4+ detailed New Zealand South Island itineraries (road trip) – 1 to 2 weeks

Tips to plan your New Zealand itinerary around South Island

Before I share with you my suggested itineraries for your road trip around the South Island of New Zealand, below are a few tips for a better understanding of opportunities and constraints.

Keep in mind that:

•  New Zealand is much bigger that one imagines. It seems so small compared to Australia that we think we can easily visit the whole country, but it takes quite a long time.
• Plan more time than what Google says to drive from point A to point B. On any New Zealand road trip you will want to stop all the time to admire the scenery...
• The roads in South Island are not as sinuous as in North Island, but you have some mountain passes to cross - check out my NZ driving guide
• On the map above you can see many driving times ; Picton (where the ferry arrives) to Queenstown = 10h drive

TIP 2 - Daylight

When planning, have a look at sunrise and sunset times, to see how much daylight you will have when traveling. This way you know how long you have, to see all the sites during the day. This is important to define the best time to travel around New Zealand.

TIP 3 - Road Closures & Road Conditions

In Summer, all is normally open. However, off the main touristic season, you can have road works on one lane bridges which completely bock access to a place (some locations in South NZ are only available from 1 road). And in Winter, some roads may be cut off or icy. Check road conditions

TIP 4 - Optimise your New Zealand itinerary for tide times and sunrise, sunsets...

There are several places in New Zealand that you can only visit at low tide. And light might be better at sunrise or sunset. So, if you can plan for those to coincide, it is great. Start with those locations and plan around. For example:

• Moeraki boulder at low to mid-tide and sunrise
• Motukiekie beach & Wharariki beach at low tide and sunset
• Cathedral Caves at low tide
• ...

TIP 5 - Plan some flexibility

If some locations are really big-ticket items for you, I recommend planning a night close by, so you can have double the chance to see it under nice weather.
For example, in Arthur's pass, my favorite road in New Zealand South Island. I recommend staying at the village of Arthur's pass. But book early as there are not many accommodations.

TIP 6 - You can't drive everywhere - make a choice

Although some locations see close by, you sometimes need to do a big detour to travel between 2 places. For example Lake Pukaki and Fox Glacier look close to each other but you have to do a big loop South or North to be able to reach Fox glacier from Pukaki.
So be sure to check driving times and roads to avoid planning too much in a day.

TIP 7 - Use domestic flights

The driving times being so long, an option to be able to cover more is to start in Christchurch and finish in Queenstown for example. Then you take a domestic flight back or fly through to Australia. Just note that rental car price may go up because of it.

Planning to rent a car in New Zealand? Check out the local company Snap Rentals

 I selected it myself and paid my rental in full. My experience:

• They were very nice and responsive, they pick you up and drop you off at the airport
• The car I rented was in perfect condition
•  In addition, they have all-inclusive insurance packages with AAA roadside assistance, which means I didn't have to worry (I think it's worth the price)

Check out the cars and prices

TIP 8 - Tool to plan your itinerary with practical maps

I have only noted the really big highlights on the map above. But there are many other fascinating stops along the way.
You can find my complete planning maps with my selection of the best stops for each region in my eBooks:

or jump to the itinerary you want

Note: For all accommodations listed below, I selected them myself and paid entirely (no ads).

New Zealand South Island Itinerary 7 days - Mountains and fjords

STARTS IN - Queenstown
ENDS IN - Queenstown

• Starts in - 
  Te Anau
• Ends in -
  Te Anau
• Driving time - 3h30
• Driving difficulty - last section down to Milford Sound is sinuous
• Main stops to consider -
  Everybody focuses on the cruise in Milford Sound, but there are already some wonderful stops along the way.
  I recommend driving all the way down, doing the cruise, and having time to enjoy the stops as you drive back to Te Anau. This way you won't have a time pressure.
  Stops include: Mirror Lake, Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn, Pop's view, the Chasm and many others (my selection is included in my eBooks with GPS coordinates)
• Great activities -
  I think you don't want to drive all the way to Milford Sound without doing a cruise. Several companies are running boat tours for 2 to 3 hours:
  You have the popular one with underwater observatory - prebook in your own currency
  Or you can choose one with the option to kayak - prebook in your own currency
  Or check out the different options
• Where to stay -
  Same as the day before

• Starts in - 
  Te Anau
• Ends in -
  Wanaka
• Driving time - 3h
• Driving difficulty - Easy except a few road bends up the crown range drive
• Main stops to consider -
  In the morning drive North towards Lake Wanaka. You can drive via the Crown range drive and stop at historical Cardrona with its ancient buildings.
  Spend the afternoon in Wanaka: Drive around the lake, or Climb Mt Iron for great views of the region, or take a cruise on the lake;
  Don't miss the famous Wanaka tree, alone in the water (best at sunset or sunrise)
• Great activities -
  Several cruises run on Lake Wanaka. Depending on the time of the day they take you to one if the islands, but always with splendid views of the mountains. I did the 2h Stevensons Island cruise 🙂 - check out options
• Where to stay -
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Wanaka - check out the best rated options
  I stayed at the YHA - the private room with bathroom was sad-looking and the people not so welcoming but it was in a very practical location - check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Wanaka
• Ends in -
  Twizel or Mt Cook village
• Driving time - 3h or 4h
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Continue driving North.
  STOP 1 - The road goes through the Lindis Pass. Make sure to stop at the carpark and admire the view
  STOP 2 - go a little bit off road to discover the fascinating Omarama clay cliffs
  STOP 3 - Head to Lake Tekapo with the church of the good Shepherd and drive up to the observatory for mesmerizing views.
  STOP 4 - Then head to ​Lake Pukaki and its visitor center
  If the weather is clear that day I recommend you switch with the next day and head to Mt Cook village for one of the hikes. When you are able to see the summits, it is magnificent.
• Where to stay -
  Book for 2 nights
  Either stay at Twizel (10min from Lake Pukaki) or in Mt Cook village (at the other end of Lake Pukaki, where hikes begin)
  See the best rated accommodations in Twizel and the best rated accommodations in Mount Cook village
  I stayed at the Mountain Chalets Motel. The decor was tired but spacious and practical, and the location was easy. Check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Twizel / Mt Cook
• Ends in -
  Twizel / Mt Cook
• Driving time - 2h
• Driving difficulty - easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Enjoy the Northern end of Lake Pukaki. Drive along the lake with magnificent views of white Mt Cook.
  Once around Mt Cook you have a wide variety of hikes - the short one to the Tasman glacier with brilliant views of the valley (short but lots of stairs)
  If you can walk longer, there is also the Hooker valley track with suspended bridges and an up close view of the glacier (when not in the clouds)
  Or Lake Tekapo and the clay cliffs from the day before if you switched
• Great activities -
  For something even more unique, you can book a flight up to the glaciers - Check options
  And if you want to get closer to a glacier, Glacierexplorers offer boat tours on the glacial lake. 
• Where to stay -
  Same as the day before

• Starts in - 
  Twizel
• Ends in -
  Queenstown
• Driving time - 2h30
• Driving difficulty - easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Head back to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. This is really a stunning lake.
  Today you can enjoy a cruise on the lake - there is one on the historical steamboat. But I opted for the Spirit of Queenstown because it was going more North and you could see the Glenorchy arm of the lake - pre-book in your own currency
  And you can go up via the Gondola for stunning views
• Great activities -
  If you are more of an adrenaline junky, Queenstown is the place for you. Check out the many activities
• Where to stay -
  Book for 2 nights
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Queenstown.
  Tip1 - pick a place that has private parking and is within walking distance of the city center. Because parking in Queenstown is a nightmare.
  Tip2- the accommodations very close to the center don't have the best views as they are in a corner of the lake
  Check out the best rated options
  I stayed at the Earnslaw lodge. The decor was not modern, be aware, but otherwise it was perfect. Spacious room, parking and a balcony with 180° views over the lake (the reason why I chose this place). Probably one of the best views of all accommodations - Check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Queenstown
• Ends in -
  Queenstown
• Driving time - 2h30 or more
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  If you are not doing more activities (such as bungy jumping or jet boating), I recommend driving along the Northern park of the lake to Glenorchy and stop along the way. The views are splendid.
  Enjoy some time by the lake in Glenorchy. You can keep driving North towards the tiny village of Paradise (gravel road)
  You can also drive east from Queenstown to the historical town of Arrowtown to learn about gold mining.
• Where to stay -
  Same as day before

Make it a New Zealand itinerary South island 10 days

If you want to make it a 10-day itinerary you can:

• From Te Anau, add Doubtful Sound
• From Wanaka add Fox glacier and Franz Josef glacier and then back
• or if you want something else than mountains, between Twizel and Queenstown you can head to the East Coast to see the Moeraki boulders and Dunedin.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary 7 days - Wildlife and Coast

STARTS IN - Christchurch
ENDS IN - Christchurch

On this itinerary, we stay in the Northern region of South Island with lots of opportunities for wildlife and dramatic coastal landscapes + a little bit of mountain scenery (you are on South Island after all).

• Starts in - 
  Christchurch
• Ends in -
  Arthur's pass
• Driving time - 2h
• Driving difficulty - Some hairpin bends but not difficult
• Main stops to consider -
  I know this is a coastal itinerary, but to head to the West Coast, we are taking my favorite road in South Island.
  This is a beautiful drive with mountains and rock formations. My favorite stop is Castle Hill Rocks. You can find all my favorite stops in my ebook.
  Once at Arthur's pass village, you can do a short hike to the Devil's Punchbowl and impressive tall waterfall.
• Where to stay -
  Spend the night in Arthur's pass (so that you can have another chance in the morning if the weather was bad).
  Note that there are not that many options so book early. Check out the accommodations in Arthur's pass
  I stayed at the Arthurs Pass Motel. It was really nice and practical, with a warm welcome - Check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Arthur's pass
• Ends in -
  Punakaiki
• Driving time - 2h
• Driving difficulty - Some hairpin bends. Nothing difficult.
• Main stops to consider -
  There are more stops along the drive such as the viaduct, and then you reach the coast.
  At low tide, plan to visit Motukiekie beach which is often overlooked but wonderful. See my article
  And at high tide, walk the loop at the Punakaiki rocks to maybe have a chance to see the blowholes in action. The place is fascinating, and the walking track well done with explanations.
• Where to stay -
  There are some accommodations in Punakaiki (a few minutes' drive from the rocks). Check out options
  I stayed at the Te Nikau retreat in an apartment with sea views (they have only one with views). It was really nice surrounded by the forest - check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Punakaiki
• Ends in -
  Kaiteriteri beach
• Driving time - 4h
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  In the morning it is a long drive. Enjoy the views along the Buller Gorge. You can also stop at a giant suspended bridge
  I blocked 1 day and a half for Abel Tasman National Park - you can choose to do a cruise, cruise and walk or kayak. 
  I did the complete cruise where we stop at many beaches to let hikers embark or disembark 
• Great activities -
  Check out the activity options
• Where to stay -
  Book 2 nights
  You can stay in Kaiteriteri where the cruises depart - Check out options
  Or you can stay in Marahau where the hiking trail departs - Check out options
  I stayed in Marahau at the Abel Tasman Haven. Simple but nice and practical - see photos an availabilities

• Starts in - 
  Kaiteriteri
• Ends in -
  Kaiteriteri
• Driving time - 0 to 3h
• Driving difficulty - /
• Main stops to consider -
  Today you can keep walking around the National park (a lot of easy walks)
  Or you can take your car and head West: You have the quirky town of Takaka, the rock formations around it (such as the labyrinth), you can also visit the small Ngarua cave
  Or you can head to the Northern end of Abel Tasman to walk to the Wainui falls
• Where to stay -
  Same as previous day
  Or to reduce driving you can stay in Takaka - Check out options

• Starts in - 
  Kaiteriteri or Takaka
• Ends in -
  Collinwood
• Driving time - 3h
• Driving difficulty - Few kilometers of good unsealed road
• Main stops to consider -
  Today you head to the Northwest tip of South Island. There is much to see.
  On the way you can stop at the beautiful Pupu Springs and see the dancing sands. Short and easy walking loop.
  But the two main attractions are the Spit, a long band of sand and Wharariki beach.
  I think the most important is to plan around the low tide to visit Wharariki beach. Make sure you arrive before so that you have time to see the seal pups and the reflections. Learn more on my article.
• Where to stay -
  Collingwood is a little charming town. I enjoyed it. There is not a large choice of accommodations so book early - See options
  I stayed at the Collingwood park motel in a beautiful unit. The owner was very welcoming - Check out photos and availability
  Or if you opted for Takaka the day before you can head back for a second night.

• Starts in - 
  Collingwood
• Ends in -
  Kaikoura
• Driving time - 5h15 - a long day driving, but once it is done, you can rest in Kaikoura
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Along the way you can stop at the Marlborough vineyards, for example for lunch 🙂
  After that, the road to the coast is stunning
  And as you get closer to Kaikoura, you can stop at Ohau point to see the seals (bring binoculars - see my guide)
  This afternoon I recommend an easy activity - the whale watching cruise - prebook in your own currency
• Where to stay -
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Kaikoura with motels, resorts and rentals - Check out the best rated options
  I stayed at Barnacle Bills. It is not in the center, but I opted for accommodation on higher grounds, close to the lookout to go at sunrise. I was really satisfied - check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Kaikoura
• Ends in -
  Christchurch
• Driving time - 2h30
• Driving difficulty -Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Today you can choose another activity in Kaikoura.
  If you are correct swimmer, I strongly recommend the swim with wild dolphins in the ocean. This is one of my best memories of all times.
  If you prefer to stay on land, check out the Kaikoura peninsula walk
  
• Where to stay -
  Same as the day before or head to Christchurch for flight

All the stops listed in these itineraries are included in my eBooks with practical info to make the most of your time

South Island New Zealand Itinerary 10 days - Highlights

Now let's complete a 10-day trip - If you want to cover a variety of landscapes on your South Island itinerary, it means quite an intense program and a domestic flight (or a different arrival and departure airport).

Departure - Christchurch
Arrival - Queenstown

• Starts in - 
  Christchurch
• Ends in -
  Kaikoura
• Driving time - 2h30
• Driving difficulty - easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Once in Kaikoura, pick either the whale watching or the dolphin swim.
  You can also walk around the peninsula.
  And don't forget the lookout to see the mountains drop into the sea!
• Where to stay -
  You have a large choice of accommodations in Kaikoura with motels, resorts and rentals - Check out the best rated options
  I stayed at Barnacle Bills. It is not in the center, but I opted for accommodation on higher grounds, close to the lookout to go at sunrise. I was really satisfied - check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Kaikoura
• Ends in -
  Kaiteriteri
• Driving time - 4h30
• Driving difficulty - long but easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Today is a longer drive to get to the North Coast. You can either choose a second activity in Kaikoura in the morning and drive in the afternoon or drive in the morning and get half a day more in Abel Tasman.
  On the way between the 2 places, you can stop in the vineyards of Marlborough
• Where to stay -
  Book 2 nights
  You can stay in Kaiteriteri where the cruises depart - Check out options
  Or you can stay in Marahau where the hiking trail departs - Check out options
  I stayed in Marahau at the Abel Tasman Haven. Simple but nice and practical - see photos an availabilities

• Starts in - 
  Kaiteriteri
• Ends in -
  Kaiteriteri
• Driving time - 0
• Driving difficulty -N/A
• Main stops to consider -
  Today you can enjoy the pleasures of Abel Tasman National Park
  You can cruise, admire Split rock, see dolphins, kayak or hike from Marahau.
  Check out the activity options
• Alternative - 
  if the day before you opted to drive in the morning and did the cruise or the hiking in the afternoon, and you don't mind driving a lot again, you can opt to go to wonderful Wharariki beach (see the previous 7 day itinerary Day 5)
• Where to stay -
  Same as the day before

• Starts in - 
  Kaiteriteri
• Ends in -
  Punakaiki
• Driving time - 4h
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Long drive in the morning (part of it in the Buller Gorge) but then you can explore the fascinating West coast, and its Hawaiian-like landscape.
  One of the main attractions is Punakaiki a.k.a the Pancake Rocks. The walk is easy with explanations along the way.
  And if you want to go off the beaten track, you can visit Motukiekie beach at low tide. Or you can walk the shorter Truman Track.
• Where to stay -
  There are some accommodations in Punakaiki (a few minute drive from the rocks) - Check out options
  I stayed at the Te Nikau retreat in an apartment with sea views (they have only one with views). It was really nice surrounded by the forest - check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Punakaiki
• Ends in -
  Fox Glacier
• Driving time - 3h15 drive
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Drive South to the glacier area.
  You can walk to both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. My preference goes to Franz Josef glacier (see my comparison article).
  You can also tour the famous Matheson lake with reflections of the mountains.
• Great activities -
  If seeing the glacier from 600m away is not enough for you, you can can enjoy glacier walking or helicopter rides (possible at both glaciers) - see options here for Franz Josef
• Where to stay -
  Franz Josef has more options than Fox Glacier. But I preferred the town of Fox Glacier (especially if you want to go to Lake Matheson at sunrise)
  See the best rated accommodations in Franz Josef
  See the best rated accommodations in Fox Glacier
  I stayed in Fox Glacier at the Rainforest Motel. The room was well equipped, clean, large and easy to walk to the main street - Check out photos and availability

• Starts in - 
  Fox Glacier
• Ends in -
  Wanaka
• Driving time - 3h30
• Driving difficulty - Easy
• Main stops to consider -
  Lots of great stops as you drive the Haast valley between the glaciers and Wanaka. There are many stops with waterfalls and blue waters (all my favorite stops are included in my eBook)
  Then once in Wanaka you can choose one of the cruises, see the famous tree or climb Mt Iron for great views.
• Where to stay -
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Wanaka - check out the best rated options
  I stayed at the YHA - the private room with bathroom was sad-looking and the people not so welcoming but it was in a very practical location - check out photos and availability

• Starts in -
  Twizel
• Ends in -
  Te Anau
• Driving time - 4h15
• Driving difficulty - another long morning drive but then you can relax in the afternoon
• Main stops to consider -
  Once at Te Anau, enjoy a spectacular cruise on the lake with the fjord-like mountains and the glowworm cave - Prebook in your own currency
• Alternative - 
  Or you can spend the morning around Mt Cook to do some more hiking and drive to Te Anau in the afternoon
• Where to stay -
  Book for 2 nights 
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Te Anau - Check out the best rated options
  I stayed at the Alpine View Motel. The room was large and nice, the motel well located in the center - check out photos and availabilities

• Starts in - 
  Te Anau
• Ends in -
  Te Anau
• Driving time - 3h30
• Driving difficulty - last section down to Milford Sound is sinuous
• Main stops to consider -
  The cruise in Milford Sound is wonderful. But don't miss the wonders of the road! There are already some wonderful stops along the way.
  I recommend driving all the way down, doing the cruise, and then enjoying the stops as you drive back to Te Anau. This way you won't have a time pressure.
  Stops include: Mirror Lake, Eglinton Valley, Lake Gunn, Pop's View, the Chasm and many others (my selection is included in my eBooks with GPS coordinates)
• Great activities -
  I think you don't want to drive all the way to Milford Sound without doing a cruise. Several companies are running boat tours for 2 to 3 hours;
  You have to popular one with underwater observatory - prebook in your own currency
  Or you can choose one with the option to kayak - prebook in your own currency
  Or check out the different options
• Where to stay -
  Same as the day before

• Starts in - 
  Te Anau
• Ends in -
  Queenstown
• Driving time - 2h
• Driving difficulty - Easy - beautiful at the end along the lake
• Main stops to consider -
  Enjoy the drive along Lake Wakatipu.
  Once in Queenstown, you have a large choice of activities: jet boat, Gondola, bungy jumping... Check out the many activities
  I really enjoyed the cruise on the lake - there is one on the historical steamboat. But I opted for the Spirit of Queenstown because it was going more North and you could see the Glenorchy arm of the lake - pre-book in your own currency
  
• Where to stay -
  There is a large choice of accommodations in Queenstown. 
  Tip1 - pick a place that has private parking and is within walking distance of the city center. Because parking in Queenstown is a nightmare. 
  Tip2- the accommodations very close to the center don't have the best views as they are in a corner of the lake
  Check out the best rated options
  I stayed at the Earnslaw lodge. The decor was not modern, be aware, but otherwise it was perfect. Spacious room, parking and a balcony with 180° views over the lake (the reason why I chose this place). Probably one of the best views of all accommodations - Check out photos and availability

South Island New Zealand Itinerary 2 weeks 

You have more time? Lucky you!

If you have 2 weeks you can combine both 7 days itinerary but one in the opposite direction! See the descriptions in the shorter itinerary.
This is an itinerary for Summer (with long days) with quite a lot of driving. But worth it!

• Day 1 - Queenstown to Te Anau (Mountain Day 1)
• Day 2 - Milford Sound (Mountain Day 2)
• Day 3 - Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo (Mountain Day 4)
• Day 4 - Mt Cook NP (Mountain Day 5)
• Day 5 - Twizel to Arthur's drive (combination with Coast Day 1)
• Day 6 - Arthur's drive to Kaikoura
• Day 7 - Kaikoura (Coast Day 7)
• Day 8 - Kaikoura to Abel Tasman (10 day highlights Day 2)
• Day 9 - Abel Tasman
• Day 10 - Punakaiki
• Day 11 - Glaciers
• Day 12 - Haast Valley & Lake Wanaka (Mountain Day 3)
• Day 13 - Queenstown
• Day 14 - Queenstown

If you don't want to drive that much, you can pick the 10 day itinerary, slow it down, add a day for Wharariki beach.

And check out my article about the best places to stay in New Zealand -->

South New Zealand itinerary for Winter

Is my New Zealand road trip itinerary good?

You can share your itinerary on online forums, but you will get a lot of different opinions and probably people adding locations because you just 'have to see this!'.
No so helpful...

Check the following points and you should be ready to go:

• Have I planned less than 4h30 driving per day in Summer and 3h in Winter? and are most days under 3h30 in Summer and 2h30 in Winter?
• Am I clear on the Top 10 locations I don't want to miss and flexible about the others? (depending on weather conditions)
• Are there available accommodations that fit my itinerary? (If you are late with the planning, the lack of accommodations may influence your itinerary)
• Are you excited and stressed by the itinerary? This might be an indication you have to remove locations...

And then you are ready to go! I wish you a wonderful New Zealand trip!