New Zealand’s South Island is full of natural attractions – lakes, mountains, marine life, and a whole lot of sheep. There’s enough sightseeing to overwhelm even the most experienced traveller!
From brown to turquoise to white – the epic Lake Pukaki
We spent around 2 weeks on a self-drive tour across the South Island and felt it was way too little time. Truth be told, no amount of time would have been enough. So, if you’re travelling to New Zealand anytime soon, feel free to glance over our itinerary.
Quick Note Before We Start
Our journey began in Christchurch which also served as our base. Although Queenstown is more popular as a base, I would recommend Christchurch to those seeking to explore more of the South Island. Why?
Lake Tekapo, In all its hues
Sure, Queenstown is situated in a more scenic part of the island and offers more options in terms of adventure sports and day trips. However, as there’s not much to see in and around Christchurch, you are forced to get out and explore more of the South Island. Also, I’d recommend our New Zealand South Island itinerary for two reasons:
- As the days went by, our journey evolved from zero to ten. With each passing turn, the landscape got more and more scenic! It was like setting off on a never-ending road trip of “wows”! We don’t think we could have appreciated the beauty the way we did had we landed straight in Queenstown.
- This itinerary also gave us a chance to explore Kaikoura (which by the end became our favourite town). Had we only explored the southern part of South Island, Kaikoura may not have been on our itinerary.
So, if you’re planning to visit the South Island, read on as I share our experience of road tripping. This is our personal New Zealand South Island itinerary.
Best Car Rental Deals in New ZealandChristchurch → Greymouth → Franz Josef → Haast → Wanaka → Arrowtown → Queenstown → Mt Cook Village → Lake Pukaki → Lake Tekapo → Kaikoura → Akaroa → Back to Christchurch
Check my notes at the bottom of the post to turn this 12-day itinerary into a 14 day (two week) itinerary.
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Let’s start this epic journey!
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch
As I mentioned, for this trip Christchurch is your starting and ending point. Once you arrive in Christchurch, it’s time to discover this city.
Things to do in Christchurch
There are plenty of things to see in Christchurch, from
- The Cardboard Cathedral (pictured above)
- Cathedral Square Ruins
You can check out my top 5 things to see in Christchurch. And for a night out, head to Victoria Street or High Street.
Hotels in Christchurch
We stayed in multiple hotels in Christchurch during our trip. However, my favourite was The Grange Boutique B&B and Motel, a B&B with a lot of character and very centrally located. The other hotel that we stayed at, The Rendezvous Hotel, was also good and very centrally located. We also spent our last night at the Heritage Christchurch. That was one incredible experience!
The front façade
Day 2: Christchurch to Greymouth
This was the only part of the journey we covered on a train. The TranzAlpine Train covers the distance between Christchurch to Greymouth in just over 4 hours. The journey is spectacular and gives you a glimpse into the beauty that lies ahead.
Arthur’s Pass, The TranzAlpine Train
As seats are limited and the train is quite popular, I’d advise you to book your tickets in advance from this website.
Book Your TranzAlpine Tickets TodayGreymouth is where we rented our car and began our road trip.
Things to do in Greymouth
With a population of 8,000 residents, Greymouth is the largest town on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Although there is not much to see within the town, I’d highly recommend checking out the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, which is a 30-40 minute drive from Greymouth.
The Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki
Hotels in Greymouth
We stayed at the most charming B&B in Greymouth, The Alpine Rose Motel. I highly recommend it!
Day 3: Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier)
How’s the drive?
Our self-driven journey across New Zealand’s South Island begins from Greymouth.
The 180 km drive is mostly flat with some good scenery along the way. There are a couple of lakes to stop by, but other than that not much in the way of things to see. As you get closer to the Southern Alps, the drive does start getting more scenic.
Here’s a time-lapse video of our drive from Lake Ianthe to Franz Josef.
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Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier)
Here are some things that you should do as you spend your day at Franz Josef.
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- The small town of Franz Joseph
Things to do at Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier)
Make sure that the glacier hike is on your list. It’s a rare experience to be able to walk on an actual glacier, so make sure you do it!
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- Walking on Franz Joseph Glacier
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- Franz Joseph Glacier
In the evening if you fancy a drive, I’d highly recommend visiting Lake Matheson, the mirror lake. The lake is located just outside Fox Glacier and is extremely peaceful and zen. On a clear day, you can see the reflection of Mt Cook in the lake’s still waters.
Panoramic view of Lake Matheson, New Zealand
Hotels at Franz Josef
<US $50
Centrally located, breakfast included. Free popcorn, movies, and soup in the evenings!
US $100 – 150
Peaceful, gorgeous property located just outside the main town.
>US $150
For ~$150, you can get an apartment with a spa bath. Luxury in the wilderness!
We stayed a couple of minutes outside the main town of Franz Josef at a motel called Franz Josef Oasis. Absolutely lovely property and we ate some of the best meals in this hotel. Also, it’s right next to Lake Mapourika for you to enjoy those beautiful sunsets!
Day 5: Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka
How’s the drive?
This was the drive I was most looking forward to. Often described as the most scenic drive in all of New Zealand’s South Island, I couldn’t wait to see it for myself. We made sure to set out early from Franz Josef because the drive is close to 300 km long and there is a lot to see along the way.
The two major highlights of our drive were the town of Haast and the Blue Pools of Haast. I’ve written a complete post on our drive to the Blue Pools of Haast for you to read. I’d recommend taking your sweet time on this drive. Appreciate the Gates of Haast, the Blue Pools, the seals and the Hectors Dolphins (if you’re lucky).
The Blue Pools of Haast aerial shot
After Haast, you’ll be treated to the first of your big lakes. Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are the two that show up side by side. Both lakes are epic, in size and beauty! Here’s a quick look at our drive from the Blue Pools of Haast to Lake Hawea via Lake Wanaka.
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Things to do in Wanaka
Remember that I said the best thing about this itinerary is that keeps getting more beautiful as each day passed? Well, Wanaka was the first town that took my breath away! The town is so incredibly picturesque and beautiful that I found it hard to leave it! From the lonely tree to the beautiful sunsets!
The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka
Walk along the lake, sit at the numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants on Brownston Street and appreciate your life. Seriously! You’re one lucky soul if you’re sitting there.
Shores of Lake Wanaka next to the main street
There’s also a Puzzling World theme park, which is just outside the town. It might be fun to stop if you’re into that kind of stuff.
Hotels in Wanaka
~US $50
A caravan park that also offers private cabins & apartments with shared bathrooms.
US $100 – 150
Charming family run motel with a lot of character and an incredible breakfast, and outdoor hot tub.
>US $150
Boutique hotel, located away from the main town. Here owners offer wine from their vineyards!
In Wanaka, we stayed at the Te Wanaka Lodge. The owners of the lodge were so warm and welcoming. The breakfast was incredible, and they even had a hot tub that we could use. We loved our one night stay at the Te Wanaka Lodge.
The town
Day 6: Wanaka to Queenstown
via Arrowtown
How’s the drive?
Quite short.
I highly recommend taking a detour to Arrowtown before making your way to Queenstown. Arrowtown is a quaint historic town on the banks of the Arrow River.
Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, New Zealand
We stopped there for a couple of hours and ate lunch at The Postmasters Residence. Highly recommended!
After our brief detour, we arrived in Queenstown.
Things to do in Queenstown
On the shore of Lake Wakatipu lies the Mecca of tourism that has something for everybody! From bungee jumping to ziplining and more.
Some of the most popular adventure sports in Queenstown include (along with links to book tickets online to save time & money):
- The famous Nevis Bungy Jump and the Nevis Swing
- Skydiving
- Lord of the Rings Tour
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride
- Kawarau Zipride
- More adventure sports in Queenstown
I would also highly advise you to take the Skyline Gondola (book tickets online) to get insanely stunning views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Like the ones below.
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- Simcity version of Queenstown
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- Breathtaking
And for food, make sure you try the legendary Fergburger.
Hotels in Queenstown
<US $50
Located in the heart of Queenstown. You can either book a room or a pod!
US $100 – 150
Located on the the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this apartment offers amazing views.
>US $250
Magnificent views of the mountains and the lake from this exceptional hotel.
Queenstown is a big city, relatively speaking, with loads of hotel options. We stayed at The Waterfront and would also recommend it highly.
The Waterfront is a serviced apartment and not a hotel. It’s right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The rooms are massive and spacious, and the property is centrally located. But the best part about the apartment was the view of the sunset in the evening!
As the sun sets in Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown to Mount Cook National Park
How’s the drive?
Spectacular and breathtaking!
The scenery changes often and fast. It was one of my most memorable drives, especially because I was in the passenger seat. The moment you get to Mt Cook National Park, you will see a sight so beautiful that it’s hard to describe in words. I’m of course talking about Lake Pukaki.
Picnic at Lake Pukaki, anyone?
Unfortunately, the day we arrived at Mt Cook National Park it was raining and very gloomy. However, the weather wasn’t so bad at Lake Pukaki. But the moment we entered the mountains, it felt like we were driving into Mount Doom! Take a look for yourselves.
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Things to do at Mt Cook
Quite a lot. Make sure you
- Admire Lake Pukaki
- Visit Lake Tasman
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary’s Alpine Centre
- And stargaze to your heart’s content
Yes, Mt Cook is one of the best places in the world to admire the Milky Way!
The Milky Way as seen from Mt Cook National Park, NZ
Hotels in Mount Cook
There are only a handful of options at Mount Cook Village to spend the night. I highly recommend the Aoraki Court Motel. We stayed here and loved it! The rooms are very spacious and comfortable. And at night, you can just step out into your balcony to admire the Milky Way.
One of the many rainbows we witnessed
Day 8: Mt. Cook National Park to Christchurch
How’s the drive?
Epic in the start, and then it just fizzles out as you get closer to Christchurch.
We had tears in our eyes after we’d realised what we had left behind. It’s a rude shock, sort of like descending from heaven to Earth.
Lake Tekapo with the mountains and the church
Once again, the drive is long (close to 350 km) but you get to see two of the most beautiful glacial lakes, Pukaki and Tekapo.
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Soon we ran out of scenery to admire. But little did we know that there was still some more to come.
Recharge your senses when you return to Christchurch, as you prepare yourself for another beautiful day ahead.
Day 9: Christchurch to Kaikoura
How’s the drive?
I’d like to think of this route in three parts. From Christchurch to Cheviot, it’s quite relaxing and mostly flat roads.
From Cheviot to Oaro, the hills and the sharp turns make it the most twisting and turning drive.
But once you arrive at Oaro, the drive becomes extremely serene with the Pacific Ocean running beside you.
Here’s a video of the drive.
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Day 10: Kaikoura
Things to do in Kaikoura
Oh wow, there is so much to see and do in Kaikoura. From whale watching (book tickets) to admiring seals and dusky dolphins! Kaikoura is a marine life extravaganza. It has incredible views of the sea on one side and the mountains on the other.
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- A beautiful morning at Kaikoura
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- Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
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- At the Ohau Seal Colony
There are also a few great places to dine in Kaikoura – The Black Rabbit and Green Dolphin Restaurant and Bar are ones that I can recommend personally.
Hotels in Kaikoura
~US $50
Centrally located, great views of the surroundings. Comes with a pool & spa.
US $100 – 150
The White Morph – Heritage Collection
Located opposite the beach on the main street.
~US $200
An exceptionally elegant family-run hotel, next to the beach. Phenomenal views!
While in Kaikoura, you’d want to stay at a property that’s located along the shoreline. The one we stayed at was called The White Morph – Heritage Collection. Great location, great property, lots of parking!
Epic Kaikoura
Day 11: Kaikoura to Akaroa (and then back to Christchurch)
How’s the drive?
The same as Christchurch to Kaikoura. From Christchurch to Akaroa is a fairly mundane drive. We did however stop at Lake Forsyth.
Things to do in Akaroa
Akaroa is a former French settlement southeast of Christchurch. With a population of fewer than 700 residents, the town is a perfect getaway spot from Christchurch. You can read more about Akaroa in this post of mine.
The town of Akaroa
Day 12: Depart From Christchurch
Ta-da! That’s the end of the road here, quite literally. That was our epic New Zealand South Island itinerary. We hope that this itinerary was able to get you excited about your upcoming trip to NZ.
Make this into a 14-day itinerary
The self-drive road trip we planned did not incorporate Milford Sounds or Dunedin. However, it’s easy to fit Milford Sound (or Dunedin) into the itinerary by adding an extra day or two in Queenstown. There are cruise and helicopter day trips from Queenstown to Milford Sound. This way, you make this into a 14 day (two weeks) itinerary.
Car Rental Options
After doing tons of research, I finally narrowed it down to Apex Car Rentals. They have a wide range of car options at very reasonable prices. More established rental brands were almost twice the price of Apex and that too with fewer car options. We had no trouble dealing with them while picking up or dropping off the car. We’d gotten delayed while returning from Akaroa to Christchurch and they let us keep the car for an extra night without any charge. I highly recommend Apex Car Rentals.
Car rental prices fluctuate seasonally. You can start your car rental search from the link below.
Full credit to my incredible wife, Neha, for putting together our New Zealand South Island itinerary and making it happen (that’s the hard part).
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7 Comments
Thank You for the interesting and detail itinerary, our family enjoy reading it a lot, and will mostly follow the suggestion and route for our South Island trip next April. If I have some question to ask you, may I know your email address so I can write to you directly ?
Thanks, Fifi! Glad you found our New Zealand South Island itinerary helpful. You can get in touch with us from here.
Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.
Glad I came across your blog. We are heading to South Island in Dec and arriving at CHC. Did you just stay one night in each of the places?
Thank you, Yvonne!
Unfortunately, we stayed for one night in most of the places. We did however stay for a couple of nights in Kaikoura which was totally worth it!
In retrospect, we would have liked to spend more time in Queenstown (for the activities and hikes) and maybe Mt Cook/Lake Pukaki (for some outdoor hikes and more stargazing).
I loved your blog and thanks for publishing this about south island itinerary. I am really happy to come across this exceptionally well written content. Thanks for sharing and look for more in future!! Keep doing this inspirational work and share with us.
Thanks!