Are you planning a road trip in the South Island of New Zealand? It’s a great idea! The South Island is full of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and thrilling activities that are sure to make your trip an unforgettable experience. To help you plan your journey, we’ve put together a two-week itinerary that covers some of the top spots in the region.
Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch Start your adventure in the vibrant city of Christchurch, which is the largest city in the South Island. Spend the day exploring the city’s rich culture, sampling its delicious restaurants, and visiting its popular attractions.
Day 2: Lake Tekapo On day two, you’ll head to Lake Tekapo, which is known for its stunning turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains. Make sure you check out the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue, which are both popular tourist spots in the area.
Day 3: Mount Cook The next day, you’ll travel to Mount Cook and explore its national park’s hiking trails. The Hooker Valley Track offers incredible views of Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Day 4: Wanaka On day four, you’ll visit the charming town of Wanaka and take in the picturesque views of Lake Wanaka. For a unique experience, take a scenic flight or hike to the Rob Roy Glacier.
Day 5: Queenstown Day five takes you to the adrenaline-fueled town of Queenstown, which is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Try bungee jumping, jet boating, or skydiving for an adrenaline rush that you’ll never forget.
Day 6: Queenstown Spend the day exploring Queenstown and take a gondola ride up to the Skyline Queenstown for panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Day 7: Te Anau On day seven, you’ll travel to the scenic town of Te Anau and explore the beautiful Lake Te Anau. Take a boat ride to see the glowworm caves and experience the magical atmosphere of the area.
Day 8: Milford Sound Day eight takes you to Milford Sound, where you’ll take a boat cruise through the fjord. Witness the waterfalls and wildlife, including seals and penguins, and take in the stunning scenery.
Day 9: Back to Queenstown Day nine is a rest day, as you’ll travel back to Queenstown and relax after the long drive.
Day 10: Fox Glacier On day ten, you’ll visit Fox Glacier and experience a guided hike on the glacier.
Day 11: Hokitika Explore the arts and crafts scene in the charming town of Hokitika on day eleven. Be sure to visit the Hokitika Gorge to witness the stunning blue-green water.
Day 12: Punakaiki On day twelve, you’ll visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki for a unique natural wonder.
Day 13: Nelson Day thirteen takes you to the artistic hub of Nelson, where you’ll explore its galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Visit the Abel Tasman National Park for some hiking, kayaking, or beach lounging.
Day 14: Back to Christchurch On your final day, you’ll drive back to Christchurch and explore any parts of the city that you may have missed on the first day.
This itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and it covers some of the most popular destinations on the South Island. Don’t forget to take your time and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Happy travels!
