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 just some areas, there’s a variety 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 mentioned, there’s lots to see right here. That approach you may see the massive attracts, get off the crushed path, do some good mountaineering, and never rush (journey between locations can take longer than you assume)!

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?

Under is my steered itinerary that will help 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 crushed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply searching for a couple of 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 Car

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a technique to get round. Highway-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very in style, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the automobile serves as each lodging and transportation. If you need a campervan, there are 5 most important rental companies:

Costs differ lots. Your every day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, if you’re dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and when throughout the yr you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a traditional automobile and e book lodging alongside the way in which. Discover Cars is my go-to rental website, as they search rental companies massive and small to seek out the perfect offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote on your automobile 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 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 attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy vitality, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with retailers and eating places. Although it has develop into massively in style, I can not specific my love of Queenstown sufficient. I really like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and mountaineering the close by trails.

Queenstown is also called “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 can too 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 at all times do that after I go to (the grape of alternative right here is the light-red Pinot Noir). If wine isn’t your factor, take pleasure in a calming 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 wonderful water strain, and the pillows are thick and comfortable. 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, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is likely one of the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s house to quite a few Lord of the Rings filming areas). Boasting gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, and untamed forests, the land is formally off-limits in order to guard these pure assets.

I beloved the world right here. There’s a variety of good mountaineering and exquisite views. There are a lot of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I notably love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is finest recognized for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You’ll be able to stroll the wooded shoreline path for excellent 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’ll be able to 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 embody 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’ll be able to solely get to Uncertain through boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound prices 299 NZD.

In the event you like mountaineering, one of the vital in style 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 simple entry and scenic views alongside the way in which make it an excellent alternative. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Observe: There’s restricted bus service within the space so having a automobile right here could 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 trendy. In the event 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 develop into overcrowded in recent times, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a approach, additionally develop into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s develop into in style with backpackers and outside lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do apart from having fun with the outside (which is what I really like about it). Most individuals come for a couple of nights to hike (or ski within the winter), chill out, and transfer on.

Wanaka has develop 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 can get your coronary heart pounding.

You’ll be able to take a happy hour boat cruise, go fishing or mountaineering, 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 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 outside house with a grill, and an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many fulfilling nights spent ingesting wine outdoors right here whereas I chatted with different vacationers.
 
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

In 1865, Julius von Haast christened the big, 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 as we speak 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 on account of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one technique to trek on them is through heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter experience, trekking, and expertise as an entire are definitely worth the value in my view. 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 photographs from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (the place you’ll additionally see sobering photographs of simply how far the glaciers have receded over time).

There are additionally a variety of actions to do close by. You’ll be able to go trekking by way of 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 which you can take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle tissue.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging provides visitors free selfmade soup each evening and free breakfast (together with selfmade waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook dinner, and a sizzling tub for stress-free. It’s a energetic, 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 reasonably than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are a variety of single and multiday hikes. Probably 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 approach, you may discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you may be a part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You can too take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

In the event you’re aching for some critical surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seashore hugs up towards turquoise waters, and lounging right here is definitely worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You can too stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, referred to as Pa, for wonderful views of the encircling nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Beach Camp – This lodging provides dormitories and small personal cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to get monetary savings. 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 have the ability to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight house.

In the event you’re heading to Christchurch, maintain studying. In the event 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 individuals had been killed and three,000 buildings had 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 reveals. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m completely satisfied to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not lots “to do” per se, the vibe is de facto relaxed, and it’s value taking your time should you can. Remember to 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 workers and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, films, and comfortable 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:

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

New Zealand’s South Island is an unforgettable vacation spot, the place I at all times 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 might be. Simply comply with the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!