Exploring the South Island
This self-drive South Island itinerary will have you enjoying the highlights of New Zealand’s idyllic and picturesque southern island. Explore icons such as Milford Sound and the Able Tasman National Park. Marvel at the marine life in Kaikoura, taste wine in Marlborough and see the lush bush and glaciers of the West Coast.
Your South Island Trip
Your Trip
Starting in Christchurch you can do a full loop of the island either way around. Rent a campervan or car to explore. We suggest heading north from Christchurch to Kaikoura where you will wind along the coast and be wowed right away. You can venture through Marlborough’s wine country and Nelson, before enjoying the popular Able Tasman. After this make your way down the wild West Coast and explore lush forest’s and and the coastal glaciers. Then cross over the Southern Alps to the famous lake towns of Wanaka & Queenstown. You will have lots to do here and can finish your southern trip with awe-inspiring icons Milford sound and Lake Tekapo (Mt Cook).
Itinerary
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Explore each day
Day 1: Christchurch City
After picking up your vehicle near the airport you can explore the city. Head for the Avon River which meanders past willow trees through the city centre. You can take a ‘punt’ down the river or cruise it’s banks with cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park and Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens. If you have time head to Sumner the Banks Peninsular to visit Akaroa, the port hills and Lyttelton (Farmers’ Market on Saturdays). North of Christchurch you make you way to what is surely one of the most awe inspiring coastline in the world… Drive: Afternoon – Two Hours. Stay: Kaikoura.
Day 2: Kaikoura Whales
The Kaikoura coast straddles a thin section of land between the soaring mountains of the Kaikoura Ranges and plummeting Pacific Ocean. This area is teeming with marine life, and whale watching or swimming with dolphins & seals are popular things to do. Take a tour with Kaikoura Whale-watch or enjoy our personal favourite – Kaikoura fishing charters – to get some ‘Kaimoana‘ or ‘Seafood’ (Kai – food, Moana – sea). Either way Kaikoura is a beautiful area and a stunning coastal drive. The surf also pumps here and is one of the best spots in the south Island. Stay: Kaikoura or drive to Blenheim.
Day 3: Marlborough Wine Tasting
Blenheim has one of sunniest climates in New Zealand and is perfect for grapevines. You will see a lot of them. The now famous Marlborough wine region is a wonderful place to be all year round. In summer you can sample famous Sauvignon Blanc‘s and pick fresh fruit – peaches, nectarines, plums – right off the tree. In winter… A glass of Pinot Noir with roast lamb in front of a crackling fire. Either way an afternoon wine tasting is a must! Drive: Morning – Two Hours. Stay: Blenheim.
Today head to Nelson – The Centre of New Zealand. Depending on weather or not you like driving you can get there in under two hours or spend the day enjoying the drive. If time is on your side head through the Marlborough Sounds (via Picton) for a scenic drive. For those with extra days – the Marlborough Sounds is home to Queen Charlotte Track which can be worth a hike. Ether way stop in Havelock for some fresh mussels and then down the road for a swim at Pelorus under the bridge. Drive: Cruise – Two Hours. Stay: Nelson.
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Day 5: Kaiteriteri & Marahau
Explore Nelson for the morning probably with a hike to the centre of New Zealand, then enjoy local markets, art galleries and cafes. If you can take a bike ride along river pathways and the waterfront. Finally aim for lunch at the Mapua Wharf on the way to Kaiteriteri beach. This beach is the first taste of the Able Tasman national park coastline, Enjoy the beach here and head to the gateway of the park for the night – Marahau. Drive: Cruise – Two Hours. Stay: Marahau or Kaiteriteri.
Day 6: Experience the Abel Tasman
Lush green native forests line golden sand beaches that wrap across secluded bays and inlets. You will enjoy hiking along the coastal tracks and can take water taxi’s all over the park. A combination of walking/hiking along with kayaking some sections of the park is the ideal way to explore. In addition the water taxis will help you to access the best spots. For those on a tight budget you can walk right into the from Marahau. It’s a nice walk to Anchorage (Bay), although the best parts of the park are further north… Bark Bay, Awaroa, and Totaranui are some popular favourites. We suggest getting in touch with us about your trip here. Stay: Marahau/Kaiteriteri.
Got a few extra days? Stay in the Park! You can either camp, stay in hut or enjoy luxury accomodation. In addition, there are multi day adventure trips so contact us if you are planning on really enjoying it here!
Day 7: Journey the West Coast
Start early today because its a long drive with lots to see if you make the time. To begin you follow the Buller River down to the west coast and head to Punakaiki via Westport. On the way here if you don’t mind extra time in the car head to St Arnaud and visit Nelson lakes it’s stunning! Punakaiki is home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowhole, make your way along this beautiful coastline and to Greymouth or Hokitika for the night. The Hokitika Gorge is well worth visiting if you can have time before finally heading toward the glaciers. Drive: Five Hours. Stay: Greymouth or Hokitika.
Got a few extra days? Before making the drive south from Marahau – Head over the Takaka hill to Golden Bay and see Farewell Spit and the beautiful beaches at Wharariki and Totaranui.
Day 8: Explore Franz Josef
After seeing Hokitika and the gorge make your way south to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. You need to book if you want to do an activity at one of the glaciers as it gets really busy. There are lots of different ways to explore and our favourite – the Heli Hike – will have you high above the glaciers before taking a stroll along the ice. If it’s cold and wet (which is a common theme on the west coast) then there are some perfect activities. Most noteworthy is relaxing in the local thermal hot pools, which are included in some glacier packages we offer. Also, be sure to enjoy the Alpine cinema which is a cozy place to spend a few hours tucked up with some popcorn and a hot chocolate. Drive: Two Hours. Stay: Franz Josef or Fox.
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Day 9: Drive to Wanaka
To begin your day be sure to see Fox Glacier and if you have time and the weather is nice visit Lake Matheson. Franz Jozef to Wanaka is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand and a highlight in this South Island Itinerary. Make your way over the stunning Haast Pass and through the heart of the snow capped Southern Alps. One your way admire the pristine rainforest and walk to Thunder Creek Falls (5 Mins). Then descend to Makarora (gateway to Mount Aspiring NP) and take the short Blue Pools walk (30 min) before passing the beautiful Lake Hawea and into Wanaka. Lake Wanaka is beautiful with a special charm that is best taken in from atop Mt Iron (1.3 hr walk) or the popular Roys Peak. The area is a popular winter destination and home to some of New Zealand’s finest ski fields – Cardrona and Treble Cone. Drive: Four Hours Stay: Wanaka
Got a few extra days? Stay in Wanaka! There is so much to do here… Fishing, hiking, canyoning, kayaking and jet boating not to mention the Cinema Paradiso and Puzzle World!
Day 10: Queenstown
Depending on your driving confidence you can visit the historic Cardrona Valley & Pub on the way to Queenstown – over the crown range. It’s a windy road that gets dangerous in winter and may not be covered in your insurance policy so check. It’s just over an hour over the crown range on a good day but if you are unsure head through Cromwell and you will only add 30 mins to your journey. Once in Queenstown make sure you have things booked. It is a busy place and there is lots to do. To begin we suggest making your way up the Gondola to the Skyline to admire the remarkable Remarkable’s Mountain Range. Drive: Two Hours. Stay: Queenstown.
Day 11: Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the main attraction’s for most people, and with over 300 different things to do it seems fair. We love Queenstown and suggest doing one of the bungy jumps, a jet boat trip, and if it’s snowing getting into the mountains. The snow capped peaks of the Remarkable’s or Coronet Peak make for good skiing and snowboarding in winter from June to September. Also for those adrenaline junkies wanting the full package one of the best days out includes white water rafting, sky diving, and bungee jumping on the world famous Nevis Bungy Jump – 143 meters. If you want a slower pace enjoy the lake and an adventure aboard the TSS Earnslaw. Stay: Queenstown.
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Day 12: Milford Sound
Today – The magic of Milford Sound. This is truely an iconic place and is a must visit on any New Zealand or South Island itinerary. The glorious Mitre Peak sets the tone as you arrive. Make your way out on the water via cruise boat or Kayak. As you marvel at the scenery, waterfalls may appear if rainstorms lash the coastline (common occurrence). The sound is home to playful dolphins and other marine life and its a truly magical place to visit in any season or weather (mostly). It’s a long drive to Milford sound and tough in winter we suggest taking a tour directly from Queenstown as there are some great packages that include scenic flights one way. If you want to drive all the way then stay in Te Anau. This is a fantastic option if you have a few extra days and be sure to explore the glow worm caves. If you plan to explore more click here.
Drive Five Hours Milford/Three Hours Te Anau. Stay: Te Anau/Queenstown.
Day 13: Tekapo
On your way back to Christchurch you will spend the night in Tekapo. Night is the key word here. Although it’s picturesque by day – with views of the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s highest mountain (Mt Cook). Tekapo is even better at night, and it’s offical… An offical nighttime reserve with minimal light pollution. From the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way, The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve will have stargazers exploring constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere. Seeing this sky through a telescope is an experience unlike any other. Get in touch about a stargazing tour here and spend the night. Drive: Three Hours. Stay: Tekapo.
Got a few extra days? Head to Mount Cook you can take incredible helicopter tours and scenic flights, stay in the Alpine region and hike the incredible trails .
Day 14: Christchurch
So there you have it. A wonderful South Island Itinerary that can be moved and moulded to fit your time and travel style. The drive back to Christchurch is fairly straight forward. Enjoy the rolling hills and farmland and a stop in Fairlie or Geraldine. For those wanting more there is Peel Forest as a detour or if you didn’t fit it in already head to Akaroa before returning to Christchurch and further afield. Get in touch if you have questions we would love to help you plan your trip to New Zealand.
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Don’t Want to stop? We understand New Zealand is captivating. You can continue this journey and rather than heading back explore; Stewart Island, The Catlins, Dunedin, Moeraki Boulders and more. Get in touch with us for more ideas we create bespoke itineraries and can book in as much or as little as you like. As we said book your rental car and tours with us for extra idea’s tips and maybe a few secret spots…
