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 essentially the most visually beautiful. With simply 23% of the nation’s 5.2 million inhabitants, it’s a dramatic and exquisite island, residence 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 only a few places, there’s loads 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 manner you possibly can see the massive 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?

Under is my steered itinerary that can assist you plan your South Island street journey to will be sure that you see the highlights, take advantage of your time, and get off the overwhelmed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply in search of a couple of pointers to start out your planning? These are issues I believe each customer ought to expertise:

Trying to see the opposite island? Try my detailed street journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Automobile

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a technique to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very well-liked, 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 businesses:

Costs differ so much. 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 might be renting it for, how far upfront you ebook, and when throughout the 12 months you ebook (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling 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 ebook lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Automobiles is my go-to rental web site, as they search rental businesses massive and small to search out the very best offers.

You need to use this widget to get a free quote to 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 possibly can simply get an inexpensive 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 attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy vitality, with pedestrian lanes crammed with outlets and eating places. Though it has develop into massively well-liked, 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 called “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each kind of journey exercise you possibly can consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You can even 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 soothing 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 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, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is among the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s residence 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 loads of 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 greatest identified 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 residence 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 through boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

For those who like climbing, some of the well-liked walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing below snow-covered mountain peaks and plush verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the straightforward entry and scenic views alongside the best way make it an important 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 automotive 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 fashionable. For those who don’t thoughts driving a bit extra, you possibly can 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 in recent times, 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 well-liked with backpackers and out of doors fanatics, 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), loosen up, and transfer on.

Wanaka has develop into one thing of a smaller model of Queenstown, so you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 completely satisfied 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 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 out of doors house with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly folks a breeze. I had many pleasant 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, 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 in the present day 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 technique 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 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 possibly can 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 loads 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 can 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 friends 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 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 loads 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 simplest ways to see the park is by kayak. That manner, you possibly can discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you possibly can be part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You can even take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

For those who’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 can even 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 affords 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, 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 manner, you’ll be capable to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland to your worldwide flight residence.

For those who’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. For those who’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 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 exhausting to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that basically shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m completely satisfied to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not so much “to do” per se, the vibe is absolutely relaxed, and it’s value taking your time when you can. Make sure you experience 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 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 Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you take advantage of your street journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the suitable, like within the US or Canada).
• You will need to all the time park your automotive within the path that 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 aspect of the street, which could be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here 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.
• For those who’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 street 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!