My New Zealand South Island Street Journey Itinerary

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…but it surely’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 just some places, there’s loads 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 rather a lot to see right here. That method you’ll be able to 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?

Beneath is my recommended 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 just a few pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I feel 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 Car

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a technique to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very widespread, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the automobile serves as each lodging and transportation. If you would like a campervan, there are 5 foremost rental businesses:

Costs fluctuate rather a lot. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you decide up the automobile, if you’re dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far prematurely you ebook, and when in the course of the 12 months you ebook (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a standard automobile and ebook lodging alongside the way in which. 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 use this widget to get a free quote on 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 an element 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 full of outlets and eating places. Despite the fact that it has change into massively widespread, I can not specific my love of Queenstown sufficient. I really like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and mountain climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is also called “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. You can too strive 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 once I go to (the grape of alternative 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 an inventory 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 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 without doubt one of 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 sources.

I liked the realm right here. There’s loads of good mountain climbing and exquisite views. There are lots 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 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 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.

In case you like mountain climbing, probably the most widespread walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Monitor, passing below snow-covered mountain peaks and plush verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the straightforward entry and scenic views alongside the way in which make it a fantastic alternative. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Observe: 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. In case 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 change into overcrowded lately, 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 widespread with backpackers and out of doors lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do apart from having fun with the outside (which is what I really like about it). Most individuals come for just a few nights to hike (or ski within the winter), loosen up, and transfer on.

Wanaka has change 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 may get your coronary heart pounding.

You may take a pleased 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 actually nice too.

For an inventory 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 a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many gratifying 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 massive, 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 as we speak the glacier is a significant vacationer attraction.

Mountain climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting shortly as a consequence of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one technique to trek on them is through 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 an entire are definitely 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 through the years).

There are additionally loads of actions to do close by. You may 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 which you could take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle tissue.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging gives visitors 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 sizzling tub for stress-free. 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 relatively than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), that means there are loads of single and multiday hikes. Probably the most well-known is the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Monitor, one of many Nice Walks of New Zealand.

One of the best ways to see the park is by kayak. That method, you’ll be able to discover all of the little coves and seashores that basically make the realm particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you’ll be able to be a part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You can too 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 seashore hugs up towards turquoise waters, and lounging right here is definitely worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You can too 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 gives dormitories and small non-public cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to get monetary savings. 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 method, you’ll be capable of catch an affordable and fast flight again to Auckland on 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, outlets, and displays. The locals have labored laborious to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes and I’m pleased to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not rather a lot “to do” per se, the vibe is actually relaxed, and it’s value taking your time when you can. You’ll want 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 an inventory 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 parking zone.
 

Issues to Bear in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of 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 at all times park your automobile within the route that visitors goes (or threat a nice).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — 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 here 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.
• 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 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 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!