My New Zealand South Island Highway Journey Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…however it’s additionally probably the most visually beautiful. With simply 23% of the nation’s 5.2 million inhabitants, it’s a dramatic and exquisite island, house 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 only a few places, there’s numerous 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 quite a bit to see right here. That approach you’ll be able to see the massive attracts, get off the overwhelmed 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 urged itinerary that can assist you plan your South Island highway journey to will be sure that you see the highlights, take advantage of your time, and get off the overwhelmed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply in search of just a few pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise:

Seeking to see the opposite island? Take a look at my detailed highway journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Automobile

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a solution to get round. Highway-tripping New Zealand by campervan could be very widespread, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the car serves as each lodging and transportation. In order for you a campervan, there are 5 major rental businesses:

Costs fluctuate quite a bit. Your every day price will change relying on the place you choose up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a special place, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and when through the 12 months you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automotive and e book lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental businesses huge and small to search out the perfect offers.

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

New Zealand Highway 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’ll be able to 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 attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy power, with pedestrian lanes crammed with retailers and eating places. Although it has change into vastly widespread, I can’t 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 also called “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each type of journey exercise you’ll be able to consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You may as well 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 once 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 calming cruise on Lake Wakatipu for some beautiful views!

For a listing of extra issues to do in Queenstown, take a look at my detailed information.

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

Named for its resplendent fjords (lengthy, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is among the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s house 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 world right here. There’s numerous good mountain climbing and exquisite views. There are lots of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I significantly love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is greatest 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 house 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, ranging 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 Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

When you like mountain climbing, probably the most widespread walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing underneath snow-covered mountain peaks and plush verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the simple entry and scenic views alongside the best way make it an important alternative. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Word: 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 modern rooms are cozy but trendy. When you don’t thoughts driving a bit extra, you’ll be able to 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 lately, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a approach, additionally change into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s change into widespread with backpackers and out of doors lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do moreover 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’ll be able to anticipate 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’ll be able to go skydiving, canyoning, rock-climbing, paragliding, jet-boating, or mountaineering, together with scores of different actions that can get your coronary heart pounding.

You possibly can take a comfortable 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 de facto nice too.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Wanaka, take a look at my detailed information.

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

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

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

Conversely, you’ll be able to 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 numerous actions to do close by. You possibly can go trekking via 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 that you may take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle tissues.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging presents company free do-it-yourself soup each night time and free breakfast (together with do-it-yourself waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook dinner, and a scorching 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 quite than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are numerous 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.

The easiest way to see the park is by kayak. That approach, you’ll be able to discover all of the little coves and seashores that actually make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you’ll be able to be a part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You may as well take a scenic cruise across 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 may as well stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, known as Pa, for wonderful views of the encircling nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – This lodging presents dormitories and small non-public 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 approach, you’ll be capable to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland in your worldwide flight house.

When you’re heading to Christchurch, maintain studying. When you’d like to go to Wellington, take a look at my North Island itinerary right here.
 
Days 12–14: Christchurch

Although severely broken by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (over 185 individuals have been killed and three,000 buildings have been broken), Christchurch has rebounded and advanced 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, retailers, and displays. The locals have labored laborious to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that actually shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m comfortable to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not quite a bit “to do” per se, the vibe is de facto relaxed, and it’s value taking your time for those who can. Make sure to experience 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 a listing of extra issues to do in Christchurch, take a look at my metropolis information.

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, films, and cozy couches, in addition to a parking zone.
 

Issues to Bear in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you take advantage of your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the precise, like within the US or Canada).
• You will need to all the time park your automotive within the course that site visitors goes (or danger a positive).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the highway, which will be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below are winding, so do not forget that it would take longer than you anticipate 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 discovered firsthand how superior a highway journey there will be. Simply comply with the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!