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 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 individuals find yourself spending extra time in and, whereas everybody sticks to just some places, there’s quite a lot 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 quite a bit to see right here. That method you may see the massive attracts, get off the overwhelmed 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 do you have to take? The place do you have to begin, and the place do you have to end?

Beneath is my prompt itinerary that will help you plan your South Island highway journey to will make sure that you see the highlights, take advantage of your time, and get off the overwhelmed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply searching for a number of pointers to start out your planning? These are issues I believe each customer ought to expertise:

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

Selecting the Proper Automobile

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a solution to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan could be very fashionable, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the car serves as each lodging and transportation. If you need a campervan, there are 5 most important rental businesses:

Costs range quite a bit. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you decide up the car, in case you are dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you guide, and when in the course of the yr 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 standard automobile and guide lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental businesses large and small to search out the very best offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote in your automobile 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 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 gorgeous peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy power, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with outlets and eating places. Although it has turn into vastly fashionable, 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 referred to as “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each type of journey exercise you may consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. It’s also possible to 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 selection 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 beautiful views!

For an inventory 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 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, slim inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is among 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 sources.

I beloved the realm right here. There’s quite a lot of good mountaineering and delightful views. There are numerous fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I significantly 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 dwelling 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, 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.

In case you like mountaineering, some of the fashionable 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 best way make it a terrific selection. 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 can 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 case 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 turn into overcrowded in recent times, 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 fashionable with backpackers and out of doors fans, 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 number of nights to hike (or ski within the winter), chill out, and transfer on.

Wanaka has turn into one thing of a smaller model of Queenstown, so you may 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 may 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 joyful 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 absolutely nice too.

For an inventory 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 area with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many pleasant nights spent consuming wine exterior right here whereas I chatted with different vacationers.
 
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

In 1865, Julius von Haast christened the massive, lovely 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 serious vacationer attraction.

Mountain climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting rapidly 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/mountaineering expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter experience, trekking, and expertise as a complete are definitely worth the worth in my view. It’s a type 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 quite a lot 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 you could take a soak in to assuage your post-hike muscle tissue.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging affords visitors free selfmade soup each evening and free breakfast (together with selfmade waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to prepare dinner, and a scorching tub for enjoyable. 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 relatively than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are quite a lot 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.

The easiest way to see the park is by kayak. That method, you may discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the realm particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you may be part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. It’s also possible to take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

In case you’re aching for some critical surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seaside hugs up in opposition to turquoise waters, and lounging right here is definitely worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. It’s also possible to 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 non-public 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, 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 have the ability to catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland in your worldwide flight dwelling.

In case you’re heading to Christchurch, maintain studying. In case 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 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, outlets, and displays. The locals have labored arduous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m joyful to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not quite a bit “to do” per se, the vibe is absolutely relaxed, and it’s price taking your time should you can. You’ll want to experience 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 an inventory 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 Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of 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).
• You need to all the time park your automobile within the route that visitors goes (or danger a superb).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the highway, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below are winding, so keep in mind that it would take longer than you anticipate 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 case you’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 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 may be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!