My New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…but it surely’s additionally probably the most visually beautiful. With simply 23% of the nation’s 5.2 million inhabitants, it’s a dramatic and delightful island, dwelling to wineries, wildlife, high-octane journey sports activities, and pristine seashores. That is the island that individuals find yourself spending extra time in and, whereas everybody sticks to just some places, there’s quite a lot of hidden areas right here value exploring.

At a minimal, you’ll wish to spend two weeks exploring. Something lower than that and also you’ll really feel rushed. As I stated, there’s lots to see right here. That manner you may see the large attracts, get off the crushed path, do some good mountain climbing, and never rush (journey between locations can take longer than you suppose)!

With two weeks to traverse New Zealand’s South Island, what route must you take? The place must you begin, and the place must you end?

Beneath is my steered itinerary that can assist you plan your South Island highway journey to will be certain that you see the highlights, profit from your time, and get off the crushed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply searching for just a few pointers to start out your planning? These are issues I believe each customer ought to expertise:

Trying to see the opposite island? Check out my detailed road trip itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Automobile

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a technique to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan could be very fashionable, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the automobile serves as each lodging and transportation. If you need a campervan, there are 5 primary rental businesses:

Costs differ lots. Your each day fee will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, in case you are dropping it off at a distinct place, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far upfront you e-book, and when in the course of the 12 months you e-book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely lease a standard automotive and e-book lodging alongside the way in which. Discover Cars is my go-to rental website, as they search rental businesses huge and small to search out the most effective offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote on your automotive rental:

New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

Begin your journey in Queenstown. Even when your worldwide flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you may simply get an inexpensive flight to Queenstown, which additionally has direct flights to many main cities in Australia in case your journey to New Zealand is a component of a bigger journey.

Days 1–3: Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque city overlooking Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the gorgeous peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy vitality, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with outlets and eating places. Although it has change into vastly fashionable, I can not categorical my love of Queenstown sufficient. I like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and mountain climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is often known as “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each kind of journey exercise you may consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You too can attempt extra distinctive actions like river browsing, jet-boating, go-karting, paddle-boarding, and paragliding.

For one thing extra laid-back, take a wine tour in and round Queenstown. I all the time do that after I go to (the grape of alternative right here is the light-red Pinot Noir). If wine isn’t your factor, get pleasure from a soothing cruise on Lake Wakatipu for some beautiful views!

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed guide.

The place to Keep: Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms on this social hostel have balconies, the showers have glorious water stress, and the pillows are thick and cozy. There are actions each evening and a free dinner and quiz evening on Sunday. It’s a enjoyable and inexpensive place to remain.
 
Days 4–6: Fiordland

Named for its resplendent fjords (lengthy, slim inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is without doubt one of the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s dwelling to quite a few Lord of the Rings filming places). Boasting gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, and untamed forests, the land is formally off-limits in order to guard these pure sources.

I cherished the realm right here. There’s quite a lot of good mountain climbing and delightful views. There are lots of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I notably love Milford Sound. This wonderful fjord is finest recognized for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You possibly can stroll the wooded shoreline path for good views of the height, or take the Chasm Stroll on the Cleddau River to get near highly effective waterfalls.

The fjord itself is dwelling to seal and penguin colonies. You possibly can typically see pods of dolphins frolicking within the waters too. Discover by boat and take a look at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see uncommon black coral and different underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the one firm doing cruises that embrace the Underwater Observatory, starting from 165 NZD.

Whereas much less well-known than Milford, Uncertain Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord within the nation. You possibly can solely get to Uncertain by way of boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound prices 299 NZD.

When you like mountain climbing, probably the most fashionable walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing beneath snow-covered mountain peaks and luxurious verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the straightforward entry and scenic views alongside the way in which make it a terrific alternative. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Notice: There’s restricted bus service within the space so having a automotive right here can be very useful.

The place to Keep: Milford Sound Lodge – That is the one place to remain close by. It’s not low cost, however the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is scrumptious, and the up to date rooms are cozy but fashionable. When you don’t thoughts driving a bit extra, you may keep within the closest city, Te Anau.
 

Days 7–8: Wanaka

Wanaka is a resort city framed by snow-capped mountains. As close by Queenstown has change into overcrowded in recent times, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a manner, additionally change into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s change into fashionable with backpackers and out of doors fans, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do apart from having fun with the outside (which is what I like about it). Most individuals come for just a few nights to hike (or ski within the winter), chill out, and transfer on.

Wanaka has change into one thing of a smaller model of Queenstown, so you may count on loads of journey sports activities alternatives. I’m not an adrenaline junkie (and I don’t like heights). But when it’s your cup of tea, you may go skydiving, canyoning, rock-climbing, paragliding, jet-boating, or mountaineering, together with scores of different actions that may get your coronary heart pounding.

You possibly can take a happy hour boat cruise, go fishing or mountain climbing, or do one other wine tour (there’s no such factor as too many wine excursions!).

The meals scene right here is admittedly nice too.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed guide.

The place to Keep: Mountain View Backpackers – This social hostel has an enormous out of doors area with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly folks a breeze. I had many pleasant nights spent ingesting wine exterior right here whereas I chatted with different vacationers.
 
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

In 1865, Julius von Haast christened the massive, lovely glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The title caught, and at this time the glacier is a serious vacationer attraction.

Climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting rapidly as a result of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one technique to trek on them is by way of heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter trip, trekking, and expertise as an entire are well worth the worth for my part. It’s a type of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you received’t remorse.

Conversely, you may simply hike to the glacier face and take pictures from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (the place you’ll additionally see sobering pictures of simply how far the glaciers have receded over time).

There are additionally quite a lot of actions to do close by. You possibly can go trekking by a rainforest (sure, there’s a rainforest close by), admire towering waterfalls, and swim (or go kayaking) in pristine lakes. There are additionally some pure thermal swimming pools you can take a soak in to assuage your post-hike muscle tissues.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging affords friends free selfmade soup each evening and free breakfast (together with selfmade waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to prepare dinner, and a sizzling tub for stress-free. It’s a full of life, social spot.
 
Days 10–11: Abel Tasman Nationwide Park

Drive simply six hours north of glacial Franz Josef and also you’ll be in beachy Abel Tasman Nationwide Park, New Zealand’s smallest nationwide park. With its turquoise water, dense jungles, and heat temperatures, you’ll really feel such as you’re within the tropics moderately than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), that means there are quite a lot of single and multiday hikes. Essentially the most well-known is the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Observe, one of many Nice Walks of New Zealand.

One of the simplest ways to see the park is by kayak. That manner, you may discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the realm particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you may be part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You too can take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

When you’re aching for some critical surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seashore hugs up in opposition to turquoise waters, and lounging right here is well worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You too can stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, known as Pa, for glorious views of the encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Beach Camp – This lodging affords dormitories and small personal cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to lower your expenses. It’s a chill, no-frills spot.

From right here, choose your final cease: both drive onward to Christchurch and finish there, or take the ferry over to Wellington (an journey in and of itself!) and finish there. Both manner, you’ll have the ability to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight dwelling.

When you’re heading to Christchurch, hold studying. When you’d like to go to Wellington, check out my North Island itinerary here.
 
Days 12–14: Christchurch

Although severely broken by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (over 185 folks had been killed and three,000 buildings had been broken), Christchurch has rebounded and developed right into a brand-new metropolis. This revival has instilled a newfound sense of hope and vibrancy, with extra funky bars and markets, in addition to new eating places, outlets, and reveals. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that basically shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m comfortable to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not lots “to do” per se, the vibe is admittedly relaxed, and it’s value taking your time should you can. Be sure you ride the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake Metropolis (a novel and interactive museum that recounts private tales from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

The place to Keep: Urbanz– That is an superior hostel downtown, with pleasant employees and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, motion pictures, and cozy couches, in addition to a car parking zone.
 

Issues to Bear in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you profit from your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the correct, like within the US or Canada).
• You will need to all the time park your automotive within the course that visitors goes (or threat a effective).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the highway, which could be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so keep in mind that it’d take longer than you count on to cowl a selected distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• When you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, gasoline stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand’s South Island is an unforgettable vacation spot, the place I all the time have a blast. It’s a area loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. After visiting a bunch over the previous decade and a half, I’ve realized firsthand how superior a highway journey there could be. Simply comply with the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!