New Zealand’s spectacular South Island is on the bucket list of many travellers all over the world. I’ve taken many trips over the pond to visit what is one of my favourite parts of the world and I want you to discover it for yourself too!

So I’ve put together this two week New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary that is perfect for a first timer to the region.

This road trip itinerary doesn’t cover everything New Zealand’s South Island has to offer, that would be impossible to fit into a two week vacation. But what it does offer, is an introduction to the absolute best the region has to offer.

From snow peaked mountains, rugged coastline, seemingly never-ending fjords and adventure to boot. Touring New Zealand’s South Island on a road trip is a must and is a destination for everyone no matter your travel tastes.

I hope this New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary helps get you excited about a trip to one of the worlds most utterly beautiful regions.

Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Christchurch

Start off your road trip of New Zealand’s South Island by arriving in Christchurch early in the morning, or better yet, the evening before to really maximise your time.

Christchurch has risen from the rubble of the devastating 2011 earthquakes and is one of the world’s most creative cities. There is still a lot of construction going on, even after 10 year, but ‘The Garden City’ is well and truly open for business with lots to offer visitors.

What to See & Do in Christchurch

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens – This is the biggest green space in the city centre. See colourful flower beds, massive shady trees, duck ponds and green houses containing specialist plant species. Take a punt along the river Avon or a walk on the long winding gravel paths that meander through the park. More info.

• Cathedral Square – Cathedral Square has been the heart of Christchurch since the mid 1900’s and continues to be just that despite the earthquake devastation. Visit the square to see what remains of the Christchurch Cathedral, learn more about the cathedrals history and future in the temporary viewing hut and pay your respects at a memorial made of hundreds of pebbles held inside a wire frame. Markets and festivals are also held here through the year.

• Cardboard (Transitional) Cathedral – The new symbol of this developing creative city, the Cardboard, or Transitional Cathedral opened in 2013 as a temporary church in place of the badly damaged ChristChurch Cathedral. What makes this one of the most unusual churches in the world, is that it’s partly made of strong cardboard.

• Christchurch Gondola – For the most spectacular views, check out the Christchurch Gondola. Soar above the mountains for views of snow capped peaks. At the top you can explore tunnels, take a hike and learn more about the history of the peak. (Book your ticket in advance to avoid the queues!)

Where to Stay in Christchurch

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Jailhouse Accommodation

Mid-Range – Quest Christchurch Services Apartments

Luxury – The George

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 2 to 3 – Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

Drive Time: 3 hours from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Leave Christchurch early on day two and drive towards Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.  Spend the rest of day 2 exploring the region and continue your sightseeing on day 3.

One of the most picture perfect regions of New Zealand, the Mackenzie Basin, home to Lake Tekapo (honestly, the prettiest lake in New Zealand South Island) and Mt Cook Village, lies roughly in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island between the sprawling plains of Canterbury and the towering mountains of the Southern Alps.

What to See & Do in Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

• Lake Tekapo – One of New Zealand’s most photographed lakes because of its powdery blue colour on a blue sky day and of the perfectly positioned Church of the Good Shepherd that lies on the southern edge of the lake. This tiny church features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.

• Lake Pukaki – Probably one of the most underrated of all the lakes on New Zealand’s South Island. As you drive over the rise on the road from Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki appears out of nowhere and stuns drivers to instantly slow. I found the colour of Lake Pukaki to be more intense than Lake Tekapo but it’s not just the colour that makes this lake so impressive, at the far north of the lake is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook, in all its glory.

• Aoraki Mt Cook Village – The drive out to see New Zealand’s highest peak is quite possibly one of the best experiences to be had in New Zealand. It offers uninterrupted views of Mt Cook as it winds along Lake Pukaki. The village itself is home to walks (more on them below) and The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre which offers a series of 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium shows.

• Walks – There are dozens of walks you can do in the region like the four-hour Hooker Track which crosses three swing bridges, offers great views from the Alpine memorial and ends at the glacier lake with amazing views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps. Or why not summit Mt John for spectacular 360 degree views of the region.

• View the Night Sky – The Mackenzie Basin is one of the darkest places on earth, giving it the status of being a Dark Sky Reserve. This means that there is very little light pollution which allows for some incredible star-gazing. If you move away from the towns in the region on a clear night you will see more stars than you could ever imaged. But for real star gazers, you’ll want to head up to the Mt John Observatory in Tekapo to make the most of it. (This is a super popular attraction, don’t miss your chance an book here in advance!)

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Lodge

Mid-Range – Three Rivers Lodge

Luxury – Lake Tekapo Lodge

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 4 to 5 – Fiordland

Drive Time: 5 hours from Tekapo to Te Anau

Make and early start for the spectacular Fiordland region on day 4. There’s lots of stunning scenery along the way so allow plenty of time for photo stops. Spend the rest of the day in Te Anau. On day 5 I recommend day tripping or taking a tour to incredible Milford Sound.

Fiordland is one of the worlds greatest wilderness regions with stunning natural features that show the earth’s evolutionary history. Te Anau, on the edge of the region is a great base for exploring the most accessible of the fjords, Milford Sound.

What to See & Do in Fiordland

• Milford Sound – The two-hour journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound itself is worth the effort but the cruise is out of this world incredible. It takes you past and up close to towering peaks, plummeting waterfalls and interesting wildlife. To get there you can self drive but to really enjoy the experience and take in all the spectacular scenery, I recommend a small group guided tour like this.

• Te Anau Glow Worm Caves – On the western shore of Lake Te Anau you’ll find a cave system home to millions of glowing worms. You can tour the cave with a guide from Te Anau which includes a cruise on the lake to get to the remote location. Inside the cave are gushing water flows and the opportunity to spend a few minutes in total darkness with these unusual creatures.
• Lake Te Anau – The town of Te Anau is set perfectly on the lake of the same name. And while a walk around the lakes edge is a must, I also recommend if you have the time to take a short cruise to get up close with parts of the lake that are not accessible by car or foot. Check out this great 3-hour cruise on a yacht which also includes a short guided walk in a remote part of the lake.

Where to Stay in Fiordland

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau

Mid-Range – Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Luxury – Fiordland Lodge

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 6 to 7 – Queenstown

Drive Time: 2 hours from Te Anau to Queenstown

Make an early start to give yourself plenty of time to start exploring Queenstown. On day 7 you’ll find lots to keep you busy in and around this big resort town.

A mecca for those who love being outdoors and adrenaline pumping activities, Queenstown is the countries biggest resort town with something fun going on all year round. It’s also set in a pretty stunning location on Lake Wakatipu, flanked  by The Remarkables, one of the country’s most spectacular mountain ranges.

What to See & Do in Queenstown

• Adrenalin Pumping Action – As the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to dozens of heart pumping activities that will satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie. Try your hand at everything from bungy jumping, the canyon swing, jet boating, white water rafting, canyoning, paragliding, or sky diving. Check out some of these adrenalin pumping activities.

• Drive to Glenorchy – Any dedicated LOTR fan will have heard of Glenorchy as one of the main filming locations for the movie. But even if you’re not a die-hard you can still enjoy this drive, said to be one of the most scenic in all of New Zealand. It takes about 40 minutes and follows Lake Wakatipu, twisting and turning around the lakes edge. (Or sit back and let someone else do the driving on a half day tour of Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu)

• Visit Arrowtown – Just a short 25 minute drive from Queenstown is gorgeous little Arrowtown. This historic gold mining town has over 60 historic buildings still standing, some of which can be seen on a walk down the charming main street which is now lined with cafes and local artisan stores. Venture away from the main street towards the river to see the Historic Chinese Settlement, which was where the prospecting Chinese settled during the 1860’s gold rush.

• Central Otago Wine Tasting – Unless you’ve decided to add extra time in Queenstown, a day trip to actually visit the wineries of the region may not be possible. But don’t worry, you can taste many of the regions best wines, right in the heart of Queenstown at The Winery. Grab a tasting card and a glass to help yourself to a taste of red, white, sparkling and spirits from Central Otago and beyond. (Have time for a wine tour? Check out this half day tour or this full day tour. or why not try the hop-on hop-off wine bus)

• Skyline Gondola – For the best views from above in Queenstown, take a ride on the Skyline Gondola. The gondola glides up Bob’s Peak offering stunning views of the town, the Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu. More Info.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

Mid-Range – Turner Heights Townhouses

Luxury – Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 8 – Wanaka

Drive Time: Just over one hour from Queenstown to Wanaka.

It’s only a short drive to Wanaka from Queenstown but I still recommend making an early start so you can make the most of your day exploring Wanaka.

One of the most beautiful towns and lakes in New Zealand, Wanaka and it’s lake of the same name, is a year round outdoor destination. In the warmer months enjoy some of the country’s best walks and during the winter, ski at some of the Southern Alps best resorts.

What to See & Do in Wanaka

• Mt Aspiring National Park – Enjoy a range of walks to suit all fitness levels from two hours to two weeks. One of the most popular is the Rob Roy Glacier Track, a spectacular 3-4 hour, 10 km walk that takes in alpine scenery, snow fields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls.

• Explore the Lake – There are a few different ways you can enjoy Lake Wanaka either on land or on the water. From the town there’s a walk/bike track that leads in both directions around to certain points of the lake. Or if you prefer to see it on the water, you can hire a kayak, take a guided boat tour or speed through it on a jet boat.

• Roy’s Peak – For the best view from above of Wanaka, a hike up Roy’s Peak is a must. It is a 5-6 hour return 16 km walk that takes you to the 1,578 m peak on a steep but relatively easy climb.

• Fun in the Snow – During the cooler months you’ll find two of New Zealand’s finest ski fields within easy reach of Wanaka. Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort are just 20 minutes drive away, and offer ski and snowboarding facilities to all skill levels.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Mountain View Backpackers

Mid-Range – The Moorings Motel and Apartments 

Luxury – Wanaka Springs Lodge

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 9 to 10 – Franz Josef

Drive Time: 3.5 hours from Wanaka to Franz Josef

The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef is one of New Zealand South Island’s best drives so give yourself plenty of time to make stops at waterfalls, lookouts and the amazing Blue Pools. On day 10 you’ll have plenty of time to explore a lot of Glacier Country’s highlights.

Don’t miss out on visiting the glaciers of Glacier Country before they disappear! You see, the glaciers are melting at an increasingly fast rate so they won’t be around forever. Basing yourself in the thriving little resort town of Franz Josef gives you easy access to everything the region has to offer.

What to See & Do in Franz Josef

• Explore the Glaciers – There are two ancient glaciers in the region for visitors to explore, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Anyone can take a flat, easy walk to get close to each of them in just over an hour. Or for something a bit more adventurous, why not climb aboard a helicopter to soar above them and even land and walk on them. Check out these glacier and helicopter tours, which sell out well in advance!

• Lake Matheson – This picture perfect lake offers views of Mt Cook and on a clear, calm day, the perfect reflection of it too. The walk around the lake takes about one and half hours with lots of places to stop and taking in the view along the way.

• Glacier Hot Pools – After a day hiking on glaciers you’ll need a place to go and help your muscles to relax. The Glacier Hot Pools is just the place! Surrounded by rainforest, the pools are fed by the waters of Franz Josef Glacier, or Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere in Māori. The legend of Hgai Tahu (a local Māori tribe) says that these waters are the tears of aroha, meaning love, which were frozen by the gods creating the Franz Josef Glacier. More Info

Where to Stay in Franz Josef

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range – The Terrance

Luxury – Westwood Lodge

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 11 to 12 – Nelson/Abel Tasman

Drive Time: 6 hours from Franz Josef to Nelson along the West Coast

Day 11 is the longest drive day of the trip but don’t worry, it’s another spectacular one. Make sure you follow the wild west coast all the way up to Punakaiki for the best views. On day 12 head out to Abel Tasman National Park for a day of adventure.

Nelson is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring one of the South Island’s best kept secrets, Abel Tasman National Park. Home to pristine golden sand beaches and excellent walks, this part of the country should be on everyone’s to-see list.

What to See & Do 

• Day Trip to Abel Tasman National Park – With no road access to the park, your only options for exploring Abel Tasman are on foot, cruise or kayak. There are a bunch of tours available that combine these things for a full day exploring this stunning national park. Check out these tours that include both on and off the water experiences.

Where to Stay in Nelson

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – YHA Nelson by Accents

Mid-Range – Harbourside Lodge

Luxury – The Sails Nelson

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Day 13 to 14 – Kaikoura

Drive Time: 3 hours from Nelson to Kaikoura

Day 13 is another easy drive day with lots to see and experience along the way. Stop by the Marlborough Wine region and enjoy the spectacular drive south along the Kaikoura coast.

The seaside town of Kaikoura sits on a big wide open bay that is home to countless species of marine life and flanked with towering snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Sounds like paradise to me!

What to See & Do in Kaikoura

• Peninsula Lookout – The first place you should head when arriving in town, this lookout provides the best views of the bay and mountains. I guarantee the view will take your breath away.

• Point Kean Seal Colony – At Point Kean, just a few minutes drive from town, you’ll find a colony of seals that you can get up close (but not too close!) to in their natural environment. As soon as you step out of the car you’ll see the seals lazing on the rocks, soaking up the sun. On my visit we saw a few dozen including some young ones playing in a natural rock pool.

• Ohau Stream – From May until October, head just 15 minutes north of Kaikoura to visit the Ohau Stream to see seal pups playing in the stream and under the waterfall. These playful and shy little creatures are left here by their mothers for a few months to play with the other pups while they grow.

• Whale & Dolphin Cruises – The bay is home to an array of marine life all year round. Your best chance at seeing them up close is on a cruise and there are cruises that run daily all year round. Sperm Whales live in the bay year round and Kaikoura is one of only three places in the world where you can see them up close. A tour will also give you the chance to swim with the resident Dusky Dolphins.

Suggested Kaikoura Tours and Wildlife Experiences

Where to Stay in Kaikoura

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range – Quality Suites Kaikoura

Luxury – The Hamptons

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Finish off your two weeks in New Zealand’s South Island back in Christchurch where you’ll find the biggest range of International flight departures on the South Island.

Car Hire

If you follow this trip to a tee you’ll be driving over 2,000 km, so you’ll want a vehicle that is comfortable for both driver and passengers, plus one that has plenty of space for your luggage.

New Zealand’s terrain is very mountainous so hiring a vehicle with a bit of power will make the driving experience easier too.

For all my car hire bookings I use and recommend Hertz. I’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple vehicle types and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.

Got More Than Two Weeks?

There is so much more to New Zealand’s South Island than the places mentioned in the above itinerary. If you have more than two weeks to explore this incredible part of the world, here are a few extra stops I think you should consider:

• Dunedin – Home to some of New Zealand’s best architecture and a great place to base yourself for exploring the stunning coast just north of the city.

• The Catlins – Love the outdoors? Then you’ll love The Catlins! The region offers walks for all abilities, stunning coastal and rural scenery and quaint little villages.

• Stewart Island – Stunning seascapes, lots of wildlife and a slower pace of life are just a few of the draw cards for visiting this island located off the south coast of the South Island.

• Marlborough – From cruising the untouched sound to sipping some of the world’s best wine, Marlborough isn’t just another pretty place to pass through, it’s worth some time if you can afford it as there are many things to do there.

• Punakaiki – This itinerary actually takes you through Punakaiki but I think that if you have time, it is a place well worth some extra time. It is home to some of the best coastal walks and natural features you’ll find in New Zealand.

And don’t forget that you can also spend extra time in any of the places mentioned in this itinerary. All of them have lots to offer.

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Over to you!

Which part of this New Zealand South Island two week itinerary are you most excited about?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.