My New Zealand South Island Highway Journey 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 folks find yourself spending extra time in and, whereas everybody sticks to only a few areas, there’s a variety of hidden areas right here value exploring.

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

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

Beneath is my advised itinerary that will help you plan your South Island highway journey to will be certain 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 a number of pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise:

Seeking to see the opposite island? Try my detailed highway journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Car

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

Costs range loads. Your each day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far prematurely you guide, and when throughout the 12 months you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and guide lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental companies massive and small to seek out the perfect offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote to 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 affordable flight to Queenstown, which additionally has direct flights to many main cities in Australia in case your journey to New Zealand is an element 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 full of retailers and eating places. Despite the fact that it has turn into massively well-liked, I can not categorical my love of Queenstown sufficient. I really like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is also referred to 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 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 selection 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 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 glorious water strain, 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, 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 areas). Boasting gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, and untamed forests, the land is formally off-limits in order to guard these pure sources.

I beloved the world right here. There’s a variety of good climbing and delightful views. There are a lot of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I significantly love Milford Sound. This wonderful 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 dwelling to seal and penguin colonies. You possibly can usually 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.

For those who like climbing, one of the well-liked walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing below 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 best way make it an amazing selection. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Be aware: 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 modern rooms are cozy but fashionable. For those who 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 turn into overcrowded lately, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a method, additionally turn into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s turn into well-liked with backpackers and out of doors fanatics, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do moreover having fun with the outside (which is what I really like about it). Most individuals come for a number of nights to hike (or ski within the winter), calm down, and transfer on.

Wanaka has turn 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 possibly can take a glad hour boat cruise, go fishing or 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 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 an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many pleasing 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 in the present day the glacier is a significant vacationer attraction.

Climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting shortly resulting from 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/climbing expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter journey, trekking, and expertise as an entire are definitely worth the value for my part. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you gained’t remorse.

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

There are additionally a variety 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 could take a soak in to assuage your post-hike muscle groups.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging provides friends free home made soup each night time and free breakfast (together with home made waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to prepare dinner, and a sizzling tub for stress-free. It’s a vigorous, 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 relatively 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 best ways to see the park is by kayak. That method, 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 may as well take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

For those who’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 may as well stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, known as Pa, for glorious views of the encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seaside 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 method, you’ll have the ability to catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland to your worldwide flight dwelling.

For those who’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. For those who’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 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, retailers, and displays. The locals have labored laborious to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m glad to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not loads “to do” per se, the vibe is admittedly relaxed, and it’s value taking your time in case you can. Be sure you journey 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, motion pictures, and cozy couches, in addition to a car parking zone.
 

Issues to Bear in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

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

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the best, like within the US or Canada).
• It’s essential to all the time park your automobile within the course that visitors goes (or threat a high-quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the highway, which may 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 specific distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• For those who’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek out close by campsites, fuel 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 may be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!