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 exquisite island, house 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 only a few areas, there’s a whole lot of hidden areas right here price 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 loads to see right here. That manner you’ll be able to see the large attracts, get off the overwhelmed 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 must you take? The place must you begin, and the place must you end?

Beneath is my urged itinerary that can assist you plan your South Island street journey to will make sure that you see the highlights, take advantage of your time, and get off the overwhelmed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply searching for a number of pointers to start out your planning? These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise:

Seeking to see the opposite island? Try my detailed street journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Car

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’d like a campervan, there are 5 principal rental companies:

Costs fluctuate loads. 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 upfront you e-book, and when throughout the 12 months you e-book (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 lease a traditional automobile and e-book lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental web site, 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 automobile 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’ll be able to 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 attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy power, with pedestrian lanes crammed with outlets and eating places. Although it has develop into vastly well-liked, I can’t 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 form of journey exercise you’ll be able to 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 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, get pleasure from 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 glorious water strain, 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 inexpensive place to remain.
 
Days 4–6: Fiordland

Named for its resplendent fjords (lengthy, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is without doubt one of the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s house to quite a few Lord of the Rings filming areas). Boasting gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, and untamed forests, the land is formally off-limits in order to guard these pure assets.

I liked the world right here. There’s a whole lot of good climbing and exquisite views. There are a lot of fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I notably love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is greatest identified for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You possibly can stroll the wooded shoreline path for excellent 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 possibly can typically 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 embody 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 possibly can solely get to Uncertain through boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

When you like climbing, some of the well-liked walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing underneath snow-covered mountain peaks and luxurious verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the straightforward entry and scenic views alongside the best way 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 automobile right here could 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. When you don’t thoughts driving a bit extra, you’ll be able to 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 develop into overcrowded in recent times, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a manner, additionally develop into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s develop into well-liked with backpackers and out of doors fanatics, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do in addition to 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), loosen up, and transfer on.

Wanaka has develop into one thing of a smaller model of Queenstown, so you’ll be able to count on 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’ll be able to go skydiving, canyoning, rock-climbing, paragliding, jet-boating, or mountaineering, together with scores of different actions that can get your coronary heart pounding.

You possibly can take a blissful 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 absolutely 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 out of doors house with a grill, and an enormous desk to congregate round that makes assembly folks a breeze. I had many pleasurable 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, lovely glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The title caught, and as we speak 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 as a result of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one option 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 well worth the value in my view. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you received’t remorse.

Conversely, you’ll be able to simply hike to the glacier face and take pictures from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (the place you’ll additionally see sobering pictures of simply how far the glaciers have receded over time).

There are additionally a whole lot of actions to do close by. You possibly can go trekking by means of 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 would be able to take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle groups.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging affords visitors free home made soup each evening and free breakfast (together with home made waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to prepare dinner, and a scorching tub for enjoyable. It’s a vigorous, 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 a whole lot 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 manner, you’ll be able to discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you’ll be able to be 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.

When you’re aching for some severe surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seaside hugs up towards turquoise waters, and lounging right here is well 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 glorious views of the encompassing nature.

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

When you’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. When 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 folks had been killed and three,000 buildings had 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, outlets, and displays. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a group spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m blissful to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not loads “to do” per se, the vibe is absolutely relaxed, and it’s price taking your time in case you can. Remember to journey the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake Metropolis (a novel 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, films, and comfortable couches, in addition to a car parking zone.
 

Issues to Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of your street journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the proper, like within the US or Canada).
• You should at all times park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or danger a advantageous).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the street, which could 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 count on 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.
• When you’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 discovered firsthand how superior a street journey there could be. Simply comply with the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!