A 14-Day Travel Itinerary of South Island, New Zealand
South Island is the adventure of a lifetime, the ultimate getaway to a place that seems almost otherworldly, as though you are in a Lord of The Rings movie.
As you touch down in the Land of the Long White Cloud - New Zealand - you'll soon realise that your adventure has only just begun.
Milford Sound awaits you, and so does #ThatWanakaTree.
The South Island, with its astonishing landscapes, exquisite fjords, and charming towns, is nature's masterpiece, and you're about to explore every corner of it.
Let's take a brief look at our travel itinerary for two weeks for a road trip through the South Island of New Zealand -
Day 1: Christchurch
Day 2: Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs
Day 3: Marlborough Sound and Picton
Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park
Day 5: Hokitika
Day 6: Franz Josef
Day 7-8: Lake Matheson and Wanaka
Day 9-10: Queenstown
Day 11: Day Trip to Glenorchy
Day 12: Day Trip to Milford Sound
Day 13: Mount Cook
Day 14: Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Average Cost of a 2-Week Trip to New Zealand
Accommodation: SGD 82 onwards per night.
Transport: 100 to 130 SGD per day.
Activities: 1,150 to 1,350 SGD
Total: 3,300 to 5,000 SGD (excluding flights and personal expenses)
The Best Way to See New Zealand’s South Island in 2 Weeks
Day 1: Christchurch
Land in Christchurch, the city on the South Island, known as the "Garden City" for its lush parks and gardens.
While some travellers prefer doing a Queenstown to Christchurch road trip, our New Zealand's South Island itinerary will lead you on a drive from Christchurch to Queenstown for the same reason we save a delectable dessert for the last bite.
Christchurch is a city of resilience, having rebuilt itself after a devastating earthquake in 2011.
Explore Quake City, a museum dedicated to explaining the earthquake's impact, recounting personal stories of individuals, and the city's recovery and regeneration efforts.
Even strolling through the streets can bring you to some cool graffiti, the work of street artists who filled the damaged streets with colourful optimism.
Whether you want to explore New Zealand in a Campervan or on a self-drive tour, Christchurch is the ideal place to rent a vehicle on the South Island.
There is only one caveat: you need to return it to Christchurch and thus need to drive back to the city at the end of your trip.
Address: 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (map)
Day 2: Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs
Kaikoura
It is time to stock up and hit the road!
In 2023, Conde Nast Traveler featured Kaikōura among the "50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World."
And for good reason.
A little over two-hour drive north of Christchurch will bring you to Kaikōura, a village sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range.
This coastal town is renowned for its abundant marine life, especially whale watching.
The coast and its waters are year-round home to giant sperm whales, pods of dolphins, and fur seal colonies.
Take a wildlife tour to encounter these exotic creatures in their natural habitat, or see them from above on a helicopter tour.
While on solid ground, enjoy a coastal walk and savour a plate of crayfish at a local restaurant to understand why the Maori name "Kaikōura" translates to "meal of crayfish."
Address: Kaikōura, Kaikōura District, New Zealand (map)
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is a worthy detour on your drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura if time permits.
A picturesque alpine village in the Southern Alps, Hanmer Springs is famous for its thermal pools, skiing in winter, and other adventure activities like bungy jumping and jet boating.
Address: Hanmer Springs, Canterbury Region, New Zealand (map)
Day 3: Marlborough Sound and Picton
Leaving Kaikoura, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken river valleys and hidden bays that create a paradise for nature enthusiasts at the northern fringes of South Island.
Towards the end of the drive, you will arrive at the town of Blenheim, the heart of the picturesque Marlborough wine region of New Zealand.
Whether you spend the night at Blenheim or Picton, another 20 minutes ahead, don't forget to stop at a vineyard for a brief wine-tasting session.
Picton
This charming port town is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and a base for the ferries that link the North Island to the South Island.
After your Kaikoura to Picton Drive, explore the palm-fringed waterfront of Picton, lined with museums, restaurants, and cafes. Cruises to the Marlborough Sounds can be booked and boarded here.
Address: Picton, Marlborough Region, New Zealand (map)
Marlborough Sounds
Some of New Zealand's most scenic coastal routes wind around the Marlborough Sounds and offer options for dramatic drives with spectacular views.
Or, you can park your ride and paddle a kayak through the untouched waters alongside native birdlife.
A hike on the Queen Charlotte Track is also equally rewarding.
Ultimately, Marlborough Sounds provides a serene and secluded contrast to the thrilling adventures you will experience henceforth.
Queen Charlotte Track Address: PWPC+C5 Anakiwa 7281. (map)
Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park
Drive along Queen Charlotte Drive past Nelson for Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise where the turquoise bay waters converge with pristine beaches and dense jungles akin to the tropics.
While Nelson is the biggest town in the region, better places to stay the night will be nearby towns like Marahau, Kaiteriteri, or Motueka.
The park, most accessible from Marahau, is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking and kayaking amid seals, dolphins, orcas, and native birdlife.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Abel Tasman National Park is also known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the nine Great Walks of New Zealand.
While the 60-kilometre-long hiking route can take three to five days, you can walk a shorter stretch from Marahau.
This short hike takes you through lush forests and swinging canopy bridges along the eastern coastline.
Alternatively, you can book a tour in advance that combines hiking and kayaking trips to offer the best of both worlds.
Address: Harvey Road, Mārahau 7197 (map)
Day 5: Hokitika
From Abel Tasman, your journey towards the south of South Island begins.
Make your way to Hokitika, a seaside town on the rugged West Coast of the South Island. The drive is longer than you have experienced until now, clocking to about 4.5 hours.
So, we recommend starting early.
Hokitika is famous for its jade or pounamu carvings, and you can visit local galleries to witness the intricate craftsmanship.
The town also has a large artisan community, making it an artistic and hip place.
Meeting the local Māoris who live there further adds to the cultural experience.
Address: Hokitika, Westland District, New Zealand (map)
Hokitika Gorge
Hokitika's wild beaches are perfect for a stroll, but for a more picturesque walk, head to the Hokitika Gorge, a 30-minute drive away.
Fed by glaciers, the Hokitika River turns a baby blue colour here, surrounded by a towering gorge.
The round-trip walk will take 15 minutes and includes a picture-perfect suspension bridge connecting the two sides of the canyon.
Hokitika Gorge Address: 22V8+QM Kokatahi. (map)
Day 6: Franz Josef
The drive from Hokitika to Franz Josef takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
A small town on the banks of the Waiho River, Franz Josef mainly serves as a base for seeing the Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Joseph Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier is a spectacular river of ice that descends from the Southern Alps to a rainforest just 300 meters above sea level.
Guided hikes to this icy wonderland no longer happen as the glaciers have receded in recent years due to climate change, making its terminal face unstable.
Hence, how you see the glacier depends on your budget.
The ideal but rather expensive option is to book a heli-hike.
Watch lush temperate rainforests turn into crevasse-filled icy terrain as a helicopter whisks you off to a remote part of the glacier.
You can do ice-hiking there on your crampon-fitted feet for 2.5 hours before flying back.
As heli-hiking on the glacier takes place during the first half of the day, we recommend reaching Franz Josef in the morning.
Alternatively, you can follow the rocky Waiho riverbed, hike up to the glacier face, and see it from a viewing point at a distance.
It takes about 1.5 hours from the car park, and you can do it yourself or book a guide.
Address: Franz Josef Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast 7886. (map)
Day 7-8: Lake Matheson and Wanaka
You can head straight to Wanaka on your drive from Franz Josef towards Queenstown.
But if seeing the stunning Lake Matheson is on your agenda, start early on Day 7.
It is a 30-minute drive from Franz Josef, and you should turn right at Fox Glacier.
Lake Matheson
The round-trip hike around Lake Matheson consists of a 2.6 km loop and takes 1.5 hours.
The lake looks mystical, especially in the early morning, with a view of the snow-capped Mount Cook in the distance and its reflection on the mirror-like water surface.
Address: Lake Matheson Walk, HX39+3R Fox Glacier, New Zealand (map)
Wanaka
Wanaka, close to Mount Aspiring National Park, is a town filled with alpine vibes that will relax you with nature's lullaby.
The drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka via Lake Matheson would take about 4 hours.
After Lake Matheson, another scenic drive commences via Haast Pass to bring you to Wanaka.
Here, the Southern Alps frame the azure waters of Lake Wanaka.
As for the town of Wanaka itself, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and mountain biking trails aplenty.
Roy's Peak
Start your Wanaka experience by hiking to the summit of Roy's Peak before sunset. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, each step revealing a more stunning vista than the last.
Watch the setting sun turn the Wanaka Region a golden hue as you stand overlooking the lake from an elevation of 1,578 meters.
Address: 83GC+PP Glendhu Bay (map)
That Wanaka Tree
On your second day in Wanaka, explore the lake shore and walk to the iconic Wanaka tree.
This lone willow tree in Lake Wanaka stands in the lake's crystal-clear water and even has a hashtag dedicated to it.
Address: Roys Bay, 59 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka 9305. (map)
Wanaka Lavender Farm
If you are in New Zealand in Summer, especially from December to March, it is also a perfect time to visit Wanaka Lavender Farm.
Here, you can stroll through vibrant lavender fields and breathe in the soothing scent of lavender.
The lavender farm is a sensory delight that contrasts your outdoor adventures.
Lavender Farm Address: 36 Morris Road, Wānaka 9382, New Zealand (map)
Lavender Farm Opening Hours: Open Daily, 9am to 5pm
Day 9-10: Queenstown
Today's journey begins with an hour's drive to Queenstown, the adrenaline-pumping heart of the South Island.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the towering Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a paradise for thrill-seekers.
Adventure Sports Galore
In 1987, AJ Hackett jumped off the Eiffel Tower to show the world his faith in the bungy cords.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Kick off your Queenstown adventure by bungy jumping from the iconic Kawarau Bridge, the world's first commercial bungy site, which opened in 1988, or Nevis Bungy, the best bungy jump in Queenstown.
AJ Hackett Bungy, the pioneer of bungy jumping, organises both jumps.
While in Queenstown, you can also attempt different adventure activities, like a 60-minute jet boating experience, canyon swing, skydiving, and more.
AJ Hackett Bungy Address: Shotover &, Camp Street, Queenstown 9300 (map)
Opening Hours: Open daily, 9:30am to 4pm
Skyline Gondola and Luge
After you've had your fill of Queenstown's extreme excitements, let the Skyline Gondola whisk you to Bob's Peak in the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve.
At the summit, 450 metres above Queenstown, savour a bird's-eye view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range.
From Bob's Peak, indulge in a thrilling ride on the Luge as you drive the cart downhill.
The round-trip can take about 2.5 hours.
Skyline Queenstown Address: 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand (map)
Opening Hours: Open Daily, 9:30am to 9pm
More Flavours of Queenstown
If you need to dial down the adrenaline rush, take a tranquil cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
As the sun dips below the horizon, savour a Fergburger, a legendary burger that's as big as your appetite.
You can mix and match the activities of Queenstown at your convenience.
Fergburger Address: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300. (map)
Opening Hours: Sun to Thu, 8am to 2am, Fri & Sat, 8am to 4:30am
Day 11: Day Trip to Glenorchy
It's time to take a day trip to the nearby paradise of Glenorchy.
Snow-capped peaks surround this rustic village at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, making it a dream gateway.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy is the ideal place for horseback riding along the Dart River, offering you a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Middle-earth.
Stroll the Glenorchy Lagoon Scenic Walkway and visit the red boat shed at Glenorchy Wharf to read the area's history.
Glenorchy Wharf Address: 4 Islay Street, Glenorchy 9372. (map)
Paradise
There is a wilderness area nearby, aptly named "Paradise," and we're not talking about the fancy hotel on Single's Inferno.
As you meander through its meadows and beech forests, you'll feel like you've stepped onto a movie set.
Well, you are not far off the mark - "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy featured this region as Lothlorien and Isengard.
The total driving time from Queenstown to Glenorchy and back shouldn't exceed 3 hours, but we can't guarantee you won't feel tempted to take a few scenic detours.
Address: Paradise, Glenorchy 9372 (map)
Day 12: Day Trip to Milford Sound
Set out on an early morning 4.5-hour drive through the Fiordland National Park, where rugged mountains plunge into deep fjords, and waterfalls cascade from dizzying heights.
The journey is as remarkable as the destination, with winding roads that take you through lush beech forests and past Mirror Lakes and The Chasm Walk.
Milford Sound
Once at Milford Sound, board a cruise to take you beneath towering cliffs and up close to thundering waterfalls.
The surrounding mountains, like Mount Pembroke and Mitre Peak, will awe you with their grandeur.
Intriguing wildlife like fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin may grace you with their appearance.
Stroll the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk after the cruise to reach the famous Milford Sound Swing and the Milford Sound Lookout for panoramic views of the sound.
Head back to Queenstown by nightfall.
Day 13: Aoraki/Mount Cook
As the first rays of the sun kiss Queenstown, prepare for a day of breathtaking beauty and exploration.
Your destination today is Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's peak.
The drive through the Lindis Pass and past Lake Pukaki is a journey through an ever-changing canvas of colours.
Mount Cook
Upon arrival, take a short hike or book a heli-hike to the Tasman Glacier, where you can witness chunks of ice calving off the glacier into the Blue Lakes.
For the more adventurous, consider a 3-hour trek on the Hooker Valley Track, which offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Cook.
Address: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park NZ, New Zealand (map)
Alternatively, if you have two more days in hand, we recommend driving via Dunedin and Mount Cook while heading back to Christchurch on this road trip.
Day 14: Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Leaving the majesty of Mount Cook behind, drive to the enchanting Lake Tekapo.
This glacial lake is famous for its striking turquoise hue and the vibrant lupin fields by its shore in the summer.
Take a moment of reflection at the Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone chapel on its southern bank, before starting your journey back to Christchurch.
Lake Tekapo
We recommend a full-day tour of Lake Tekapo along with a night stay, as the area is a part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
It is a great place to star gaze, especially from Mount John Observatory or the hot pools of Tekapo Springs.
But don't feel disheartened if you cannot stay.
Your drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch will take you through another scenic route.
Address: Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand (map)
Farewell to the South Island
As this self-drive itinerary through New Zealand's South Island comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you've encountered.
From the adventure capital of Queenstown to the tranquil beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, this itinerary has taken you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
And from soaring peaks to tranquil lakes and wild coastlines to serene sounds, the South Island has revealed itself as a land of unparalleled beauty where nature takes centre stage and paints its masterpiece.
Your journey through the South Island will be an unforgettable chapter in your travel story that you'll revisit in your dreams for years to come.
So, don't wait any longer.
Embark on your own South Island adventure to discover these endless wonders that await you.