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 delightful island, residence 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 just some places, there’s lots of hidden areas right here value 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 stated, there’s lots to see right here. That method you may see the large attracts, get off the crushed path, do some good climbing, and never rush (journey between locations can take longer than you suppose)!

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 urged itinerary that will help 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 crushed 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 strategy to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very standard, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the car serves as each lodging and transportation. If you’d like a campervan, there are 5 essential rental businesses:

Costs differ lots. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you choose up the car, in case you are dropping it off at a special 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 dwelling out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a standard automotive and guide lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental businesses huge 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 may 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 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 vitality, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with retailers and eating places. Although it has change into massively standard, I can not 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 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. You can even attempt 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 at all times do that after I go to (the grape of selection right here is the light-red Pinot Noir). If wine isn’t your factor, take pleasure in a soothing 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 wonderful water stress, and the pillows are thick and comfortable. There are actions each evening and a free dinner and quiz evening 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 without doubt one of 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 cherished the realm right here. There’s lots of good climbing and delightful views. There are a lot of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I significantly love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is finest identified for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You may 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 residence to seal and penguin colonies. You may 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 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 may solely get to Uncertain through boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

If you happen to like climbing, probably the most standard walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing below 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 an incredible selection. 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 trendy. If you happen to 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 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 standard with backpackers and out of doors fanatics, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do moreover 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 change 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 may 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 actually 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 an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many pleasing 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 immediately 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 shortly as a result of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one strategy 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 journey, trekking, and expertise as a complete are definitely worth the worth for my part. It’s a type of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you received’t remorse.

Conversely, you may simply hike to the glacier face and take photographs from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (the place you’ll additionally see sobering photographs of simply how far the glaciers have receded through the years).

There are additionally lots of actions to do close by. You may 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 that you could take a soak in to assuage your post-hike muscle mass.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging provides company free selfmade soup each evening and free breakfast (together with selfmade waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook dinner, and a sizzling 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 fairly than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are lots 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 actually make the realm particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you may be a part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You can even take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

If you happen to’re aching for some severe surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seashore 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 encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – This lodging provides 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, choose 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 inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland on your worldwide flight residence.

If you happen to’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. If you happen to’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 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 laborious to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that actually shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m glad to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not lots “to do” per se, the vibe is actually relaxed, and it’s value taking your time in the event you can. Make sure you 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 employees and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, motion pictures, and comfortable 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 appropriate, like within the US or Canada).
• You need to at all times park your automotive within the course that site visitors goes (or threat a advantageous).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as a substitute 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 selected distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• If you happen to’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 at all times 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!