My New Zealand South Island Street Journey Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…nevertheless it’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, house 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 places, there’s numerous 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 method you’ll be able to see the large attracts, get off the crushed 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?

Under is my recommended itinerary that will help you plan your South Island highway journey to will be certain that you see the highlights, benefit from your time, and get off the crushed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply on the lookout for a couple of pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I believe 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 Car

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a technique to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very widespread, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the car serves as each lodging and transportation. If you would like a campervan, there are 5 foremost rental companies:

Costs differ rather a lot. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you decide up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a distinct place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you guide, and when throughout the yr you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automotive and guide lodging alongside the way in which. Uncover Automobiles is my go-to rental web site, as they search rental companies massive and small to search out one of the best offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote on your automotive rental:

New Zealand Street 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 an element 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 power, with pedestrian lanes full of 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 climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is also called “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each form of journey exercise you’ll be able to consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You may also 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 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 gorgeous 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 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 assets.

I beloved the realm right here. There’s numerous good climbing and exquisite views. There are various 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 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 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 by way of boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

When you like climbing, one of the crucial widespread walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing underneath 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 automotive 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. 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 method, additionally change into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s change into widespread with backpackers and outside lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do in addition to having fun with the outside (which is what I 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 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 may get your coronary heart pounding.

You’ll be able to 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 outside house with a grill, and an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly folks a breeze. I had many pleasing nights spent ingesting wine exterior 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 title caught, and at the moment the glacier is a significant vacationer attraction.

Mountain climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting rapidly attributable to local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one technique 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 a complete are definitely worth the value in my view. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you gained’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’ll be able to 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 appease your post-hike muscle tissue.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging affords 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 cook dinner, and a sizzling tub for enjoyable. 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 somewhat than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are numerous 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’ll be able to discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the realm 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 also 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 seaside hugs up towards turquoise waters, and lounging right here is definitely worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You may also stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, referred to as Pa, for glorious views of the encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – This lodging affords dormitories and small personal 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, decide 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 be capable to catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight house.

When you’re heading to Christchurch, hold 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 folks 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 reveals. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that basically shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m glad to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not rather a lot “to do” per se, the vibe is admittedly relaxed, and it’s price taking your time in the event you can. Make sure to journey the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake Metropolis (a singular 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 workers 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 parking zone.
 

Issues to Bear in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you benefit from your highway journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the proper, like within the US or Canada).
• It’s essential to all the time park your automotive within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a advantageous).
• 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 could 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 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 realized firsthand how superior a highway journey there could be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!