New Zealand’s South Island is full of natural attractions — lakes, mountains, marine life, and a lot of sheep. There’s enough sightseeing to overwhelm even the most experienced traveller!

After visiting both the North Island and the South Island, we can confidently say that the South Island is far more breathtaking and less crowded than its northern sibling.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

If you’re planning to explore the South Island by car, join me on this journey as I share our crafted itinerary, which is designed to showcase the region’s most spectacular sights and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This is our insider’s guide to making the most of your time in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

Christchurch → 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.

New Zealand South Island Self Drive Road Trip Itinerary

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 its parks to discovering its thriving arts scene. The city is home to an impressive collection of street art, with over 300 murals adorning its buildings. Visit the Street Art Christchurch website to take a self-guided tour and discover the works of local and international artists.

One of the many murals you’ll find on buildings across the city

Christchurch is also renowned for its excellent food and wine scene. Visit the Christchurch Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to sample local produce, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread.

Or why not visit the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, which has been rebuilt after the earthquakes. Take a stroll along the Avon River and explore the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

The Christchurch Cathedral

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.

Greymouth 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.

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier)

Here are some things that you should do as you spend your day at Franz Josef.

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!

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. 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

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.

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 famous “That Wanaka Tree” to the beautiful sunsets! Not to mention the stunning trails and hikes all around.

The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka

Walk along the lake, sit at the numerous bars, cafés, 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

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 adventure tourism that has something for everybody! From bungee jumping to zip lining 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.

And for food, make sure you try the legendary Fergburger.

Hotels in Queenstown

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.

Things to do at Mt Cook

Quite a lot. Make sure you

1. Admire Lake Pukaki
2. Visit Lake Tasman
3. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary’s Alpine Centre
4. And stargaze to your heart’s content!

Yes, Mt Cook is one of the best places in the world to admire the Milky Way! Read more about our Mt. Cook experience in this post.

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 realized 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.

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.

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.

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

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 1000 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

Car rental prices fluctuate seasonally. You can start your car rental search from the link below.

Full credit to my incredible wife for putting together our New Zealand South Island itinerary and making it happen (that’s the hard part).