My New Zealand South Island Street Journey Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…however it’s additionally probably the most visually beautiful. 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 individuals find yourself spending extra time in and, whereas everybody sticks to just some places, there’s plenty 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 mentioned, there’s so much to see right here. That method 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 must you take? The place must you begin, and the place must you end?

Under is my advised itinerary that can assist 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 on the lookout for a number of pointers to start out your planning? These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise:

Trying to see the opposite island? Take a look at my detailed highway journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Automobile

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

Costs range so much. Your day by day charge 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 might be renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and when through the 12 months you e book (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 lease a standard automobile and e book lodging alongside the way in which. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental companies huge and small to seek out the very best offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote to 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’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 power, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with outlets and eating places. Despite the fact that it has change into vastly widespread, I can’t 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 often known as “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each type of journey exercise you’ll be able to 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 alternative 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 wonderful water stress, 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 without doubt 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 sources.

I cherished the realm right here. There’s plenty of good climbing and exquisite views. There are various fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I significantly love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is greatest identified for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You’ll be able to 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’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 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 climbing, probably the most widespread walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Monitor, 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 way in which make it an awesome alternative. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Word: 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 trendy. In case 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 in recent times, 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 fans, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do in addition to 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 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 can get your coronary heart pounding.

You’ll be able to take a comfortable 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 basically 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 area with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly folks a breeze. I had many pleasurable 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 big, lovely glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The identify caught, and at present the glacier is a significant vacationer attraction.

Mountaineering the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting shortly as a consequence of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one method 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 experience, trekking, and expertise as a complete are definitely worth the value for my part. 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 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 plenty 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 could take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle groups.

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 scorching 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 quite than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), that means there are plenty of single and multiday hikes. Essentially the most well-known is the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Monitor, one of many Nice Walks of New Zealand.

The easiest way 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. It’s also possible to take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

In case you’re aching for some severe 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. It’s also possible to stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, known as Pa, for wonderful views of the encircling nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seaside Camp – This lodging gives dormitories and small non-public 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 of catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland to 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 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, outlets, and displays. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m comfortable to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not so much “to do” per se, the vibe is basically relaxed, and it’s value taking your time if you happen to can. Make sure you 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 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 Street-Tripping New Zealand

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

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the fitting, like within the US or Canada).
• You need to all the time park your automobile within the path that visitors goes (or danger a high quality).
• 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 could 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 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.
• In case you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek 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 discovered firsthand how superior a highway journey there could be. Simply comply with the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!