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, house 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 a variety 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 means you may see the large attracts, get off the crushed path, do some good mountain 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 must you take? The place must you begin, and the place must you end?

Under is my steered itinerary that can assist you plan your South Island highway journey to will be certain that you see the highlights, benefit from your time, and get off the crushed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply in search of just a few pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I believe 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 propose your route, you want a option to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan could be very well-liked, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the automobile serves as each lodging and transportation. If you need a campervan, there are 5 fundamental rental companies:

Costs differ lots. Your day by day charge will change relying on the place you decide up the automobile, if you’re dropping it off at a distinct place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you guide, and when through the 12 months you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automotive and guide lodging alongside the way in which. Uncover Automobiles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental companies massive and small to search out the very best offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote in 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 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 crammed with retailers and eating places. Despite the fact that it has turn out to be vastly 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 mountain climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is also referred to as “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each kind of journey exercise you may consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. It’s also possible to 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 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, take pleasure in a soothing cruise on Lake Wakatipu for some gorgeous views!

For a listing of extra issues to do in Queenstown, try 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 night time and a free dinner and quiz night time 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 house 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 a variety of good mountain 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 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 good views of the height, or take the Chasm Stroll on the Cleddau River to get near highly effective waterfalls.

The fjord itself is house 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 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’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 mountain climbing, one 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 simple entry and scenic views alongside the way in which make it an ideal selection. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Notice: 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. 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 out to be overcrowded lately, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a means, additionally turn out to be overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s turn out to be well-liked with backpackers and outside lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do apart from having fun with the outside (which is what I like about it). Most individuals come for just a few nights to hike (or ski within the winter), chill out, and transfer on.

Wanaka has turn out to be 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 can get your coronary heart pounding.

You’ll be able to take a glad hour boat cruise, go fishing or mountain 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, try my detailed information.

The place to Keep: Mountain View Backpackers – This social hostel has an enormous outside house with a grill, and an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many pleasing 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 big, stunning glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The identify caught, and in the present day 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 on account of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one option to trek on them is by way of heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/mountain climbing expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter trip, 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 received’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 a variety of actions to do close by. You’ll be able to go trekking via 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 which you can take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle tissues.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging presents friends free selfmade soup each night time and free breakfast (together with selfmade waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook 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 quite than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), that means there are a variety 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.

One of the best ways to see the park is by kayak. That means, 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. 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 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, known as Pa, for wonderful views of the encompassing nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seaside Camp – This lodging presents 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, 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 means, you’ll have the ability to catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland in your worldwide flight house.

In case you’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. In case you’d like to go to Wellington, try 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 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, retailers, and displays. The locals have labored exhausting to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that actually shines. I 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 basically relaxed, and it’s value taking your time when you can. Make sure to trip 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, try 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 can assist you benefit from your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the precise, like within the US or Canada).
• You need to all the time park your automotive within the course that site visitors goes (or threat a tremendous).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the highway, which will 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 will be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!