your car/campervan onboard.

We began our trip in Picton after spending a month in the North Island so that’s where this itinerary starts, but you can start the circuit in Queenstown or Christchurch too.

If you’re looking for a shorter trip, I also have a detailed Queenstown to Christchurch road trip with two route options that you could turn into a loop.

best road trips south island new zealand

The Ultimate South Island Road Trip

For the purposes of making this road trip itinerary easier to read, I’ve included suggested days in each of the destinations. This is purely a recommendation based on my own road trip around the South Island so feel free to swap and change to fit your preferences!

South Island road trip map

This South Island road trip map shows you exactly where this route will take you. Screenshot it to come back to just in case you’re planning your trip while out of WiFi or phone coverage!

Days 1-2: Picton & Marlborough Sounds

How to get there: The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries arrive in Picton from Wellington

How long to stay: 1-2 days

Picton is a sunny port town, and it’s the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds and Blenheim’s wine country. It’s often missed off whirlwind road trips but is well worth a visit for a few reasons, particularly for the chance to swim with dolphins!

best places to visit in the south island picton

Things to do in Picton & Marlborough Sounds

  • E-Ko Tours are a local operator who run wildlife tours and dolphin swimming , which was one of the absolute highlights of my South Island trip. The E-Ko team are extremely knowledgeable about these majestic creatures, working closely with DOC to ensure their tours don’t harm the sealife. This should be at the very top of your New Zealand bucket list .
  • The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71km hiking trail that will take 3-5 days to complete, however you can do day walks ( this day hike package includes a cruise to and from Picton) or mountain biking trips. One end of the trail is a gorgeous little inlet beach called Anakiwa, which is also my favourite freedom camping spot in the area.
  • Deliver mail to remote Marlborough Sounds residents and keep your eye out for dolphins and fur seals with the iconic Mail Boat Cruise

Where to stay in Picton

Camping : Anakiwa has designated freedom camping spots in a secluded beachfront setting, or Picton Campervan Park and Picton TOP 10 both have great reviews

Budget : Anchor Down B&B has cosy rooms with comfy beds and excellent breakfast

Mid-range : Sennen House is a boutique 1886 homestead with beautifully manicured gardens

Luxury : Oxley’s Waterfront Apartment is a fancy apartment right on the main street with a view over the harbour.

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 3: Blenheim & the Marlborough Wine Region

How to get there: 25 minutes’ drive from Picton or there are direct flights from major cities to Blenheim Airport

How long to stay: Depends on how much wine you want to drink!

Blenheim is in the middle of wine country, and this region is home to something like 150 vineyards which account for 75% of New Zealand’s total wine production. There are plenty of cellar doors to visit, platters to snack on and stunning winery views to enjoy.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Blenheim

  • Do a self-guided winery bike tour around Blenheim’s vineyards – my favourites are Framinghams and Saint Clair for small business vibes, Wither Hills or Wairau River for next-level food, and Cloudy Bay for a beautiful cellar door experience
  • Or explore the wineries by bus tour with a local guide, or hop-on hop-off bus to create your itinerary
  • Want to taste test wines without visiting every single winery? Head to the The Wine Station in town, they have a brilliant vending-machine-like set up where you can taste 80 different wines all at one location.
  • Aviation enthusiasts will love the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre , home to a selection of aircrafts and artifacts from WWI and WWII, including planes from LOTR director Sir Peter Jackson’s private collection
  • Eat your way around the city – some of the best-rated restaurants are Dodson Street Beer Garden for cheap eats and good beer, Scotch Wine Bar for share plates and delicious wine, and Gramado’s for something fancy

READ MORE: 12 Epic Things to Do in the Marlborough Region

Where to stay in Blenheim

Camping : Wairau Diversion Reserve is a freedom camping spot 15 minutes from Blenheim with an 86% rating on Rankers. For a holiday park check out Spring Creek Holiday Park 8 mins north of the city, it’s got significantly better ratings than the two options in Blenheim itself.

Budget : Alfred’s@115 is a cheap and cheerful B&B option

Luxury : The Nineteenth is a stunning two-bedroom home nestled between a golf course and a vineyard near Blenheim. We spent a glorious night here and loved the open plan living, comfy beds and panoramic views. The house also comes with two mountain bikes and a set of golf clubs if you want a round!

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 4: Nelson

Driving time from Picton: You can choose the straight road option (140km) or the scenic option (115km), which both take about two hours. From Blenheim it’s about 1h 45m.

Where to stop on the way

  • Cullen Point lookout for views over the Pelorus Sound
  • Havelock for lunch, it’s the green-lipped mussel capital
  • Pelorus Bridge & River, where the barrel scene of the Hobbit was filmed

How long to stay in Nelson : 1-2 days was enough for us

Nelson is often rated as one of the best cities to live in in New Zealand, with long stretches of beach plus a bustling town, thriving arts scene and some brilliant eateries.

There’s not so much to do in Nelson to require a long stay but it’s a beautiful place to explore on your way to Abel Tasman NP, or to base yourself for longer if you want to see the regions that surround it.

south island destinations pepin island

Things to do in Nelson

  • The World of WearableArt is Nelson’s main attraction but unfortunately they are currently closed due to COVID. The Classic Car Museum in the same location is open though and well worth a visit.
  • Find a souvenir from a local artist in one of the many galleries or gift shops, my favourite is Little Beehive Co-op
  • Go behind the scenes at Pic’s Peanut Butter World, then treat yourself to a PB-themed brunch afterwards. I recommend the Apple Crumble French Toast!

Where to stay in Nelson

Camping: Tahuna Beach Holiday Park has decent facilities, on-site mini golf and is a short walk from the ocean

Mid-range : Tuscany Gardens Motor Lodge has brilliant reviews, they offer self-contained suites with free WiFi

Glamping : Pepin Island is a private island/working farm 20 minutes from Nelson on the way to Picton, and they’ve got three secluded glamping huts available for rent. We stayed at the Passage Hut and LOVED it, there’s an outdoor bath, panoramic views and it’s totally off the grid.

READ MORE: The Best Nelson Glamping Spots

best road trips south island new zealand

Another funky glamping option on the other side of Nelson is Rabbit Island Huts near Mapua, little huts on stilts with comfy beds, ensuite bathrooms and access to a lounge, kitchen and outdoor bath.

best road trips south island new zealand

Days 5-7: Abel Tasman National Park & the Tasman Region

Driving time from Nelson: 30 minutes from Nelson to Motueka, 45 minutes from Nelson to Kaiteriteri

How long to stay in Abel Tasman : 3-5 days

With golden beaches, clear water and an endless selection of adventure activities, Abel Tasman and the surrounding area is an epic addition to any South Island road trip itinerary.

My first trip here was hampered by stormy weather but my second trip was just divine.

Secluded bays with crystal clear water, protected islands teeming with birdlife, hippie towns serving up great coffee and delicious food. It may not be natural to include beaches on your South Island itinerary but I guarantee exploring this little corner of Aotearoa will not disappoint.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park

  • Explore the National Park’s bays by boat with Abel Tasman Eco Tours . Hands down one of the best locally guided tours I’ve ever been on! You’ll get to see loads of beaches from the water, spot birds and marine life, and enjoy a lunch stop at one of the most beautiful bays I’ve ever seen, Te Pukatea Bay.
  • Take a water taxi to enjoy a scenic cruise, day at the beach, or a walk and hike combo (get dropped at one beach and walk to another for pick up). There are options for all fitness levels but I recommend getting a return ticket for Anchorage Beach and doing the 1.5 hour Pitt Head Loop Track, or the 1 hour return walk to Cleopatra’s Pools which have a natural rock waterslide.
  • See the famous landmark Split Apple Rock from the water (all water taxis and boats trips will take you there) or wander down the 15 minute track from the road to the beach
  • Eat loaded donuts at the Smoking Barrel in Motueka
  • Jump down waterfalls and abseil rock faces with Abel Tasman Canyoning
  • Rent a kayak with Kahu Kayaks and explore the national park from the water
  • Soak up the most incredible views with a thrilling skydive
  • Take a slightly unnerving drive over the Takaka Hill to reach the northwestern parts of the region. This road has been damaged with landslides so there’s a long portion which is one-lane-only and is controlled with a traffic light, meaning you may wait up to 15 minutes for your turn to go. Take it slow, be patient and don’t look down if you’re scared of heights!
  • Across the hill you can visit Takaka for a hippie town with some brilliant cafes and gift shops, Te Waikoropupu Springs to see a beautiful bright blue spring, and Wharariki for a rugged wild west coast beach with incredible sunsets

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Abel Tasman

best road trips south island new zealand

Where to stay in Abel Tasman

Camping : The Barn at Marahau is ideally located by the entrance to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, or Motueka TOP 10 is near Motueka township with fantastic facilities, hot tubs and a playground

Budget : Abel Tasman Haven offer basic but comfortable studios with kitchenettes

Mid-range : Abel Tasman Lodge has been rated NZ’s best small hotel two years running, and they have charming rooms from only $170 a night, but they require a two-night minimum stay. If you’re looking for somewhere self-contained, Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments are right on the water with a full kitchen, balcony and both one and two-bedroom apartment options.

Luxury : The Kite on Pemako Farm in Marahau is an ultra-stylish minimalist Airbnb with an outdoor bath

Glamping : Spend a night sleeping in a stylish yurt in an eco-village, just 15 minutes away from Motueka

best road trips south island new zealand

Days 8 & 9: West Coast

Driving time from Abel Tasman National Park: Just over four hours from Motueka to Hokitika, 330km

  • Nelson Lakes National Park for some short hikes/glacial lake swims
  • Maruia Hot Springs for a divine day of self-care in the form of hot pool soaks, saunas, yoga classes and more
  • Cape Foulwind/Tauranga Bay for a seal colony
  • Punakaiki for the famous Pancake Rocks

best road trips south island new zealand

How long to stay on the West Coast: 1-4 days

Though the West Coast officially runs from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, I’ve separated Franz Josef + Fox Glacier as their own section below so this is mainly talking about the northern half of the coast.

Rugged, wild and wonderful, there’s plenty to see and do on this side of the South Island. Spend your days hiking along icy rivers, visit the lesser known Paparoa National Park, and marvel at fiery sunsets.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do on the West Coast

  • Spot some glowworms on an eco-tour through Paparoa National Park’s cave systems
  • Get up close and personal with some New Zealand icons at the National Kiwi Centre
  • Do the short walk at Hokitika Gorge (free, 2hr return) or get the best views on the new West Coast Treetop Walk ($32, book online here )
  • Carve your own pounamu (greenstone) piece at Bonz’n’Stonz
  • Have a mind-blowing brunch at the Gatherer in Hokitika

Where to stay on the West Coast

Camping : The Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park was one of the best we stayed at, right on the beach with modern facilities

Budget : Amberlea B&B has a 9.6 rating on booking.com and offers cheap rooms with either shared or private bathrooms

Mid-range : Awatuna Sunset Lodge has a 9.8 rating on booking.com and has comfy rooms with sea views and excellent breakfast included

Luxury : Stay in a stylish newly-converted fire station-turned-apartment, the Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation . They have a perfect 5/5 rating on Airbnb and you’ll get a 10% discount with the promocode code HOKIFIRE when you book direct !

hokitika fire station boutique apartment

Unique : Out the Bay in Tauranga Bay has two off-grid tiny houses with stylish furnishings, sea views and a well-equipped kitchen. Our stay here has totally converted me into a tiny house obsessive!

best road trips south island new zealand

Days 10 & 11: Franz Josef Glacier

Driving time from Hokitika : 1h 40m, 135km

  • Lake Mahinapua for mountain reflections on a calm day
  • Okarito, a small town with a kayak-able lagoon that has epic mountain views

How long to stay in Franz Josef : 1-2 days

If you’re based in Aotearoa while borders are closed, I highly recommend you add Franz Josef to your New Zealand bucket list, because it’ll never be this quiet again.

Remotely located behind the Southern Alps, only access via mountain passes above and below it (or by helicopter if you’re super fancy!), Franz Josef Glacier and neighbouring Fox Glacier are adventure hubs with insane experiences and unbeatable views.

helihike franz josef best places to visit in the south island

Things to do in Franz Josef Glacier

  • See the glacier! We opted for an expensive but well worth it Franz Josef Glacier helihike . Stepping foot on a glacier and wandering through narrow ice corridors is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll get sweet views on your ride up there too.
  • If you’re not comfortable with walking on ice with crampons then consider a scenic heli flight instead. This one does both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier and includes a snow landing from $360, this one does just Franz Josef and is a bit cheaper at $280 each
  • And if you’re travelling on a budget, you can walk to the glacier lookout point in 1h 30m for free, or take a guided tour that includes transport and a local guide who can teach you about the area
  • Go kayaking in front of a backdrop of mountains in Okarito or on Lake Mapourika
  • Soak in the Glacier Hot Pools (only open during the summer months due to COVID)
  • Quad biking to get your thrills without having to book a flight

READ MORE: 15 Fun Things to Do in Franz Josef Glacier

Where to stay in Franz Josef Glacier

Camping : Rainforest Retreat is 400m from the main township and offers powered sites + decent facilities amongst lush rainforest

Budget : Rainforest Retreat also has budget-friendly double rooms available for less than $100 per night and dorms from $30 a night, or the YHA Franz Josef is another brilliant budget option

Mid – range : With cosy timber cabins offering peace and quiet away from the township’s tourist activity, Kahere Retreat is a good option for mid-range accommodation

Luxury : Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a world-class five star hotel with luxurious rooms, a pillow menu (!!!) and an on-site restaurant that serves up delicious meals made from local produce

Unique : Rainforest Retreat’s deluxe tree lodge is a two-bedroom tree house nestled in native bush with fancy furnishings and a full kitchen

best road trips south island new zealand

Days 12 & 13: Wanaka

Driving time from Franz Josef Glacier : 3h 45m, 285km

  • Fox Glacier just south of Franz Josef
  • Lake Matheson for a lake walk and Aoraki reflections
  • Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools and Fantail Falls along the Haast Pass
  • The Haast Pass itself is magical, we stopped so many times for photos! Be careful driving as the windy roads can get dangerous in wet conditions, and only pull over in safe spots where you’re completely off the road

best road trips south island new zealand

How long to stay in Wanaka : 1-4 days depending on your interests

Wanaka is the quieter, more relaxed, less commercial little brother of Queenstown, and is often preferred by frequent travellers to the area who want to avoid the craziness of NZ’s tourism capital.

Lake Wanaka is an excellent hub for active adventures, with bigger houses and apartments available at cheaper prices than in Queenstown but still offering stunning views and great food.

wanaka trike tour

Things to do in Wanaka

  • Cable climb up a waterfall with Wildwire Wanaka (one of my favourite adventures from our South Island road trip)
  • Hit the mountains! Cardrona and Treble Cone are the closest ski resorts to Wanaka
  • See the city in a different way with a trike tour through Wanaka Trike Tours
  • Need a rainy day activity? See a movie at Cinema Paradiso , they’ve got funky seating (like beanbags and old cars) and have cooked meals available in intermission, or head to Puzzling World to test your brain with games and optical illusions
  • Hike up Roy’s Peak, it’s six hours return and offers the most incredible views over the lake. If you are short on time and don’t mind spending money then you can catch a helicopter up to Coromandel Peak , just below Roy’s Peak, for equally impressive views without getting sweaty!
  • Catch a cruise across the lake and explore Mou Waho Island
  • Skydive over the stunning Wanaka landscape with Skydive Wanaka

READ MORE: 25 Epic Things to Do in Wanaka

Where to stay in Wanaka

Camping : Our campsite at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp was one of the most amazing places to wake up to. Facilities are basic but the view is to die for. Another option on the other side of Wanaka is The Camp at Lake Hawea , also boasting lake views.

Budget : Altamont Lodge is 2km from town and has double rooms with shared bathrooms from $110, which is incredibly cheap for this area

Mid – range : Archway Motels is a gorgeous motel with decent sized rooms, comfy beds and a hot tub with incredible views, my favourite motel in Wanaka for sure.

Luxury : Lakeside Apartments have well-equipped self-contained apartments with private balconies, lake views and access to a swimming pool and spa pool

Glamping : Cross Hill Domes right on Lake Hawea (15 mins from Wanaka) are one of the best glamping spots in New Zealand

cross hill dome glamping in wanaka

Days 14-16: Queenstown

Driving time from Wanaka : Just over an hour/68km via the Crown Range, or 1h 30m via Cromwell

  • Cardrona Hotel for mulled wine and garlic bread if you’re heading the Crown Range way
  • Wineries near Cromwell if you go the other way (Misha’s Vineyard, Gibbston Valley and Rockburn Wines all have brilliant reviews)

How long to stay in Queenstown : 2-5 days

Queenstown probably takes the top spot on New Zealand bucket lists around the country and around the globe, for good reason.

You already know about the skiing, skydiving, jetboating and nightlife, but there’s actually plenty to do beyond the obvious attractions.

If you want a more detailed travel guide you can read my 5 day Queenstown itinerary .

skippers canyon mining village queenstown

Things to do in Queenstown

  • The usual! Ski or snowboard (I love the Remarkables for Queenstown snow adventures), skydive , bungy jump , Shotover Jet , Onsen Hot Pools , hitting the town etc.
  • Ziplining with Ziptrek was an awesome adventure activity with crazy views. We chose the 6-line three hour trip and had a fantastic time learning about Queenstown’s history, the flora and fauna, and ending with the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline!
  • Get the best view of the city from the top of the Skyline Gondola before zooming down the hill on the luge, you can book your Gongola & Luge ticket here
  • Raft through Grade 3-5 rapids on the Shotover with a whitewater rafting trip
  • I’m not a fan of freefalling so skydiving/bungy jumping aren’t for me, but paragliding gives you those sky high views without having to throw yourself out of a plane! Paragliding in Queenstown was my second time floating through the sky (my first was in Switzerland) and it was absolutely incredible, highly recommend the team at Coronet Peak Tandems if you want to try it.
  • Eat your way around the city. I recommend Bespoke, Yonder or Vudu for brunch, Fergburger for an iconic lunch, Balls and Bangles for gourmet donuts and Eichardt’s Grill, Rata or the Nest for a classy dinner
  • Explore Skipper’s Canyon and drive along NZ’s most dangerous road with an epic 4WD safari with Nomad Safari s . If you’re an LOTR fan then these guys also run legendary LOTR tours around Queenstown and Glenorchy taking you to filming locations from the movies.
  • Get off-road with a quad bike trip through the mountains
  • Take a day trip to Arrowtown or Glenorchy
  • Keen to visit Milford Sound but don’t have time for the long drive? See Fiordland from the sky with a scenic flight + cruise package from Queenstown (called a Fly-Cruise-Fly), a coach-cruise-fly combo that gives you the road trip views as well as the flight, or a 1h 20m scenic flyover if you’re really short on time

best road trips south island new zealand

Where to stay in Queenstown

Kamana Lakehouse is my favourite hotel in Queenstown, with modern rooms, a world-class restaurant and private hot tubs overlooking the lake available exclusively for guests to book. It’s the highest hotel in Queenstown and offers the most incredible view while benefitting from the peace and quiet of the Fernhill neighbourhood. Absolutely dreamy!

Camping : You can freedom camp at the DOC site at Moke Lake for $15pp

Budget : Nomads Backpackers is right in town and has dorm rooms plus private rooms, or for a cheap but comfortable hotel you can’t go past the new Holiday Inn Remarkables Park , which offers seriously impressive value for spacious and stylish rooms as well as a great location near the airport.

Mid-range : Kamana Lakehouse is my top pick for the mid-range budget, but if they’re fully booked you could also check out Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .

Luxury: Azur Lodge , Matakauri Lodge and Eichardt’s consistently come out on top as the best luxury hotels in Queenstown.

Ultra-luxe : Happy to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experience? Treat yourself and a loved one to a luxury package at the Gibbston Valley Lodge private villas. Absolute bliss.

Glamping : Sleep in a secluded lotus belle tent at Remarkables Glamping

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 17 & 19: Te Anau

Driving time from Queenstown : 2h, 170km

How long to stay in Te Anau : 1-2 days (with a night in Milford Sound in the middle)

Often overlooked as being just a stopover on the way to Milford Sound, Te Anau is a peaceful lakeside town and is the commercial hub of Fiordland. Stop for at least a night here to experience the town’s friendly local vibes, nearby Great Walks or lake adventures.

things to do in te anau kepler track

Things to do in Te Anau

  • Get hiking! The Kepler Track is the closest to town, and the Milford Track and Routeburn Track both begin between Te Anau and Milford Sound
  • Go for a lake cruise and nature walk with Peter at Cruise Te Anau , or sail on a 1935 yacht complete with afternoon tea and wine on Faith in Fiordland
  • Cycle (or e-bike!) the 30km Lake2Lake Cycle Trail from Lake Manapouri to Lake Te Anau. Rent your chariot from Wild Rides in Te Anau and they can transport you one way.
  • See the famous Te Anau glowworms
  • Splurge on a helicopter or seaplane trip to get killer views that you’ll never forget. The cheapest option is a 30 minute Fiordland National Park flight from only $240, you can fly over Milford Sound for an hour from $530, or see both Dusky and Doubtful Sounds from the sky with this $605 flight .
  • Want to go all out? Tick off the Fiordland trilogy with a helicopter tour over Milford, Dusky and Doubtful for a cool $1995 per person
  • If you’ve been to Milford already, or if you prefer seeing places off the beaten track, consider booking a day trip or overnight cruise in the secluded and serene Doubtful Sound

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Te Anau

Where to stay in Te Anau

Camping : Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park has excellent facilities, with a huge kitchen, decent bathrooms, a lounge with a fire and a hot tub available for guests to book

Mid-range : Anchorage Motel is a sustainability-focused motel with self-contained studio apartments as well as comfy one/two-bedroom options

Luxury : You can’t go past Fiordland Lodge if you’re looking for luxury. With a striking outlook over Lake Te Anau, impeccable service and elegant rooms, this is National Park accommodation at its best.

milford sound luxury day trip tesla

Day 18: Milford Sound

Driving time from Te Anau : 1h 30m without stops or traffic, I recommend you set aside 2.5/3 hours for the 115km drive

  • Te Anau Downs for views back towards the lake
  • Mirror Lakes for reflections on a still day
  • Lake Gunn Nature Walk
  • Pop’s View Lookout
  • Monkey Creek

Want to know more? For full info about the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound + tips on places to stop, read my full blog about driving to Milford Sound

mirror lake milford sound road

How long to stay in Milford Sound : 1-2 days

Widely regarded as the unofficial 8th Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is an absolute Aotearoa must-do for Kiwis and international visitors alike. Plus the road is probably one of the best roads you’ll drive on your South Island road trip!

With abundant wildlife, towering mountains and crashing waterfalls, Milford Sound is simply magical.

Things to do in Milford Sound

  • My number one recommendation for things to do in Milford Sound is a kayak tour with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks . Take a waterproof camera, paddle around the fiord, keep an eye out for seals and penguins, and see the waterfalls up close.
  • Go for a Milford Sound cruise all the way out to the ocean
  • If you’ve got time, consider an overnight cruise to get a more in-depth experience (only available in summer)
  • Visit the underwater observatory (only available on the Southern Discoveries Discover More cruise but it is super cool, kids will love it!)

See a full list of epic things to do in Milford Sound here .

milford sound things to do

Where to stay in Milford Sound

The only accommodation option in Milford Sound is Milford Sound Lodge and their Rainforest Campervan Park , and it’s a fantastic place to stay.

The lodge has studio + two-bedroom chalets with mountain, forest or river views, and your stay includes WiFi plus breakfast delivered to your door each morning.

The campervan park has powered sites under towering trees with access to a large kitchen, living area, bathrooms and laundry, and you can purchase WiFi for $15 for 1GB.

TRAVEL TIP : If you’re heading to Milford Sound overnight in a campervan, stock up on food before you go as there’s no shops there. There is a small cafe in town and a brilliant restaurant at the Milford Sound Lodge (the goats’ cheese croquettes are divine) but stop in at the Te Anau Fresh Choice to top up your pantry before you start the drive.

best road trips south island new zealand

Days 20 & 21: Stewart Island

Driving time from Te Anau to Bluff : 2 hours, 180km, then a one hour ferry

  • Lumsden for a snack from Bafe Bakery
  • Gemstone Beach in Orepuki is about an hour off-route from Invercargill
  • Bluff for oysters when they’re in season

How long to stay in Stewart Island : The ferry only runs a couple of times a day so a two day stop is easiest

Stewart Island (or Rakiura in te reo Maori) is the remote, unspoilt, lesser-visited third island of New Zealand, known for stargazing, native birds, and the epic Rakiura Track Great Walk.

stewart island robin

Things to do on Stewart Island

  • Find a kiwi in the wild. I’d highly recommend going on a kiwi spotting tour , the guides know all the best spots and are able to find the birds without causing harm or danger.
  • Cross your fingers for a glimpse of the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights

Read more things to do on Stewart Island with my full Stewart Island travel guide

Where to stay on Stewart Island

Budget : Stewart Island Backpackers have basic dorm and private rooms for a good price

Mid-range : There’s a decent range of Airbnbs on Stewart Island that will suit any budget

Luxury : Church Hill Boutique Lodge has panoramic views and a fancy restaurant onsite

Days 22 & 23: The Catlins

Driving time from Bluff : About an hour from Bluff to the start of the Catlins area

How long to stay in the Catlins : 1-2 days

With thriving wildlife, endless coastline and loads of nature walks ranging from easy to expert, the Catlins is an off-the-beaten-track South Island road trip destination that active adventurers won’t want to miss.

Things to do in the Catlins

  • An early morning kayak with Catlins Kayak & Adventure to spot penguins, seals and a stunning sunrise
  • Do the short walk to Nugget Point Lighthouse
  • Watch penguins return to land at dusk at Curio Bay
  • Spot sea lions (from a safe distance!) at Surat Bay
  • Walk through native forest to visit Purakaunui Falls

Where to stay in the Catlins

Budget : The Lazy Dolphin Lodge has great reviews if you’re on a tight budget

Mid-range : We stayed at this cosy Airbnb near Curio Bay, it has a kitchenette, nice bathroom and comfy bed

Luxury : Molyneux House has modern self-contained apartments with beautiful ocean views, free WiFi and included breakfast

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 24: Dunedin

Driving time from the Catlins : It’s about an hour from the edge of the Catlins in Balclutha to Dunedin

How long to stay in Dunedin : 1-2 days

Dunedin is a bustling student town and is home to a mish-mash of breweries, heritage buildings, sandy beaches and a thriving entertainment scene.

outside larnach castle dunedin

Things to do in Dunedin

  • Go out-out in the student district if that’s your thing!
  • Visit Larnach Castle , a stunning real-life castle that was started in 1871
  • Try a tasting rack of local craft beer at Emerson’s Brewery
  • Spot penguins, seals and albatross on the Otago Peninsula

Where to stay in Dunedin

Mid – range : Bluestone on George and Amross Motel are both decent mid-range options

Luxury : Larnach Castle has a range of accommodation options if you’re looking for something special

Unique : We spent a night at the epic Cascade Creek Retreat about 45 minutes outside of Dunedin. It’s a beautiful timber farm lodge located on a working farm with a stunning rural outlook, two outdoor baths, ultra-comfortable beds and a well-equipped kitchen complete with ingredients for a hot chocolate and marshmallows for the fire.

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 25: Oamaru & the Waitaki District

Driving time from Dunedin : 1h 30m to Oamaru

  • Moeraki Boulders & Fleur’s for fresh seafood
  • Purakaunui Beach

How long to stay in the Waitaki District : Day trip or 1-2 days

Hands down the most underrated district in New Zealand, the Waitaki region boasts character-filled cities, unique gift stores, wineries, award-winning restaurants, some incredible adventure activities and my favourite spot for glamping in New Zealand .

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in the Waitaki District

  • Explore Steampunk HQ, funky shops and penguin colony in Oamaru
  • Have the best brunch ever at Riverstone Kitchen just north of Oamaru, their hot smoked salmon is something I dream about often
  • Then visit the gift shops onsite and wander through the impressive gardens
  • Stop off at Elephant Rocks to see some crazy rock formations
  • Cycle along the Alps2Ocean bike trail
  • Stop off in Omarama for a soak in a hot tub with mountain views and to see the otherworldly Omarama Clay Cliffs

Where to stay in the Waitaki District

Budget : Oamaru Backpackers has a 9.1 rating on booking.com from more than 800 reviews, so they must be good!

Mid-range : For a highly-rated farm stay, check out the Highlands on Homestead cottage on Airbnb

Luxury : The renowned Pen-y-bryn Lodge is a historic boutique hotel with brilliant facilities, including a billiard room, fitness centre, guest library and shared lounge with an open fireplace. Other fancy options in the Waitaki area include the brand new Mariner Suites (opened December 2020) and the Old Confectionary apartments .

Glamping : Valley Views Glamping near Waitaki Valley is one of the best New Zealand glamping spots , with spacious geodesic domes, a well-equipped shared kitchen, outdoor baths and panoramic views over farmland with a backdrop of mountains.

glamping in new zealand

And another incredible glamping spot nearby is Nest Treehouse , a tiny house in the forest with sprawling farmland views, a private outdoor bath and a shared sauna.

girl in outdoor bath at nest treehouse

Day 26: Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

Driving time from the Waitaki District : About an hour from Omarama, 96km

  • High Country Salmon near Twizel for the best salmon pate of your life
  • Ahuriri Bridge Campsite if it’s lupin season
  • Pete’s Lookout for the best view of the windy road heading towards Aoraki

How long to stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village : Day trip or 1-2 days depending on how many walks you want to do

My first trip to Aoraki Village in August was cancelled by a terrible fire at Lake Pukaki, so I booked a second trip down for December of this year and had the most amazing time.

The drive to the village is truly one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done, and I’d recommend giving yourself time so you can stop for photos whenever you feel like it.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

  • Hike! Try the Tasman Glacier Hike if you’re short on time (30 mins) or the longer Hooker Valley hike (three hours) if you’ve got half a day. There are longer, more advanced hikes/climbs too depending on your experience, check with the visitor centre to get full info on the options that will suit you.
  • Do a Tasman Glacier helihike
  • See the mountains from the best vantage point with a scenic flight
  • Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
  • Do a 15,000 foot skydive for the most insane views
  • Go for a boat ride on the Tasman Glacier lake
  • Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at the Hermitage Hotel , their cocktails are incredible!

best road trips south island new zealand

Where to stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

Camping : The White Horse Hill DOC campground is widely regarded as one of the best campgrounds in the country

Budget : YHA Mt Cook has an 8.9 rating on booking.com from almost 1000 reviews, and they have the best value dorm beds and private rooms in the Village

Mid – range : We stayed at the Aoraki Court Motel which was decent and good value for money. Rooms have comfy beds, kitchenettes and mountain views.

Luxury : Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is somewhere for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Enjoy mind-blowing views over Lake Pukaki, elegant furnishings and free afternoon tea for all guests.

Days 27 & 28: Lake Tekapo

Driving time from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village : 1h 10m, 105km

How long to stay in Lake Tekapo : 1-2 days

I loved Tekapo so much that I visited it three in a year! The bright blue lake looks out of this world and there’s loads to do in the area to fill any itinerary no matter what you’re into.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Lake Tekapo

  • Go stargazing in one of the darkest places in the world, the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, I recommend going with Chameleon Stargazing who offer the cheapest tour in town, only $55 for a 90 minute session which includes info about astronomy, looking through the telescope, a souvenir photo of you under the stars and hot chocolate + marshmallows. Brilliant value!
  • Interested in astrophotography? Book an evening astrophotography session with Silver River
  • Rest your mind and body with a soak in the Tekapo Springs hot pools
  • Hit the countryside on a 4WD safari with Tekapo Adventures , they offer epic backcountry station tours that will take you deep into rural Mackenzie farmland
  • Take the country’s best scenic flight over Aoraki, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, the Grand Traverse with Air Safaris

best road trips south island new zealand

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

Where to stay in Lake Tekapo

Camping : Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park have campsites and cabins with lake views just a short walk from the hot pools

Budget : The YHA Lake Tekapo has excellent reviews and is ideally located on the lake, right next to shops and restaurants

Mid – range : Cairnsmore is a newly-built spacious studio apartment with a kitchenette, outdoor BBQ and lake and mountain views for a good price

Luxury : The Alpine Lodges at the Cairns is my favourite place to stay in Tekapo. The lodges have incredibly comfortable beds, cosy lounges with a fireplace, a full kitchen and a sun-soaked balcony, and they’re just a short walk from town.

Unique : If you’re looking for somewhere that’s rustic and homely with a touch of luxury, consider spending the night at the ultra-Instagrammable High Country Cabin in Twizel (40 mins from Tekapo).

high country cabin twizel

Glamping : There’s no glamping in Tekapo itself but there is a brilliant option near Twizel called SkyScape . This place is a glass pod set in the middle of a farm, meaning no light pollution and ideal stargazing conditions!

skyscape twizel under the milky way

Days 29 & 30: Christchurch

Driving time from Lake Tekapo : 2h 45m, 225km

  • Burkes Pass to see the old school Route 66-themed auto-stop, the ideal South Island road trip photo spot
  • Fairlie for the famous Fairlie Bakehouse pies, I rate the pork belly one
  • Geraldine to pop into Barker’s Foodstore for an amazing brunch
  • Ashburton Lakes and Rakaia Gorge if you have time to drive a little bit out of the way

best road trips south island new zealand

How long to stay in Christchurch : 2-3 days

Slowly being rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch is a city with a huge amount of character as well as lots of fun things to see and do.

Things to do in Christchurch

  • Visit the famous Botanic Gardens
  • Hire an e-bike and hit one of the city’s cycle trails
  • Take a day trip on the TranzAlpine Train through Arthur’s Pass
  • Do a Lord of the Rings tour
  • Zip along New Zealand’s longest zipline at the Christchurch Adventure Park
  • Enjoy a four course dinner at the funky Tramway Restaurant
  • See the city on a tram tour
  • Search for the best street art in the central city
  • Eat your heart out at the bustling Riverside Market food stalls
  • Treat yourself to a new hair do at the first hair salon in NZ to offer a fully licensed bar, Mods Hair in Merivale

best road trips south island new zealand

Where to stay in Christchurch

Budget : Jucy Snooze is a pod-style hostel by the airport with great facilities for a really good price

Mid – range : The Tack Rooms have two fully self-contained units (including kitchen and washing machine) just a short walk from the central city. The aesthetic here is so classy, it’s soaked with natural light and the location is unbeatable.

Luxury : The Britten Stables is an award-winning restored stables that was a part of the 1896 Mona Vale Homestead, renovated in the 70s by legendary inventor John Britten.

They have a range of rooms available with access to a gorgeous conservatory with an indoor pool that looks like it is straight out of my dreams. We stayed in the Observatory which had a large bedroom, decent living space and a kitchen.

Book Britten Stables on booking.com

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 31: Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula

Driving time from Christchurch : 1h 20m to Akaroa, 81km

How long to stay in the Banks Peninsula : Day trip or 1-2 days

Best known for its dolphins and French influence, Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula is a great add on to any South Island road trip if you have time.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula

  • Swim with dolphins or do a wildlife cruise if you don’t want to swim
  • Explore the ocean by kayak tour
  • Join in on a small group tour to watch the penguins at dusk
  • Explore Akaroa’s French-influenced eateries, gardens and homesteads
  • Visit the weird and wonderful Giant’s House

Where to stay in Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula

Camping : Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park has good facilities and is the closest campground to the township

Mid – range : SiloStay in Little River is a really funky place to rest your head, with your accommodation inside a converted silo! You get an upstairs balcony with countryside views, a kitchenette and an en suite bathroom inside your silo.

Luxury : Bellbird Bach is a sun-soaked innovative bach with space for six people overlooking the valley just past Akaroa, or the Villa in Akaroa is a historical home with space for four.

Glamping : My mum and I stayed at the Te Wepu Intrepid Pods , who have three secluded wooden pods overlooking rolling hills and the Akaroa Harbour. Each pod has an indoor bio-loo, outdoor kitchen, BBQ, wood-fired hot tub and solar-powered lighting and USB charging. Kate and Richie have created an epic glamping spot and this was one of the highlights of our Canterbury road trip!

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 32 & 33: Kaikoura

Driving time from Christchurch : 2h 30m, 180km

  • Hanmer Springs if you’re happy to take a slight detour
  • Cathedral Gully for some crazy cool rock formations

How long to stay in Kaikoura : 1-2 days

With ocean in front of you and mountains behind you, Kaikoura might be one of the best-looking destinations in the country.

Watch for whales and dolphins by boat, kayak or air, chow down on the freshest seafood you’ll ever find, and spot baby seals playing in rock pools.

best road trips south island new zealand

Things to do in Kaikoura

  • You can’t visit Kaikoura without a whale watching trip (even though I’m terrified of whales which is a story for another day). Do a whale watching cruise or splurge on a whale watching flight .
  • See the sea by kayak with a guided kayak tour
  • Spot baby seals playing in the rock pools at Ohau Point
  • Eat fresh crayfish on the beach with a stop at Nin’s Bin
  • Swim with dusky dolphins with Encounter Kaikoura . I did a dolphin swim in Picton and loved it so much I had to try it in Kaikoura as well! Kaikoura’s dolphin tour is in the open oceans and sea conditions can be rough, so if you’re prone to seasickness then reconsider going for the Picton option instead (which is in the very calm Marlborough Sounds). If you’re used to being on boats though then swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is absolutely worth adding to your South Island road trip.

best road trips south island new zealand

Where to stay in Kaikoura

Camping : Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park has modern facilities and amazing mountain views

Budget : First Light Kaikoura has budget-friendly rooms with good reviews

Luxury : This Kaikoura waterfront apartment can fit four people and has excellent reviews on Airbnb, or the Hamptons B&B offer ocean view king rooms for two people

Glamping : Staying at the Manakau PurePod was very high on my New Zealand bucket list , and I was lucky enough to tick it off on my third South Island road trip! This is basically a glass box located on a remote farm in inland Kaikoura, accessed via gravel road, shallow fords (big puddles) to drive through and a short walk through the forest. It’s got a kitchen + gas BBQ, an indoor loo with a stunning view and a glass ceiling for stargazing all night long.

best road trips south island new zealand

And after wrapping up your trip in Kaikoura, it’s a two hour drive back to Picton to complete the circuit!

I hope this detailed South Island New Zealand travel guide has helped you plan your South Island road trip itinerary. If you think I’ve missed anywhere important or think I should add something onto this road trip plan then let me know in the comments.

Drive safely and have the best time!

Planning a South Island road trip? Read more New Zealand travel tips in these blogs:

  • The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List
  • The Perfect Queenstown to Christchurch Road Trip Itinerary
  • The Best Places to Visit in the South Island
  • All the Best Spots for Glamping in New Zealand
  • 11 Epic Things to Do in Milford Sound
  • The Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo
  • Fun Things to Do on Stewart Island

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best road trips south island new zealand

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mirror lake near milford sound

March 1, 2022 at 9:45 am

Such a good itinerary! You’ve got all the best spots. I also love the drive from Wanaka/Cromwell to Dunedin via Clyde – it’s such a beautiful drive and Clyde is such a cute little town 💖 So hard to try and fit everything in though!

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The ultimate road trip guide to New Zealand's South Island

From stunning glacial lakes to golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, adrenaline-pumping extreme sports to delicious local food, New Zealand’s South Island truly has it all. One of the best ways to experience New Zealand is via a scenic road trip.

While this itinerary starts and ends in Queenstown, you can easily start from any point along the way. Another popular starting point is in Christchurch. We’ve provided estimated driving times and how many days you might want to spend in each area, but of course feel free to tailor the itinerary to suit your holiday.

Whether you’ve got 7 days, a few weeks or months to explore this amazing corner of the road, we’ve mapped out the ultimate South Island road trip to inspire your travel plans.

Arrive in Queenstown: 1 to 3 days

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, and as soon as you step foot off the plane you’ll understand why. Its prime alpine location on stunning Lake Wakatipu makes it perfect for every type of outdoor activity imaginable.

Spend a few days here doing iconic Queenstown activities like:

  • Cruising the lake on vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw
  • Eating Fergburger
  • Hiking Ben Lomond or Queenstown Hill
  • Partaking in an adventure sport like a canyon swing , bungy jumping or paragliding

Vintage Steamship, TSS Earnslaw, Cruises across Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw

Queenstown to Te Anau: 1 to 4 days

Driving Distance: 170 km / 2hr45

Now that you’ve gotten your fill of Queenstown, head out to Te Anau, the jumping off point for famous landmarks like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. Spend some time exploring gorgeous landscapes and try one of these must-do activities:

  • Milford Sound cruise or scenic flight
  • Doubtful Sound cruise or kayak
  • Discovery Cruises around Fiordland National Park
  • Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
  • Hiking one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks: the Milford Track , Routeburn Track or Kepler Track

Boat with sails up cruises through Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound

Te Anau to Bluff to Stewart Island: 1 to 4 days

Driving Distance: 185 km / 2h30

Ferry: 1 hour

Next, head south toward Bluff to visit New Zealand’s southernmost and third-largest island: Stewart Island. Over 85% of this island is National Park and thus is home to incredible hiking, wildlife and birdwatching. It is the best place in New Zealand to spot a rare kiwi bird in the wild – there are more kiwi than human inhabitants on the island! You may also spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins.

  • Ferry across the Foveaux Strait to get to Stewart Island
  • Take a guided walk or explore the village
  • Join a Wild Kiwi Encounter tour to spot wild kiwis
  • Go on a discovery expedition cruise
  • Explore Ulva Island

Driving Distance: 105 km / 1hr30

Take the ferry back to Bluff, pick up your car or campervan and head toward the Catlins. You’ll drive through Invercargill which is a good stopping point should you need to pick up supplies for your road trip or want to rest. There are many shops, restaurants and accommodation options in Invercargill.

Continue on to the Catlins, home to the southernmost point on the South Island, gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests and stunning beaches. Visit Instagram-worthy places like:

  • Nugget Point Lighthouse and Kaka Point
  • Purakaunui Falls
  • Cathedral Caves – go during low tide. There is a $5 NZD entry fee.
  • McLean Falls
  • Curio Bay to spot dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions
  • Slope Point, the southernmost tip of the South Island

Rental Car on Stewart Island

Driving around Stewart Island

Driving Distance: 160 km / 2h30

Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the Catlins, head north along the east coast to Dunedin, the second largest city on the South Island. It’s known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture. Here are a few things to do in Dunedin:

  • See wildlife on a yellow eyed penguin tour and visit the Royal Albatross Centre
  • Check out the Dunedin Railway Station
  • Take a photo on the Guinness Book of World Records’ steepest street
  • Head to the beach and go surfing, or check out Tunnel Beach
  • Enjoy a night out at one of Dunedin’s many restaurants or bars

Dunedin to Wanaka: 1 to 3 days

Driving Distance to Moeraki Boulders: 75 km / 1h

Driving Distance from Moeraki Boulders to Wanaka: 265 km / 3hr15

Drive north along the coast and make a quick stop at the Moeraki Boulders to see the giant spherical stones dotting the beach, then head back west toward Wanaka. Enjoy this quieter version of Queenstown with just as much to offer, including:

  • Mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter at Cardrona
  • Stunning day walks like Roy’s Peak and Isthmus Peak
  • Outdoor activities like jetboating, canyoning, skydiving and paragliding.

Three people hanging out on the slopes at Cardrona

Skiing at Cardrona

Wanaka to Mount Cook: 1 to 3 days

Driving Distance: 210 km / 2hr30

Journey north to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook. This was the first peak Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first men to summit Mount Everest, ever climbed. No matter how adventurous you are, there are activities suited to all skill levels: 

  • Hike the Hooker Valley Track or Mueller Hut route
  • Enjoy the Tasman Glacier via heli-hike , kayak, boat or by foot
  • Stargaze in an International Dark Sky Reserve

Mount Cook to Christchurch: 1 to 2 days

Driving Distance: 332 km / 4h15

Now that you can cross the highest mountain in New Zealand off your list, drive back toward the coast to Christchurch. Stop at Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo along the way for a picnic. While it is the South Island’s largest city, it is still rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Spend a day here exploring the city and visiting:

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens

International Antarctic Centre

  • Cathedral Square
  • Christchurch Gondola

Exterior of the International Antarctic Centre

Christchurch to Kaikoura: 1 to 2 days

Driving Distance: 181 km / 2h38

Drive north toward Kaikoura, a lovely coastal town that’s home to an amazing ecosystem of marine life. Not only is this a popular destination for whale watching and swimming with dolphins, but it’s a haven for those who love eating seafood. Add these things to do to your road trip itinerary:

  • Take in the view at the Peninsula Lookout
  • Say hello to the seals at Point Kean
  • Book a whale or dolphin cruise and get a chance to swim with the dolphins
  • Eat fresh crayfish and other seafood

Kaikoura to Marlborough: 1 to 2 days

Driving Distance: 152 km / 2h30

Get ready for a day of wine tasting - Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous wine region, internationally renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc wines. But this region has plenty to offer outside of vineyards:

  • Take a wildlife cruise through Marlborough Sounds
  • Hike or bike part or all of the Queen Charlotte Track
  • Wine tasting at one of the many vineyards

Marlborough to Nelson: 1 to 5 days

Driving Distance: 113 km / 1h45

Drive to Nelson, the ideal base for Abel Tasman National Park . Known for its pristine golden sand beaches and clear ocean water, Abel Tasman is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Here are a few things to do in the region:

  • Go horse trekking, mountain biking or kayaking
  • Enjoy one of the many beaches
  • Sample local craft beer
  • Walk part or all of the Abel Tasman Great Walk

Nelson to West Coast: 1 to 3 days

Driving Distance to Westport: 222 km / 3hr15

Driving Distance from Westport to Greymouth:   101 km / 1h30

Driving Distance from Greymouth to Hokitika: 40 km / 35min

Today you have a few options for your South Island road trip depending on how much driving you want to do. The rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the whole country, so it’s natural to want to take your time and really take it all in. Start by driving from Nelson to Westport, then drive toward Greymouth and Hokitika. No matter your pace, make sure you stop at these places along the way:

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Paparoa National Park
  • Hokitika Gorge
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Véronique Roussel (@qinorev) on May 6, 2019 at 11:48am PDT

West Coast to Glacier Country: 1 to 3 days

Driving Distance from Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier: 134 km / 1h45

The final stop on this epic South Island road trip is Glacier Country, home to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. While we still have the opportunity to marvel at these glaciers up close, they are shrinking at an alarming rate. Make sure you take advantage of them still being around with these must-do activities:

  • Heli-hike or ice climb up the glaciers
  • Go skydiving over these impressive icecaps
  • Check out the reflection of Mount Cook in the Lake Matheson mirror lake
  • Soak in the hot pools after a day in the snow

Glacier Country to Queenstown: 1 to 2 days

Driving Distance: 327 km / 4h30

Take your time driving through this stunning region via the Haast Pass. Stop at the Blue Pools along the way to take in the gorgeous colours, then head on back to Queenstown. Congratulations, you’ve now explored a huge chunk of the South Island!

To learn more about things to do in New Zealand’s South Island, check out these RealNZ experiences you won’t want to miss.

Woman in lush forest on Ulva Island, Stewart Island

Ulva Island Explorer

View of boats in Stewart Island marina

Stewart Island Ferry Services

Discover more.

best road trips south island new zealand

Explore Stewart Island in a day

Secluded beach on Stewart Island

Stewart Island - New Zealand's little known island

Cloudy skies over Oban, Stewart Island

Stewart Island Must-Do's

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Woman in lush forest on Ulva Island, Stewart Island

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

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A Road Trip Around New Zealand's South Island Is the Best Way to See One of the Most Beautiful Places on the Planet

The writer explored 1,125 miles of New Zealand's South Island in seven days.

best road trips south island new zealand

"Good girl, Rosie! That's a good girl," exclaims my host, Gareth Renowden. The godfather of New Zealand truffles is walking me through his farm, Limestone Hills , set along the edge of a jagged gorge above the Waipara River. He is talking to his seven-year-old beagle, whom he's wryly nicknamed "The Truffle Machine." Despite the sensory distractions of a ripe autumn afternoon, she has managed to deliver on the promise of her moniker.

Renowden lurches out where Rosie's snout meets the earth, dusting aside a scant layer of topsoil to reveal a bulbous, jet-black treasure. He sizes it up, almost dismissively, before transferring custody to me. Along with his wife, the British expat runs The Shearer's Cottage — a two bedroom bungalow overlooking their vineyard and truffière — "sometimes available" for rental, by special arrangement.

"What you've got there is Tuber Brumale ," he explains of the variety more commonly known as a winter black truffle. "It actually has a rather distinct nose. If you don't really know what you're doing, you may use it thinking that it's one of the best. But you'd be disappointed." I'm willing to take my chances. And so Renowden properly packs up my bounty, wrapping it first in paper towel, then sealing it in a plastic canister before sending me on my way.

About forty miles south of here, I had rented a car at the Christchurch Airport. My mission was circuitous, if not simple: a road trip traversing the lion's share of New Zealand's South Island — 1,125 miles in seven days. Because of the country's lax laws regarding "freedom camping," many visitors opt to rent a camper van and park overnight along any available public space. This is perfectly legal, except where expressly curtailed by local statutes. It's a great way for small groups of travelers — and couples — to explore on a budget. But I had set out solo (my newly acquired fungus notwithstanding) and was looking for loftier perches upon which to lay my head.

I found just that two hours up the road in the seaside village of Kaikoura. Sandwiched between Pacific surf and snowcapped crags, I check into the Hapuku Lodge . Abutting its rustic lobby and sole ground-floor suite, four standalone rooms are hoisted 32 feet into the canopy of the forest, fusing adult luxury with the nostalgic charm of a childhood treehouse. From the comfort of my bubble bath I watch the sky dim, tracing the edges of Tapuae-o-Uenuku's 9,500-foot peak in ineffable hues of pink and purple.

Climbing down from my fort, I meet with Fiona Read, Hapuku's co-owner and executive chef. Rumors of my notorious travel companion have preceded me up Highway 1. Asked to confirm, I open the lid of my plastic carton, and a garlicky funk flitters into the air. A gleam in Fiona's eye suggests a plan is already swirling. I hand over the goods and within minutes the deed is done; thin shavings of the delicacy join parsley and fried, scrambled yolk atop a crostini. The dish waits for me in front of an open kitchen, where I'm seated at the chef's table, sipping on a supple Pinot Noir from the South Island's Central Otago wine region. "How you going?" she asks, probably rhetorically.

"I'm a box of fluffy ducks," I respond, in an attempt to flex the local lingo.

The next morning begins with one of the better breakfasts of freshly baked pastries I can recall. I am reluctant to leave, but today's a busy one. It begins with a three-hour whale watch off the coast of Kaikoura. A menagerie of marine mammals all make cameo appearances — orcas, sperm whales, pods of frolicking dolphins, even an elusive blue whale has come out to play, waving its mighty fluke framed by a distant backdrop of Southern Alps. In any other country this could make for a once-in-a-lifetime sort of day. In New Zealand, it wasn't even lunchtime yet.

An hour and a half up the highway, I check in at Tohu Wines , dipping my toes into the country's famed Marlborough wine region. The impressive modern facility exists as the world's first Māori-owned winery. Winemaker Lloyd Howes is waiting for me in the tasting room, alongside sales manager Dan Taylor. Together we assemble into a Land Cruiser and drive up an impossibly windy hilltop, arriving at a plot of yellow-leaved vines, populated by free range sheep. It's a good vantage point from which to observe how the climate, soil, and topography converge to shape the area's trademark Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Back down at the tasting room, bottles of the liquid are uncorked. A 2018 vintage grown and vinified right here in the Awatere Valley is poured into the glass; sharp in acid and rich in tropical fruit. Taylor hands me the label for inspection, while Howes emerges from the kitchen with a plateful of steamed, green-lipped mussels. "This is about as New Zealand a pairing as you can get," he muses, placing the wine and the seafood on top of an empty oak barrel.

Another evening in the South Island, another dusk dominated by some dreamlike combination of lavender and orange. By the time the stars had emerged, I was pulling into the gated driveway of the Marlborough Lodge — a Victorian estate on the wooded outskirts of Blenheim. Here, owner Angela Dillon has faithfully captured the aesthetic appeal of a 19th-century convent while infusing its interior with every manner of modern luxury — full marble bathrooms; plush, king-size bedrooms; focused farm-to-table fare — all set amongst 16 idyllic acres of ponds and vines.

Waking up in the heart of Sauvignon Blanc country, it's less than an hour drive to the town of Picton, and the northern terminus of Highway 1. With no highway left in front of me, I turn westward and wind along the Marlborough Sound on Queen Charlotte Drive. I skirt verdant cliffs, with inlets of emerald sea dropping out below the driver's side window. It's as if Maui's legendary Hana Highway was re-cast along the shores of Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Eventually I return to earth at Highway 6, which will carry me through the urban trappings of Nelson and all the way down into the South Island's rugged west coast. For more than a hundred miles of pavement I pass along nothing but cow pasture and sparsely populated farm towns. The landscape evolves, dramatically and abruptly, as I meet the Buller River. Following its meandering path for what feels like hours, I am wholly submerged in tropical rain forest.

I make it to the coastal town of Hokitika for a quick pit stop at the Beachfront Hotel . The lobby bar, overlooking the Tasman Sea, provides local ales on tap and hearty pub fare. A framed picture by the entrance shows that Prince William himself enjoyed much of the same on a recent visit. I am heartened to be following in the footsteps of royalty, but dismayed at the formidable strand of road that unfurls before me. My goal for the following evening is Queenstown — exactly 300 meandering miles to the south.

But this is by no means a dull stretch. It's more like a full stretch of the imagination. As Highway 6 veers inland from the shoreline, it climbs almost instantly into an alpine wonderland. I pass through the town of Franz Josef Glacier, where hikers come from far and wide to trudge across snowfields ascending toward New Zealand's highest mountain range. Some opt for a more facile — if far pricier — approach, zooming into the sky with helicopters and gliders to catch an eagle-eye glimpse of Aoraki in all its 12,218 feet of glory.

Sadly, I have scant time for such indulgences. There's still yet another section of coastal driving ahead, before the great road snakes a final mountain turn at the mouth of the impetuous Haast River. I reverse its flow into the hills on a slow, steady vertical lumber, before reaching the pass that bears its name.

It is, quite literally, all downhill from here through the ceaseless tree-scape of Mount Aspiring National Park. Finally it yields to reveal the serene surface of Lake Wanaka, and, soon thereafter, her sister Hawea. The twin bodies of water sit side-by-side at the base of a wide mountain valley. Soon I am descending the Crown Range Road — the highest main thoroughfare in all of New Zealand. As recently as 2001, it still held dirt sections. Today, though, it's all smooth sailing as the Swiss-like mountain town of Queenstown reveals itself a thousand feet below.

Before passing signposts into this backpacker's Brigadoon, another marquee catches my eye: Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters . They promise me something my own four wheels cannot — a mesmerizing approach into the Fjordlands and the legendary Milford Sound. Driving to New Zealand's starkly scenic and secluded treasure would take at least four hours each way. Under whirling blades, it's 90 minutes roundtrip. And that includes a lunch break atop a glacier. The offer is too enticing to pass up, the experience too majestic for words to convey.

It was just before dinner when I pulled into the driveway of the Matakauri Lodge — a Relais and Chateaux property, leaning out over Lake Wakatipu on the western edge of Queenstown. Heading straight for the dining room, I sink beside the table, reveling in the day's excitement through successive sips of pinot sourced from the neighboring Gibbston Valley. Over my shoulder, the aptly-named Remarkables soared into the sky, a bulge of brown, jagged earth dusted daintily in white powder along its ridge.

I still had 300 more miles to conquer and not much more than a day to return my rental car to the Christchurch Airport. It hardly mattered in the moment. I was exactly where I needed to be. "Chef Rogers would like to talk to you about the cuisine," the server said, snapping me back into my chair.

I opened my rucksack to pull out a notepad when a familiar funk tugged at my nose. There in its well worn tub, my travel companion held true — more than enough left to make any adventurous chef sing. As the man in the toque approached, I unsheathed the truffle, ready to make a new friend and say goodbye to an old.

The Trusted Traveller

Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand’s spectacular South Island is on the bucket list of many travellers all over the world. I’ve taken many trips over the pond to visit what is one of my favourite parts of the world and I want you to discover it for yourself too!

So I’ve put together this two week New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary that is perfect for a first timer to the region.

This road trip itinerary doesn’t cover everything New Zealand’s South Island has to offer, that would be impossible to fit into a two week vacation. But what it does offer, is an introduction to the absolute best the region has to offer.

From snow peaked mountains, rugged coastline, seemingly never-ending fjords and adventure to boot. Touring New Zealand’s South Island on a road trip is a must and is a destination for everyone no matter your travel tastes.

I hope this New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary helps get you excited about a trip to one of the worlds most utterly beautiful regions.

Map of New Zealand South Island Two Week Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Start off your road trip of New Zealand’s South Island by arriving in Christchurch early in the morning, or better yet, the evening before to really maximise your time.

Christchurch has risen from the rubble of the devastating 2011 earthquakes and is one of the world’s most creative cities. Th ere is still a lot of construction going on, even after 10 year, but ‘The Garden City’ is well and truly open for business with lots to offer visitors.

Christchurch viewed from the Port Hills - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens – This is the biggest green space in the city centre. See colourful flower beds, massive shady trees, duck ponds and green houses containing specialist plant species. Take a punt along the river Avon or a walk on the long winding gravel paths that meander through the park. More info .

Cathedral Square –  Cathedral Square has been the heart of Christchurch since the mid 1900’s and continues to be just that despite the earthquake devastation. Visit the square to see what remains of the Christchurch Cathedral, learn more about the cathedrals history and future in the temporary viewing hut and pay your respects at a memorial made of hundreds of pebbles held inside a wire frame. Markets and festivals are also held here through the year.

Cardboard (Transitional) Cathedral – The new symbol of this developing creative city, the Cardboard, or Transitional Cathedral opened in 2013 as a temporary church in place of the badly damaged ChristChurch Cathedral. What makes this one of the most unusual churches in the world, is that it’s partly made of strong cardboard.

Cardboard Cathedral - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Christchurch Gondola – For the most spectacular views, check out the Christchurch Gondola. Soar above the mountains for views of snow capped peaks. At the top you can explore tunnels, take a hike and learn more about the history of the peak. ( Book your ticket in advance to avoid the queues!)

Re:Start Mall - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Also check out this great range of suggested tours and day trips you can take in and around Christchurch.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Jailhouse Accommodation

Mid-Range – Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City

Luxury – The George

Read More About Christchurch

Christchurch Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days

The Best Christchurch Sightseeing Tours

The Best Day Trips from Christchurch

Things to Do in Christchurch

What to See on a Day Trip to Akaroa form Christchurch

Spring Time in The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary

Driving from Christchurch to Marlborough: What to See and Do

Day 2 to 3 – Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time: 3 hours from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Leave Christchurch early on day two and drive towards Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.  Spend the rest of day 2 exploring the region and continue your sightseeing on day 3.

One of the most picture perfect regions of New Zealand, the Mackenzie Basin, home to Lake Tekapo (honestly, the prettiest lake in New Zealand South Island) and Mt Cook Village, lies roughly in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island between the sprawling plains of Canterbury and the towering mountains of the Southern Alps.

Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

Lake Tekapo – One of New Zealand’s most photographed lakes because of its powdery blue colour on a blue sky day and of the perfectly positioned Church of the Good Shepherd that lies on the southern edge of the lake. This tiny church features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Lake Pukaki – Probably one of the most underrated of all the lakes on New Zealand’s South Island. As you drive over the rise on the road from Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki appears out of nowhere and stuns drivers to instantly slow. I found the colour of Lake Pukaki to be more intense than Lake Tekapo but it’s not just the colour that makes this lake so impressive, at the far north of the lake is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook, in all its glory.

Walking near Mt Cook - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Aoraki Mt Cook Village – The drive out to see New Zealand’s highest peak is quite possibly one of the best experiences to be had in New Zealand. It offers uninterrupted views of Mt Cook as it winds along Lake Pukaki. The village itself is home to walks (more on them below) and The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre which offers a series of 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium shows.

Walks –  There are dozens of walks you can do in the region like the four-hour Hooker Track which crosses three swing bridges, offers great views from the Alpine memorial and ends at the glacier lake with amazing views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. Or why not summit Mt John for spectacular 360 degree views of the region.

View the Night Sky – The Mackenzie Basin is one of the darkest places on earth, giving it the status of being a Dark Sky Reserve. This means that there is very little light pollution which allows for some incredible star-gazing. If you move away from the towns in the region on a clear night you will see more stars than you could ever imaged. But for real star gazers, you’ll want to head up to the Mt John Observatory in Tekapo to make the most of it. (This is a super popular attraction, don’t miss your chance an book here in advance!)

The road to Mt Cook - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

For more tours and day trips, check out options for Lake Tekapo here and options for Mt Cook here .

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

Budget – Lakefront Lodges Backpackers

Mid-Range – Three Rivers Lodge

Luxury – Peppers Bluewater Resort

Read More About Lake Tekapo / Mount Cook

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo (and surrounds)

Lake Tekapo Itinerary: 2 Days

The Best Tours in Lake Tekapo (and surrounds)

Things to Do in Lake Tekapo and Surrounds

10 Most Stunning Lakes on New Zealand’s South Island

Day 4 to 5 – Fiordland

Lake Te Anau at sunset - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time: 5 hours from Tekapo to Te Anau

Make and early start for the spectacular Fiordland region on day 4. There’s lots of stunning scenery along the way so allow plenty of time for photo stops. Spend the rest of the day in Te Anau. On day 5 I recommend day tripping or taking a tour to incredible Milford Sound.

Fiordland is one of the worlds greatest wilderness regions with stunning natural features that show the earth’s evolutionary history. Te Anau, on the edge of the region is a great base for exploring the most accessible of the fjords, Milford Sound.

Cruising Milford Sound - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Fiordland

Milford Sound – The two-hour journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound itself is worth the effort but the cruise is out of this world incredible. It takes you past and up close to towering peaks, plummeting waterfalls and interesting wildlife. To get there you can self drive but to really enjoy the experience and take in all the spectacular scenery, I recommend a small group guided tour like this .

Milford Sound - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves – On the western shore of Lake Te Anau you’ll find a cave system home to millions of glowing worms. You can tour the cave with a guide from Te Anau which includes a cruise on the lake to get to the remote location. Inside the cave are gushing water flows and the opportunity to spend a few minutes in total darkness with these unusual creatures.

Lake Te Anau – The town of Te Anau is set perfectly on the lake of the same name. And while a walk around the lakes edge is a must, I also recommend if you have the time to take a short cruise to get up close with parts of the lake that are not accessible by car or foot. Check out this great 3-hour cruise on a yacht which also includes a short guided walk in a remote part of the lake.

The road to Milford Sound - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Where to Stay in Fiordland

Budget – Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau

Mid-Range – Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Luxury – Fiordland Lodge

Read More About Fiordland

Journey to Milford Sound in Photos

Day 6 to 7 – Queenstown

The view from the Skyline Gondola - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time: 2 hours from Te Anau to Queenstown

Make an early start to give yourself plenty of time to start exploring Queenstown. On day 7 you’ll find lots to keep you busy in and around this big resort town.

A mecca for those who love being outdoors and adrenaline pumping activities, Queenstown is the countries biggest resort town with something fun going on all year round. It’s also set in a pretty stunning location on Lake Wakatipu, flanked  by The Remarkables, one of the country’s most spectacular mountain ranges.

The road to Glenorchy - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Queenstown

Adrenalin Pumping Action – As the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to dozens of heart pumping activities that will satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie. Try your hand at everything from bungy jumping, the canyon swing, jet boating, white water rafting, canyoning, paragliding, or sky diving. Check out some of these adrenalin pumping activities .

Drive to Glenorchy – Any dedicated LOTR fan will have heard of Glenorchy as one of the main filming locations for the movie. But even if you’re not a die-hard you can still enjoy this drive, said to be one of the most scenic in all of New Zealand. It takes about 40 minutes and follows Lake Wakatipu, twisting and turning around the lakes edge. (Or sit back and let someone else do the driving on a half day tour of Glenorchy and Paradise )

The Shotover Jetboat - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Visit Arrowtown –  Just a short 25 minute drive from Queenstown is gorgeous little Arrowtown. This historic gold mining town has over 60 historic buildings still standing, some of which can be seen on a walk down the charming main street which is now lined with cafes and local artisan stores. Venture away from the main street towards the river to see the Historic Chinese Settlement, which was where the prospecting Chinese settled during the 1860’s gold rush.

Central Otago Wine Tasting – Unless you’ve decided to add extra time in Queenstown, a day trip to actually visit the wineries of the region may not be possible. But don’t worry, you can taste many of the regions best wines, right in the heart of Queenstown at The Winery. Grab a tasting card and a glass to help yourself to a taste of red, white, sparkling and spirits from Central Otago and beyond. (Have time for a wine tour? Check out this half day tour or this full day tour . or why not try the hop-on hop-off wine bus )

Skyline Gondola –  For the best views from above in Queenstown, take a ride on the Skyline Gondola. The gondola glides up Bob’s Peak offering stunning views of the town, the Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu. More Info.

Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

For more activities, tours and attractions in Queenstown, check out this selection .

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Budget – Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Mid-Range – Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Luxury – Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Read More About Queenstown

Things to Do in Queenstown

The Best Queenstown Adventure Activities

9 Best Day Trips from Queenstown

Day 8 – Wanaka

Lake Wanaka - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time:  Just over one hour from Queenstown to Wanaka.

It’s only a short drive to Wanaka from Queenstown but I still recommend making an early start so you can make the most of your day exploring Wanaka.

One of the most beautiful towns and lakes in New Zealand, Wanaka and it’s lake of the same name, is a year round outdoor destination. In the warmer months enjoy some of the country’s best walks and during the winter, ski at some of the Southern Alps best resorts.

Lake Wanaka - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Wanaka

Mt Aspiring National Park – Enjoy a range of walks to suit all fitness levels from two hours to two weeks. One of the most popular is the Rob Roy Glacier Track, a spectacular 3-4 hour, 10 km walk that takes in alpine scenery, snow fields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls.

Explore the Lake – There are a few different ways you can enjoy Lake Wanaka either on land or on the water. From the town there’s a walk/bike track that leads in both directions around to certain points of the lake. Or if you prefer to see it on the water, you can hire a kayak, take a guided boat tour or speed through it on a jet boat .

Lupins on Lake Wanaka - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Roy’s Peak – For the best view from above of Wanaka, a hike up Roy’s Peak is a must. It is a 5-6 hour return 16 km walk that takes you to the 1,578 m peak on a steep but relatively easy climb.

Fun in the Snow – During the cooler months you’ll find two of New Zealand’s finest ski fields within easy reach of Wanaka. Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort are just 20 minutes drive away, and offer ski and snowboarding facilities to all skill levels.

Sunset on Lake Wanaka - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Budget – Wanaka Backpackers Bothy

Mid-Range – Wanaka View Motel

Luxury – Lakeside Apartments

Read More About Wanaka

Things to Do in Wanaka

The Best Tours in Wanaka

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Wanaka Itinerary: 2 or 3 Days

The Spectacular Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown

Day 9 to 10 – Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time:  3.5 hours from Wanaka to Franz Josef

The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef is one of New Zealand South Island’s best drives so give yourself plenty of time to make stops at waterfalls, lookouts and the amazing Blue Pools. On day 10 you’ll have plenty of time to explore a lot of Glacier Country’s highlights.

Don’t miss out on visiting the glaciers of Glacier Country before they disappear! You see, the glaciers are melting at an increasingly fast rate so they won’t be around forever. Basing yourself in the thriving little resort town of Franz Josef gives you easy access to everything the region has to offer.

Lake Matheson - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Franz Josef

Explore the Glaciers – There are two ancient glaciers in the region for visitors to explore, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Anyone can take a flat, easy walk to get close to each of them in just over an hour. Or for something a bit more adventurous, why not climb aboard a helicopter to soar above them and even land and walk on them. Check out these glacier and helicopter tours for Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier , which sell out well in advance!

Lake Matheson –  This picture perfect lake offers views of Mt Cook and on a clear, calm day, the perfect reflection of it too. The walk around the lake takes about one and half hours with lots of places to stop and taking in the view along the way.

Glacier Hot Pools – After a day hiking on glaciers you’ll need a place to go and help your muscles to relax. The Glacier Hot Pools is just the place! Surrounded by rainforest, the pools are fed by the waters of Franz Josef Glacier, or Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere in Māori. The legend of Hgai Tahu (a local Māori tribe) says that these waters are the tears of aroha, meaning love, which were frozen by the gods creating the Franz Josef Glacier.

Fox Glacier viewed from Glacier View Lookout - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Where to Stay in Franz Josef

Budget – Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range – The Terrance

Luxury – Westwood Lodge

Read More About Franz Josef

Things to Do in New Zealand’s Glacier Country

A Walk Around Lake Matheson in Photos

Day 11 to 12 – Nelson/Abel Tasman

Drive Time:  6 hours from Franz Josef to Nelson along the West Coast

Day 11 is the longest drive day of the trip but don’t worry, it’s another spectacular one. Make sure you follow the wild west coast all the way up to Punakaiki for the best views. On day 12 head out to Abel Tasman National Park for a day of adventure.

Nelson is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring one of the South Island’s best kept secrets, Abel Tasman National Park. Home to pristine golden sand beaches and excellent walks, this part of the country should be on everyone’s to-see list.

Abel Tasman National Park - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do 

Day Trip to Abel Tasman National Park – With no road access to the park, your only options for exploring Abel Tasman are on foot, cruise or kayak. There are a bunch of tours available that combine these things for a full day exploring this stunning national park. Check out these tours that include both on and off the water experiences.

Where to Stay in Nelson

Budget – YHA Nelson by Accents

Mid-Range – Harbourside Lodge

Luxury – The Sails Nelson

Day 13 to 14 – Kaikoura

Kaikoura from Peninsula Lookout - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Drive Time:  3 hours from Nelson to Kaikoura

Day 13 is another easy drive day with lots to see and experience along the way. Stop by the Marlborough Wine region  and enjoy the spectacular drive south along the Kaikoura coast.

The seaside town of Kaikoura sits on a big wide open bay that is home to countless species of marine life and flanked with towering snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Sounds like paradise to me!

Delicious Crayfish in Kaikoura - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

What to See & Do in Kaikoura

Peninsula Lookout – The first place you should head when arriving in town, this lookout provides the best views of the bay and mountains. I guarantee the view will take your breath away.

Point Kean Seal Colony – One of the top things to do in Kaikoura is to head to Point Kean, just a few minutes drive from town, where you’ll find a colony of seals that you can get up close (but not too close!) to in their natural environment. As soon as you step out of the car you’ll see the seals lazing on the rocks, soaking up the sun. On my visit we saw a few dozen including some young ones playing in a natural rock pool.

Seals at Point Kean - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Ohau Stream – From May until October, head just 15 minutes north of Kaikoura to visit the Ohau Stream to see seal pups playing in the stream and under the waterfall. These playful and shy little creatures are left here by their mothers for a few months to play with the other pups while they grow.

Whale & Dolphin Cruises – The bay is home to an array of marine life all year round. Your best chance at seeing them up close is on a cruise and there are cruises that run daily all year round. Sperm Whales ( check out this tour ) live in the bay year round and Kaikoura is one of only three places in the world where you can see them up close. A tour will also give you the chance to swim with the resident Dusky Dolphins, like on this tour or this kayaking tour to get up close out of the water.

Seal Pups playing at Ohau Stream - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

Where to Stay in Kaikoura

Budget – Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range – Quality Suites Kaikoura

Luxury – The Hamptons

Finish off your two weeks in New Zealand’s South Island back in Christchurch where you’ll find the biggest range of International flight departures on the South Island.

If you follow this trip to a tee you’ll be driving over 2,000 km, so you’ll want a vehicle that is comfortable for both driver and passengers, plus one that has plenty of space for your luggage.

New Zealand’s terrain is very mountainous so hiring a vehicle with a bit of power will make the driving experience easier too.

For all my car hire bookings I use and recommend Hertz . I’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple vehicle types and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.

Got More Than Two Weeks?

Marlborough Sound - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

There is so much more to New Zealand’s South Island than the places mentioned in the above itinerary. If you have more than two weeks to explore this incredible part of the world, here are a few extra stops I think you should consider:

  • Dunedin – Home to some of New Zealand’s best architecture and a great place to base yourself for exploring the stunning coast just north of the city.
  • The Catlins – Love the outdoors? Then you’ll love The Catlins! The region offers walks for all abilities , stunning coastal and rural scenery and quaint little villages.

Dunedin - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

  • Stewart Island – Stunning seascapes, lots of wildlife and a slower pace of life are just a few of the draw cards for visiting this island located off the south coast of the South Island.
  • Marlborough – From cruising the untouched sound to sipping some of the world’s best wine , Marlborough isn’t just another pretty place to pass through, it’s worth some time if you can afford it as there are many things to do there .

Nugget Point in the Catlins - Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary - The Trusted Traveller

  • Punakaiki – This itinerary actually takes you through Punakaiki but I think that if you have time, it is a place well worth some extra time. It is home to some of the best coastal walks and natural features you’ll find in New Zealand.

And don’t forget that you can also spend extra time in any of the places mentioned in this itinerary. All of them have lots to offer.

Over to you!

Which part of this New Zealand South Island two week itinerary are you most excited about?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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46 thoughts on “Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary”

New Zealand is My Happy Place … I love it so much .

Good itinerary and very useful 🙂

Thanks Rohini. It is my happy place too!

Hi Jen, is there any advantage to doing this route clockwise vs. counterclockwise? May be a silly question… thanks!

Absolutely no difference in my mind. Whatever works best for you!

Great post! What was your highlight? Mine was Mount Cook or Abel Tasman National Park!

Thanks Abbi. Probably the drive out from Tekapo to Mt Cook Village. But really everything I have seen of New Zealand I have loved.

Hi Jen. May I know which route you took from Tekapo to Mt Cook Village? Is it direct route (1h 34min as showed in google map) or the one through Lake Pukaki?

Yes Sathyendra, I travelled there direct from Tekapo and the drive as about 1.5 hours so that sounds right to me.

hi your travel planning was cool and nice i am planning for new zealand it is a wonderful place thanks for sharing to nice experiences…keep posting

What time of year do you recommend doing this?

Have been to NZ more than once previously …. Two active seniors want an expert to recommend route, accom. etc.,etc. Last 2 times we rented a camper van….but not this time !! We do not want to start a dialogue via social media. We don’t do it for anyone including g’kids. We’re thinking 23+-days in NZ. currently we envision arriving Feb. 1, and departing the 24,2019. We did a 23 day NI spring(yours) self-directed garden tour in 2017 that I planned. Mostly east side of island from Auk. to Wel.and back. Leisurely 36 to 40 gardens. So I wish a break from getting totally engrossed finding accom., etc., etc.,…. Jim

Hi Jim, This itinerary should help you start to piece together the bits and pieces you need for your trip to NZ. If you would like to ask any specific questions about my suggestions, please feel free to email me at [email protected]

thank you for this itinerary. planning to go to South NZ in 2021 🙂

Looking to take my future wife over for our honeymoon and we will both be first timers, planning on hiring a motor home and doing a 7/8 day travel from Christchurch to Queenstown.

My question is what areas would you recommend for half the time, should i go north or south from Christchurch??

Hi Stephen, It depends on what you guys are into. There are some great hikes south and wineries and food north. If I personally had to pick, it would be south. Milford Sound the Catlins are both stunning. The coastline south of Christchurch is beautiful too, almost as good as the west coast. Hope you have a lovely honeymoon. Cheers Jen

Hi Jen. Thanks for this incredibly useful article. One question though … we only have 13 nights – and we are not really into hiking or the adrenalin rush stuff. Could we do the same itinerary and miss out staying in Queenstown? Looking forward to hearing your advice Catherine

Hi Catherine, Sure you can take out a night from Queenstown, but check it out on your way through, it is a beautiful place and not just for those who like adrenalin sports. Cheer Jen

Thank you so much for your fantastic free guide. My husband and I had 18 days so we stretched the time out to suit us. It was such an adventure through this amazing island. There are surprises around nearly every bend. We visited Mt Lyford on our way back to Christchurch and it was worth it. Only place we missed was Dunedin but Mt Cook was worth it. We have done this trip in a country that has bearable temperatures in summer as opposed to sweltering in Oz at this time of the year. Thanks again.

So great to hear!

Hi Jen! Thanks for the elaborate information! I have just 8 nights and as such I am confused which places to include and which ones to leave. Can you please help me with that

Hi Rajeev, That would depend entirely on what your interests are. If you like extreme sports don’t miss Queenstown. If you like hikes don’t miss the west coast. I’d need to know more about what you like to do on holiday to make some more firm suggestions. Cheers Jen

Hi Jen, Wonderful Itinery. I have a question. Which part of the year you travelled? I am thinking of doing this in late April to May. Would the drive be easy or would it be snowing? I am traveling with my wife and two kids.

Hi Ketan, I have travelled around the south island at all times of the year. The roads in the snowy season are well maintained and you shouldn’t have a problem getting around. Unlikely you will encounter much snow at that time of the year anyway. Maybe a few early season falls. Cheers Jen

You briefly mentioned the Punakaiki Rocks. This is a great attraction on the West Coast with a nice easy walk (about an hour in total from start to finish) that shouldn’t be missed. Three of us recently did a super-quick one week tour of the South Island following basically the same route you suggested but in reverse and starting and finishing at Picton. Because of time restraints we had to miss Nelson and Milford Sound / Fiordland but went to Wanaka and Queenstown.

The Punakaiki Rocks are a natural wonder (geologists are still unsure exactly how they were formed) and well worth viewing. As well, to do it justice and if time allows, I suggest spending a minimum of at least two or three days on the West Coast – the scenery is amazing especially when you take the time to go off the main road to signposted attractions such as waterfalls, lakes, and beaches.

Thanks for your recommendations Ken.

If we wanted to add The Lindis pass to The 2 week New Zealand Tour, what would be the best route, or are we best to just make it a day trip from Tekapo

Thanks for your well planned itinerary, I do pick up few good idea for my trip for this Nov. I hv 2 child to go along for this trip and wonder any other area would also good for family with kids. Appreciated for your advise.

Hi Jen, Your itinerary looks lovely! My husband and I (from Singapore) are planning to drive out in July. We’ve only got 12 full days though, looking at either kaikoura or nelson, but not both. What would you recommend?

We are planning a self-drive 10 days trip to the South Island (NZ).

From your ‘Two weeks Road trip’ itinerary schedule, all those places recommended were perfect.

For a 10 days trip (Christchurch roundtrip), what would you suggest the places to visit ? Thanks.

Regards, KL

Hi Jen, We would like to add in Dunedin. Which would be the best way to go and do you think 3 nights in each place is ok.

Hi Jen, looks like a great itinerary, thanks for sharing! Would you recommend the same with two young kids? 4 and 1.5y, is there much to do for such young ones? Thanks, Reka 🙂

Hi Jen! This is super helpful! I am going in April for 2 weeks for my 40th birthday. The Marlborough wine country is high on my list-any suggestion to edit this itinerary to include that? Thank you!! -Deanna (San Diego, CA)

Hi, I am basing my South Island trip next month (13-26/10), very much on your suggested itinerary (renting a self contained campervan). Thank you. I have been going through various websites to check out ticket prices for various attractions – Milford Sound cruise, Queenstown Jet Boat, etc – there seems to be some differences in prices and packages (comparing Get Your Guide, Southern Discoveries, Everything Queenstown, Viator), but I also noted that you used GYG for a number of references to tours. Is GYG the better place to book, in terms of price, reliability, etc? Any other websites you would recommend?

Many thanks

Great articel. Do you recommend doing same trip with m parents who are around 60year old ? or would you suggest knocking off some places and do some north island for holistic expericne of newzeland?

Thank you for such an informative post! We are visiting Franz Josef Glacier in December. Is it worth taking a scenic flight to see the glaciers or will the valley walk take us close enough to see the glaciers?

I intend to hire a car and travel alone in the South Island. Is it easy and safe? Also, are parking to locations you suggested available?

Many thanks!

Hi – Great guide that I’m planning to follow for our trip to NZ in March, but I was wondering if we would miss anything from doing this route in reverse?

An activity I want to do is fully booked but would be OK if we went backwards?

Hi Jen, how easy is it to do this trip in a motor home with ur Itenary. Are there free camper spots available like they have in north island

We did the southern half of this route in February. The full route suggested is quite long for a two week trip. That sort of mileage might be more comfortable in a car. But the roads and countryside are perfect for a Motor Home. We cut across from west to east just north of Franz Josef which neatly shortened the route. Rough camping is allowed in most places if you have a rough camping permit (ie sewage on board). Most RVs that you would rent have this. We generally opted for the Department of Conservancy (DOC) sites which were cheap, environmentally friendly and support the upkeep of the country. You can check them out at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/campsites .

Hi Jen, we are planning to set a New Zealand South Island family tour (10 pax) this coming June. Kindly recommend the best guided tour we can have. Kind regards, Armando

Thank Jen. We used this as our starting point to plan a 15 day RV trip around South Island. In the end we did not cover all the ground that you suggested – we quickly decided against miles and box-ticking, opting for a slower and more laid back holiday. Hence it took us 11 days to get as far as Frans Josef. So not far north of there we cut east along the 73 and Arthur’s pass back to Christchurch. For those taking that route the caves at Castle Hill were an unexpected and spectacular treat. Thanks for your efforts. Made our planning so much easier. Keep safe. Craig

So glad to hear that Craig! And glad you could use this itinerary to adapt to your own type of holiday.

This looks great, we live in the North Island and haven’t done an epic South Island road trip since having kids, have been planning on a three week mission this summer and this is a great starting point for us, you’ve taken lots of the hard work out of planning and travel times for me. Thanks

Hi , firstly thankyou for sending a free copy of your itinerary. This has given us some great idea’s as we’re currently trying to make an itinerary starting from Picton and ending in Christchurch. We have 13 days to do this . We plan to go west from Picton then follow your itinerary to Christchurch. As were missing out the north east area , have you any more idea’s for stopping , like maybe up the north west area , between Franz Joseph and Picton. Many thanks .C & B . So looking forward to our campervan road trip 😀

Hi Barrie. Glad I could help. Between Picton and Franz you could make two stops, firstly the Abel Tasman National Park when you can take hikes or boat trips to see the park. Second stop would be Punakaki on the wild west coast. Check out the Pancake Rocks, wild beaches and lots of nature walks too. Have a great trip and happy planning! Cheers Jen

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South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip

Home » Blog » New Zealand » South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip

We’ve done all the trip planning for you and put together the best 2-week itinerary for South Island New Zealand you’ll find! It’s packed full of incredible sights and heart-thumping adventures, plus insider tips and advice. 

South Island New Zealand

With picturesque fjords, snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests and black sand beaches, South Island New Zealand is a nature-lover’s paradise. 

Add to that a seemingly endless amount of activities —like bungy jumping, whale watching and some of the world’s best hiking—and you’ve got yourself one hell of an adventure! 

Planning a trip to New Zealand can be overwhelming because there is just SO. MUCH. TO. DO. But if you plan it right, it will surely end up being one of the most memorable vacations of your life .

While two weeks isn’t nearly enough to “do it all,” we think it’s a good amount of time to hit the highlights. We created this itinerary that packs in the major highlights, gets off the beaten path, and allows some time to just soak it all in.

This 2-week itinerary for South Island New Zealand is perfect for any traveler with a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature . And we have even included tips for altering it to fit a shorter trip, or what to see if you have more than two weeks to explore!

Article contents

  • About this itinerary
  • Best time to visit
  • How many days – what to add or cut

Choosing your campervan or car rental

  • Itinerary map
  • Itinerary overview
  • What to pack

About this South Island itinerary 

West Coast South Island New Zealand

Countless hours were spent researching our route for New Zealand. We pored over article after article. We talked to Kiwis and asked for their local advice. And we finally came up with a plan.

All our research paid off: We had an incredible road trip! So, we’ve taken our road trip route and made it even better for you.  

We added some things we wish we would have made it to and we altered a couple things here and there that we wish we would’ve done differently.

This itinerary for South Island New Zealand is set up for a campervan trip. However, you can follow much of this route if you’re traveling with a rental car and staying at hotels along the way. 

We’re beginning this route in Christchurch, as this is where many people enter the country.

However, if you’re doing a tour of both the South and North Island (we would absolutely recommend this if you have the time!), we’d suggest following this two-week South Island itinerary and then head over to our two-week North Island itinerary for more details.

Important Note: One thing to know about traveling in New Zealand is you’ll need to be flexible. The weather in this country (especially in the South Island) is highly unpredictable, and a day of heavy rain or a surprise snowfall might derail your plans of hiking or bungy jumping.

We would highly recommend having some “flex days” so you can alter your plans if you encounter weather that is not ideal. Trust us on this one.

If you’re looking for an alternative…

We traveled in NZ for about 5 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including both the North and South islands.

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days because so many people wanted a 1-month route. We’ll send you our complete 1-month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary today!

New Zealand Itinerary Banner

Best time to visit South Island New Zealand

This is sort of a loaded question as the answer will depend entirely on your personal travel style and reasons for visiting New Zealand. 

If hiking, warmer temperatures, and beach time are on your to-do list, you’ll want to visit the South Island during the summer months. Spring and fall are the best months to visit to avoid major crowds and still have decent weather for hiking. 

If you are looking to save some money, experience skiing, or just want to avoid the crowds completely, you’ll want to visit during the winter months. 

Keep in mind: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are mirror opposite to those experienced in the north!

We put together an entire article that goes over what to expect in each season and how to decide which is best for you. Find out the best time to visit New Zealand for your personal travel needs. 

How many days do you need in South Island New Zealand?

Lupin Field New Zealand

We had the exact same question when we first started researching New Zealand. 

This South Island New Zealand itinerary is for 15 days exactly. Although it will be a bit fast, we feel like it is probably the best introduction to New Zealand you can get .

If you have a different timeline in New Zealand, here are our recommendations for your custom itinerary:

1 week on the South Island

Try to fly in and out of Queenstown if you can. Travel around Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Haast Pass and Franz Josef, then fly back out of Queenstown.

10 days on the South Island

Follow this itinerary, but cut out the section in the north (Abel Tasman & Nelson). To save time, you could skip a few activities in the West Coast (but we really recommend not to) and cut across the island via Arthur’s Pass or Hwy 7 back to Christchurch.

2 weeks on the South Island

Perfect! Follow this itinerary and you’ll be fine. If you want to stay overnight at a mountain hut, you might want to plan that into your trip.

3 weeks on the South Island

Follow this itinerary, but add on extra adventures like overnights at Mueller Hut and Brewster Hut. You could spend an extra day in Queenstown or Wanaka, a couple days in the Catlins, or tack on another day trip in Abel Tasman National Park. Arthur’s Pass is another great spot to explore (especially if you plan to return to Christchurch).

campervan rental in New Zealand 1

One of the best ways to travel around New Zealand is in a campervan. That’s how we traveled for 5 weeks, and how we set up this itinerary to be followed. 

If you’re wanting to do a campervan trip, we have a guide to the best campervan rentals in New Zealand . This walks you through your rental options, what to look out for, and we’ve even included an exclusive discount for our readers! 

We also put together a HUGE guide to planning your New Zealand campervan trip with tons of insider tips and advice. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Alternatively, you can still follow this itinerary using a car rental and staying in hotels and Airbnbs along the way. 

Renting a car in New Zealand is different from many other countries. Even if you’re a pro at car rentals you might be surprised by a few things. We put together a huge guide to New Zealand car rentals to share all of our insider information with you. 

Be sure to book your rental car and any rental gear before your trip begins . And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.

South Island New Zealand itinerary overview

Day 1: fly into christchurch, day 2: lake tekapo & lake pukaki, day 3: hiking around mount cook, then drive to queenstown, day 4-5: queenstown, glenorchy, & adventure activities, day 6: te anau and milford road highway, day 7: milford sound and key summit hike, day 8: wanaka, day 9: hiking around wanaka – roys peak vs. isthmus peak, day 10: drive haast pass to franz josef.

  • Day 11: Helicopter ride and drive to Hokitika

Day 12: Pancake Rocks, glow worm cave rafting and seals

Day 13: abel tasman, day 14: nelson, vineyards in marlborough, and drive to kaikoura, day 15: dolphin encounter and whale watching tours, south island itinerary map.

South Island New Zealand Map

  • At a glance: Welcome to New Zealand! Get your wheels, get connected, get stocked up, and get on the road!
  • Distance: 7.6 km (4.3 miles)
  • Driving time: 15 minutes

Unless you’ve got unlimited time in New Zealand, we’d recommend getting out of Christchurch as quickly as possible. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with this city, but it’s just that — another city. There are so many more epic places to explore in this country.

Get a SIM card

As soon as you land, get a SIM card at one of the booths at the airport. (We got Spark and had good service.) If you land at night and the booths are closed, don’t worry — we’ll share another place you can get a SIM card.

We purchased a month-long Spark plan with 4GB of data and some calls and texts for $54 NZD ($36 USD). (We did have to top off a few more GB’s after our two weeks in the South Island, but that’s only because we use our phones for work.)

Another alternative is using an eSIM. We like using Airalo to get eSIMs on our travels because it’s convenient and easy. And it’s actually quite affordable as well!

You can download an eSIM with 5GB, valid for 30 days in New Zealand, for just $16 USD! 

Pick up your campervan (or rental car)

best road trips south island new zealand

From the airport, take the free shuttle to the rental lot where you will be given the keys to your home on wheels.

Good to know: Most reputable campervan companies will give you a little “orientation” where they explain how everything works and how to set up your bed (because it’s not always as simple as it sounds!). Our orientation took 30 minutes, and by the time we filled out paperwork and actually got on the road, an hour had passed. So budget your time accordingly.

If you land late at night and can’t pick up your campervan until the next morning, Commodore Airport Hotel is a good place to stay, as it’s close to the airport and the rental lots.

Run some essential errands

Now that you’re on the road, it’s time to stock up on a few essentials. 

We found Hornby to be a good place to stop, as it’s on the way out of town. It’s a pretty drab suburb, but it’s got a mall and just about every store you’ll need.

  • Pak’nSave : Discount supermarket (if you want the lowest prices on groceries, this is where you’ll find them)
  • Countdown : A nicer grocery store
  • The Warehouse : Cheap “big box” store with toiletries and clothes (like Walmart). – $10 NZD for hoodie and flannel
  • If you didn’t get a SIM card at the airport and don’t want to use an eSIM, all 3 of the major network providers (Spark, Vodafone & 2degrees) have branches in the Hornby mall. Here is a quick guide to the cell service options in New Zealand .

Want advice on things to stock up on? We wrote about our favorite campervan meals including ingredient lists to help you come up with a grocery list, and go over our campervan packing list to see if there are any essential items (like baby wipes!) you need to pick up.

Now that you’re stocked up on essentials and have your wheels, it’s time to find a place to camp. Depending on what time your flight arrived, you might be able to make it quite far — make it to Lake Tekapo if you can!

But if you’re like us and landed in the afternoon, the daylight will be fading and your stomach grumbling.

Camping options near Christchurch

Chamberlains Ford Recreation Reserve :

FREE, find it on the Rankers App. ( Don’t know about the Rankers App? Read about it in our guide to campervaning in New Zealand .)

This camp area is 15 minutes from Hornby. There is a clean toilet and not much else, but it’s free.

Recommended? Sure. It’s literally just an open area with a toilet, but is convenient if you want to get out of Christchurch but don’t have time to drive far.

best road trips south island new zealand

  • At a glance: Long day of driving, but totally worth it. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, drive by Lake Pukaki, and make it to Mount Cook village so you can do the Hooker Valley Track before sunset.
  • Distance: 358 km (222 miles)
  • Total driving time: 4 – 5 hours

Lake Tekapo

This postcard-perfect lake will be a sight for jetlagged eyes. 

After making the flat (and honestly quite boring) journey from Christchurch, the piercing aqua waters of Lake Tekapo basically say, “Welcome to New Zealand, mate!” And you’ll finally feel like you’ve arrived.

Things to do around Lake Tekapo

best road trips south island new zealand

Have a picnic lunch: Park your car, grab a blanket and sit amongst the colorful lupines. You’ll want something to eat after the drive from Christchurch.

Church of the Good Shepherd: This tiny stone church is the main attraction of the area. Try your best to avoid people getting in your photos. The inside of the church is small and quiet with an epic view through the back window. A service is held there every Sunday at 4 p.m.

Photograph lupines: If you’re lucky and are visiting New Zealand during lupin season, Lake Tekapo is an excellent place to view these pretty purple and pink flowers.

They are only in bloom for a short 6 weeks, from mid-November through early January, and during this time you’ll find these beauties all over the South Island – near the lakes, in towns, and even on the side of the road. So get ready to snap away!

Interesting fact: Lupines are actually weeds that are not native to New Zealand. We learned from one Kiwi that any colored plant or flower is non-native. Almost all native plants native to New Zealand are green, so settlers began bringing in flowers of all colors to brighten up the landscape without understanding the toll non-native species can take on the environment. But there’s no harm in enjoying the beautiful pop of color lupines bring for a short time each year.

best road trips south island new zealand

Stargaze: Due to the lack of light pollution in the surrounding areas, Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Enjoy the stars for free on any clear night, or take a stargazing tour to learn more about the constellations. There are even nighttime hot pools where you can look at the sky while soaking a picturesque hot tub.

Good to know: Being that Lake Tekapo is quite close to Christchurch, it is a popular stop for bus tours and pretty much every tourist coming through the country. Even though every picture you’ve seen of Church of the Good Shepherd looks peaceful and abandoned, expect a small crowd (unless you arrive at sunrise or stay past dusk).

Lake Pukaki

best road trips south island new zealand

Just 30 minutes further is Lake Pukaki, another body of aqua water that, in our opinion, topped Lake Tekapo.

For one, it was less crowded than Tekapo. Plus, this narrow lake is flanked by Aoraki/Mount Cook, which you can see looming majestically at the far end. *cue jaw drop* 

Lastly, the water was a significantly brighter shade of blue than Tekapo (at least on the day we visited).

Why are some of the lakes (and rivers) in New Zealand so blue? *enter Ben’s nerd voice*

Because these lakes and rivers are fed from glacier ice melt, there are small particles of earth in the water called rock flour (or glacier flour). This rock flour gets suspended in the water, which scatters and absorbs the colors of sunlight, giving it a cloudy blue color.

Things to do around Lake Pukaki

When you first reach the lake, you’ll find a parking lot, but don’t stop there. Instead, continue to the right on a small road (Hayman Road) for a few hundred meters. You’ll find a hidden little picnic spot that’s stunning. 

Tip: We parked on the side of the road instead of turning in because the gravel road looked a bit rough.

Campground Recommendation: The Pines Freedom Camping (need to be self-contained)

best road trips south island new zealand

Be prepared, because you are about to embark on a super epic drive. The 45 minutes it takes to go from the south end of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village is dangerously beautiful. 

I say dangerous because you’ll no doubt want to stop your vehicle every couple hundred meters to take a photo! But be careful on this 2-lane road and only stop at the designated pullouts.

Insider tip: You’ll definitely want to stop at Peter’s Viewpoint , which is about ⅓ of the way up as you’re driving north along the lake.

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

This National Park is home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand: Mount Cook. It also offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

With glaciers, rocky rivers, unparalleled mountain views, and a series of hikes suitable for all levels, Mount Cook National Park was easily one of our favorite places on the South Island. So it comes as no surprise that it is listed as a World Heritage area.

Why are there two names? Aoraki is the Maori name, and Mount Cook is what the settlers called this peak.

Mount Cook Village

best road trips south island new zealand

This tiny village consists of a few accommodation options, mountaineering tour offices, a couple cafes and the DOC Visitors Centre (which you should absolutely check out!).

Campgrounds in Mount Cook National Park: White Horse Hill Campground

  • Cost: $13 per person ($6.50 for children)
  • Type of campground: DOC (Department of Conservation)
  • Would we recommend it? Yes, it’s definitely your best option in the area!

White Horse Hill is a DOC campsite and costs $13 per person per night ($6.50 for children). This campground is free if you have the DOC pass . You will need to self-register by filling out your information on an envelope and enclosing cash (exact change is needed).

This popular campground can get quite crowded as it is one of the only options in the area. The facilities are basic (drop toilets and a sheltered area). But the views are some of the best you’ll find at any campground in the country.

This campground is the starting point for Hooker Valley Track.

Hooker Valley Track

best road trips south island new zealand

  • Distance: 6.7 miles (10.7 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 666 ft (203 m)
  • Difficulty rating: Moderate
  • View the trail notes

The Hooker Valley Track is a very easy 3-hour return walk on a well maintained trail. It’s suitable for people of all abilities—we saw small children as well as elderly.

This incredible walk had changing landscapes, boardwalks, jaw dropping views of Mount Cook, and 3 suspension bridges. Be cautious if it’s windy!

best road trips south island new zealand

Keep your eyes peeled for Mount Cook Lilies—the largest buttercup flowers in the world. There are small signs along the path that point them out along the way. Just be sure you don’t touch them, as it is harmful to these fragile (and rare!) flowers.

Looking for more hikes? With the help of our local friend, we rounded up the most epic New Zealand hikes into one detail-packed article to help you plan your hiking adventures.
  • At a glance: Hike up to Sealy Tarns and/or to Tasman Glacier viewpoint, then drive to Queenstown .
  • Distance: 264 km (164 miles)
  • Total driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Aoraki Mount Cook Visitors Centre

This DOC visitor center is beautifully designed and has information on the local flora and fauna as well as some of the history of this region.

You can learn about Freda Du Faur, a badass Australian mountaineer who was the first woman to climb New Zealand’s highest peak (Mount Cook). The rangers also have up-to-date information on the condition of the nearby hiking trails.

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There is a nice cafe across from the visitor center. It’s a bit pricey, but there is not much else around.

Mueller Hut

  • Distance: 6 miles (10 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 3,454 ft (1,053m)
  • Difficulty rating: Challenging

Overnighting at the Mueller Hut is one of the most popular things to do in Mount Cook Village. 

It’s a 4-hour hike one-way, requiring advanced hiking and climbing ability. At the top you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view of some of the tallest peaks in NZ, including Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Attempting this hike depends on your interest, experience level and the weather. 

There are 28 bunks in the hut. Booking ahead is required from mid-November to the end of April and costs $45 NZD per person per night.

Our Experience: We had 2 beds reserved and paid for, but when we went to the visitor center in the morning they strongly cautioned us against it. High winds, rain and icy conditions; and our experience with ice axes is minimal. 

Sealy Tarns 

  • Distance: 3.2 miles (5.15 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 1,778 ft (542m)

The rangers told us we could do the 4-hour return trip up to the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns instead. It’s 2,200 steps on a walkway up and will get you about halfway to Mueller Hut, but it still offers great views of Hooker Valley.

You can rent crampons, ice axes and sleeping bags (and other gear) from Alpine Guides , located in Mount Cook Village. (Though they aren’t guaranteed to have everything you need in stock.) 

  • Crampons = $15 per day
  • Ice ax = $15 per day
  • Sleeping bag and liner = $25 per day 
Note: If you plan to stay overnight at the Mueller Hut, you will add an extra day to this itinerary.

Tasman glacier walk

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  • Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 269 ft (82m)
  • Difficulty rating: Easy

If you’re looking for something much easier than hiking up to a mountain hut, the Tasman Glacier walk is a nice viewpoint that only takes about 15 minutes to reach. 

The path is mostly stairs, but it’s not difficult — all abilities are able to make it to this viewpoint.

Midway through there is a platform and you can see the “blue lakes” that used to be bright blue from the glacial water that fed them. The glacier has receded and no longer feeds them, so they are fed with rainwater, making them a blue-green color.

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Near the beginning of the trail you’ll see a path to the right to Tasman Lake. This is where you can get right up to the water and see icebergs up close.

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Once you’re done exploring around Mount Cook, it’s time to head further south to Queenstown. It’s a 3-hour drive on Google Maps but it might take 4 hours. That’s just the way New Zealand’s roads work.

Along the drive you can take a rest at Lindis Pass Viewpoint and take in the view from two massive valleys. Continue on Hwy 6 south until you make your way into Queenstown.

You might be pretty exhausted after your drive in, so tonight you might just want to take it easy. Check into your holiday park (we liked Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde ), then maybe head down to the harbor to watch the sunset. 

If you’re feeling up for it, you could grab a Fergburger (more info below) or check out our list of nightlife in Queenstown.

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This town of just over 15,000 residents is touristy, yes, but for good reason. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by snowy peaks, there’s no denying the beauty that surrounds Queenstown.

It makes for the perfect hub for all types of adventure activities and day trips. Queenstown also has a pretty decent nightlife scene if that’s your thing (probably the best you’ll find on the South Island).

With all the things to do in Queenstown , we’d recommend staying at least 2 days. And if you have time to spare, you could add an extra day here.

Our advice: Come to Queenstown with a game plan. There are so many adventure activities in this area that it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you want to do. Also, being that it is a popular tourist hub, activities book out quite quickly, so it helps to plan a bit in advance.

For this South Island Itinerary, we’ve separated your time in Queenstown in two days laid out below:

Day 4 at a glance:

Drive to Glenorchy

  • Stop at Bennett’s Bluff Viewpoint
  • Visit the General Store and Wharf
  • Lunch in Glenorchy
  • Lakefront and Queenstown Garden

Total drive time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 106 km (66 miles)

Day 5 at a glance:

  • Adrenaline activities: bungy jump/skydive/shotover boat ride
  • Visit Arrowtown for ice cream or dinner
  • Drinks at night in Queenstown

Total drive time: 40 minutes | Distance: 40 km (24 miles)

You can mix and match your days in Queenstown whichever way you like. 

Also, it’s a good idea to look at the weather forecast for Queenstown and Milford Sound and plan out which days are best spent outside. If you want to do more adventure activities, you can add a few extra days here as well.

Psst! Don’t miss our complete guide to Queenstown with plenty of things to do and see to fill your days.

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About 45-minute drive from Queenstown along the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu with views of the Tooth Peak mountains.

Bob’s Cove : About 14 km out from Queenstown, pull off to hike the 20-minute one-way track to get a great view of the cove and Lake Wakatipu.

Bennett’s Bluff Viewpoint: Along the road 30 minutes (24 km) from Queenstown. It’s not a big pull out area so be careful. 

Glenorchy General Store: Sells everything you can think of from milk to fruit to sweaters to books on Lord of the Rings filming locations. It is a cafe and bakery too, so grab a pastry and sit on the picnic tables outside.

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Glenorchy Wharf: Walk inside the historic red barn and read about the history of the area. Walk out on the dock to get amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

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Once you’ve had enough of Glenorchy, head back to Queenstown. When you get about 7 km away from town, turn uphill to the left. Follow the directions for about 20 minutes to through sheep-filled fields to the hidden Moke Lake and campground . Hike around for a bit, or if you want to camp there, we have instructions below.

Queenstown waterfront and garden

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Take your burger down to the lakefront and devour it there. After you conquer your beast burger, walk it off in the Queenstown Garden. It’s a beautiful loop through the botanical garden and shoreline. Check out the lawn bowling in the center of the park.

Visit Arrowtown

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Take a 20-minute drive to historic Arrowtown. Once a thriving mining town, today it is filled with fancy restaurants, wine bars and ice cream shops. Window shop while taking in the old time feel of the city, and treat yourself to an IPA or red wine at the charming The Fork and Tap .

Rainy day activities in Queenstown

Reading Cinema Theater:  Catch the newest movie at the local movie theater. It was a little rainy (and snowy!) when we first arrived to Queenstown and this was a nice way to spend the day.

Tim Wilson Gallery:  View beautiful works of art that we will never afford to own. Tim Wilson, a Kiwi himself, is extremely talented and has an amazing way of painting landscapes around New Zealand.

Adrenaline activities near Queenstown

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Bungy Jumping: Jump off a bridge where bungy was invented or launch yourself out of a catapult. Either way, there are plenty of companies to go with. 

It’s one of our top things to do in New Zealand and we’ll tell you which company we chose and why in that article.

Skydiving: Have you ever wanted to jump out of a plane? New Zealand is one of the best places to do it in the world. 

Imagine free falling with views of the Southern Alps and being able to see both coasts of the South Island. Pretty incredible! 

There are a few different sky diving companies to choose from so be sure to pick the best one for you.

Shotover Jet Boat Ride: Strap in for a wet and wild ride up and down the Shotover River. The jet boat driver will whip past rock walls and 360 degree spins in the river gorge. It will get your heart pumping for the entire 90-minute experience. Book your tour here .

Where to eat and drink in Queenstown

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  • We recommend getting the Sweet Bambi or Mr. Big Stuff. Take a look at the menu and try not to drool. Burgers average around $15 NZD, but they are the size of your face. 
  • Local tip: Call in your order so you don’t have to wait in line.
  • Alternative to Fergburger: We didn’t get to try it, but our friend says Devil Burger is pretty comparable to the Ferg. Do a little taste test for us and report back.
  • Erik’s Fish and Chips : A Kiwi staple, order your fish and chips and head down to the lakefront.
  • Atlas Beer Cafe : Located down by the wharf, this tiny bar and restaurant has amazing beers on tap and their famous steaks are no joke! Cheapest and best steak you’ll get in Queenstown.
  • The Cow Restaurant : Chow down on delicious artisan pizza or garlic bread paired with a local wine or brew.
  • Nightlife: If you’re looking for a wild night, head to Cowboy’s bar. Here you can play shuffleboard or ride the mechanical bull.

Camping near Queenstown

There are no freedom camping areas close to town, and if you are just driving in for the day there are only a few spots you can park for free. 

There is free street parking during the day on Man Street or Hallenstein Street. From there you can walk to town, but try to get there before 9 or 10 a.m.

There are only 3 campgrounds within the city and they often book up ahead of time. Make reservations if you’re traveling in peak season.

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Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde : This quirky holiday park was our choice for our time in Queenstown because it is eco-certified, has nice and warm common spaces with kitchens, hot water showers, and clean bathrooms.

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Moke Lake Campground : About a 30 minute drive from Queenstown, this was perhaps our favorite campground in all of New Zealand. The facilities are basic (as it’s a DOC site). But the location is like something out of a fairytale. Beautiful views of a lake valley surrounded by sheep. You have to drive on gravel roads in the middle of nowhere to get there. 4-wheel drive is recommended and there is no cell service.

  • Cost: Moke Lake Campground is not included in the DOC pass. $13 per person (self register, need exact cash). 
Psst! Both the Queenstown Holiday Park and Moke Lake made our list of best campsites in New Zealand . Be sure to check out the full list for other epic places to camp and plan your route around your favorites.

Alternative: 12-Mile Delta Campground : It has plenty of room, also $13 per person, and is about 15 minutes from town (or 12 miles “Oh I get it now…”).

  • At a glance: Spectacular views as you drive along the highway, stopping for short walks to viewpoints of lakes and mountains.
  • Distance: 289 km (179 miles)
  • Total driving time: 4.5 hours, but depends on number of stops

The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau and onto the Milford Sound Highway is stunning. There are tours to Milford that leave from Queenstown (there are a few good tours here ), but we highly recommend you drive on your own because there are so many places to stop.

Lucky for you, it just so happens that we have a guide with everything you need to know to plan the perfect Queenstown to Milford Sound road trip , including can’t-miss stops, essential tips, and how much time you *actually* need (spoiler alert: it’s NOT what Google Maps says).

Tip: Before you leave the Queenstown area, make sure to stock up on food at the Frankton Countdown grocery store because there aren’t very good options for food in Te Anau and there are no services on the Milford Road Highway.

Remarkables Lookout Point

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About halfway up the road to the Remarkables, Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu Lookout is a beautiful view over Queenstown. 

The Remarkables resort is supposed to have a nice view as well. However, when we drove up it was shrouded in clouds unfortunately.

Tip: Use 2nd gear if you have it going up, but be sure to switch when you’re parked, and low gear going down.

The drive along Hwy 6 on the shore of Lake Wakatipu is called the Devil’s Staircase and it is stunning. Be careful driving because many people will pull over on the side of the road for a picture, and so should you but make sure it is safe.

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Stopping in the Te Anau Visitors Center is worthwhile because they are very informative of things to do around Te Anau and on the Milford Road Highway. 

This will be your last stop for groceries, petrol and cell service before you head onto the highway. You should plan on at least 2.5 hours from Te Anau to Milford Sound (forget what Google maps says) because of all the stops, time waiting at Homer tunnel, and other travelers.

While in Te Anau, one of the attractions we found fascinating was the Ata Whenua – Shadowland film at the Fiordland Cinema . For $12 NZD, it’s a 32-minute video mostly taken in a helicopter around the fiordlands.

We couldn’t peel our eyes away from the screen as the video panned over icy mountain passes and dropped down massive waterfalls. It was like watching Planet Earth, and if you’re into that, we would recommend the video before you head up the highway. 

The film is shown hourly. There is a bar and sitting area outside the cinema that you can wait for the next showing.

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As you work your way north on the Milford Sound Highway, there are many nice stops like Te Anau Downs, Lake Mistletoe Walking Track, and Mirror Lakes.

Where to Stay

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Cascade Creek campsite : The closest campsite to Milford Sound. It is $13 NZD per person to camp, but it is free with the DOC Pass.

At the campsite there is the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, a flat 20-30 minute loop through giant mossy trees. We swore we could hear elves signing from the Lord of the Rings, but maybe it was just a long day of driving.

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  • At a glance: Milford Sound boat cruise or kayak tour in the morning and then 360 degree views of the mountain ranges from Key Summit.
  • Distance: 235 km (146 miles)
  • Total Drive Time: 4.5 hours

From Cascade Creek Campsite you should plan on at least an hour drive (maybe even 1.5 hours) to get to your Milford Sound cruise or tour. 

The Homer Tunnel is only 1-way and has traffic lights, which means delays can be up to 20 minutes during peak hours. In the early morning, we had to wait about 6 minutes so it wasn’t too bad.

Note: the Milford Sound parking lot is still a 10-minute walk (300 meters) down to the port. Factor that into your time before your tour.

Milford Sound is one of those bucket list places that totally lives up to the hype. The straight up rock walls, the massive waterfalls, and the timid wildlife… It all makes the 2-hour journey down and back the fjord seem to fly by quickly.

We put together a detailed Milford Sound guide with tons of tips for visiting this legendary natural attraction.

Milford Sound tours

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Make sure to book your Milford Sound tour a day or two in advance. It will most likely be sold out if you try to book at the port and there is no cell service along Milford Road to book along the way. 

We went with Go Orange Cruises who then transferred us to Real Journeys, but you can compare prices of all tours here .

The cruise ship we took had an inside sitting room with free coffee and hot chocolate, but most people hung out on the open air top deck. The captain was on the intercom telling us facts about the area, history and spotting wildlife.

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If you want a more intimate tour, book the Milford Sound Encounter Nature Tour . It’s a bit longer than the regular cruises and you get to be on a smaller boat. You’ll get up closer to wildlife and waterfalls (enough to get wet).

For the active and adventurous travelers, try a kayaking tour of Milford Sound. We really wanted to do this tour as well, but just did not have enough time.

We have a whole guide to booking the best Milford Sound cruise that will help you decide which tour is right for you.

Milford Sound viewpoints

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Once your cruise is over, we recommend walking to the end of the port and on to the jetty or breakwater path that protects the port. You’ll be able to get some pretty incredible shots of Mitre Peak from here.

Next head to the lookout behind the parking lot near the information center. It’s a 10-minute return to the viewpoint with a pretty nice view of the fiord.

Once you are done gawking at the beauty of Milford Sound, it’s time to head back down the Milford Road and stop at any of the locations you passed on the way up.

About 10 minutes south from Milford, The Chasm is worth a stop. Just as it sounds, it’s a deep crack in the earth with the raging Claddau River flowing through. It’s about a 10-15 minute loop trail.

Note: As of December 2022, this trail has been closed due to storm damage. Check back on Alltrails to see when it opens back up. 

Lake Marian Falls

About 12.7 km south from the Homer Tunnel, turn left on to the Hollyford Track Road and continue for about 1 km until the car park. Hike over a suspension bridge and up about 10 minutes to a series of beautiful waterfalls. 

After the falls, you could continue up the steep advanced track 1.5 hours one-way to Lake Marian. But if you don’t have a lot of time, we recommend the Key Summit Hike.

Key Summit Hike

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  • Distance: 4.8 miles (7.72km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 1,374 ft (419m)

This 3-hour return hike is a relatively easy trail for all abilities. You go through a series of switchbacks amongst the forest and then the last 30 minutes is mostly a flat “nature loop” on boardwalks. 

From the top, you get a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains that create the fjordlands. You can even see Lake Marian and the hanging valley it sits in.

Today becomes a long day after all the excitement of Milford Sound and the Key Summit. We recommend getting as far back towards Queenstown as you can. 

A good place to stop and spend the night in the middle is at Lumsden Freedom Camping . It’s a free place to camp/park overnight with a kitchen station and flush toilets. Make sure to read the instructions on where you can park on the Rankers App.

It’s more or less a parking lot near a historic train track, but clean bathrooms and it’s free. Would we recommend it? Yes, if you’re looking for a free place to camp on your way back from Milford Sound.

  • At a glance: Arrive in Wanaka and explore around this cute lakeside town
  • Distance: 161 km (100 miles)
  • Total driving time: Lumsden to Wanaka – 2.5 hours 

Make your way back from the southern fiords through Queenstown and up the scenic Crown Range Rd. 

If it’s wintertime, you could hit the slopes of Cardrona Alpine Resort, or if it’s summer drive up there for the viewpoint, otherwise continue on to Wanaka.

This charming lakeside town quickly draws visitors in and begs them to stay longer than they’d planned. With epic nature to be explored just steps from the center and an inviting small town feel, it’s hard not to fall for Wanaka.

Things to Do in Wanaka

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#ThatWanakaTree: Probably the most iconic image of Wanaka is now a viral sensation. The lakefront viewpoint is just west of the city so you could easily walk the 1.5 km from the town center or park at the Wanaka Rotary Playground. It’s a short walk from there, just follow everyone else.

Ethical Travel Note: This famous tree is very fragile. In fact, some tourists have broken off branches while posing in the tree. Please don’t ruin it for everyone and stay on shore.

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Wanaka lavender farm : Just a short drive from town you’ll find the beautiful fields of the Wanaka Lavender Farm. The peak season is mid-December through February, but honey tasting, lavender products, alpacas, lawn games, and the lavender garden are open all year round ($2 for adults, free for children under 15).

Hike up Mount Iron Track: This 1.5 hour loop hike overlooks town, the lake and Wanaka valley.

Go kayaking, SUPing or swimming in the lake: Rent a kayak or SUP, or take a kayak tour on Lake Wanaka . There are a few places around Wanaka where you can go swimming, check out this list of swimming holes .

Rippon Vineyard : No better way to end a day of exploring than a wine tasting. Rippon Cellar Door is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they don’t have a set price for wine tastings. They simply ask if you want you can contribute to their Habitat Restoration program. Groups of 7 or more need to make a reservation.

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Cinema Paradiso : Great rainy day activity (or in my opinion, any day activity). This local movie theater has couches and regular movie seats, and even the front half a car for your own drive-in experience. They have an intermission for each movie, in which you must get the freshly baked cookies. Be sure to get tickets in advance.

Related Reading: 75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Where to eat and drink in Wanaka

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  • The Doughbin Bakery : Best meat pie in New Zealand (and we sampled a lot!) Try the lamb and mint or the curry chicken. Eat in the cafe or take it to go and stroll the waterfront.
  • Kai Whakapai Eatery : Meaning “food made good”, this popular taproom/restaurant sits right on the corner of the main street in town and close to the wharf. Typical New Zealand bar food and light bites served with tasty craft and local beers.
  • Cork : This charming bar has over 100 different wines, craft brews, and signature cocktails to choose from. Try to swing by when they have live music.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

  • Cost: $21 NZD per person per night.
  • Cost: $7 NZD per person per night.

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  • At a glance: Long day hike around Wanaka
  • Distance: 73 km (45 miles)
  • Total driving time: At most 1 hour

In Wanaka, there are so many different hikes to choose from, but the most popular hike is Roys Peak. 

After hearing it was infamous for being crowded, we wanted to get a second opinion. We went to the Wanaka iSite (Visitors Center) and asked the woman behind the desk her opinion between Roys or Isthmus Peak. 

She said, “ Well, both hikes have beautiful views. Both are steep and take around the same amount of time. Roys is busier. Much busier. ”

When we asked her which she would recommend she just answered, “ It depends on whether you want to hike with dozens of other people or have the trail more to yourself. ” So she didn’t want to commit to choosing one, but the way she said it kind of let us know her pick!

If you want to do Roys, the trailhead is much closer to Wanaka. The Isthmus trailhead is about 30 minutes drive away. Each hike takes about the same amount of time, 5-6 hours return.

We’re not saying Roys Peak is a bad choice, but when we are in nature, we want to be surrounded by (surprise!) nature, and not selfie sticks. 

We had a great time hiking Isthmus Peak and the views are stunning . Not only do you get to see Lake Wanaka at the top, but you’re staring at the beautiful blue-green Lake Hawea the entire hike up.

We would also recommend doing Isthmus Peak if you’re following this itinerary since you will be heading to the Haast Pass next, cutting down your gas and driving time.

How to Hike Isthmus Peak

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  • Distance: 9.7 miles (15.6 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 3,677 ft (1118 m)

Drive north on Hwy 6 along Lake Hawea. Just before the road turns west toward the isthmus of the two lakes, there is a small lot to park in. (It’s easy to miss, so watch for it! It’s also not the pin on Google Maps). 

In the lot there is an outhouse and signs to the path. If you don’t want to use the outhouse, there are public toilets at Craigburn Beach on Lake Hawea.

At the beginning, there are a few gates you have to cross through (meant to keep livestock out).

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The hike is incredible! Seriously the views don’t stop the whole way up! 

I told Ben I was going to try to not take too many photos at the beginning of the hike… Five minutes in I had the camera out and was already snapping away. It kept getting better every 100 meters. 

It’s a steep hike, especially at the start and takes a good chunk of your day but it is so worthwhile. Bring enough water (at least 2 liters/person) & snacks. 

Hiking time: For us it was 2.5 hours ascend, 30 minute lunch break, 1.45 descent – plan for 5-6 hours.

Where to stay

After the hike, continue the scenic drive up north on Hwy 6, through “the Neck” and camp at Boundary Creek Campsite . Toilet and sinks available. $8 per person per night or free with the DOC Campsite Pass.

Option to stay overnight at Brewster Hut 

  • At a glance: Big day of driving over Haast Pass, stopping at waterfalls, rivers and lakes.
  • Distance: 237 km (147 miles)
  • Total driving time: 4 hours + 1 hour of stopping at sights

Haast Pass is a playground for roaring rivers and massive waterfalls. Today might seem like a sightseeing frenzy but each stop gets better than the last.

Over the pass, you are entering the West Coast of New Zealand , one of the sparsely populated and rough areas in all of NZ. Be prepared for drive times to be longer than you think and be cautious because emergency crews take longer to arrive in this area.

Blue Pools Walk

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  • Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 282 ft (86 m)

One of the best short walks in the South Island of New Zealand! This relatively flat walk brings you through the forest and opens up at a suspension bridge crossing the Makarora River. 

The second swing bridge is the viewing platform for the Blue Pools. If you’re feeling brave, dip your toes in by the river, the water is ice cold! The hike takes a total time of around 1 hour.

Fantail Falls

Short drive from the Blue Pools is the 23-meter Fantail Falls. View this waterfall from a short distance, because the Haast River crosses in front of it. 

Plenty of smooth rock and river cairns people have created. This is also the trailhead for the 6-hour return hike up the Brewsters Hut.

Brewster Hut (adds an extra day)

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  • Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 3,156 ft (962 m)

Sitting below the giant mountains and glaciers of the Mount Aspiring National Park is the 12-bunk Brewster Hut. We’ve written about our experience hiking to the hut in our West Coast article (scroll to #3!), including a description of the trail and what to pack. 

Note: If you have time to overnight here, we recommend it, however it would add a day to this itinerary.

Gates of Haast

A powerful river flowing through monstrous boulders spanned by a steel bridge. It’s beautiful to drive over, but there is not really a good spot to pull over and get out. Unless you walk from the Thunder Creek Falls pull out.

Thunder Creek Falls

Literally a 2-minute walk to an impressive 92-meter waterfall. That’s it, short and sweet.

Roaring Billy Falls

Yet another loud waterfall that seems to appear out of the woods. The parking lot here is small and therefore you might be forced to skip it.

Matheson Lake

Turn left out of Fox Glacier and head straight for Lake Matheson. This reflective lake is a postcard waiting to happen. 

Capture the lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance as you make the 2.6 km loop around the lake. The easy walk would take you 1.5 hours.

Franz Josef Glacier

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Make sure you plan on saving time for this 5.4 km (1.5 hour) return flat hike to Franz Josef Glacier. You can do it on your own or we would recommend doing the afternoon tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours .

Glacier Hot Pools

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Wow, what a day! The best way to cap off this epic day on the South Island of New Zealand it so soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools . Be sure to book ahead of time.

Tatare Tunnels Walk

If you want an off the beaten path adventure, this 80-minute walk through old tunnels is a decent place to see glow worms for free! These tunnels were used by miners to transport water, but are now abandoned (though it is possible that your feet will get wet!). Be sure to bring a headlamp, and check out the DOC website for more information!

Glow Worms Nightwalk

The Terrace Walk, on the south side of Franz Josef, is a dark forest covered path that at night you’ll be able to spot the blue hues of glow worms. 30-minute return walk or just go in and turn around when you’ve seen enough glow worms. 

Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park , trust us, you won’t regret staying here.

Day 11: Helicopter Ride and then drive to Hokitika

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  • At a glance: Fly over the glaciers in the morning, visit the kiwi center and then drive up to artsy Hokitika.
  • Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
  • Total driving time: 3 hours

This will be one of the most diverse days in the whole South Island Itinerary. So get ready for a wild ride.

Helicopter Ride over Franz Josef Glacier

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Since you walked up to the glacier yesterday, you might as well fly over it today. Schedule your flight for early in the morning just in case the weather is not cooperating and gets delayed. 

We flew with Helicopter Line , but many of the companies have similar services. Read about our experience in our West Coast article.

White Heron Sanctuary Tour

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If you like to keep your feet on the ground (for the most part) and are into rare birds, we recommend the White Heron Sanctuary Tour . The tour will take you to the only breeding area for the White Heron in all of New Zealand. 

Note: Before you head to Whataroa, be sure to visit the Wildlife Centre to see the kiwi bird.

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Kiwi birds are very rare to find in the wild. Especially since their population numbers have decreased due to invasive mammals. 

Head to the West Coast Wildlife Centre to learn about the program that is rebuilding the population and see two of the famous kiwis in a nocturnal housing. Check out the backstage pass tour for a look into how the rangers are hatching these rare birds.

Ross Gold mines

The West Coast of New Zealand has a gold rush similar to what happened in the west coast of the U.S.A. and the tiny town of Ross was a hot spot for gold. Try your hand at panning for gold or take a short hike to spot gold rush artifacts.

If you want a great spot to stop for the night, the new Ross Top 10 Holiday Park is awesome. Right up on the beach, this modern holiday park has a kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as container home (tiny home) style hotel rooms you can rent.

But if you have more time in the day we recommend continuing on to Hokitika, and if you want you can backtrack 20 minutes to Ross Top 10 Holiday Park.

Jade Carving at Bonz N Stonz Studio

best road trips south island new zealand

Take home a very special souvenir from your time in the South Island New Zealand by carving a jade necklace. Design, cut and sculpt a jade necklace with the help of a local teacher. 

Be sure to come with an idea in mind to speed up the process a bit because it took us over 4 hours from start to finish. Check out Bonz N Stonz for some inspiration and to book your carving.

Hokitika Gorge

best road trips south island new zealand

End the day by driving 30 minutes inland from the city to Hokitika Gorge. The Hokitika River is fed by glaciers and has a baby blue hue to it because of the rock flour. 

The 15-minute round trip walk is stunning, but watch out for the sandflies. A little bit of baby oil helps keep the sandflies from biting.

Do you have less than 2 weeks in New Zealand?

Head back to Christchurch through Arthur’s Pass (Hwy 73)!

We didn’t take that route, but I have some places in mind for our next visit! My parents and brother crossed that way and really enjoyed it.

Arthur’s Pass is supposed to be beautiful and here are a few things to see along the route:

  • Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall: Hike 1 km from the highway and reach a massive 131-meter waterfall. Hike: Roundtrip 2 km, 90 meter elevation change
  • Castle Hill: Huge boulders scattered throughout the hill. This area is also called Kura Tawhiti, and is a sacred area, so be respectful and stay on the track.
  • My brother recommended the Cave Stream Hike , but make sure the weather is okay before doing it because I think the water levels can rise a lot (and you walk through the water). Prepare for the hike with more information here .
  • At a glance: Last day on the West Coast. Our favorite tour in the South Island Itinerary and a bit of driving to get to Abel Tasman.
  • Distance: 386 km (240 miles)
  • Total driving time: 5.5 hours

Make sure to start your day early because there is a lot packed into it. 

Double check on the weather in Abel Tasman. If it looks to be rainy, we would say it is not worth the drive and stay in Nelson. However, if you have extra days in your itinerary, we would recommend doing some hikes around Abel Tasman. More on that on Day 13.

Punakaiki “Pancake Rocks” and BlowHoles

best road trips south island new zealand

About an hour and half north of Hokitika is one of the most famous landmarks on the West Coast, Punakaiki or “Pancake Rocks”. 

It’s a 20-minute loop walk around these limestone formations. And at certain times of the day, the tides splash up water through blowholes.

Truman Track

best road trips south island new zealand

  • Elevation gain: 118 ft (36 m)

Just a 10-minute drive north of the Pancake Rocks is the 1.3 km return track (30 minutes) through a subtropical forest emerging onto a white sand beach. The Truman Track is a nice walk and worth the stop, but make sure you have enough time to get to the glow worm cave tour next!

Underworld Caving and Glow Worm Rafting Tour

best road trips south island new zealand

The Underworld Rafting tour was our favorite tour we did in this South Island itinerary!  

A 4-hour tour may seem long, but you’re doing so many different things. From exploring huge cave rooms to floating on your back and looking up at millions of glow worms to tubing down rapids of river, time seems to fly by.

Read more about our experience in our West Coast article (#1 on the list!) and be sure to book your tour in advance.

Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

best road trips south island new zealand

Next, make your way up Hwy 6 and head to the seal colony at Tauranga Bay. It’s a short walk (500 m, 15 min) to the view platform to watch the seal breeding colony. 

If you have more time, continue walking another 2.5 km to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse (to be honest, the views of the beach are more impressive than the lighthouse).

If you had enough excitement for the day, we would recommend the Carters Beach Top 10 Holiday Park in Westport. It’s a very large campground, has a huge kitchen and clean facilities. And it’s steps away from Carters Beach.

Lake Rotoroa

best road trips south island new zealand

Say goodbye to the West Coast and start heading inland on Hwy 6 toward Nelson and onward to Abel Tasman. A good stopping point along the journey is at Lake Rotoroa. 

Enjoy the view of the glossy lake sitting still below the colossal mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park. There are many hikes starting from the lakeshore if you’re keen to go adventuring.

Sometimes you’ll find campgrounds that seem like hidden gems, Kina Beach Reserve Camping is one of them. 

Situated right on the shore of Tasman Bay, this campground is only $5 NZD per person. The drop toilets are okay, but the owners are very kind. Find it on the Rankers App.

  • At a glance: Explore around Abel Tasman National Park
  • Distance: Up to 75 km (46 miles)
  • Total driving time: Up to 1.5 hours

When researching what to do around Abel Tasman, it can get confusing. Basically, it’s a national park where all the hiking is along the eastern shore, in and out of bays. 

There are two ways to enter Abel Tasman: From Takaka or from Marahau. Think of access to Abel Tasman as the letter “C”, with Takaka as the top of the “C” and Marahau as the bottom of the “C”.

Here is our recommendation:

  • If you’re wanting to do a full-day kayak and hiking tour on the Abel Tasman track, you have nice weather, and are able to spend $165-$200 NZD per person, start from Marahau.
  • We choose Takaka because of those reasons, but it is really up to you.

Drive early up over the windy Takaka Hill and into Takaka. Be sure to stop off at Hawkes Lookout for a great view of the valley. There are plenty of things to do around Takaka, near Abel Tasman and we’ve outlined a few of the highlights below. 

Kayak and hike Abel Tasman from Marahau

Book your tour in advance to make sure they are running trips. There are many kayak companies, like Kahu Kayaks and Abel Tasman Kayaks. Each of them offer different types of trips like half-day to full-day. If we were to go to Abel Tasman again, we would do a full-day trip.

Most trips are a combination of kayaking for a few hours out into the park (or possibly ride in a water taxi), have lunch in the jungle or on the beach, and hike a few hours back to Marahau. We heard from other travelers that the tour is pretty epic and we’ll be doing one next time we come to New Zealand.

Ngarua Caves

This large and built-up cave has guided tours hourly during summer months from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the winter you must make a booking ahead of time. 

It costs $20 NZD for adults and $8 NZD for children ages 5-15 years old.

Te Waikoropupū Springs

best road trips south island new zealand

Known to be the clearest freshwater springs in the world and the largest cold water spring in the southern hemisphere, this is a sacred spot for the Māori people. Take the short 20 walk around the springs and be respectful and do not touch the water.

The Grove Scenic Reserve

best road trips south island new zealand

This 40-minute return easy hike will bring you though carved limestone rocks that have been taken over by large northern rātā trees and palm trees. The turn around point is a viewing platform that looks out over the open fields and bay.

Drive to Tata Beach and Wainui Falls Hike

best road trips south island new zealand

  • Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 344 ft (105 m)

Walk along the beach of this sleepy beach town. You can rent kayaks from Golden Bay Kayaks or take a guided tour.

If you continue driving along Abel Tasman Drive, the windy road will lead you to Wainui Bay. To your right you can turn off toward Wainui Falls and make the 3.4 km, 1 hour and 20 minute return easy hike if you have time.

Anatoki Salmon Fishing

best road trips south island new zealand

Catch your own Chinook Salmon! Okay, so you’re not fishing out in the wild on a river. It’s from a farm fed lake that is stocked, so it’s pretty easy. 

Well, kind of. You still have to catch and reel in your own fish, which took us about 15 minutes.

After catching your meal, you bring your fish to the cook. It’s $26 NZD per kg and they have various ways they can prepare it, like smoked or raw sashimi.

best road trips south island new zealand

We caught a 1.2 kilo fish (which the cook said was average) and you can check the average fish sizes on their helpful website . The fish and a side of garlic break was enough to feed three of us for lunch.

Harwoods Hole Track 

  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km), out and back
  • Elevation gain: 249 ft (76 m)

If you’re up for an adventure, take the 45-minute one-way tramping track to Hardwoods Hole, New Zealand’s deepest vertical shaft. Basically it’s a giant hole in the ground! 

We didn’t get a chance to go, but a local said it’s a pretty cool sight. Be careful though, read all the directions and warnings on the DOC website . Don’t get too close to the hole’s edge! This hike is not recommended for children.

Where to Stay 

Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park : Right up on the beach, equipped with a kitchen and clean facilities. There are plenty of little cabins if you want a break from your campervan.

If you want a free campervan site, check out the Waitapu River Campervan Park, you can find it on Rankers App. Only one drop toilet and a big muddy lot, but it’s free. Don’t park too close to the river as it can rise in the night.

  • At a glance: Walk around Nelson and sample wines from New Zealand’s famous vineyards
  • Distance: 352 km (218 miles)

best road trips south island new zealand

Head out of Abel Tasman and drive along the coast to Nelson. Park along the Queen’s Garden for cheap street parking. Stretch your legs and walk around the beautiful Queen’s Garden botanical park.

Walk south on Trafalgar Street heading toward the Christ Church, walking by many restaurants and cafes. 

On Saturdays there is a farmer’s market in Montgomery Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. And on Sundays there is a recycled treasures and vintage collectables market in the same spot and time.

Marlborough Wine

best road trips south island new zealand

When traveling in New Zealand, we really got into New Zealand wines. We’re not always big wine drinkers (okay we do drink wine, but we’re not picky) and we tend to go in wine phases. 

Plus, since it’s hard to keep beers cold in a campervan, red wine is a great alternative because it doesn’t have to be cooled down.

We typically only drink red wine, but when our friend back home turned us on to the Sauvignon Blanc white wines of Marlborough region, we have been itching to try them out from the source.

Saint Clair Family Estate Winery

There are loads of wineries to choose from when driving from Nelson to Kaikoura and I’m sure they are all good. There are even wine (and beer) tours that will shuttle you around from one tasting to the next. 

We settled on the Saint Clair Family Estate Winery just outside of Blenheim, and we were pleasantly surprised.

They had various tasting amounts: a tasting of 3 wines for $5, 6 wines for $8, 8 wines for $10 (one complimentary tasting if you purchase a bottle of wine). We split a tasting of 8 wines and bought a bottle. If you want to enjoy it in their lovely outdoor seating area (you should if the weather is nice!), there is a fee.

best road trips south island new zealand

Our bottle was about $25 NZD and the fee to open it on-site was about $6 (varies depending on the wine you choose). So it ended up being about $20 USD for 8 tastings and a bottle of one of the best white wines I’ve ever tasted, in a beautiful vineyard setting. Not bad at all!

Note: With this South Island Itinerary, you still have about a 2-hour drive to get to Kaikoura, so please drink responsibly. For us, we went to Kaikoura first, then on our way back up to catch the ferry in Picton to the North Island, we visited the vineyard and stayed in Blenheim.

But if you do spend the night near Blenheim or Picton, we heard great things about the Queen Charlotte Track , even if you do a little bit of it. We will be visiting this hiking trail the next time we’re in NZ.

Bonus stop: Ohau Point on Hwy 1 there is a lookout point to spot a seal colony. It’s easy to miss the small parking lot on the ocean side, but it’s worth a 5-minute stop.

Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park – Big kitchen, clean bathrooms and showers, game room and movie room. And a hot tub!

  • At a glance: Swim with dusky dolphins in the ocean at sunrise and take a whale watching tour before heading back to Christchurch
  • Distance: 181 km (112 miles)
  • Total driving time: 2.5 hours

Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter

best road trips south island new zealand

It’s an early wake up call, but totally worth it because you get to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. We loved this tour and highly recommend it to all travelers to the South Island.

Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter will get you all suited up with 7mm wetsuits to endure the cold oceanic waters. They have special techniques for how to attract the dolphins once you are in the water, and it’s pretty hilarious. 

We share our experience and our tips in the Dolphin Encounter article here !

Ethical Travel Tip: It is always good to question animal tourism activities. We did a lot of research on this company and we support what they are doing. They are the only company in the area that does these dolphin tours and they do not bait the animals. We had to boat out far to find the pod of dolphins. Dolphin Encounter has a foundation that supports marine and environmental programs.

After the swim, grab lunch at Coopers Catch . They have a huge serving of fish and chips for $8 NZD. Then hop across the street and get a cone at Poppy’s Parlour for homemade ice cream.

Whale watching

Join an afternoon tour to go spot the giant sperm whales. This is the only company in the region that goes searching for the whales and they do a great job. 

The captain of the boat describes the history and biology of the sperm whales, while describing the process they use to follow the clicks these massive creatures make to communicate.

Check-in times for the tours are 7:15 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. (Nov-Mar only).  Plan on 3.5 hours for the tours starting at check-in. 

They have a 95% success rate of seeing whales, and on the unfortunate event you don’t get to see one, they will refund you 80% of your ticket.

Adult tickets are $150 NZD and children (3-15 year old) are $60 NZD. Be sure to book your tour in advance on the Whale Watch website .

Flying out of Christchurch?

After your last tour of the day, head down to Christchurch for your flight out. If you’re continuing your New Zealand journey to the North Island , head back up Hwy 1 to Picton to catch the ferry. 

If you plan on staying the night in Picton, there is a free campsite called Collins Memorial Reserve, but try to get there early because there are only 12 spots and it is monitored regularly.

Taking the Ferry to the North Island?

Taking a ferry across the Cook Strait is an experience in itself. There are two companies that run ferries (Interislander and Blue Bridge) and they are quite similar, both in price and ride. Both ferries leave from Picton and take about 3 hours to reach Wellington.

Interislander Cook Strait Ferry

Port address/Vehicle Check-in: 3 Auckland St, Picton 7220, New Zealand

Ferries tend to fill up fast. Make sure to book a few days in advance and at least 1 week ahead of time during peak season (Dec-Feb). Book your tickets here .

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

Equally as good as the Interislander. Check out reviews here .

Port address/Vehicle Check-in: 1 Lagoon Rd, Picton 7250, New Zealand

What to pack to for this South Island New Zealand itinerary

We created an entire campervan packing list that is packed full of tips! Our packing list details everything we packed for New Zealand (plus those things we wished we would have brought!).

You can download this 7-page PDF totally FREE! No catch. Just give us the best email to send it to.

New Zealand Packing List | Two Wandering Soles

New Zealand packing tips

  • Less is more: Overpacking is always something we try to avoid. But it is especially important to pack light for a campervan trip, as you will be living in a tiny space. Every square inch counts, and you will be living in clutter if you don’t pack light. 
  • Keep it casual: New Zealand isn’t really the place to bring your fancy clothes. (Unless you’re an Instagram model. In which case, teach me how to pose, pretty please!)
  • Bring layers: Weather in New Zealand is highly unpredictable and can change on a dime. You may encounter snow, rain and humid sunshine all in the same day. Pack layers and a rain jacket to be prepared for it all!
  • Packing cubes are your friend: Having a place for everything in a campervan will make your life exponentially easier. We use packing cubes no matter what type of trip we’re on (umm, they compress AND organize!). But they are especially helpful for organizing clothes and toiletries in a campervan.
  • Baby wipes & dry shampoo : These items work wonders between showers when living out of a campervan. Your travel partner will thank you!
  • Don’t worry if you forget something: Most toiletries and clothing items are easy to pick up in New Zealand. For the cheapest prices and biggest selection, we’d recommend going to The Warehouse.

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in New Zealand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

  • Adventurous Things to Do in Queenstown
  • Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid!
  • North Island New Zealand Road Trip: Perfect 2-Week Itinerary
  • The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Campervan Trip in New Zealand

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South Island New Zealand Itinerary | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

What do you think of our South Island Itinerary? What do you love, what would you change, what would you add? We want to hear it all in the comments below.

Comments (23) on “ South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip ”

Thanks for this Itinerary. We followed your itinerary with a few changes and had an amazing trip of the south Island.

Love your itineraries. We are also planning a trip to Iceland. Would you recommend spending time in Franz or Fox glacier and/or Vatnajökull Glacier hike? Also if you have been to Yellowstone, is Rototuna worth it?

Hi, Its a wounderful post.Thanks for your nice post. Do you know? There is a lot to love in New Zealand, and after years of being locked in (and locked out), locals have been embracing domestic tourism.

We are coming from Oz next week and love the sound of your south island itinerary – can I please get the PDF mentioned below email; [email protected]

Many thanks

Hi Vicki, We actually have a condensed version of our North and South Island itineraries combined in a printable PDF. If you enter your email in the link below, we send it straight to you: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j0o7b1 (due to email regulations, you have to enter your email and opt-in to receive it. We can’t just send it along, sorry) Hope this helps! Cheers!

Hello! I entered my email at the above link, but never received the printable PDF of the condensed version of the North and South Island itineraries. Is there a different way/link for me to get it? Thank you!

Hey there just stumbled across this gem and even as a kiwi myself this is an amazing guide! Cheers

Hi there! Do you have a printable version of the 2 week South island trip? Would love to be able to have it all slightly condensed :] Thanks!

Hey Jenessa! We actually have a condensed version of our North and South Island itineraries combined in a printable PDF. If you enter your email in the link below, we send it straight to you: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j0o7b1 Hope this helps! Cheers!

Love your guide and marking every POI on google maps for myself. I find it awkward that you have Roaring Billy Falls next to Matheson Lake as if those places are nearby. They are at least 1 day driving apart, it seems. Or your text is truncated and missing some paragraphs. How do you explain that?

Hey Slawa, Thanks for your comment. I agree Day 10 is a big day! In fact, we broke it up in two days because we hiked to Brewsters Hut (which I highly recommend if you have the time and are into hiking). As with most itineraries, they are simply suggestions on things to do for each day and you’ll get to pick what you are interested in. However, we did all the things on Day 10 except for the short trip to Lake Matheson because we had a tour in Franz Josef. From Wanaka to Franz Josef, it is about 4.5-6 hours plus stops along the day for viewpoints. Totally do-able in a LONG day. I hope this helps.

Hi! My husband and I are leaving for NZ for our honeymoon on Christmas Day. Would you recommend staying 2 nights in Franz Josef or in Milford Sound?

First off, Congratulations! What a great place to spend your honeymoon. I would say this depends on weather in both areas. In Milford Sound, the boat cruise is wonderful, but the throughout the Milford Sound Highway there are tons of hikes, viewpoints, and turns outs to explore. We spent two days exploring that region. I would save your boat cruise for the nicer of the two days. If it’s bad weather in Franz Josef, it’s tough to do anything besides go to the thermal pools. But if it’s nice weather, the hike up to the glacier is pretty great! We spent one night in Franz Josef and it was really nice. I hope this help your choice!

Hi love the article — we are thinking of doing the campervan route — and your itinerary is great. One question is around the bathroom/showers — how did that work??

You should check out our NZ campervan articles because we have tons of info on bathrooms and showers. In short, bathrooms are everywhere in NZ and you can find coin showers (sometimes free) in most cities and major campgrounds/holiday parks.

Love the article. Great tips on hikes. What do you recommend for a 16 day trip to both islands? Do you have a combined itinerary? In the South Island, if you had to choose, would you go to Mt Cook or the Franz Josef glacier?

I would recommend sticking to just one island if you only have 16 days (and by one I mean the south island!) Mt. Cook or Franz Josef, ekk! That’s a tough choice! Mt. Cook village is pretty amazing and the Hooker Valley track is incredible. But Franz Josef is a neat little town and the hike to the glacier is pretty remarkable. If I had to choose I would say, do both! Haha. But if I had to, had to choose, I’d say Mt. Cook. But with 16 days in the south island you could easily do both. I hope this helps.

At what time of the year you’ve made your trip?

Would like to know this as well.

We traveled to New Zealand from mid-November 2018 to mid-December. When are you planning on going?

The whole month of November 2020!

The most impressive guide I’ve seen around PERIOD. Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Really informative and useful.

Hey Thanks, JR! Glad you like the article!

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NEW ZEALAND , OCEANIA , ROAD TRIP · February 25, 2019 Last Updated on December 23, 2023

AN EXTENSIVE GUIDE TO ROAD TRIPPING NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

I went on a road trip in New Zealand with a friend a couple years ago and had an amazing time. We started in Christchurch, spent the first three weeks on the South Island and the last week exploring the North Island. It was my first time in New Zealand and also my first road trip. When we reached our campground near Lake Tekapo on the first evening, I knew: this had to be the most beautiful country on Earth!

And this was only the beginning! The very next day I found myself crying at the foot of the Tasman Glacier Lake (yes, the beauty of Mother Earth gets me all emotional). That is also how it continued the following weeks: driving, hiking, crying, repeat.

I wrote this article for all you gals out there dreaming of a road trip in Middle-earth, providing you with a lot of crucial and helpful information to plan your trip in New Zealand, specifically the South Island.

BEFORE YOU GO

When to go to new zealand.

Most people recommend traveling to New Zealand in the summer which is December to February. However, since that’s when most people go, camper van prices are going to be at their peak (if there are still some available that is – so book early if you insist on going during high season!).

However, if you want to escape the crowds, I recommend going during springtime between September and November . Camper vans are cheaper, the roads are empty and camping sites have plenty of free space. On top of that, it’s waterfall season, nature is in full bloom and your chances of seeing baby wildlife are the highest!

WHAT TO PACK FOR A SOUTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP

We traveled the South Island from mid-October until mid-November and came prepared for a mixture of weather. During springtime, temperatures are generally cool to moderate and the nights are cold. We experienced mostly bright and sunny days and some rain in mountainous areas (e.g. Milford Sound, Franz Josef).

Here’s a list of must-have items:

  • Light clothes (T-shirts, shorts) as well as warm clothes (jacket, beanie, scarf, a pair of jeans).
  • Hiking boots for New Zealand’s many amazing hiking trails .
  • Don’t pack a lot of valuables – all your stuff stays in the car while you explore and hike.
  • Insect repellent and/or long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself against sandflies.

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DRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

In Europe, we drive on the right side of the road, so I prepared myself for our road trip by reading the most important rules for driving in New Zealand  and even took a test  to see if I could trust myself with driving. I highly recommend this to anyone who’s still an inexperienced driver and/or not used to driving on the left side of the road (with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle). Driving in New Zealand  can be pretty demanding and it’s easy to get distracted by the beautiful landscape, so it’s good to have an idea of the kind of challenges you might face.

CREATE AN ITINERARY

In order for you to avoid stress and have a good time, set up a loose frame of what you would like to see and do on your road trip. Let’s say you arrive in Christchurch on 1 October and need to return the van on 30 October. I recommend excluding the first and the last two days, so in this case, there would be 27 days for traveling.

Once you know how much time you have, make a list of the places you would like to visit and set up a route . Be generous with time and make sure to take into account the distances you have to drive!

We calculated 2-3 days for every town we were going to visit – this way we were able to enjoy the town and surroundings without feeling rushed and were even able to stay longer in places that we really liked.

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR 3 WEEKS ON THE SOUTH ISLAND

Although three weeks doesn’t sound like a lot of time to explore all the South Island has to offer, it was enough time to see the most beautiful places without ever feeling stressed. This was our itinerary:

  • Starting point: Christchurch, drive to Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook
  • Drive to Oamaru, Moeraki and Dunedin
  • Exploring Otago Peninsula
  • Queenstown and Glenorchy
  • Drive to Milford Sound
  • Back to Queenstown
  • Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Franz Josef
  • Hokitika and Ruby Bay
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Marlborough Sound
  • Drive to Picton

In each of these places we stayed 1-3 nights, went sightseeing, hiking or did other activities (e.g. Skydiving in Wanaka while staying in Queenstown).

The itinerary is set up and you know your starting and ending point – now it’s time to book a camper van. You can find companies renting cars specially equipped for camping for 1-2 persons and bigger campervans if you need more space.

We found a good deal with the camper van hire company Wendekreisen . One of their friendly employees picked us up at Christchurch airport and drove us to their office where we were shown the van and given a lot of useful information (we were camper van newbies!).

All vehicles available at Wendekreisen can be taken onto the ferry connecting the South with the North Island and they also have an office in Auckland where the van can be returned (that’s what we did).

Another option is to buy a car and resell it afterwards, although I would only consider doing this if you stay a longer period of time in New Zealand.

ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

Helpful apps.

  • CamperMate – We were using this app all the time – it provides information on where campgrounds, petrol stations and dump stations are located. It also provides discounts on campground offers and delivers information about facilities (e.g. availability of showers, electricity, etc.).
  • Rankers  – Helps you book campervans, compare reviews and save on activities.
  • Google Maps  – Download offline maps for the places you are going to in case your phone loses signal.

SAVINGS CARDS

New Zealand is expensive, so we took every opportunity to save a couple of dollars here and there. In addition to using discounts with the CamperMate app, we got a savings card for the supermarket Countdown and a Mobil fuel savings card .

We made great use of the cards as both Countdown and Mobil have stores and stations almost everywhere we went. On top of that, the Countdown Onecard can be used at all BP and Caltex petrol stations.

NEW ZEALAND ROADS

Routes on the South Island are longer compared to those on the North Island . Be sure to take this into account when setting up an itinerary and check for road and weather conditions.

In the south of the South Island, it sometimes happens that some roads (e.g. the Milford Road) are affected by, or even closed due to, bad weather. During our stay in New Zealand, the important State Highway 1 connecting Picton in the North with Christchurch was closed because it had been badly damaged during an earthquake.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

  • If you go in late spring or summer, book campgrounds in advance using the apps listed above, especially in places like Queenstown and Milford Sound where there are very few campgrounds.
  • Some campgrounds are pretty remote – buy groceries and refuel before driving there.
  • Drives on the South Island are pretty long – it’s good to have a travel buddy who can take over the wheel from time to time.
  • The i-SITE visitor information centres  are located all over New Zealand and provide heaps of information!
  • Even the smallest towns have free public toilets!

RETURNING THE VAN

I recommend arriving at your final destination one day early. This way you have plenty of time to prepare the van without being rushed.

Check the address where it needs to be returned and what else you need to get done beforehand, such as refuelling, changing or refilling the gas tank and emptying the van at a dump station. This is not the situation you’re going for on your last day:

“I don’t get it, we should’ve arrived in Auckland an hour ago!”

THE SOUTH ISLAND – A ROAD TRIP HEAVEN

Road tripping the South Island of New Zealand was hands down one of the most memorable trips of my life. Getting around in a campervan is so easy and the perfect way to explore the country without missing anything. You have the freedom to pull over wherever you please (well, almost…) and to spend the nights in the most beautiful places surrounded by nature. The South Island is a total must for road trip lovers!

We hope that this article has inspired you to take a road trip around the South Island in New Zealand. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Our Top Places To Stay In New Zealand’s South Island:

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  • High Leys Lodge
  • Radfords on the Lake
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Read More About New Zealand

  • 6 Travel Tips for New Zealand
  • A Guide To Roadtripping Around The North Island, New Zealand
  • Wellington, New Zealand: The Perfect City Break
  • One Day In Queenstown, New Zealand
  • Finding Myself In New Zealand

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Robert Stevens says

September 22, 2019 at 8:55 pm

Did a similar figure 8 tour of the south island last Sep/ Oct. 4 people in a 6 berth motor home. Words can not do justice to the beautiful scenery, people and weather we experienced. Will have to go back another time to travel the North Island. We found Invercargill in the south, and Havelock/ Nelson in the north well worth a visit.

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North Island Road Trip

South Island Road Trip

10 Day Road Trip of the South Island

Despite having a third of the population of the North Island, the South Island is the larger of New Zealand's two main islands. It's renowned for its spectacular mountain range, mirror-clear lakes, and striking fjords. If you're driving, you can see the main sights of the South Island in about 10 days, either by starting in Picton, which is where you'll arrive if you take the ferry from Wellington , or you could also fly straight into Christchurch and skip the Marlborough Sounds.

Clockwise is the best direction to travel around the coast of the South Island. This way, you'll always be driving on the side closest to the coast, since they drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. Heading south along the east coast and then back north along the west coast will ensure you always have a better view of the ocean while you drive.

Day 1: Picton to Christchurch

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

On the first leg of the trip, it should only take you about five hours to drive from Picton to Christchurch, which is a distance of 210 miles (340 kilometers). Your first stop will be Blenheim, which is the largest town in the Marlborough region of the South Island and is best known for its vineyards. Producing more than a third of the country's wine , this is the best place to go wine tasting.

After leaving Blenheim, you'll follow State Highway 1 to Kaikoura , the whale watching capital of New Zealand. The landscape will become hillier, alternating between farmland and vineyards until the road reaches the coast. This stretch of road is spectacular, with hills on one side and the sea on the other. Kaikoura is also famous for its seafood, so be sure to stop for lunch at The Store Cafe on the seaward side of the road towards Kaikoura.

South of Kaikoura, the road veers inland through the farmlands and hill country of North Canterbury. More vineyards will appear as you enter the Waipara wine region, where you can taste the highly-regarded riesling and pinot noir wines that are made here. Allow some time for your wine buzz to wear off before continuing to Christchurch and finish the day with a nice dinner in town.

Day 2: Christchurch to Queenstown

For your next leg of the trip, you have a long 308 mile (495 kilometers) drive through the Canterbury plains along Highway 1 to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. If you drive straight through, it should only take you about six hours to complete. Unlike the drive from Picton to Christchurch, the first half of this drive is very flat. However, once you turn inland at Geraldine, the pastoral countryside will transform into the lakes and mountains of the Southern Alps in the Mackenzie District. Drive slowly as you pass by Lake Tekapo and you might be able to get a good look at Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.

Day 3: Queenstown

After two days of mostly driving, take a full day to enjoy all the things Queenstown has to offer . The city offers a myriad of adrenaline-rushing activities like bungee jumping, sky diving, and canyon swinging, but you could also go for a more relaxing stroll along the shore of Lake Wakatipu or hang out in a hip Queenstown cafe. For Lord of the Rings fans , sign up for a themed tour that will take you to the specific filming locations.

Day 4: Queenstown to Milford Sound

Of all the sights in the South Island, Milford Sound is the most buzzed-about for its copious waterfalls. It's best done as a day trip from Queenstown, as you will have to go there and come back on the same road and it's wise to book a tour rather than drive yourself. Situated in the heart of Fiordland, it is the most accessible of the region's 17 fjords which give the area its name.

When you get to Milford, you can take a cruise or kayak trip on the water to observe the unique wildlife and towering mountains that enclose the Sound. For the ultimate experience, a helicopter flight over the water will give you an even better view of the mostly untouched mountains and valleys.

There is only one road in and out of Milford Sound and limited accommodation in the area, so getting there and back will take about seven hours and you'll cover about 357 miles (575 kilometers). It's a long trip, but the scenery along the way, in addition to the views you'll enjoy at Milford Sound, make it well worth it.

Day 5: Queenstown to Fox Glacier

After spending your last night in Queenstown, you can start heading back north up the west coast for another 242 miles (387 kilometers) until you reach Fox Glacier. It's a long drive that will take you about five hours, but there is some stunning scenery along the way. The road can be winding and steep in places, but the views are outstanding. Also, there will be few places along the way to stop for lunch, so pack the car with a picnic before you go.

The route continues along the eastern shore of Lake Wanaka and into the beech forests of Mount Aspiring National Park. If you plan to drive through the dramatic Haast Pass, be aware that landslides are common in this area, so you should stop in at a tourist information office in either Queenstown or Wanaka to make sure that the road is open before you set out.

After the pass, you'll arrive on the west coast and can follow the road north until you get to Fox Glacier . You can continue on down the road to also visit the Franz Josef Glacier , but you'll find nicer accommodation and restaurants near Fox Glacier.

Day 6: Fox Glacier to Greymouth

The next leg of the trip requires only about two hours of driving, covering the distance of 108 miles (173 kilometers) from Fox Glacier to the town Greymouth. Motivated by the search for gold, Europeans settled the western coast of the South Island and the towns of Hokitika and Greymouth became important mining centers. There's a lot of history to learn here and if you're interested, you can walk through the goldfields in the nearby town of Ross. Because the day is much shorter, you'll have more opportunities to explore other glaciers on the way and maybe even sign up for a guided tour of the region.

Day 7: Greymouth to Westport

You'll do even less driving on this day, so you may even consider combining the previous day's route with this leg of the trip. It will take you just an hour and 20 minutes to travel another 62 miles (100 kilometers) to Westport from Greymouth.

The major attraction in this part of the South Island is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, amazing layered rock formations were created around 30 million years ago. A loop walk from the main highway takes you directly over these rocks, which should only take you a half-hour to complete. All along this road, there are breathtaking views, above the sea on your left and to the mountains of the Paparoa National Park on your right.

Westport is a thriving town on the banks of the Buller River that has an interesting museum and some good cafes. While here, you may also want to take a short drive to Cape Foulwind, where you can follow a clifftop trail to a seal colony.

Day 8: Westport to Karamea

You can't continue the trip from Karamea, so you will have to drive the 59 miles (95 kilometers) and back from Westport, which should only take up about three hours of your day. Not only does the steep and winding road to Karamea take you through some beautiful forests, but Karamea is also the starting point for the Heaphy Track , one of the nine official "Great Walks" of New Zealand. This 51-mile (82-kilometer) trail follows the Heaphy River and is the longest of all the great walks. It takes four days to walk the whole thing, but if you're just visiting for the day, you can walk on a short section of the trail instead. Karamea is a very small and quiet place, but you can stop for lunch or decide to stay longer at the Last Resort Hotel and Restaurant .

Day 9: Westport to Nelson

After you've seen Karamea and returned to Westport, it's time to head back east and continue onward to Nelson, which is 138 miles (222 kilometers) away. By now, you'll be used to the beauty of South Island roads and can enjoy this two and three-quarter hour drive through the Buller Gorge. The gorge follows the Buller River through this deep canyon between Westport and the small town of Murchison, which is renowned for its white water rafting and trout fishing.

From Murchison, there are even steeper and more dramatic stretches of road through forest and mountain passes. You will also notice several vineyards along the roadside, which are a part of the thriving Nelson wine district.

Nelson itself is a lively town and one of the artisan centers of New Zealand. You'll find many artists here and can see their work on Saturday morning at the market held in the center of town, which is often regarded as one of the best in all of New Zealand.

Day 10: Nelson to Picton

The trip is almost over and it's time to head back to Picton, which is about two hours and covers a distance of 67 miles (107 kilometers). You'll begin by passing through the Mount Richmond Forest Range and by the Pelorus River. Here, the road then gives the first glimpses of the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, before you arrive at the small town of Havelock, where you can have lunch on the marina.

After Havelock, you can choose between the quicker road along Highway 1 or turn left onto Queen Charlotte Drive for a leisurely scenic ride. This winding road is the coastal route and the views of the bay along the way are a truly magnificent way to end your South Island adventure.

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South Island in 2 Weeks (14 Days): NZ Road Trip Itinerary [2024]

The ultimate new zealand south island road trip itinerary for 14 days.

We get it, you only have two weeks to see New Zealand because that’s all the time you have from your commitments. Nevertheless, you can still have an epic time in New Zealand and see a great deal of the country even in two weeks. Just travelling to one island, in this case, the South Island , is the perfect way to do that. With that in mind, this road trip itinerary for the South Island in two weeks (14 days) will help you really make the most of your time in New Zealand.

With sensational mountains, sandy beaches, rugged coast, lakes, fiords and forests, the itinerary below incorporates many different landscapes in the South Island. What’s more, you’ll get your chance for adrenaline activities, foodie experiences, Lord of the Rings fixes, wildlife sightings and much more with the number of awesome activities on offer. So here you are – a road trip itinerary of 14 days on the South Island!

Quick tip; we show you how to plan this itinerary the EASY way with First Light Travel  at the bottom of the itinerary.

South Island Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks (14 Days): Overview

  • Day 1 – Christchurch to Kaikoura
  • Day 2 – Explore Kaikoura
  • Day 3 – Kaikoura to Nelson (via Marlborough)
  • Day 4 – Explore Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip
  • Day 5 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes National Park)
  • Day 6 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef
  • Day 7 – Franz Josef to Wanaka
  • Day 8 – Wanaka to Queenstown
  • Day 9 – Queenstown or Milford Sound Day Trip
  • Day 10 – Queenstown to Mt Cook
  • Day 11 – Explore Mt Cook
  • Day 12 – Mt Cook to Geraldine (via Lake Tekapo)
  • Day 13 – Geraldine to Christchurch
  • Day 14 – Explore Christchurch (or Akaroa) + Departure.

Renting a Car or Campervan for 14 Days on the South Island

Travelling for 14 days on the South Island and looking for the perfect road trip itinerary? Renting a car or campervan is going to be the best way to squeeze everything you want into two weeks on the South Island. This means no waiting around for buses and gives you the freedom to hit all the incredible South Island destinations listed below. Plus, the itinerary below loops the South Island so you can return your rental car where you started. That means no expensive one-way fees! For more ways to save money on car rental take a look at the 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

For a complete comparison of rental companies, check out The Best Car Rental Companies in Christchurch and  The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Christchurch .

Alternative Transport: 14-Day Bus Tours of the South Island

For travellers who would rather let someone else do the driving, escorted bus tours are available to take you around New Zealand with like-minded people. Some tour companies that offer 12-14-day tours of the South Island are listed in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the South Island . Plus, see   How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand for more ways to experience New Zealand without a car.

For more ways to explore New Zealand, take a look at the 10 Best Ways to Travel Around New Zealand .

Day 1 – Christchurch to Kaikoura

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Welcome to the South Island ! As soon as you get your rental vehicle it’s time to hit the road. (Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Christchurch later).

Head toward Kaikoura , the marine wildlife mecca of New Zealand. The drive is a scenic one along the coast until you reach the small coastal town famous for its seafood and sea life. Although you have a full day to make the most of Kaikoura tomorrow, there is so much to do that you can start exploring straight away!

Things to Do in Kaikoura

  • Walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway  with multiple viewpoints over seal colonies
  • Catch a scenic flight with Wings Over Whales (more info on Viator  and Klook ) to see whales from the sky
  • Join a wildlife boat tour to see whales with Whale Watch Kaikoura (on Viator and Klook )
  • Have a close encounter with seals with Seal Kayak Kaikoura (on Viator and Klook )
  • Try some famous Kaikoura crayfish at the local restaurants.

More details can be found in the  20 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura .

Accommodation in Kaikoura

  • Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
  • Dusky Lodge and Backpackers
  • Brook House B&B & Cottages

Find more affordable stays in the  15 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura .

  • Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
  • Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
  • Koura Bay Golf Resort

For more options, take a look at the  21 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Kaikoura .

  • Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
  • Glenburn Coastal Retreat
  • The Hamptons

Discover more details in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Kaikoura .

Day 2 – Explore Kaikoura

Because there is so much to do in Kaikoura, we recommend spending the day doing any activities you missed yesterday. Plus, here are some more things to do in Kaikoura, which are best done if you are spending a whole day here.

More Things to Do in Kaikoura

  • Hike Mt Fyffe for some epic views.
  • Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat with Dolphin Encounter
  • Land in the majestic Kaikoura Mountains with Kaikoura Helicopters
  • See the world’s largest seabirds with Albatross Encounter
  • Trek through woodlands with a special friend with Kaikoura Llama Trekking .

Again, more details can be found in the 20 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura .

Day 3 – Kaikoura to Nelson (via Marlborough)

Drive time: 3 hrs 30 mins

You have a long drive ahead today but there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way to Nelson ! Halfway on the route is the town of Blenheim in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. Take a wine-tasting tour or hire some bikes from a couple of hours and do some vineyard-hopping. (Remember to not drink your tastings, designated driver). We recommend Explore Marlborough for their self-guided and guided tours, but you have a lot more options listed in the  15 Best Things to Do in Blenheim .

Alternatively, once you reach Havelock , take a boat cruise out into the Marlborough Sounds or join a kayaking tour with Pelorus Eco Adventures down the Pelorus River – one of The Hobbit filming locations .

Then, you will reach New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson , where you will have more opportunities to explore tomorrow.

Things to Do Between Kaikoura and Nelson

  • Do a winery-hopping tour in Blenheim with Marlborough Wine Tours
  • Visit the Omaka Aviation Centre in Blenheim (more info on Viator   and Klook )
  • Cruise on the Marlborough Sounds from Havelock
  • Kayak with Pelorus Eco Adventures or do one of the many stunning walks by the Pelorus River
  • Do part of the Link Pathway Track .

Get more details on these activities, as well as more ideas from the  15 Best Things to Do in Blenheim and the   10 Best Things to Do in Havelock .

Accommodation in Nelson

  • Delorenzo Studio Apartments
  • Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
  • Tasman Bay Backpackers

There’s a lot more listed in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson .

  • The Hotel Nelson
  • Harbourside Lodge
  • Quest Nelson

Check out more options in the   20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson .

  • The Sails Nelson
  • Tides Hotel
  • Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

More indulgent options await in the  10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson .

Day 4 – Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip

Drive time: 0-1 hour

Nelson is the gateway to three national parks in the South Island. One of which is the Abel Tasman National Park , full of pristine golden sand beaches backed with lush forest. Tours operate from Nelson daily taking you into the Abel Tasman National Park, such as Wine, Art & Wilderness . Either drive to Kaiteriteri yourself (1 hour one way) for maximum flexibility or take one of the shuttle services.

In Kaiteriteri, you have a great deal of Abel Tasman options from kayaking tours, water taxis to hikes, or boat tours…

Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park

  • Paddle a traditional Maori canoe with Waka Abel Tasman
  • Skydive over beaches with Skydive Abel Tasman (more info on Viator and Klook )
  • Do some beach-hopping by kayak with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
  • Cruise Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
  • Take a hiking a boat cruise of Abel Tasman from Nelson with Wine, Art & Wilderness .

Learn more about these activities and more in the  20 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park .

Day 5 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes National Park)

Drive time: 3 hrs 45 mins

There’s a fair bit of driving to do today but the beautiful views of the Buller Gorge help pass the time quickly. There are a few quaint towns to stop by for a coffee, such as Murchison . However, to really make the most of the drive we suggest taking a 20-minute detour into the Nelson Lakes National Park to see the beautiful Lake Rotoroa or Lake Rotoiti . Both are very similar in terms of views and short walks available so take your pick!

Once you arrive in Punakaiki , you have plenty of experiences to choose from but don’t miss the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes for their impressive and bizarre rock formations.

Things to Do in Punakaiki

  • Do the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
  • Visit the Punakaiki Cavern
  • Kayak on the Pororari River with Waka Puna
  • Experience Barrytown Beach by horse wagon with Golden Sands Horse and Wagon Tours
  • Sample the Paparoa Track , one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

Learn about all of these activities and more in the  10 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki .

Accommodation in Punakaiki

  • Te Nikau Retreat
  • Punakaiki Beach Hostel

More details on these hostels can be found in the  5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Punakaiki .

  • Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
  • Punakaiki Beach Camp
  • Tasman Sea Retreat
  • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 6 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Drive time: 3 hours

Head to the West Coast’s Glacier Country where you’ll find some of the world’s most mesmerising glacier experiences. Franz Josef is your opportunity to walk on, crawl inside, fly over, skydive over or walk up to a glacier, as described in the 7 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers . Nevertheless, there’s actually more to do here than glacier gallivanting! Check it out in the list below.

Things to Do in Franz Josef

  • Do a heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
  • Do one of New Zealand’s highest skydives over the glacier and the Southern Alps with Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (more info on Viator and Klook )
  • Hike to the Franz Josef Terminal Face
  • Relax in the Waiho Hot Tubs
  • Kayak on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (on Viator and Klook ) .

Get much more details over in the  25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef .

Accommodation in Franz Josef

  • Franz Josef Montrose
  • Rainforest Retreat
  • Glow Worm Accommodation

Discover more affordable stays in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef .

  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
  • Punga Grove
  • Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef

Head to the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef for more recommendations.

  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat
  • Westwood Lodge
  • Kahere Retreat

For more details, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef .

Day 7 – Franz Josef to Wanaka

Drive time: 3 hrs 40 mins

You’ve got a long drive ahead today but plenty of reasons to stretch your legs. You’ll be going through another super scenic road on the Haast Pass where we recommend you stop at Thunder Creek Falls just a minute’s walk from the road. Then don’t miss the Blue Pools of Haast . This is a 1-hour return walk through the forest to some of the clearest and bluest rivers you will ever see!

This evening, you will have the time to relax by the beautiful Lake Wanaka .

Things to Do in Wanaka

  • Hike up Roy’s Peak
  • Climb a waterfall with Wild Wire Wanaka
  • Visit Puzzling World and get lost in their giant maze
  • Skydive over beautiful Lake Wanaka with Skydive Wanaka
  • Cruise to a sanctuary island on Lake Wanka with Eco Wanaka Adventures .

Head to the 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka for more ideas.

Accommodation in Wanaka

  • Altamont Lodge
  • Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
  • Mountain View Backpackers

More cheap stays can be found in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka .

  • Club Wyndham Wanaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
  • Archway Motels & Chalets
  • The Moorings Motel and Apartments

Check out the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka  for more ideas.

  • Wanaka Luxury Apartments
  • Lime Tree Lodge
  • Edgewater Hotel

More recommendations can be found in the  10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wanaka .

Day 8 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive time: 1 hour

Time to hit the “Adrenaline Capital of the World”! Take the Crown Range  to be the best views on the way to Queenstown. Once there, you have so much to do! Take a look at The Complete Guide to Queenstown or the list below.

Things to Do in Queenstown

  • Do a bungy jump; you have three to choose from in Queenstown
  • Do a giant swing with Nevis Swing or Shotover Canyon Swing
  • Experience the thrills of a jet boat ride
  • Go skiing or snowboarding at The Remarkables in winter
  • Hike Ben Lomond .

The possibilities are endless, as described in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

Accommodation in Queenstown

  • Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
  • Adventure Queenstown Hostel
  • Melbourne Lodge

Choose from more affordable stays in the  15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown .

  • Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
  • The Glebe Apartments
  • Alexis Motel & Apartments

Browse all of the top stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown .

  • QT Queenstown
  • Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
  • Hulbert House

Find out more about each premium accommodation in our 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown .

Day 9 – Explore Queenstown (or Milford Sound Day Trip)

If the list of things to do in Queenstown wasn’t enough for you, then you also have the option today to take a bus trip (or drive) to Milford Sound . We get it, Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s New Zealand bucket list, so this is a way to squeeze in the experience in a South Island itinerary for 14 days.

With towering mountains, untouched rainforest and unbelievable scenery, Milford Sound is an unforgettable journey. To have a break from driving, we recommend taking one of the many bus tours to Milford Sound and then boarding a cruise of the fiord. Bus trips give you plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and do multiple short walks on the way.

For more information, get your head in the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown or consider a flight to Milford Sound instead, using the   6 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown .

However, if you want a break from the road, you have plenty more options for things to do in Queenstown listed above as well as some more inspiration in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

Day 10 – Queenstown to Mt Cook

If you have not had enough of epic scenic drives, then here’s one more for you through the Lindis Pass on the way to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.

On the way to Mt Cook, consider stopping by the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell to challenge your travel buddies to go-karting or stop by Omarama for their hot pools with a view. Additionally, there is a pleasant river walk in Twizel .

Once at Mt Cook , you have a lot of options to explore the heart of the Southern Alps with its glaciers, but we’ll get onto that more tomorrow.

Accommodation in Mt Cook

  • Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
  • Glentanner Park Centre

You know the drill; check out  5 Best Budget Accommodations in Mt Cook .

  • Aoraki Court Motel
  • Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
  • Aoraki Alpine Chalet

See the  10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Mt Cook for your top options.

  • The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
  • Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
  • Lakestone Lodge

Go high-end with the  5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Mt Cook .

Day 11 – Explore Mt Cook

There are many ways to enjoy the impressive landscape of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park , from glaciers to lakes to mountains, so you’ll want to spend a whole day doing some or all of the following activities!

Things to Do in Mt Cook

  • Walk the Hooker Valley Track
  • Land on the Tasman Glacier in a ski plane (more details on Viator or Klook )
  • Do a heli-hike on New Zealand’s longest glacier with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding
  • Go boating on the Tasman Lake with Glacier Explorers
  • Stargaze in the Aoraki Mt Cook International Dark Sky Reserve .

That’s right, you can learn more about these experiences, as well as many others in the  20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook .

Day 12 – Mt Cook to Geraldine (via Lake Tekapo)

Next stop, Geraldine! This is not without an obligatory stop at Lake Tekapo with its vibrant blue lake and the most scenic church in New Zealand, The Church of the Good Shepherd . We have a list of experiences for you in the  10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo .

Stop by the Fairlie Bakehouse for one of their award-winning New Zealand pies, then onward to Geraldine . You have time to either do an activity this evening or tomorrow morning so take your pick from the following!

Things to Do in Geraldine

  • Do grade 5 white water rafting on the Rangitata River with Hidden Valleys
  • Go canyoning in the Kaumira Canyon with Big Rock Adventures
  • Walk in the Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve
  • Explore the Orari Gorge Track
  • Visit all of the town’s vintage museums, including the Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum , Route 79 Museum , Roger Mahan Heritage Centre and Geraldine Museum .

All of these and more are listed in the  10 Best Things to Do in Geraldine .

Accommodation in Geraldine

  • Geraldine Top 10 Holiday Park
  • Waikonini Homestead
  • The Empty Nest
  • Geraldine Motels
  • ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
  • Four Peaks Motel
  • The Vicarage
  • Ngā Whare Mānatu

Day 13 – Geraldine to Christchurch

Drive time: 2 hours

If you missed any of the awesome activities yesterday, take the time to do them before you hit the road to Christchurch.

Journey through the Canterbury Plains, perhaps stopping by the Ashburton Domain to stretch your legs, to Christchurch where you now get the chance to explore the South Island’s biggest hub.

Things to Do in Christchurch

  • Wander around the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  • Visit the Canterbury Museum
  • Take to the skies in a unique way with Adventure Balloons NZ
  • Take a hop-on hop-off tram tour of the city (more info on Viator and Klook )
  • Feel the freeze at the International Antarctic Centre
  • Try some Kiwi cuisine in Christchurch .

Get more details in the  15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch .

Accommodation in Christchurch

  • The Bealey Quarter
  • Southwark Hotel & Apartments
  • BreakFree on Cashel

See more reasonably-priced stays in the  12 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch .

  • Golden Hotel
  • ibis Christchurch
  • Quality Hotel Elms

All the top recommendations can be found in 20 Best Hotels in Christchurch .

  • The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
  • Sudima Christchurch City
  • The Mayfair

For the cream of the crop, check out the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Christchurch .

Day 14 – Explore Christchurch or Akaroa Day Trip + Departure

For your final day on the South Island, there are loads more things to do! If you have the whole day and still have the energy for driving, take a trip to Akaroa for its wildlife tours! Alternatively, hit one of the beaches such as New Brighton or Sumner Beach , both within the city limits.

More Things to Do in Christchurch

  • Take a trip to Akaroa to see dolphins and little blue penguins
  • Head over to Lyttelton and take the ferry to Quail Island
  • Surf or relax on New Brighton or Sumner Beach
  • Walk or take the Christchurch Gondola going up the Port Hills for views of the city (more info on Viator and  Klook ) .

And don’t forget that we have much more ideas in the  15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch .

Departure from Christchurch Airport

Then, it’s time to head to Christchurch Airport for the next step of life’s adventure. You can return your vehicle at your vehicle rental company’s Christchurch Airport depot and then the company will likely provide a free shuttle to your requested terminal.

If you’re taking an international flight, remember to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. For domestic flights, such as those to Auckland Airport, get advice from  The Guide to Domestic Flights in New Zealand .

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this South Island road trip itinerary for 14 days but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in road trip itineraries in New Zealand. Plus, using their service is super simple:

  • First , send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
  • Then , you’ll receive your customised self-drive itinerary
  • Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
  • Finally , First Light Travel will organise the rest including the bookings.

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary . Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.

Alternative Itineraries for 14 Days in the South Island

That’s it for our South Island 2-week itinerary but by no means the end of our road trip advice. We thought you might like to be aware of our other itineraries for the South Island in 14 days so that you are able to compare:

  • South Island Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 14 Days
  • South Island Family Itinerary: 14 Days
  • South Island Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days
  • South Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 14 Days
  • South Island Food Itinerary: 14 Days
  • North Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
  • New Zealand in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, be sure to bookmark the  31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and  The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand – they’re pretty darn useful.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

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6 incredible road trips you should do in New Zealand

Tasmin Waby

Oct 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Portrait of a young woman in a car looking at a map for directions.

Stopping to take in the views, and check the map, while road tripping on New Zealand's South island © swissmediavision /Getty Images

New Zealand is one of those destinations best explored by car or campervan. Public transport is limited outside cities, and so much of what you'll want to see and do is off-the-beaten-track, immersed in New Zealand 's incredible natural environments . Road tripping means touring at your own pace, stopping for stunning walks, cycle rides, wild swimming or wildlife spotting.

Cape Reinga lighthouse with the sun setting in New Zealand

1. Northland loop

Best road trip in "the Winterless North" Auckland–Auckland (roundtrip); 650 miles (1,050km); a week or more

Kiwis call the regions north of Auckland (Northland & the Bay of Islands) the "Winterless North" because of its year-round subtropical climate. First, to the Bay of Islands , via the surf beaches of Mangawhai and the artsy city of Whangārei, which requires a good day or two of exploring. 

Next, drive north and ferry over to the former whaling port of Russell, which matches heritage charm with on-water adventures like sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking. All of these are also accessed from the thriving mainland town of Paihia – where you’ll also want to spend a day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds learning about the colonial history of New Zealand. 

Further north, the attractions are more remote and even more spectacular, leading all the way to the very top of the North Island at spiritual Cape Reinga , where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. On your way, stop at foodie Kerikeri ; chill out in laidback Mangōnui (which will please seafood lovers); and spend another day at Ahipara with its surf breaks and nearby sand dunes. 

Heading south again, you’ll drive through the incredible Waipoua Forest, where the last giants of the once extensive kauri forests here will take your breath away, stopping at quiet coastal towns peppered with stories of colonization, migration and hard labor.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

Best beach-coming road trip Thames–Waihi Beach; 190 miles (305km); 1-3 days

Coastal roads weave a magical path on this journey around the compact but colorful Coromandel Peninsula , a favorite holiday spot for residents of nearby Auckland and Hamilton. As well as a gorgeous beach-fringed coastline , the Coromandel also holds the legacy of its gold-mining past in the heritage streets of Thames, Coromandel Town and Waihi. 

Start in Thames, then head north to the thriving community of Coromandel Town via the beautiful 64-acre estate Rapaura Water Gardens . Next, detour from Colvile to the rugged northernmost tip of the Coromandel Peninsula – ideally in summer (December to February) when roads are dry and the pōhutukawa trees are in their crimson glory.

Heading down the other side of the peninsula, you’ll visit Whitianga and the nearby beaches of Mercury Bay. Diving, boating, game fishing and kayaking are the big draws at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Further south are natural attractions like the stone arch at  Cathedral Cove  near Hahei and Hot Water Beach (which lives up to its name). Dig a pool in the sand and relax in the hot waters that rise up from beneath the surface. 

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3. Wellington to Rotorua

Best road trip for vineyards and Art Deco architecture Wellington–Rotorua; 520 miles (840km); 4-7 days

After a few days exploring the excellent museums, galleries and bars of New Zealand’s compact, boho capital, Wellington , it's time to hit the road. First, you'll head north along the Hutt River valley, detouring into the Martinborough wine region to taste world-famous pinot noirs. Next, continue on to the Pacific coast: a languid arc combining sandy beaches and spectacular scenery with Māori cultural experiences. 

The stretch from Havelock North to Hastings is surrounded by bountiful orchards and much-loved wineries, which can be explored on an organized cycling tour, or you can continue by car. At the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers (Te Kauwae-a-Māui) lures golfers (with a spectacular course ) and birdwatchers as there's a 3,000-strong gannet colony on the headland here. 

Next, head to the gorgeous seaside city of  Napier  with its impressive Art Deco architecture. It's also another great spot for foodies. The remote East Cape is next. Stop at sun-soaked Whakatāne and the beaches of Ōhope before turning inland to round off this epic circuit at the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua , with its incredible Māori cultural immersion experiences and host of outdoor activities like mountain biking and luging.

4. An epic road trip fully exploring New Zealand's Southern Alps 

Best alpine road trip Christchurch–Christchurch (roundtrip); 850 miles (1,380km); a week or more

Trip through varied landscapes including scenic mountains, wild coasts, lush lakelands, and rural highways dotted with tiny hamlets on this grand South Island tour. Starting from Christchurch  with its mix of old England and future-facing Kiwi ingenuity, head to the alpine reaches of Arthur’s Pass National Park , which rises to 2,408m at Mt Murchison. 

Next, you’re meandering along the west coast through historic towns and artistic communities at Hokitika and Ross. The adventure rises again at the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships, where you have multiple options for glacier viewing (helicopter ride or sky diving, anyone?).

Heading south, the Haast region in Te Wāhipounamu–South West New Zealand World Heritage Area is the place for seabird-spotting and perhaps some tree-hugging in the ancient kahikatea swamp forest at Ship Creek. Finally, wend your way to Queenstown via the incredible Lake Wānaka , where paddling, hiking , skiing and climbing are among the outdoor pursuits that have made this region famous.  

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5. Otago Heritage Trail

Best road trip for gold mining heritage Dunedin–Dunedin (roundtrip); 280 miles (450kms); 2-3 days

The discovery of gold in the 1860s led Europeans to migrate to this South Island region, now Otago , and much of that heritage remains today. Old miners’ trails and abandoned railway lines have been repurposed for leisurely cycle rides and long strolls. Agricultural towns still house historic stone buildings and Gold Rush stories, while colorful deciduous trees, winding roads and romantic old railway bridges demand to be photographed. 

This driving tour starts in the vibrant city of Dunedin , where warehouses have been converted into hotels and art galleries, and university students pack international restaurants and pubs all week. After exploring for a few days, head south towards Lawrence – the scene of NZ’s first Gold Rush in 1861 – to the historically significant Horseshoe Bend Bridge over Clutha River/ Mata-au, NZ’s second longest river. Next, you’ll visit the sweet-smelling fruit orchards and vineyards of Central Otago before arriving in Alexander, Clyde or Middlemarch to tackle the Otago Central Rail Trail by bicycle or foot.

For more heritage streetscapes, schedule a stop in Naseby, staying overnight to enjoy a night tour under its brilliant starry skies. Detours from this route will take you into snow-capped mountains, across to the dramatic fiords in the west or to the rugged beauty of the southern coast.   

Man photographing sunset at Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand

6. Queenstown to mighty Milford Sound

Best road trip for dramatic views Queenstown–Milford Sound/Piopiotahi; 180 miles (290kms); 2 days

Fiordland is arguably New Zealand’s finest outdoor treasure. A landscape hewn in rock and ice, its grandeur can make you feel like a tiny speck in the face of nature (in the best possible way). 

Panoramic alpine views characterize this drive as you make your way from Queenstown past Kelvin Peninsula at the foot of The Remarkables , along the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu and past the Devil's Staircase and onto Te Anau . Stay overnight and take a tour of the 200m-long glow worm caves filled with strange rock forms, whirlpools and waterfalls before cruising north past Lake Mistletoe, Mackay Creek, Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn–Cascade Creek, all stunning spots to stretch your legs and admire the wilderness here. 

The final stretch to the majestic Fiordland National Park takes you through Homer Tunnel, a road laboriously cut through the mountains during the Great Depression.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated October 2023

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Sandfly Bay on the Otago Peninsula on the East Coast South Island in New Zealand

12 Best Road Trip Stops on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand

This page contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is often overlooked in favour of the more dramatic West Coast. So we were surprised by how much we loved our East Coast road trip.

The beaches and coastal scenery are spectacular, and it’s the best part of New Zealand to spot wildlife.

We swam with dolphins, saw hundreds of seals, strolled past sea lions, watched a little blue penguin parade, and got up close to massive albatrosses and their fluffy chicks. If you get lucky, you can even see whales.

In this post I share our favourite spots on a South Island East Coast road trip. You’ll find a map at the end—it’s hard to get lost as the route follows State Highway 1 most of the way with a few detours.

1) Picton and the Marlborough Sounds

2) marlborough wine region, 3) ohau point seal colony, 4) kaikōura, 5) christchurch, 6) lyttelton on the banks peninsula, 7) akaroa on the banks peninsula, 9) moeraki boulders beach, 10) dunedin, 11) otago peninsula, 12) the catlins, continuing your south island itinerary, map of east coast south island new zealand, more new zealand posts.

Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand, one of the best South Island road trip stops

Picton is the obvious starting point for a road trip on the South Island’s East Coast. This is where the ferry from Wellington on the North Island arrives, and there’s also an airport with flights from Wellington.

Most importantly, it’s the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, one of my absolute favourite places to visit in New Zealand .

It’s just spectacular with 1500km of winding coastline, hundreds of secluded bays, and bush-clad hills leading to clear aqua water.

You can see dolphins, stingrays, and whales in the water and many native birds on land including the cheeky weka.

On our first visit we spent five days hiking the Queen Charlotte Track, a 72km trail through the Sounds—it’s one of the best things to do in the South Island .

This is one of the most luxurious multi-day tramps in New Zealand as you can stay in comfortable lodges and have your bags transported by water taxi every day. You can also camp if you are on a budget.

If you don’t want to do the full hike, you can take a water taxi from Picton for a day hike. Another less strenuous day trip is the Pelorus Mail Boat from Havelock—cruise to remote bays on the mail run.

The Marlborough Sounds are also a great place to relax and get away from it all. On two subsequent trips we’ve rented an off-the-grid house in a remote bay for a week swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying the views.

Read: My guide to walking the Queen Charlotte Track .

Where to Stay: Picton is the most convenient base, but it’s worth a few hours’ drive on the winding roads to get to a secluded bay. We’ve stayed at St Omer’s Hideout twice. This remote 3-bedroom house above Kenepuru Sound has incredible views and it’s a 10-minute walk to the picturesque St Omer Bay.  Alternatively, take a water taxi to one of the lodges in the Sounds. Punga Cove and Lochmara Lodge were our favourites on the hike. Te Mahia Bay Resort is another good option—we’ve stopped here for a drink on their beautiful deck a few times. It’s only an hour’s drive from Picton.

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Marlborough vineyard on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand

Just a 30-minute drive from Picton is New Zealand’s largest wine region, world-famous for its refreshing sauvignon blanc.

Although Blenheim is the biggest town here, the village of Renwick is a better base as it’s closer to more wineries and is easy to explore by bike. There are 15 cellar doors within a 5km radius of Renwick.

Some of our favourite cellar doors include Bladen, Forrest, and No 1 Family Estate.

Read: 10 Tips for Visiting the Marlborough Wineries .

Where to Eat: Don’t miss a wonderful tasting menu dinner at Arbour (bookings recommended).

Where to Stay: Olde Mill House B&B  in Renwick is the perfect wine country B&B. There are just three rooms in a historic house with beautiful gardens and a hot tub. Bikes and breakfast are included.

Ohau Point Seal Colony on East Coast South Island New Zealand

It’s a beautiful drive south from Marlborough through vineyards until you hit the Pacific Ocean and drive between the turquoise sea and rugged mountains.

The best stop between Marlborough and Kaikōura is the Ohau Point Seal Colony. We’ve seen seals in many places in New Zealand, but this is the best—it’s right next to the road so there’s zero effort and there are hundreds of fur seals.

When we visited in late summer, there were lots of active pups gambolling on the rocks, frolicking in rock pools, play fighting, and grunting.

Kayaker with dolphins in Kaikoura on the South Island East Coast NZ

The coastal village of Kaikōura has a scenic location between the mountains and sea and is one of the best wildlife destinations in New Zealand. Summer is best for enjoying the beach, but it’s most impressive when the mountains are snow-capped in winter.

You can take tours by boat or helicopter to spot whales , swim with dolphins, or kayak with seals . You can also see seals for free on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway—the whole trail is 11.7km but you can find seals just a five minute walk from the car park.

We did a Dolphin Encounter tour to swim with wild dolphins. Although the group was bigger than I would have liked (pre borders closing), it was a remarkable experience being in the water surrounded by a huge pod of dusky and common dolphins.

We saw hundreds of them and they were so playful, jumping out of the water and doing 360º flips.

We went into the water with them four or five times, and when we managed to catch one of the dolphin’s attention (by diving, splashing, and even singing), they would circle around with us.

On the way back we even saw orcas and seals swimming in the sea.

Where to Eat: We like Black Rabbit for pizza and craft beer.

Where to Stay: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel has the perfect waterfront location and stylish rooms with balconies where we enjoyed a glass of bubbly from their champagne bar.

Antigua Boat Sheds on the Avon River in Christchurch on the South Island East Coast NZ

2.5 hours south of Kaikōura is Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, known for its English heritage. If you have limited time, you might want to skip it and focus on the East Coast’s natural attractions, but we enjoyed the city more than we expected.

We spent a week outside the city on the beautiful Banks Peninsula and visited Christchurch on a couple of day trips.

In Christchurch don’t miss:

  • Quake City – Interesting displays and moving stories of those who were affected by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that devastated the city (80% of the city centre buildings were lost).
  • Antigua Boat Sheds – Stripy boat sheds dating back to 1882 where you can go punting on the Avon River.
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens – Large beautiful gardens founded in 1863 with a wide variety of displays from English rose gardens to New Zealand ferns.
  • New Regent Street – Pretty pedestrian street with Spanish Mission style shopfronts in pastel colours dating back to the 1930s.

New Regent Street in Christchurch lit up at night

Where to Eat: Twenty Seven Steps has hearty, seasonal dishes (book ahead) and Little High Eatery is a hipster food court featuring family-run businesses from around the world.

Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula view from the Christchurch Gondola on the East Coast South Island

Lyttelton is a port town on the Banks Peninsula 20 minutes outside Christchurch (via a tunnel) and is a quieter, more scenic base to explore the area.

We enjoyed the creative vibe and plentiful vegan options in the pretty town that tumbles down a hillside to the aqua bay. We were surprised by how large the industrial port is but soon embraced watching the international cargo ships arriving.

In Lyttelton don’t miss:

  • Lyttelton Farmers Market – On Saturday mornings you’ll find plenty of fresh produce and hot food stalls.
  • Head to Head Coastal Path – For views of the turquoise bay and surrounding hills, follow the coastal walkway from Pony Point to Naval Point (and beyond into the centre of Lyttelton). It took us about an hour and then we had brunch before the return walk. 
  • Godley Head – Another great walk for spectacular views of the harbour and open ocean as well as interesting World War II coastal defence battery sites. We did a 45 minute loop along the cliff to the main sites or there’s a 9.3km loop around the peninsula. 
  • Christchurch Gondola – It’s touristy and expensive ($30) but the 360º views from the top of the Port Hills are stunning with the sprawling city, flat plains, and distant Southern Alps on one side and the beautiful Lyttelton Harbour on the other.
  • Quail Island – High winds prevented us from making it here, but we planned to kayak to this island in the harbour. You can also take a ferry.

Arbour Woodfired Pizza in Lyttelton

Where to Stay: We stayed at Rapaki Retreat, an Airbnb house on a farm in a Maori village 10 minutes from Lyttelton. It’s a quiet and friendly spot with lovely views but unfortunately is no longer listed.

Where to Eat: Arbour has delicious wood-fired pizza with lots of vegan options in a beautiful space full of plants and a 110-year-old boat as the bar. Lyttleton Coffee Company is a good brunch spot with views from the terrace.

Nikau Palm Gully Walk near Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

On the other side of the Banks Peninsula is Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand. It’s a beautiful, winding drive from Lyttelton that takes 1 hour 20 minutes. We visited on a day trip but staying in one of the cute B&Bs is tempting.

The village is one of the prettiest in the country and the coastal scenery is spectacular. Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano.

In Akaroa don’t miss:

  • Strolling along the charming waterfront .
  • Swimming with Hector Dolphins – These rare dolphins are the smallest in the world. We took a boat tour with Black Cat Cruises and although we weren’t able to swim, we did see some of these adorable dolphins. 
  • Nīkau Palm Gully Walk – A beautiful, unique and quiet hike (we didn’t see anyone else). It’s on private land from the Onuku Farm Hostel so you must get their permission. At first it follows the cliff edge with stunning harbour views and then you scramble down rocks to a gully of Nikau palm trees overlooking a small rocky bay. The 11km walk took us 3 hours. 

Where to Eat: La Thai Restaurant has outdoor seating on the waterfront, a vegan menu, and lots of ice-cream flavours.

Harbour Street in the Victorian Precinct in Oamaru

The 3.5 hour drive from Lyttelton and Christchurch to Oamaru is probably the dullest on this itinerary, but we liked Oamaru more than we expected and wished we’d planned on an overnight stay.

On our quick stop we had lunch and a beer tasting at lively Scotts Brewing Co then wandered down Harbour Street in the Victorian Precinct.

It’s not like anywhere we’ve seen in New Zealand with grand limestone buildings from the 19th century and shops selling vintage clothes and antiques.

Steampunk HQ ($10 entry) is a unique museum housed in the Grain Elevator building from the 1880s. The quirky displays include bizarre contraptions from old machinery, light displays, and an old steam train.

Steampunk HQ in Oamaru

If you stay overnight in Oamaru, you can also see yellow-eyed and blue penguins on nearby beaches.

Rather than continuing on Highway 1 south, we took the more scenic coast road via Kakanui—it’s not much of a detour (you’ll end up back on the 1) and is a beautiful drive.

Moeraki Boulders Beach, one of the best road trip stops on the South Island East Coast in New Zealand

Image by Simon from Pixabay

The next essential stop on the East Coast between Christchurch and Dunedin is Moeraki Boulders Beach, which is scattered with large boulders, each spherical stone up to two metres high.

It’s best to visit at low tide. When we visited at high tide we wouldn’t have been able to visit the boulders without getting our feet wet, so we enjoyed the view from the terrace of the Moeraki Boulders Cafe.

South of Moeraki there are a few worthwhile stops just off the highway that we were too tired for. At Katiki Lighthouse you can see seals, and if you are lucky, rare yellow eyed penguins. Shag Point is another rugged, scenic spot to see seals and colonies of shags.

Dunedin Railway Station in New Zealand

Dunedin is the second most populous city on the South Island and is known for its Scottish heritage, university students, and nearby wildlife.

While most people stay in the city and visit the Otago Peninsula on a day trip, we did things the other way round and preferred having a quieter base out of town.

We didn’t spend a lot of time exploring the city, but the city centre has some beautiful historic buildings including its iconic Railway Station (only used for tourist train trips now). We did find the comparison with Edinburgh a little overstated, though.

I highly recommend driving 15 minutes out of the centre to Tunnel Beach . A 20-minute walk takes you down a steep hill with views of rugged coastline, a rock sea arch, and the beach backed by sea-carved sandstone cliffs.

The path down to Tunnel Beach near Dunedin, New Zealand

At the end of the track there’s a short tunnel that was hand carved into the rock in the 1870s—carefully walk down the steep, wet steps and you’ll emerge on the small but stunning beach.

There are caves to explore and boulders to clamber on, but the rough aqua waves aren’t suitable for swimming (although we did see a seal body surfing!).

Tunnel Beach near Dunedin

The beach is best visited within two hours either side of low tide. Wear shoes with decent grip for the steep path and steps and allow around one hour for the 2km return walk.

Where to Eat: Esplanade has good Italian food overlooking St Clair’s beach. In the centre we enjoyed vegan-friendly Japanese at Jizo and Indian at Indish.

Sea lions on Allans Beach on the Otago Peninsula on the South island East Coast NZ

The Otago Peninsula quickly became one of my favourite parts of New Zealand. I love the wild sandy beaches, stunning coastal walks, and easy access to wildlife.

On the Otago Peninsula don’t miss:

  • Allans Beach – This long wild beach feels far away from it all and is one of the best places to see sea lions lolling on the beach.
  • Royal Albatross Centre – At the end of the peninsula is the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world. To get a proper look from the observatory, book an albatross viewing tour . It was absolutely fascinating learning more about these majestic birds, watching them fly, and seeing the fluffy chicks in their nests. 
  • Little Blue Penguin Tour – We did a combo albatross/penguin tour and at dusk watched about 30 little blue penguins come ashore and scurry up to their burrows in the sandy cliffs. They are adorable!

Albatross flying at the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula

  • Sandymount Track – A short and spectacular hike on the clifftops—it felt like the end of the world. The 2.5km loop took us 45 minutes. 
  • Sandfly Bay – Another wild white sand beach with the chance to see sea lions and yellow eyed penguins (although we didn’t). It’s a 500 metre walk down some slippery sand dunes.
  • Larnach Castle – Built in 1871 by a local entrepreneur and politician, this is a small castle by British standards (it’s more of a grand house), but it’s unusual in New Zealand. You can explore the lovingly restored rooms, climb the tower for sweeping views, stroll the extensive gardens, and have a drink or high tea in the Ballroom Cafe. You can also stay at Larnach Lodge here, which I’m tempted to do next time. 

Where to Eat: Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe is the perfect lunch stop at the start of the peninsula with delicious, creative food and pretty woodland gardens. 1908 Cafe in Portobello has hearty dishes in a historic building overlooking the bay (request a window table at sunset).

Where to Stay: We stayed at Arts Content Harbour View , a small apartment attached to the home of Cathy, a local artist. It’s set amongst a beautiful garden full of flowers with a terrace overlooking the harbour. We loved the breakfast basket containing homemade bread and muffins, apples from their trees, and eggs from their chickens.

We didn’t have time to continue down the South Island’s East Coast to The Catlins, but it’s on our list for next time. 

You’ll find waterfalls, rainforest, beaches, lighthouses, sea caves, wildlife, and the South Island’s southernmost point, Slope Point.

From Dunedin or the Catlins, if you want to extend your tour of the South Island, you could continue up to Manapouri (for Doubtful Sound), Te Anau (for Milford Sound), Queenstown , and Wanaka .

To complete the loop, head up the West Coast (Fox Glacier and Punakaiki are good stops) to Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson at the top of the South. From there it’s only two hours back to the ferry at Picton.

Our detailed post on the best South Island activities has lots more ideas.

Read: 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown .

  • 25 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand

South Island

  • 25 Unmissable Things to Do in South Island New Zealand
  • 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown
  • Gibbston Valley Wineries: The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting Near Queenstown
  • 20 Unmissable Things to Do in Wanaka
  • 22 Best Things to Do in Nelson
  • The Ultimate Guide to Abel Tasman National Park
  • A Detailed Guide to Walking the Queen Charlotte Track
  • 10 Tips for Visiting the Marlborough Wineries

North Island

  • The Best New Zealand North Island Itinerary
  • 22 Fun Things to Do in Wellington
  • 15 Best Things to Do in New Plymouth and Taranaki
  • Visiting the Magical Hobbiton Movie Set in The Shire

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All the best places to visit along the East Coast of South Island, New Zealand

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best road trips south island new zealand

New Zealand Family Road Trip Itinerary: South Island Holiday with Kids

Backyard Travel Family sit on a rock at the Hokitika Gorge, with the swing bridge in the background. The crazy blue water shows that this really is one of the best things to do in Hokitka

The very best New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary for families with kids

updated September 2023

If you are planning a road trip around New Zealand’s South Island, then you have come to the right place!  Just think of us as your own personal New Zealand road trip planner (haha)  This New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary is the perfect road map for families with kids.  There are a ton of things to do in New Zealand with kids and this road trip itinerary is full of family friendly walks, rest days or afternoons (because everyone needs a catch up nap) as well as your New Zealand highlights.  

This highlights tour covers everything you need to see on your South Island trip

  • Incredible landscapes
  • Golden Beaches
  • Glacial lakes with icebergs
  • Adventure activities including the very best South Island attractions such as bungy
  • A pile of fun activities for kids
  • Great swimming spots
  • Walks with epic views
  • Milford Sound – the 8th Wonder of the World
  • All of the best South Island Points of Interest
  • Options to see wildlife like kiwi, dolphins, whales etc.

Kipton sits on a rock and uses his binoculars to look out over Deep Stream from the Deep Stream track, looking up the canyon. Lake Aviemore, near Kurow, Waitaki Region

How to get around New Zealand

This New Zealand itinerary is a self drive tour of New Zealand.  The best way to get around New Zealand is by hiring a car or campervan, and it’s certainly the easiest way to travel with kids.  There are some incredibly picturesque South Island camping spots, so we highly recommend getting out in nature and camping on your South Island road trips.   If you would like more information about choosing a family campervan in New Zealand, click here

You could take a South Island tour, but with kids in tow, I think it is far easier to do your own self drive road trip.  You will find a South Island map will help with your planning.

best road trips south island new zealand

Weather in New Zealand

I have assumed this is a summer holiday, as this is the most popular time for tourists to travel in New Zealand.  But besides the days of visiting some of the beaches, you could do this itinerary at any time of the year.  Being the South Island, you would just have a add a few layers and could even sub in some ski days (if it was winter)  There are some awesome South Island ski fields, such as Mt Hutt in Canterbury, who let kids under 11 ski for free.  For more info on this, click here

Do be aware, in the southern South Island, the water is still quite cool, compared to the likes of Australia or Indonesia and Thailand.  Our kids often swim in wetsuits.  The Nelson/Golden Bay area probably has the warmest beach waters, but if you are really keen on that warm beach holiday, then you can’t miss the Northland , Auckland and Bay of Plenty.  Check out our Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping in the North island here

New Zealand is a country where you have four seasons in one day.  Seriously, even in the summer, kiwis won’t leave home without a sweatshirt or a jacket.   South Island Weather is often cooler, especially in the evenings so don’t expect those humid warm evenings too often in this part of New Zealand.  To find out more information about weather in New Zealand click here

Overview of New Zealand South Island Self Drive Itinerary

  • Day 0-3 Christchurch
  • Day 3 Kaikoura
  • Day 4-7 Abel Tasman/Nelson
  • Day 8-9 Murchison and Nelson Lakes
  • Day 10-11 Hokitika
  • Day 12-13 Franz Josef
  • Day 14-16 Wanaka
  • Day 17-19 Queenstown
  • Day 20-21 Te Anau/Milford Sound
  • Day 22-23 Twizel/Mt Cook
  • Day 24 Tekapo
  • Day 25 Christchurch

Day 0-1 Welcome To Christchurch

Wow! You made it all the way to New Zealand.  Its highly likely you are exhausted and jetlagged, so lets spend a few days exploring here in Christchurch before getting a car or campervan and starting your road trip.

If you are picking up a campervan today, this can take a few hours.  An option is to tag team parent, and send one to pick up the camper and the other with the kids to check out the International Antarctic Centre.   It is just across the road from the airport.  Also a great option if you drop off your rental car/camper early and have some time to kill before you take off home again.

If you need accommodation in Christchurch we highly recommend

  • Heritage Hotel Christchurch: Right in the City Centre, large heritage suites with full kitchens and separate bedrooms.  We love this spot and often stay at Heritage Properties.  Click here for the latest prices
  • Distinction Hotel Christchurch: A new modern property for a little bit of luxury, with spacious rooms and huge bathrooms (in their family room)  I really liked this place too. Check out the room rates here
  • Campers could try the North South Holiday Park:  It has great facilities including a pool and jumping pillow for the kids and is close to the airport.  Check out prices and availability here

Christchurch City Day

Visit the Largest Playground in the Southern Hemisphere, Margaret Mahy Playground .

If you can drag yourself away from there, take a city tour on the tram, visit Cathedral Square and witness the sad effects of the Christchurch Earthquake (visit Quake City attraction for more info on this) or if the weather is rainy, try the Canterbury museum (free) or the free LEGO at the Imagination Station in the new Christchurch library.

Or get rid of your jetlag by getting some exercise:

  • Mountain Biking in Bottle Lake Forest
  • Walk the Rapaki Track for awesome views of Banks Peninsula
  • Hike the Godley Heads Track for coastal views on the whole track

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 2: Christchurch 

If you aren’t too tired and are up for a bit of an adventure.  Check out one of these day trips from Christchurch

Day trip from Christchurch to:

  • Walk to Washpen Falls and visit the beautiful blue/green waters at the Rakaia Gorge
  • Scenic drive with all the views to Akaroa for a dolphin cruise or even swimming with dolphins , our very own French settlement and beautiful bays and beaches for swimming.  There are so many things to do in Akaroa – check out our linked article for the best 15 activities and attractions
  • Road Trip to Arthurs Pass for Castle Hill Walk (Rock formations/Narnia) and Devils Punchbowl Falls

Explore Castle Hill and the Battle of Narnia in Arthurs Pass Canterbury and enjoy a great short walk with kids and family. Backyard Travel Family I New Zealand

Day 3: Kaikoura

Drive two hours north from Christchurch to Kaikoura.

Kaikoura is famous for its beautiful whale population and being able to swim with the dolphins.   Find some wildlife on a tour this afternoon

Accommodation in Kaikoura

  • For a very comfortable stay, try the Heritage property: The White Morph
  • Campers check out the Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park , or the Alpine Pacific Holiday Park

A whale flicks his tail up in front of tourists on the Whale Watch Kaikoura boat on a New Zealand winters day

Day 4:  Drive from Kaikoura to Nelson/Kaiteriteri

The 3.5 hour drive from Kaikoura to Nelson is particularly scenic.  Head up the Kaikoura Coastline, making sure to stop to visit the Seal Colony at Ohau Point, just north of Kaikoura.  Drive through vineyard country in Blenheim and stop for lunch at a winery, or have a picnic lunch at Pelorus Bridge.  This is a great swimming spot and there are a few short walks you could take advantage of here.  

For more information on the Pelorus Bridge walks and swimming spots (and Pelorus bridge campground) click here

Arrive in Nelson for an overnight or head straight to Kaiteriteri, an hour further down the road.

Alternate Route: If you wish to explore the Marlborough Sounds which are beautiful and often much less busy than the Abel Tasman/Nelson area , then check out these awesome things to do in Picton (a great place to base yourself to explore)

Aerial View of Awaroa Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park

Day 5: Kaiteriteri

Kaiteriteri has the most beautiful golden sand that twinkles in the sunlight. Enjoy a beach day here today.  You can hire kayaks or stand up paddleboards, take a water taxi to another beach or just laze about.

You could also explore some New Zealand hidden gems such as Anapai Bay, a lesser known but beautiful spot near here.

Accommodation at Kaiteriteri

  • Campers will love the beachside location of the Kaiteriteri Beach campsite.  It gets extremely busy in summer, even with locals, so book early over peak times.  
  • If you’re looking for something a little quieter and relaxing, try the Abel Tasman Lodge.  You can find out more about this beautiful spot and other unique accommodation options here

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 6: Kaiteriteri

If you are pressed for time, take a Half Day Walk in the Abel Tasman National Park. You can grab a water taxi out to wherever you would like to start and get picked up down the track later on.  Or if you prefer the scenic option, just take a day cruise with a beach stop.  Click here for discounted deals on this cruise

Walking the whole track? Allow 3-4 days.  The Abel Tasman Track is one of the easiest multi-day South Island hikes, and one of New Zealands “great walks.”  If you do consider walking the whole track, there are lots of things such as luggage transfer and huts along the way, to make this much easier with kids.

Find out more about taking a day trip on the Abel Tasman Track and who we recommend, in this “ Things to do in Nelson article “

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 7: Day trip from Kaiteriteri

Head over the Takaka Hill to Golden Bay, which lives up to its name so take your togs. Wander through the hippy town of Takaka, see the clearest freshwater in the world (2nd to Antarctica) at Blue Springs (Waikoropupu Springs, colloquially known as Pupu Springs), venture to Farewell Spit (the longest natural sandbar in the world) and Wharariki Beach for panoramic coastlines, islands and arches

Or head to Totaranui Beach, another remote golden beach at the top of the Abel Tasman National Park.  If you did an Abel Tasman Cruise, you may have seen this from the shore or stopped here, but you can actually drive around and make a whole day of it.

(photo credit Cape Farewell Horse Tours)

Wharariki Beach at sunset

Day 8: Murchison

Drive to Murchison (2 hours) via St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti (for lake swimming and short walks)

We loved the Mt Robert Summit Track.  It takes about 5 hours round trip, but its beautiful, and if you wish to stay longer in the area, you can stay overnight in Bushline Hut on the trail too.  Read more about the Mt Robert Circuit

Stay at a classic kiwi bach at nearby Lake Rotoroa (3 bedrooms, 200m from the Lake) or try a comfortable 2 bedroom suite at the Murchison Motels.

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 9: Murchison

Visit Buller Swing Bridge, New Zealands longest swing bridge. Try the Comet Line, a zipline where parents and kids can ride together.

Maruia Springs Waterfall and Hot Pools or Rafting in Buller River

You can actually stay at Maruia Springs.  They have several types of couples and family accommodation, and if you have a self contained camper, they have a great package that includes an overnight stay, and 24 hours of bathing at the hot pools, essentially two days entry!  Click here to find out more

White Water Rafts float down the river in Murchison

Day 10: Hokitika

Drive to Hokitika via Punakaiki ( Pancake Rocks and Blowhole ) 2 hours, 40 min drive.  Stop for a rest stop and one of these short walks below.

If you’re looking for some awesome accommodation, check out Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.  Great beachfront campsites, but also, wait for it, brand new refurbished shipping containers for a bit of luxury.  Check out our Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park review here

Some great things to do in the Punakaiki and Greymouth Area

  • Visit Pancake Rocks: a short 20 minute return walk, wheelchair/stroller accessible to see the incredible Pancake Rock formations
  • Truman Track: A little track to a secret beach and waterfall, 15 mins each way
  • Punakaiki Cavern: Check out this cavern hidden on the side of the main road
  • Coal Creek Falls: 10 mins north of Greymouth, a lovely cascade waterfall. Easy walk for families
  • Woods Creek Walk: 1 hour return, easy even for toddlers. A fairy wonderland, sheltered by trees from the rain, coal mining tunnels and bridges. A Kids dream.  It’s only a 1km walk, but there is plenty to keep the kids entertained.  They even wanted to do it again as soon as they were done! 
  • Brunner Mine: A free thing to do on the West Coast.  Explore the old mining centre

Amazing wooden platform viewpoint at the end of the Truman Track Punakaiki

Day 11: Hokitika

Local town activities: The famous stick sign at Hokitika Beach, Glass Blowing Studio and Jade Carving (both free), find eels or visit National Kiwi Centre

Visit the famous Hokitika Gorge and Swing Bridge: (15 minute walk) Emerald Green and blue waters! This is one of my favourite viewpoints in the South Island, New Zealand.  Definitely worth the drive. Then head to Lake Kaniere for Dorothy Falls (1 minute walk)  The wetland area is definitely a completely type of scenery.

Take in sunset at Sunset Point and visit the Glow Worm Dell after dark (free) just on the north side of town (signposted)  It is one of the best places in New Zealand to see glow worms, is stroller accessible and very easy and quick to access.

AirBnB at Okarito, West Coast NZ

If you want to head south a little earlier, pop down to Okarito and stay at this fabulous AirBnB from $135 per night with mountain and sea views.  An airy property right near the wonderful wildlife and rare white herons of the Okarito Lagoon. (Photo above)

Day 12: Franz Josef

Drive to Franz Josef (1 hour 50 mins)

Walk the Franz Josef Glacier Walk to view the incredible ice glacier, which is sadly retreating rapidly (90 mins return, 5km) This South Island walking track is suitable for kids. (our 4 and 6 year old walked this with ease)

Accommodation options are Franz Josef

  • A bit of luxe: You can’t go past the Rainforest Deluxe and their incredible treehouses.  See photos and prices here
  • Family Accommodation: We stayed at Franz Alpine Retreat and they had the cutest little houses with 2 bedrooms and big kitchen, living area that was perfect for a family of 5 (3 single beds for the kids not to share which was fab)  Take a look at Franz Alpine Retreat here
  • Camping:  We have camped at the DOC campground – Otto/McDonalds.  It is fantastic, right on the lakeside, just beware of the bugs (as with anywhere on the West Coast)  There is also a Franz Josef Top 10 campsite if you need access to kitchens, power or cabins.  See options at Franz Josef Top 10 here
  • If you are looking for something a little unique, try the Kahere Retreat .  They are the cutest little log cabins, modern and lovely.  Find out more here

Nathan and Kipton from Backyard Travel Family walk on the Franz Josef Glacier track, as the cloud clears to reveal the icy white Franz Josef Glacier

Day 13: Franz Josef

Lake Matheson reflection lake at sunrise, Fox Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand

Day 14: Wanaka

Drive to Wanaka (4 hours)  Don’t underestimate this drive, with stops along the way, this will take the good part of a day.

Great stops along the way

  • Blue Pools Track -below (45 mins return)
  • Thunder Creek Falls (10 min return)
  • Fantail Falls
  • Glendhu Bay Holiday Park :  We prefer this campsite as it is right on the lake, which you don’t get in the campsites in the township.  Its only a 7-8 minute drive and it is perfect.  Can be super busy in summer so book ahead then.
  • The Bella Vista Wanaka motel is super central.  Their family rooms have a separate kids bedroom and the main bed in the lounge.  Big spacious bathrooms and kitchen with oven and hobs.  Was ideal.  Click here for prices
  • A great AirB&B option is this Wanaka home with 3 bedrooms.  A great spacious offering if you are looking at stopping for a while, and its only a few minutes from town.  Click here for photos and up to date prices

Blue Pools Wanaka, the beautiful but freezing azure blue waters and as clear as ice

Day 15: Wanaka

Today, enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer. Visit the iconic Wanaka Tree, kids will enjoy the lakefront playground, active families can enjoy kayaking, cycling on the lakefront,  SUP hire on the lake, or even a swim!

But word of warning, this glacial lake is freezing! If the weather isn’t great, take in a film at Cinema Paradiso, sitting on a comfy couch or Morris Minor, or try Basecamp Rock Climbing.

If you love great views, then try the Diamond Lake Track (40-60 minutes) or the Rocky Mountain track (3 hours return)  The latter being an epic tramping track with 360 degree views.  If you want great views but aren’t game for a whole day hike, then this is the one for you

For more info on the best things to do in Wanaka, check out the Lake Wanaka Tourism site

That Wanaka Tree: The beautiful whispy tree that sits in lake Wanaka, half covered in water, with snow capped mountains in behind. One of the most beautiful things you will see on your New Zealand south island road trip itinerary

Day 16: Wanaka

Today, take on the Instagram worthy Roys Peak  (4-6 hours return) or if you’re looking for something more family friendly, try Mt Iron Walk (2 hours return) or the Rocky Mountain Track (3 hours return) with panorama views over Wanaka and a trip to Puzzling World.   The Rob Roy Glacier Track is another 3-4 hour return walk and the drive here is just beautiful.

Some lessor known but amazingly beautiful walks are

  • Isthmus Peak , a good option if you aren’t into the Roys Peak crowds, or is Roys Peak is shut for lambing
  • Breast Hill, Lake Hawea:  For advanced trampers – 5 hours one way climbing scraggly ridgelies, this is an epic adventure

Jen and 2.5 year old Emilia stand on top of the Roys Peak viewpoint with blue lake views and mountain ranges in behind

Day 17: Queenstown

Head up Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola.  This is a must do, or walk up for free (1.5 hours) Take the luge down.  Grab a good deal on a gondola/luge pass here .  (If you are a keen photographer, we do recommend heading up here in the morning, as the hill causes big afternoon shadows.) 

Then stroll and explore Queenstowns Waterfront. Try out Patagonia Chocolates for the silkiest hot chocolate or gelato, the famous Cookie Time shop or relax at a Waterfront Restaurant.

Take a  Boat Tour on Lake Wakitpu or take the kids to the Queenstown Gardens for a walk with free frisbee golf and playground close by.  If you want more of a challenge, take on one of these Queenstown Walks .  Bobs Cove is one of my favourite, with incredible blue green waters, and only an epic view point in less than an hour (see photo below)

Dinner at the famous Fergburger 

Local tip: phone in your order to avoid the crazy lines around the block.  The menu is online. Beware, the burgers are huge!

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown can be notoriously expensive, but we have tried to travel at off peak times or nab a good deal when they are on offer.  Here are the places we have stayed before which we all enjoyed

  • Platinum Apartments Queenstown:  A few minutes drive up on Fernhill, we had a 3 bedroom apartment on a split level.  I loved the full kitchen and the space and it was a great stay when we planned on relaxing as well as exploring.  Click here for prices at the Platinum
  • Garden Court Suites and Apartments:  We stayed here on our first trip away with baby #1.  It is great if you are looking for a place in a walkable distance to town.  I loved being able to just pop the baby in the stroller.  We had our own parking space (Queenstown parking can be a pain) and a full kitchen.  It wasn’t a super large one bedroom suite, but it was absolutely fine for us.  Click here for photos and room rates
  • Millbrook Resort:   We got a great deal for a couple of nights of luxury and just loved Millbrook.  It is a golf resort in Arrowtown (a 20 min drive) and was quiet, peaceful and spacious.  We had access to pool and fitness facilities too.  A real treat.  You can see the latest prices here and deals here
  • Driftaway Queenstown: A high end holiday park with beautiful villas with lake views, awesome games room and playground and as well as lakeview campsites.  It really has something for everyone and the family friendliness of this place is the best we’ve seen.  Check out the prices and range of accommodation here

Read More:  Our full guide to the best Queenstown Family Accommodation : For all budgets

Want to know what to eat in Queenstown, Fergburger has the best burgers

Day 18: Queenstown

Explore the historic and quaint gold mining town of Arrowtown. Pan for gold, dress up in olden day clothing or check out the weekend farmers market.  The Arrowtown Bakery also has some mouthwatering treats.

Hire at bike in Arrowtown (grab some kids seats if required) and follow the river trail to Gibbston Winery. It is one of the loveliest South Island cycle trails and you can even organise a pick up from the vineyard.

Find more child friendly cycle trails in Queenstown here

Or head to Cromwell, just 40 minutes from Queenstown and take a short ride, or a day trip on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail , New Zealand’s newest and prettiest track.

Beautiful view of a child cycling downhill from the winery on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail on an autumn day

Day 19: Queenstown

Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy , one of the New Zealand’s most scenic drives and Lord of the Rings film location. (1 hour) Stop at Bobs Cove for picnic lunch.  Its a short walk to Bobs Cove for your own little secluded piece of paradise.

Afternoon Adventure:

Bungy Jumping in Queenstown is totally iconic but there are a ton of adventure activities here.  Its also one of the best places for Tandem Skydiving if you’re up for a real adrenalin thrill

Complete New Zealand’s highest Bungy jump , Jet Boat , Skydive , White Water Rafting, Zipline , you can do it all here in Queenstown!

Or if you are visiting Queenstown in Winter, why not try skiing?  Queenstown has a great variety of ski fields.  We loved the Remarkables ski field , which had a great range of beginner and intermediate trails for ourselves, as well as amazing views from the expert runs

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 20: Te Anau

Drive to Te Anau (2 hours) and explore the lakefront of this small town. Rest before your big drive to Milford tomorrow.

If you have a little time, why not take a Fiordland Seaplane Flight.  Its the best way to see so much of the untouched world of Fiordland.  Check out our Te Anau Seaplane review here.   Or take a look at this great list of  things to do in Te Anau  (in fact you may even want to stay a little longer)

Te Anau Accommodation

We stayed at the Lakeside Motels and Apartments which was ideal for a family.  The motel is a little older and unassuming from the outside, but the 1 bedroom apartment sleeping 5 was great.  Good kitchenette, big bathroom with spa bath and you couldn’t beat the location.  Only $150 for our room so great value (July 2020).  Click here for photos and up to date prices

If you are looking for something a little more modern, try the Marakura Motels  We loved having 2 separate bedrooms, and the kids room had 3 single beds.  Such a perfect spot and the lake views were beautiful.

If you are camping, our friends recommend the Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park.  Click here for more info.

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 21 Te Anau

One of the highlights of many New Zealand road trips: Milford Sound.

The busiest time of day for boat tours is in the middle of the day when tours buses arrive from Queenstown, so avoid this if possible. Don’t worry if its raining when you visit. 1. It rains here a lot! 2. All the water unveils hundreds of beautiful waterfalls in the region so count yourself very lucky.

Allow at least 2.5-3 hours to drive Milford Road, not including stops such as the beautiful Mirror Lakes , or Lake Marian Track  (one of my personal favourite South Island walks)  

Click here to nab the best discounted Milford Cruise  or here if you want to do the day trip from Queenstown (including transport)  This is the most popular of South Island attractions, a real must do on your South Island itinerary.

If you have done Milford Sound before, you could also consider Doubtful Sound .  Click here for the our Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound article and a run down of both sounds.

Side Adventure on the Milford Track

If your family is interested in multi-day adventures, you may like to consider the Milford Track.  It is one of New Zealand’s  famous Great Walks, requiring 4 days to walk the 53.5km track.  It is a one way walk, so make sure you book your Milford Track transport with the team at Fiordland Outdoors well before you go.

best road trips south island new zealand

Day 22 Drive to Twizel

Drive to Twizel (4 hours, 15 minutes)

Stop along the way at the Omarama Clay Cliffs or wine taste at one of Cromwell’s best vineyards.  If you wanted a further side trip, why not try to picturesque but unknown Deep Stream Track, or the Narnia film location of Anatini and Elephant Rocks

Accommodation Recommendation: Twizel is a great place to base yourself to explore the Mackenzie Region.  We highly recommend Highland Farm Stay Twizel if you are looking for accommodation.  Cute couples cabins as well as their family Merino cottage are both great options.  Plus you get free food to feed the alpacas, sheep and chickens.  A great kiwi experience with such lovely hosts.  You can see our review of Highland Farm Stay here

Nathan, Kipton and Emilia hold hands walking towards Omarama Clay Cliffs, South Island, New Zealand

Day 23: Twizel

One of the highlights of your trip to New Zealand, will be viewing Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Twizel is a great place to base yourself, for visiting Mt Cook National Park.

Walk the Hooker Valley Track (3 hours return) which is a manageable track for families, as its flat and has 3 great swing bridges. In summer, start early to miss the crowds.  Or try the Kea Point Track , a shorter 1 hour return track for a shorter walk.  Both these tracks start at the same point at White Horse Hill Campground.

The Tasman Glacier Track has great views of all the icebergs (30 mins) or if you have older, fit children, take on the tough Sealy Tarns Track (3-4 hours) and its 2200 stairs. Straight up, but up to amazing scenery. The Red Tarns track is similar, but half the height. 

If you have time and are a good hiker, consider an overnight hike to Mueller Hut.  It is my favourite walk in New Zealand.  To find out more about how to book and see some incredible photos, click here: Mueller Hut Mt Cook

Nathan from Backyard Travel Family picks up a huge piece of ice at the Hooker Valley Track in winter

Day 24: Tekapo

Day of Tekapo Highlights .  Leave Twizel and drive past Lake Pukaki (my absolute favourite South Island lake) on the way to Tekapo (40 minute drive) 

  • Mt John Observatory Walk (3 hours)
  • Bike part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
  • Visit a Salmon Farm
  • Visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Tekapo Springs Hot Pools (My favourite South Island hot pools: also has ice skating and tubing in winter and waterslides, jumpernaut inflatable play area in summer)
  • Dark Sky Experience (Stars and Observatory tours: a very unique South Island tourist attraction)

Tekapo Accommodation Recommendations

  • The best budget accommodation in Tekapo would have to be the  Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park.   This Tekapo campground is right on the lakefront has motels rooms, cabins and campsites  Check out the  latest prices
  • If you are looking for luxury accommodation in Tekapo, you couldn’t go past a house at  Lakeview Tekapo  

Ashley and Emilia from Backyard Travel Family check out the 360 degree views of Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region, Canterbury Walk, South Island, New Zealand

Day 25:  Drive from Tekapo to Christchurch

Road Trip stops from Tekapo to Christchurch

  • Stop at the Fairlie Bakehouse for the flakiest tastiest pies (Trust us!) and there’s a good playground in Fairlie too while you stop at this snack stop
  • Take the scenic route back to Christchurch (instead of the main highway) via the Rakaia Gorge historic bridge and beautiful blue/green water
  • Take a detour to the Ashburton Lakes area and the Lord of the Rings film location of Mt Sunday

best road trips south island new zealand

Congratulations!  You have completed a round trip circuit of New Zealand South Island Highlights!

  • Hanmer Springs
  • Mid Canterbury
  • The Catlins
  • Invercargill/Southland/Stewart Island
  • Picton and Marlborough Sounds

Jennifer

Founder of Backyard Travel Family

Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Having travelled extensively in Europe and Africa, has lived in London and the USA and holidayed in many parts of Asia, she is not a newbie to the travel space

Jen has three young children, 5=9 and under and travels around New Zealand with them.

Backyard Travel Family New Zealand. Lets share these articles and spread the love

Epic Places to visit

  • - Hooker Valley Track, Mt Cook
  • - Mueller Hut, Mt Cook
  • - Routeburn Track
  • - Visit Wanaka
  • - Woolshed Creek Overnight Hike
  • - Breast Hill, Wanaka
  • - Coca Cola Lake

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  • - South Island Road Trip Itinerary
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best road trips south island new zealand

The Ultimate Two-Week New Zealand Road Trip

By Caitlin White

New Zealand was one of those countries that shut down its borders tight during the pandemic, a strategy that turned out to be effective not just for dealing with a highly contagious sickness, but also in making it a coveted destination for travelers once the lockdown was lifted. Even before that, ever since the wildly popular Lord Of The Rings franchise introduced the natural beauty of these two islands to a much larger audience than just travel obsessives and #vanlife connoisseurs, New Zealand has been on the national radar as a bucket list trip for plenty of Americans, 14-hour plus flight be damned. 

At the same time, though, as a destination it’s a bit daunting for newcomers — where to start if the country’s natural beauty is the main draw? Is it better to focus on one island at a time? Is one of them unabashedly better? And if not, how do you choose? Besides, by the time you’ve survived a 14-hour flight, doesn’t seeing both seem justified? Luckily, my own personal journey through New Zealand is designed to answer all these questions and more, as I had about a year of preparation before a friend’s wedding on the south island to put together my own plan of attack. 

With a little help from a native Kiwi, said friend’s fiance and now-husband (congrats Matt and Theo!), I landed on an approximately 16-day itinerary road trip that led me through most of the major cities on both islands, as well as some more rural stops filled with natural beauty along the way. Feel free to take my blueprint and make it your own, trimming or adding days to suit your own interests and wants, or skipping to one island if you’re not planning to travel to both.

Starting off and (heading back home) from a base in Auckland, I traveled down to Lake Taupō and Wellington on the north island, then took the ferry across to the south island where I ventured over to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri in Tasman, down to the infamous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, and finished up with a few days in the lake town, Wānaka, a nearby attraction from the south island’s main port of Queenstown. After a final few days exploring Queenstown, I flew back up to Auckland, crashed in an airport hotel, and headed home the next morning. Here are my tips, tricks, suggestions and recommendations broken up by each city and region.

How to get there

The bulk of the direct international flights from America land in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand by far. You can also fly directly into Wellington, but if you want to see Auckland too, it makes sense to fly there first, and then make your way down to Wellington before heading across to the south island. Another option is flying into Christchurch with a stopover in Australia  or another New Zealand city first. (I opted to skip Christchurch for this trip, but it is the second largest city in New Zealand with the largest population on the south island. Unfortunately, several devastating earthquakes in 2010, 2011 and 2016 have deeply impacted the city’s infrastructure, and it’s still in recovery mode from some of the damage. My Kiwi guide recommended skipping it on a first visit in favor of some coastal explorations instead.) 

West Coast flights

I have status on American Airlines, so I opted to fly from LA to their hub in Dallas, where they offer a daily direct to Auckland. The perks of going three hours out of the way was the chance to use credit from canceled pandemic-era flight, and a free upgrade to premium economy seats, which matters quite a bit on a 14-hour trip. I booked about seven months in advance of the actual trip, and saw the ticket prices spike just after that, around six months, and continue to go up, so planning ahead is key.

For west coasters looking to depart directly from their home city, Air New Zealand offers direct flights out of both LA and San Francisco, and United also flies direct from SFO to Auckland. Portland and Seattle will have to route through San Francisco or Vancouver to catch a direct. Qantas (operating with Air Tahiti Nui) is another good option to check out, as they offer a one-stop option with a layover in Papeete, and Hawaiian Airlines flies a similar route with a quick stop in Honolulu. Finally, Fiji Airways is another potential one-stop selection, with a brief layover in Nadi, Fiji, before the final leg to Auckland.

East Coast flights

The best bet from the east coast will always be out of New York, and there is a direct from JFK to Auckland happening twice a week on either United or Air New Zealand. Be warned: This flight is over 16 hours. This might be the perfect trip to finally splurge on Business class?

North Island

Auckland: 3-5 days .

Think of Auckland as the New York City of New Zealand — though this one is a thriving metropolis with a population hovering around 1.6 million. There’s no other city in the country that even comes close in size, and some might argue, culture, and even though in my experience there was pretty incredible food all over the country, the restaurants in Auckland were particularly exceptional. It is a great town for eating, drinking and shopping, and will likely be the most familiar city for Americans as far as recognizable businesses and brands etc. 

Bonus tip: Plenty of merchants in New Zealand don’t take Amex, so bring your other favorite travel points credit card of the Visa or Mastercard persuasion just to be safe. 

Double bonus tip: If you pick up a rental car at the Auckland airport, some carriers don’t let you take it across on the ferry to the south island (mine was Hertz). You will be asked to return the first car in Wellington and pick up a new one at the south island ferry terminal. Just make sure to plan for this slight inconvenience ahead of time, disobeying the rule comes with hefty fines. 

Optional side trip: If you’re starting your trip in Auckland, consider whether you want to drive up to the rugged, forested Northlands region. As the name suggests, it’s directly north of Auckland. I didn’t, and kind of regretted the fact, but if you do head up there, you’ll have to pre-pay for any toll roads at the rental car counter when you first pick up your car. That means doing some research on what you’d like to see and how to get there — and again, I didn’t make the trek up, so I can’t be of much service here except to warn you about the tolls. If you do choose to go, I’d say a day or two would be the max, as it’s mostly rural cities, colonial towns and wineries that are the draw aside from just driving the coastline, which is always the number one attraction in this country.

Where to stay in Auckland:

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

American hotel brands are present in some parts of New Zealand, but other hospitality companies like Accor have a much larger presence. If you’re a points fiend, settling on one hotel company for a trip of this size is a great idea, and I went with mostly Accor properties because they have a presence in all the major cities. Accor is actually the largest hotel operator in the Pacific and has been in the area for over thirty years, so they’re experts in the space. After witnessing that firsthand on a recent trip to Fiji , working with them on this trip was a no–brainer. 

If you’re going with Accor, sign up for their membership rewards and use that number everywhere. (Please tell me you’re already doing this for any long trips and extensive hotel bookings!) Mövenpick was originally a Swiss brand that Accor acquired in 2018, and they wasted no time opening the first property in New Zealand with this Auckland hotel in 2022. Since it’s currently their newest property in town, and I’ve never stayed in one, I wanted to check it out. 

Located right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District) on the waterfront, this hotel is perfectly situated within walking distance of countless bars and restaurants, tourist attractions like the Sky Tower, nearby shopping neighborhood of Ponsonby, and the ferry over to Waiheke island. The company’s Swiss origins included holdings in ice cream and chocolate, and instead of a daily happy hour they offer a “chocolate hour” at the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel, with complimentary sweets galore for guests. 

Location is everything for this affordable and polished property, with ocean views of the Viaduct Harbor from many of the rooms and the upstairs restaurant, a downstairs coffee bar, in–house valet and walking distance to the Britomart shopping area and the harbor itself.

Hotel Britomart

Another option in the CBD area, this independently owned hotel was actually founded by the brother and sister duo, Suzie and David Lucas, who originally hail from Seattle. Working with a whole host of locals and experts to create a property with an emphasis on sustainability, the hotel initially opened in the tumultuous fall of 2020. Since then it’s been recognized as the first 5-Green Star hotel in New Zealand, as certified by the NZ Green Building Council. You’ll pay around $500 USD a night to snag one of just 99 rooms, but the place is certainly beautiful. 

Sofitel Viaduct

If you prefer to be even closer to the harbor, check into the Sofitel Viaduct for luxury accommodations and marina views. Overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, plenty of the Sofitel’s rooms offer balconies and panoramic views of Auckland’s stunning waterfront — and you’re still well within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in the CBD.

What to do in Auckland:

Visit Piha Black Sand beaches

About an hour or so drive outside the city center, these black sand beaches are some of the most visually stunning in the area. Beloved by surfers due to the massive ways, this somewhat tourist–y spot is still under crowded because of how tucked away it is. Definitely bring along snacks if you head out, as there’s not a ton of options near the beach, probably a good place to bring one of New Zealand’s famous meat pies (more on that below).

Shop and explore Ponsonby

This walkable neighborhood near the CBD is well–known as a shopping haven in the city if you want to pick up trinkets, souvenirs, a new wardrobe or just wander around Ponsonby Road feeling out the vibe. The boutiques are filled with handmade crafts from local artisans and high-end clothing, so there’s plenty to window shop even if you’re not in the mood to buy.

Venture to the top of the Sky Tower

It’s a little touristy, but hey, you’re a tourist! Just like the Hollywood Sign and the Empire State Building, checking out the Sky Tower is a rite of passage for newbies in Auckland. From restaurants at the top of the tower and morning yoga to bungee jumping or walking around the tower’s outdoor edge (in a full harness), there’s plenty of ways to experience the landmark. 

Explore Mt. Eden’s volcano walk 

Those more inclined to a nature walk than a height–defying tower might have a better time on the short 2-kilometer walk up Mt. Eden. Though it’s very close to the central downtown area, this is the highest volcano in Auckland at a height of about 650 feet. Reaching the summit affords some beautiful views, and the trails are easy to maneuver for most — plus there’s plenty of parking if you want to drive right in.

Take the ferry across to visit Waiheke island 

Hands down my favorite day trip from Auckland was visiting the winery-laden isle of Waiheke. If you’re familiar with the LA to Catalina trip, this is in that vein, and the island is similarly a vacation home haven for plenty of locals. Save yourself taxi fare and climb the meandering hill from the ferry dock, then reward yourself with Island Gelato and a bevy of fresh seafood at The Oyster Inn . You can also book an overnight stay on Waiheke, and yes, the Oyster Inn itself does host guests. Staying there or a romantic night at Mudbrick Vineyard would be my suggestions.

Where to eat in Auckland:

I liked it here so much that I came twice during — and during a three day trip! They just have everything you want…housemade pastas laden with fresh seafood, bougie cocktail and mocktail options, a studied wine list, fresh breads and salads, pate, steak, lamb shoulder — it’s all here, nestled into the exposed brick and wooden beams. They open in the morning and even have breakfast cocktails, takeaway options, and, of course, fresh made pastries and coffee. If you’re within walking distance, you won’t go just once. 

Pasture / Boxer / Alpha

Fine dining lovers have likely already heard about the seven-seat prix fixe menu at Pasture from chef Ed Verner, something of a local legend at this point. A restaurant without tables and no dietary accommodations might sound unfeasible, but Verner’s mesmerizing dishes bring new ingredients to the table and transform old ones. For a slightly less intense (or pricey) experience, the crew have also opened Boxer, the de facto bar for Pasture, and Alpha, a test  kitchen, bakery, and an a la carte joint at the front of the space that’s deliberately more affordable and accessible. Knowing my trip was over two weeks, I went there, and have been  thinking about the caviar grilled cheese with honey “snack” ever since.

Cazador Deli

Given the amount of driving and walking you’re likely to do on a trip of this nature, keeping a variety of snacks on hand is a good move. As I mentioned earlier, in New Zealand, pie has a whole new meaning, one that has nothing to do with dessert. Plenty of bakeries, shops and even gas stations sell hand–held size savory pies stuffed with cheese, meat, gravy and vegetables that make for an excellent lunch, midday snack or midnight tune up. I tried almost every kind that BP gas stations sell (they take Amex) as well as a few other bakeries around town, but by far the ones at Cazador Deli blew everyone else out of the water. This deli is fairly near Mt. Eden, so if you  do venture out for that walk, stop by here and stock up on pie, too.

Bonus tip: Even in the heart of the CBD on a weekend, restaurants close early in New Zealand. Make sure you’re out and about between 7-8 PM latest to snag a table or a bar snack before kitchens close.

Lake Taupō: 1-2 days maximum

I’m originally from Oregon, so I grew up thinking Crater Lake was the pinnacle of natural beauty in the world (still kind of think that, to be honest). If you’re similarly awed by crater lakes, you’ll love Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand (!) Definitely a local’s destination, this massive lake was formed after an eruption from Taupō Volcano left a hollow known as a caldera, which was then filled with water. Right in the middle of the north island, this is a perfect stopping point on a drive from Auckland to Wellington, which is a straight shot of eight hours. Technically, you could do it in one day, but why not do as the locals do and check out a pristine lake on the way?

Where to stay in Taupō:

I found out about this lakeside paradise too late to do an overnight, so I had to be satisfied with a day trip, but if I were going to stay I’d probably go for a night at Lake Taupo Lodge . Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the couple who built and own this luxury lodge also live out there on their own little plot of land… I’m guessing a night here is worth any price but there are countless options at all price points available . 

What to do in Taupō:

New Zealand is well known as one of the adventure sport capitals of the world, and Taupō  is a great place to get into some of them. From skydiving to boat cruises, hikes through volcanic alpine terrain, visiting geothermal pools or dramatic waterfalls, to river rafting, there’s plenty to do on and  around the lake. Still, the number one activity is probably fishing, so expect to see a lot of veterans out on the waters.

Wellington: 2 days 

Remember, every city after Auckland will be markedly smaller, even when you’re not in a rural lake town. The bulk of Wellington is located right on the water, but steep cliffs make up the other half of the city, kind of like a San Francisco vibe. It’s a city of close to 200,000 people, and there is a pretty robust film industry connection with many productions filming here, in part to the presence of local artisans who run Weta Workshop , another company made famous by their work on Lord Of The Rings . It’s also the unofficial coffee capital of the country, and pretty much any local shop you go into will have great brew.

Where to stay in Wellington:

Sofitel Wellington

The options are more limited in Wellington, so sticking with a Sofitel is the wise choice — especially since this property comes with a fine dining steakhouse in the lobby, the Jardin Grill . New Zealand produces some of the best beef in the world, and this is the perfect place to try it.

What to do in Wellington:

Take the Weta Workshop tour

These masterful creatives are responsible for some of the most iconic costumes, props and vehicles in the world. Originally started by just two founders, Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger, the team has now grown exponentially, including an additional outpost in Auckland. At just $50 NZ for a 90 minute tour, this lowkey walking experience is well worth the price, even if you’re not a diehard cinema fan.

Hike or drive to the top of Mount Victoria for epic views

Since most of the big New Zealand cities are port cities, the potential for excellent views is always high. Right in the center of Wellington, the viewpoint from Mount Victoria is one of the best places to go to get a sense of this city’s sprawl, and the surrounding ocean. On a clear day,  you can even get a peek at south island miraging in the distance if you know where to look.  

Ride the Wellington cable car

Again, is it a little touristy? Yes. But tickets are only $9 NZ and the trip up the hill takes less than ten minutes. At the top, take in the views, peruse the museum and botanical gardens, or get a snack and a beer at the appropriately named Cable Top Eatery . As is often the case with trams, it’s about the journey, not the destination. 

Where to eat in Wellington:

I know I ate at other places in Wellington, but the single most impactful experience of this city for me was eating at Koji. Owners Johnon MacDonald and Kat Strand regularly tour New Zealand in order to source specific local ingredients they want to use in the restaurant’s pan-Asian cuisine, which incorporates traditional Kiwi flavors right alongside influences from Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and more. Don’t waste any time, settle in for the “just feed me” chef’s menu, a relatively affordable prix fix of nine dishes for $85 NZ — which leaves plenty of room in your budget for wine pairings. Also, you will very likely need a reservation, so save yourself the trouble and make one before your trip.

Great little coffee shop with a lunch-y/brunch-y all day menu and a delightful array of cold coffee options, plus other ideas like Bloody Marys, an assortment of wines and even an espresso martini!

Best Ugly Bagels

These are the foremost New Zealand bagels, done in the Montreal style because the owner, Kiwi chef Al Brown, had one in Canada and fell in love with it. Similar to their Canuck counterparts,  these bagels are hand rolled, poached in honey water, then wood fired in a stone oven, this one burning the very New Zealand timber, Manuka wood. If you want to go even more local, you can get one smeared with marmite (the New Zealand vegemite) and butter — but they’re just as great with standard cream cheese or done up as one of the specialty sandwiches. They’re a great option for a quick local snack in Wellington — including a kiosk at the Wellington airport. 

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It’s not difficult to find the ferry ports in Wellington, as they’re within a five minute drive of each other and centrally located downtown. Remember to leave enough time to drop off your rental car and make your way back to the harbor. There are two ferry companies, Interislander , the larger, more tourist-friendly original operator, and Bluebridge , the smaller ferry geared more toward locals. I originally pre-booked on Bluebridge and had a really bad experience, only to be saved by a day-of ticket on the Interislander, so that’s definitely my recommendation between the two. 

The whole trip from Wellington to Picton, the small ferry hub town on south island, takes about three and a half hours, as the boat goes pretty slowly the whole time navigating the narrow strait between islands. If you don’t get seasick, the views are stellar, but don’t be surprised if the lull of the boat rocks you to sleep.

South Island

Kaiteriteri: 1-2 days.

Picton is by no means a destination unto itself, so roadtrippers can either head four and a half hours south to Christchurch, or crawl along the south island’s northwest coast for some pretty incredible beaches. I opted for the latter and drove about three hours to Kaiteriteri, a seaside resort town in the Tasman region that’s near the Abel Tasman National Park . Known for its golden, almost egg yolk-yellow sands, and shockingly blue water. The sand looks magical, but it’s really just the result of crystals, mica and quartz weathering off ancient granite over the course of the years.

Where to stay in Kaiteriteri:

Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Full disclosure I found this place on Hotels.com, but it turned out to be one of the unexpected gems of the whole trip. With ocean views from plenty of the suites and the property’s main restaurant, charming exposed wood and cozy cabin touches in the room, and a whole suite of hot and cold pools including a steam room and two saunas, this hotel is like a hidden paradise. Very crunchy, with a vegetarian restaurant and a true emphasis on sustainability, there’s even a glow worm trail built into the hill above the hotel, so guests can go explore this fascinating natural phenomenon. 

What to do in Kaiteriteri:

Aside from luxuriating in the spa pools after hours of driving, there are tons of ocean activities available too, like kayaking and cruises, or a nearby mountain biking trail that’s also quite popular.

Where to eat in Kaiteriteri: 

There isn’t a whole lot of culinary game in town, but Kimi Ora’s on-site restaurant, The Views , served delicious vegetarian pizza and salads, as well as dishes made with tempeh, cauliflower, tofu and other meatless options. A full breakfast buffet was loaded with treats like homemade chia pudding, as well as eggs and cheese, toast, pastries and more.

Punakaiki: 1 day

Some of the most beautiful coastline on the entire southern island is the area leading up to and around the tiny village of Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes landmarks. It’s about four hours driving between the northwest area of Kaiteriteri down to Punakaiki, so as long as you leave in the morning you’ll have the bulk of the afternoon to go on the short hike around the Pancake rocks, maybe dip in the ocean, take lots of photos and fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves.

Where to stay in Punakaiki:

As this is a fairly rural place, even the nicer accommodations tend to be dorm and motel-like.  Hostels abound and are the more popular choice by far, but if you aren’t up for bunk beds and shared showers, look into The Ocean View Retreat – Punakaiki , one of the only properties  around with AC and wifi.

What to do in Punakaiki:

The beach is the thing, whether you’re on the short, paved walk through the Pancake Rocks reading about their history, sitting on the sand listening to the waves crash, driving along the coast to take it all in, or tucked into your hotel room watching the sun come down. This isn’t a place with activities — the place is the activity.

Where to eat in Punakaiki:

If you’re staying at The Ocean View Retreat, they have a restaurant on-site . Across from the Pancake Rocks  entrance is the rather touristy Pancake Rocks Cafe that serves, you guessed it, pancakes, among other things. Further up the road is the Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Garden Bar , serving up pub and diner fare and plenty of libations from 8 AM until 9 PM, seven days a week.

Wānaka: 3-4 days

The drive from Punakaiki to Wānaka will be the most brutal of the trip, coming in around six  and a half hours. That goes up to just under eight hours if you opt to go the mountain way in order to take in the majestic views at Arthur’s Pass National Park, as anyone who has seen it will urge you to do. Settle in for a car day and stock up on coffee, snacks and meat pies at gas stations along the way. The good news is, once you hit Wānaka, the next and last location is only an hour or so away, so this is the last long car day. 

As for Wānaka itself, this is one of the most popular resort towns in all of New Zealand for a reason. Aside from being beloved by snow bunnies in the winter, it’s a gorgeous place to summer due to the proximity of the lake, which easily earns its constant comparison to the Swiss alps.

Where to stay in Wānaka:

I can’t say enough good things about this resort, especially since it offers private beach and lake access that was literally 2-3 minutes from my room’s patio door. As the only resort in town actually perched on the lakeside, it has a distinct advantage over other accommodations, and a central restaurant, the Wineglass Cafe , is another draw, not just for Edgewater guests but all of Wānaka. If you think you might like to stay here, consider booking your room right now! This place sells out all the time, and it was only through repeated emails and cajoling, and eventually a manager taking pity on me and upgrading my room, that I was able to spend four solid nights here. 

After the upgrade, I was in a lakeview apartment that could’ve easily slept four people when you include the queen size sofa bed in the living room. With a separate bedroom, desk area, kitchenette and a luxurious spa bathroom, I’d say this was one of my favorite experiences in New Zealand and I can’t recommend it enough.

What to do in Wānaka:

Day Trip to the Blue Pools

Just an hour or so outside of Wānaka, and after a lovely drive alongside two lakes, no less, these glacial pools are located about a 20-25 minute walk from a central parking area. Taking the trail down to the pools requires crossing over a couple of rope bridges, so keep that in mind as far as mobility. Once you’re there, though, these breathtaking (literally, they’re freezing) crystal clear pools are more than worth the trip.

Wine tasting and at Rippon Vineyard

These days, New Zealand and Australia have confidently entered the ring as interesting winemaking regions in their own right. Still, Rippon is something special. Just outside the main borders of Wānaka, and only a few streets over from Edgewater, this family-owned vineyard and tasting room is perched on a hillside overlooking the lake. They specialize in biodynamic wines and stunning postcard–ready views, with appointments for tastings are available 12-5 PM, seven days a week. Just keep in mind there’s no restaurant or food options on site, so a pre–tasting lunch at the Wineglass Cafe might be the move.

Wander through the Wānaka Lavender Farm

Like something out of a movie, the bucolic fields of lavender that guests can explore for an entrance fee of $7-15 NZ are worth every penny. Across twenty acres of gardens, including the occasional barnyard animal here and there, the Lavender farm is a stunning testimony to the healing power of plants. Honey from the bees who pollinate the fields is available for purchase, as are any number of botanical and herbal concoctions made from and with the flowers. Great gift ideas: lavender water spray , l avender lip balm , lavender bar soap .

Where to eat in Wānaka:

There is a sweet little food truck lot on Brownston Street with a bevy of options for takeaway, and since plenty of rooms in town come with kitchenettes, stopping by the New World Supermarket for some groceries is another idea. Big Fig Wānaka offers a cafe style “slow food” approach that’s deli-like, and Adam & Eves bakery can fill in whatever blanks there might be for bread, pastries, coffee and snacks.

Queenstown: 3-4 days

Since Wānaka is the idyllic small town feel on south island, Queenstown manages to feel big by comparison — except it isn’t. Wānaka clocks in with a population of just under 9,000, Queenstown has just over 47,000. Both townships are located on lakes, but with a lot more infrastructure, like an airport, highways, and local industry, Queenstown manages to feel like a city while Wānaka is decidedly a village. That’s good news if the last week or so of small, rural enclaves on the south island have left you wanting a little bit of bustle and excitement. 

Where to stay in Queenstown:

Another Accor brand, this hotel might not be quite as bougie as its Swiss counterpart, but what it lacks in Olympic status it makes up for in charm. Queenstown is another ski bum haven, so summer is the low season, which makes for a quiet and serene hotel atmosphere. As most of the common rooms and plenty of hotel suites overlook the lake, guests would naturally wander toward the windows to take in the natural beauty, like flies to honey.

What to do in Queenstown:

Milford Sound flight and cruise

Truly one of the most infamous tourist attractions in the country — if not the world — opt to skip the lengthy bus ride and just fly right into the sound on a private plane. From there, a brief cruise around the fjord lets visitors really experience the heart of Milford, before getting back on the plane and heading home. The whole thing takes around four hours and costs about $600 NZ, well worth the chance to see all this natural beauty from the air and by sea.

Oxbow Adventure Co.

If you haven’t indulged in any skydiving, bungee jumping, or otherwise death-defying adventure activities as of yet, Oxbow is the place to get into the mix. With off-roading, jet sprint boats and clay bird (skeet) shooting, visitors can opt for one activity, a pair, or engage in all three. By the end of the day, you might’ve uncovered a hidden talent for marksmanship, or just screamed your head off during the breakneck boat ride. Either way, these activities are designed to offer accessible danger, a little less risky than skydiving, but with all the adrenaline packed in.

Gibbston Valley Cheesery & Deli

On the way out to Oxbow, or on the way back, pull into the Gibbston Valley Cheesery & Deli compound for a master class in hospitality at its finest. There’s wine cave tours, a tasting room experience, a cheesery, woodfired pizza hut, guest lodging and so much more. Whether you’re a cheese fanatic or studying for the next level of your WSET and ready to flex your wine tasting chops, there’s something here for all the foodies and winos.

Skyline Queenstown

Once again, it’s the journey that makes this tram ride a must, not the boilerplate restaurant at the top. Still, the Skyline comes much more highly recommended than the Wellington Cable Car, partially because the views are that killer and partially because it goes like a hundred times as high.

Where to eat in Queenstown:

The locals running the ship at Oxbow recommended Blue Kanu to me, and we couldn’t have been more grateful. It was a delicious mashup of pan-Asian cuisine, similar to what was going on at Koji, but with more of an emphasis on Kiwi and Fijian seafood and even some Polynesian influences. They call it a mix of Pacifica and Asia that becomes “Polynasia,” so make of that what you will.

Margo’s  

As a Californian, I’m pretty picky about the authenticity of my Mexican cuisine, but even I had to give it up for Margo’s, a Mexican fusion spot with killer blended margaritas (virgin or otherwise) and a whole host of tacos that lean into pork belly, fried chicken, artichoke and more. Fish tacos make the most sense from a Kiwi point of view, and even their queso — which could hold its own against local LA options — leveled things up with toasted seeds and smoked corn salsa. A whole smattering of vegan options and a party atmosphere made this place officially the most versatile restaurant in town, so definitely make a reservation if you want to stop by, it gets crowded quickly.

Heading home

After dropping off my rental car, I took an Air New Zealand hopper flight from Queenstown to Auckland. I booked this flight about three months before the trip and it cost me $130 USD. It was just under a two hour flight, akin to an LA to Phoenix route. As I’m a huge proponent of airport hotels , particularly when it comes to international destinations I’m not all that familiar with, I flew back up to the north island the day before my flight home and booked into the Novotel Auckland . This turned out to be a great idea, as flash flooding in the airport a few days earlier meant things were still very chaotic.

Luckily, the Novotel was literally across the street from the international terminal, as in, less than a block away. I was able to sleep in, grab a leisurely breakfast and a shower, and still show up at the counter at 11:30 AM to check in for my 1:45 PM flight. The alternative to that was leaving Queenstown on a 7 or 8 AM domestic flight, schlepping to the international terminal, and going through security a second time in one morning to then board a 14-hour flight home. Airport hotels, they’re worth their weight in gold.

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Queenstown Hill, Queenstown, New Zealand

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    Distance: 481 kilometers/ 299 miles. Recommended length of time: 2 to 5 days. Highlights: Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook NP, Lindis Pass and Wanaka. This route between Queenstown and Christchurch is a very popular road trip and is pretty much a rite of passage for travelers on the South Island.

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    Te Anau to Bluff to Stewart Island: 1 to 4 days. Driving Distance: 185 km / 2h30. Ferry: 1 hour. Next, head south toward Bluff to visit New Zealand's southernmost and third-largest island: Stewart Island. Over 85% of this island is National Park and thus is home to incredible hiking, wildlife and birdwatching.

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    Nature & wildlife. 6-7 Days — 223 km. Christchurch > Arthur's Pass > Greymouth. The TranzAlpine train trip is one of the great train journeys of New Zealand, transporting you by rail between Christchurch and Greymouth. Take your time and book a stop over for a couple of days to explore, Springfield, Arthur's Pass and Moana.

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