New Zealand is the ultimate road trip dream: small enough that you can see enough of the country in a relatively short space of time, but with so much variety that you’ll never get bored. So, you’ve packed your bags, chosen a car or campervan and you’re all ready to set out on the road trip of a lifetime around New Zealand’s beautiful south island. But where to start? The south island is jam-packed with epic spots, from sweeping beaches to rugged mountains and icy glaciers, making it hard to choose what to fit into your trip. Read on for some of my best recommendations:
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Our Complete Mapped Itinerary
This map shows everywhere we visited on the South Island. However, if you’re more pressed for time (we were in New Zealand for months), I’d recommend skipping the East Coast/Dunedin and focusing more on the area between Christchurch and Queenstown, as that’s where most of my absolute favourite places are located.
Christchurch
Christchurch will be where most people start their south island adventure, however it’s so tempting to be in such a rush to hit the open road that it’s easy to miss some of the delights in Christchurch itself! Spending a couple of days in Christchurch will also make sure you’re relaxed before all the driving – and give you time to beat the jet lag if you’ve arrived off a long-haul flight (although, writing this in 2020, who am I kidding?). My favourite spots are Sumner Beach, Taylor’s Mistake (both great surf spots) and the Godley Head loop track, a beautiful clifftop walk offering stunning views of the coastline.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is such a bright blue that it always looks like it has been photoshopped: but it’s actually that colour in real life! There is no better feeling than sliding into the icy glacial water and coming out again to bask on the beach in the hot sun – you’re guaranteed to feel more alive than you have in years! (Top tip: the Kiwis pronounce it Ti-ka-po, with the stress on the first syllable).
Near Lake Tekapo you’ll also find the beautiful lupin fields, carpeted in flowers as far as the eye can see. The best time to visit is between November and February to catch the flowers in bloom.
Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley Track
The drive up to Mount Cook Village is absolutely stunning, as it takes you up the side of Lake Pukaki and you can see the mountains in front of you. I’d suggest driving up in the afternoon and spending a night in Mount Cook Village, before setting out on the Hooker Valley Track first thing in the morning – there’s no better start to the day that breathing in fresh mountain air! The Hooker Valley Track is a short 10km return hike, easy for beginners, but it certainly packs the punches in terms of visual impact! You’ll cross over three pretty swing bridges and be rewarded with views of Mount Cook/Aoraki and a glacial lake at the end. If you only do one hike in New Zealand, do this one!
Lake Pukaki
After visiting New Zealand you’ll never be impressed by a lake again. Lake Pukaki is another bright blue glacial lake, and on a clear day you can see Mount Cook/Aoraki in the distance. Swimming in freezing water with this beautiful view is an experience I’ll never forget! There are loads of freedom camping spots along the shores of Lake Pukaki, and it’s a beautiful place to wake up in the morning! Near Lake Pukaki you’ll find the town of Twizel, which has some nice cafes (with working wifi) and various amenities.
Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital and the place for adrenaline sports such as bungee jumping, canyon swinging and jet boating. Chill out afterwards in the Onsen Hot Pools (worth every cent) as you enjoy sweeping views of the Shotover Canyon. Canyon Brewing is also worth a visit for their beer tasting boards. Hike the Tiki Trail (or take the gondola if you’re feeling more leisurely) and then have a ride on the luge at the top: the views are spectacular and riding down the hill on a glorified buggy is bound to bring out the excited inner child in anyone! Make sure to stop in at Fergburger afterwards: they are the best burgers. Queenstown is also the perfect place to base yourself before exploring Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.
Glenorchy
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is famed for being one of the most beautiful in the country – be sure to have your camera ready! This cosy little historic town is surrounded by snowy mountains and mirror-smooth lakes. Popular sites include the wharf and its iconic red boat shed. Mrs Woolly’s General Store is an excellent place to get presents for family and friends at home – tartan kiwi anyone?
Milford Sound
There’s a good reason that Milford Sound is considered one of the natural wonders of the world: it’s staggeringly beautiful. Check out my more detailed guide here. It can be a bit of a pain to get to though so I’d recommend just booking a coach and cruise tour and letting someone else do all the hard work for you as you kick back on deck with a beer and basket of chips, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Most trips leave from Queenstown or Te Anau. Remember: Milford Sound is super isolated with no phone signal, so if you do opt to self-drive make sure you stock up on petrol and snacks before you set off!
Dunedin
Dunedin and the east coast are a bit of a rogue addition to our road trip itinerary, as most people leave it out, preferring to focus more on the centre and west of the island. If you do have time however, a trip to Dunedin won’t leave you disappointed. The beautiful old buildings are reminiscent of Edinburgh, and the city is full of cute quirky bars and eateries. Highlights include the Botanic Gardens and the Otago Peninsula (see below).
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a spit of land jutting out into the sea from Dunedin, and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It’s a great place for spotting seals, sea lions (go to Sandfly Bay) and, if you’re lucky, albatross. Many wealthy Dunedin folk have their holiday homes on the peninsula, and in summer you’ll see people pottering about in their sailing boats and kayaks.
Wanaka
Wanaka seems to be the place that everyone comes to to just relax and hang out for a few days, as there’s loads to do here. The beautiful lake is perfect for jetskiing and paddle boarding, there’s mountain biking tracks aplenty and the town is surrounded by beautiful mountains to climb (see below). A magnet for travellers, Wanaka will be one of the easiest places to meet other people during your trip. It’s also home to a cosy retro-style cinema – a perfect hideaway if you’re feeling like a day off.
Roys Peak
It seems as if every article I read about New Zealand features a picture of Roy’s Peak, and for good reason: the views from the top are absolutely stunning. Be prepared to work hard for your reward though, the hike itself is a steep, seemingly endless uphill track, so the walk up isn’t the most exciting, but the views from the top more than make up for it. Make sure to allow plenty of extra time for taking photos at the summit!
How to get there: The trail sets off from Roys Peak car park, on the road from Wanaka towards Mount Aspiring. The trail sometimes closes for lambing season, so it’s best to check before you go.
Distance: 16 km return via same track (5-6 hours return + time for photos). Elevation Gain: 1,228m.
Isthmus Peak
This lesser-known mountain not far from Wanaka is much quieter than it’s more famous cousin Roys Peak, but the views are equally stunning. I’d also argue that the ascent itself is more pleasant with more varied scenery, compared to the relentless uphill slog of Roys Peak (although Roys Peak will always, always be worth it). From the summit of Isthmus Peak you’ll be able to see both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hāwea, with the Southern Alps on the horizon, making you feel like you’re truly on top of the world. Word of warning though: the peak can be windy and cold even if it’s hot and sunny at the bottom, so layer up!
How to get there: The track for Isthmus Peak starts by the Lake Hāwea section of SH6, about a 30 minute drive from Wanaka. There’s an “Isthmus Peak” signpost at the car park. The trail sometimes closes for fawning season, so it’s best to check before you go.
Distance: 16km (5-6 hours return). Elevation Gain: 1133m.
Lake Hāwea
Lake Hāwea is one of the most underrated lakes in New Zealand. Only a 15 minute drive from Wanaka and not too far from from the foot of Isthmus Peak, you’ll likely have this crystal clear lake almost to yourselves, where you can channel your inner Wim Hof and bathe in icy water surrounded by mountains. Granted, we were very lucky with the weather and spent a string of hot sunny days lounging by the lakeside, but we’ve been told that good weather is less consistent here than in say Tekapo or Pukaki. If you’re lucky enough to visit Hāwea on a sunny day, you’ll absolutely love it. It’s also a favourite spot for kite surfing and kayaking.
Mount Aspiring/Blue Pools
Leaping into icy water seems to be a bit of a theme of my South Island road trip – but it’s actually much more fun than it sounds! The blue pools are situated in Mount Aspiring national park, just off the Haast highway between Wanaka and the West Coast. Here you’ll find a swing bridge (the second one, not the first one) where those brave enough will leap into the bracingly cold water below. It took me a while to drum up the courage – but I did it!
West Coast
New Zealand’s wild west coast makes for a stunning drive, with vegetation so lush it almost feels tropical. Make sure to stock up on the bug spray though, as the west coast is home to New Zealand’s most unpleasant resident – the sandfly. Along the west coast you’ll find beaches where you can sit and watch the dolphins playing; mountain tracks and tour companies offering heli-hikes up to the glaciers; cute seaside towns where you can chow down on fish and chips; the National Kiwi Centre in Hokitika, where you can see real life kiwi birds; the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes. The people on the west coast are also some of the friendliest and kindest you’ll ever meet.
Arthur’s Pass
Arthur’s Pass can be a bit of an awkward detour to fit into your South Island road trip, but believe me, it’s worth it. The drive itself is absolutely breathtaking as you wend your way through the mountain pass. There are some beautiful hikes starting from Arthur’s Pass Village, such as Avalanche Peak and the Devil’s Punchbowl walk, which leads to a huge crashing waterfall (make sure you wear something waterproof if you want to get close!). This is also the perfect place for spotting the Kea, New Zealand’s famous alpine parrot: the best spot is by the Otira Viaduct lookout.
Lewis Pass
The Lewis Pass is a bit of an unknown gem that gets missed off a lot of road trip itineraries, but if you have the chance to drive along this beautiful pass, you won’t be disappointed. Here you’ll find some beautiful hiking trails such as the Lewis Tops hike, and then you can unwind afterwards by booking a day retreat at the amazing Maruia Hot Springs, a hotel complete with natural geothermal pools, sauna, steamroom and yoga classes included. They also have a five-course dinner menu and do a banging breakfast. (Top tip: they offer campervan parking and the price includes use of the facilities!). Closer to Christchurch, I also recommend stopping off at Frog Rock, as the views from the top are fantastic on a sunny day.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is the place in New Zealand if you want to see dolphins or whales. We booked a tour with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, expecting to see a few dolphins from a distance, but nothing could have prepared us for being surrounded by hundreds of leaping dolphins, playing in the wake of the boat! Certainly an experience I’ll never forget. Read more about it here. Kaikoura is also an excellent place for fish and chips!
Marlborough/Blenheim
Marlborough is the wine capital of New Zealand, and no trip to the South Island is complete without spending a day sampling the region’s delicious wines. The wine of choice here is sauvignon blanc, as the conditions are perfect for this grape. My favourite vineyard in the area was Cloudy Bay, as they have an incredibly tranquil garden backing onto the vines where you can relax and enjoy the wine in peace.
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Photography
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This sounds and looks like the ultimate road trip around New Zealand’s South Island! Pictures are gorgeous!
Thank you!