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 essentially the most visually gorgeous. With simply 23% of the nation’s 5.2 million inhabitants, it’s a dramatic and exquisite 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 just some places, there’s lots of hidden areas right here price 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 rather a lot to see right here. That manner you’ll be able to see the large 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 steered itinerary that will help you plan your South Island street journey to will make sure that you see the highlights, profit from your time, and get off the overwhelmed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply on the lookout for 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 street journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Automobile

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

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

If dwelling out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a standard automobile and e book lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Automobiles is my go-to rental web site, as they search rental businesses large and small to search out the most effective 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’ll be able to 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 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 full of outlets and eating places. Regardless that it has develop into vastly fashionable, I can not specific my love of Queenstown sufficient. I 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’ll be able to consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You too can strive 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 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 gorgeous views!

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Queenstown, try 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 comfortable. There are actions each evening and a free dinner and quiz evening 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 likely 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 assets.

I liked the world right here. There’s lots of good climbing and exquisite views. There are numerous 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’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 dwelling to seal and penguin colonies. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to solely get to Uncertain through boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

If you happen to like climbing, one of the fashionable 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 straightforward entry and scenic views alongside the best way make it an awesome 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. If you happen to 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 develop into overcrowded lately, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a manner, additionally develop into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s develop into fashionable with backpackers and outside 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 a number 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’ll be able to 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’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’ll be able to take a blissful 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 absolutely nice too.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wanaka, try my detailed information.

The place to Keep: Mountain View Backpackers – This social hostel has an enormous outside area with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many pleasurable 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 massive, stunning glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The title caught, and right now 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 rapidly on account of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one option to trek on them is through 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 in my view. It’s a type of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you gained’t remorse.

Conversely, you’ll be able to 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 through the years).

There are additionally lots 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 that you may take a soak in to assuage your post-hike muscular tissues.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging gives company free home made soup each evening and free breakfast (together with home made waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook 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 somewhat than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are lots 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 best ways to see the park is by kayak. That manner, 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 too can take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

If you happen to’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 definitely worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You too can stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, referred to as Pa, for wonderful views of the encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – This lodging gives 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 manner, you’ll be capable to catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight dwelling.

If you happen to’re heading to Christchurch, maintain studying. If you happen to’d like to go to Wellington, try my North Island itinerary right 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 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 displays. The locals have labored arduous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that actually shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m blissful to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not rather a lot “to do” per se, the vibe is absolutely relaxed, and it’s price taking your time if you happen to can. You should definitely 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 an inventory of extra issues to do in Christchurch, try 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 comfortable couches, in addition to a parking zone.
 

Issues to Keep in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you profit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the suitable, like within the US or Canada).
• You could at all times park your automobile within the path that visitors goes (or threat a high-quality).
• 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 street, which might 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.
• If you happen to’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, fuel 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 street journey there might be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!