New Zealand is famous for its rugged nature, endless landscapes, and incredible wildlife. From curious kiwis to playful seals and countless other unique species. Movie fans will also recognize it as the breathtaking backdrop of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Chances are, this country has been on your bucket list for years, just like it was for us. In this South Island road trip guide, we’re sharing everything you need to plan your own adventure: practical tips, must-see highlights, and the ultimate 3 to 4 week travel itinerary. It’s the perfect starting point for discovering the best of New Zealand’s South Island for yourself.
Everything you need to know before traveling to New Zealand
Packing your bags already? Great! But how do you get to the other side of the world? We recommend that you start looking for flights early. This can be done via Skyscanner or Google Flights, because last minute airline tickets can easily add up to € 2000 (return). From Zaventem or Schiphol Airport, with one or two stopovers, you can get to New Zealand in about 26 hours. For your road trip on the South Island, you land in Christchurch and begin your adventure there.
In addition, to enter New Zealand, you need an electronic visa or NZeTA . You can easily apply for this online through this website or via the NZETA app. The price is between $17 NZD and $23 NZD per person. It is best to do this one or two weeks in advance, but normally your visa will be granted within 72 hours. This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand as a tourist for up to 9 months and is valid for two years.
How to get around in New Zealand
The most popular way to travel around New Zealand is by campervan. That’s what we did, too. Nothing like having the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want. And you have everything you need with you at all times. There are several organizations where you can go to rent an RV for your tour, such as Jucy or Travelbarn. Once you have an RV you can hit the road! New Zealand has hundreds of campsites, so there is something for everyone. Expect to pay an average of $7-15 NZD per person per night for basic camping. For a more luxurious campsite sit around $25-30 NZD per person. The best way to look up campsites is to use apps such as Campermate or Rankers.
A second option for getting around New Zealand is by renting a car. This often works out cheaper than a campervan and you’ll also be a lot faster on New Zealand roads, but you’ll have to budget extra for your accommodations. Then be sure to secure them early, because some areas of New Zealand such as Mount Cook National Park have a limited supply of accommodations. In this itinerary, we always give you the best options for accommodation on New Zealand’s South Island.
TRAVEL TIP! Remember that they drive on the left in New Zealand and you need an international driver’s license.
3 to 4 weeks road trip New Zealand
Plane tickets booked? Camper or car arranged? Visa has been approved? Great, then it’s time to start your road trip on the South Island of New Zealand! This 4 weeks road trip in New Zealand starts and ends in Christchurch, but we also give you the option to continue your trip to the North Island. Of course, you can modify and shorten or expand this itinerary as you wish.
Day 1 – 2: Christchurch
After your long flight, you’ll land in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. To minimize your jet lag, book a hotel for your first night for a good night’s sleep. If you still have energy you can go take a look at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or explore Christchurch in the evening and have something nice to eat. The second day you will pick up your camper or car and can do your shopping in Christchurch before starting your adventure!
TRAVEL TIP : The best chain to do your shopping is at Pak’nSave. Here you can find really everything and there are often good promotions.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Hotel Give is centrally located in Christchurch and easily accessible thanks to their offered airport shuttle. We ourselves slept in Bealey Avenue Motel which was perfect for one night and where we had a nice dinner in the accompanying restaurant in the evening!
Day 2 – 4: Lake Tekapo
We start this itinerary on New Zealand’s South Island at Lake Tekapo, which is a 3.5-hour drive from Christchurch. But you certainly won’t mind this drive, because soon you will be treated to the beautiful landscapes New Zealand is so famous for. Once you arrive at Lake Tekapo, you can marvel at the intense blue lake surrounded by purple lupins. Be sure to also take a look at The Church of the Good Shepherd, which is a beautiful sight with the snow-capped mountains in the background.
Enjoy your breakfast in the morning before taking your first hike of the trip. The 3-hour Mount John hike takes you past Lake Tekapo to the top of Mount John for fantastic views of this lake. Afterwards, you can relax your muscles in the Tekapo hot springs. Do you have any energy left? Then be sure to get up at night, because the area around Lake Tekapo is one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. So the ideal location for stargazing! Via this guided activity you can admire the beautiful starry sky with a telescope and bag of hot chocolate!
Where to stay at Lake Tekapo
If you travel with a motorhome then you can stay at the Glentanner Campground which is located on Lake Tekapo. This campground has all the necessary facilities and at night you can stargaze here at the edge of the lake. Or stay in the cozy cabins of Lake Tekapo Cottages which is right by the The Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 4 – 7: Mount Cook National Park
We continue our road trip in New Zealand towards the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Here you drive along Lake Tekapo for two hours, moving closer and closer to the mountains. Once you arrive in Mount Cook Village you can explore one of the many hikes. In our opinion, do not miss the Hooker Valley track and the Saely Tarns track. Be sure to stop by Mount Cook’s visitor center to learn more about this special national park.
Where to stay in Mount Cook National Park
Here you will find one of the most beautiful campsites in New Zealand: White Horse Hill Camping. This campground is located at the foot of Mount Cook and at the start of the most beautiful walks. The campground operates on a first come, first serve basis and is very popular, so try to get a spot early. In Mount Cook Village you have a limited number of accommodations, including the luxurious
Hermitage Hotel.
On day 7 of this South Island New Zealand travel itinerary, get up very early to enjoy the unseen starry skies here as well. Drive toward Tasman Lake before dawn. Start the Tasmien Glacier track here early enough, which will take you to the edge of the lake in less than 20 minutes. Here you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise with the reflections of the mountains in the lake. This is more than worth the early rise!
Day 7 – 10: Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
Driving from the mountains to the sea in about three hours is something only New Zealand can do. The journey continues toward Dunedin, the second largest city on the South Island. Be sure to stop at the Moeraki Boulders and Shag Point along the way. At the latter, you can undoubtedly see seals enjoying the sun. In the afternoon, you can stroll around Dunedin. A fun tip here is to visit the world’s steepest street: Baldwin Street. In the evening, you can enjoy fine dining at Bacchus Wine bar & Restaurant.
Where to stay on Otago Peninsula
Stay overnight near Dunedin or drive on to the Otago Peninsula in the evening. Here you imagine yourself in a completely different landscape with the many meadows and cliffs. For wildlife, you’ve come to the right place too, as here you can encounter seals and sea lions, the giant albatross and the yellow-eyed penguin. Make your experience unforgettable by spending a night at Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand. Read all about our experience at Larnarch Castle here!
Day 10 – 11: Lake Te Anau
Today a longer driving day is scheduled. Before heading toward Lake Te Anau, you can take a short detour toward Nugget Point. Here you walk to a lighthouse with beautiful views of the sea, and here you also have a chance to see seals. You step right into a postcard! Afterwards, you will continue your tour toward the second largest lake on the South Island: Lake Te Anau, where you will arrive three hours later. If you have more time, you can extend your route by driving to Catlins National Park first and staying an extra night there.
Where to stay on Lake Te Anau
We stayed at Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels. A great campground with all the amenities you need and where you can also stay in a cottage. And like the name says, with a great view of the lake!
Day 11 – 14: Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
Wake up near Lake Te Anau, the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most famous multi-day Great Walks, including the Kepler Track. Feeling like a shorter stroll instead? Don’t miss the Glowworm Caves on Lake Te Anau: hop on a cruise and experience this magical natural wonder up close. In the evening, continue your drive toward Fiordland National Park, renowned for its spectacular fjords, including the world-famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
The following days you will visit one (or both) of these fjords on a cruise. We did Milford Sound, which was one of the highlights of our trip. Furthermore, in the Fiordland National Park, you can again make many beautiful walks. We recommend the Gertrude Saddle Track, Routeburn Track and Lake Marian track. Three unique hikes with the most amazing views!
Where to stay in Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation located on Milford Sound and is wonderful to stay at! Furthermore, between Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound you have several DOC Campgrounds where you can camp, back on the first come, first serve principle.
Day 14 – 17: Queenstown
Today, you’ll make your way to Queenstown, arguably the most exciting city on the South Island and often called the adrenaline capital of the world. While it’s relatively close to Milford Sound on the map, the drive will take another two to three hours. Once you arrive, explore this charming town and don’t miss grabbing a burger at Fergburger, famous as one of the best burgers in the world. Settle in at Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde, an ideal base for your adventures. The next day, take the gondola up to the Ben Lomond Track, a challenging 13.4-mile hike that leads to the summit of Ben Lomond, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Your second full day in Queenstown can be scheduled with one of the many possible activities why they call Queenstown adrenaline capital. Go skydiving, rafting or bungee jumping! Still not a fan of adrenaline activities, pick up the Mount Christon Loop track or enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Here you can read about the best activities to do in Queenstown.
Where to stay in Queenstown
There are numerous options for lodging in Queenstown. If, like us, you are traveling through New Zealand in a campervan then the Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde is an ideal base! Just a 5-minute walk from downtown and the gondola, this cozy campground has all the necessary facilities. You will also find cozy tinyhouses as an alternative if you are not traveling with an RV. Or pamper yourself and stay at the Kamana Lakehouse which has the most beautiful view of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 17 – 18: Wanaka & Roys Peak
Hopefully by now your legs are a little trained from all that hiking, because today another great hike is scheduled. Drive one hour towards Wanaka where you can admire #thatwanakatree, New Zealand’s most famous tree. Then drive to the start of the Roys Peak track. This may well be the most challenging hike of the trip, but definitely don’t skip it! For 8 km you will climb up 1300 meters, but what you will see there will make up for everything. The last part of the hike takes you to the top of the mountain, with phenomenal 360° views of Lake Wannaka winding among the green mountain landscape. A challenging hike that you will never forget!
Where to stay in Wanaka
On the edge of Lake Wanaka, you can unwind after all that hiking at the campground Hampshire Holiday Parks. An even better option is the Altamont Lodge where you can barbecue in the evening or relax in the Jacuzzi.
Day 18 – 20: Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
We continue this New Zealand itinerary by driving for three hours along the west coast of the South Island. Over the next few days, you will admire the country’s two most famous glaciers: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Fox Glacier is first encountered on your route and can be admired from afar by hiking the South Side track. This is a short hike through the rainforest that takes you to a viewpoint on the glacier. Stay these days in the nearby village of Franz Josef to do the Alex Knobb track the next day. This gives you a great view of Franz Josef Glacier. Or take a more adventurous approach and go for a helihike on the glaciers!
Where to stay in Franz Josef
If you are traveling with a camper then you can visit the Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park. But also in Franz Josef you will find beautiful and cozy lodges that are well worth an overnight stay such as Te Waonui Forest Retreat or Rainforest Retreat.
Day 20 – 21: Hokita Gorge & Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Off to the sunnier north! Yes, you read that right, down here in the Southern Hemisphere, the north is warmer than the south. Today, you’ll drive about four hours along the west coast, with a few short but spectacular stops along the way. Admire the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge, and be amazed by the unique rock formations of the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. End the day by finding a campsite or nearby accommodation to break up the drive before reaching Abel Tasman.
Where to stay in Punakaiki
At Punakaiki Beach Camp you can either go with your camper or stay in one of the cozy units, and you’re close to Pancake Rocks.
Day 21 – 24: Abel Tasman National park
Today you drive on to New Zealand’s smallest national park, which is also one of the sunniest places in the country. After a drive of just under four hours, you arrive in the small village of Marahau, which it is at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. Here you can take one of the most beautiful walks on the South Island: the Abel Tasman Great Walk. Get dropped off by water cab on the walk and walk back to the starting point. The full walk is 60 km where you can camp on one of the beaches along the way, but you have to bring a tent.
Where to stay in Abel Tasman
We can highly recommend The Barn Cabins & Campground! This place is completely eco-friendly with solar panel showers and has incredibly cozy kitchen to meet fellow travelers.
Day 24 – 25: Christchurch
Your amazing tour of New Zealand is almost over. Today you will drive back to Christchurch in six hours to drop off your motorhome. You can still split this long day of driving by stopping in Nelson. Highly recommended is visiting Pic’s Peanut Butter World. Here you can take a free tour of the peanut butter factory and finish with tasty tastings. Or detour past Marlborough with its renowned vineyards and enjoy New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes one last time before taking your lvucht back home in Christchurch.
Onward travel to the North Island
Can’t get enough of New Zealand? If you’re eager to continue on to the North Island, we totally understand and that’s exactly what we did! After exploring the South Island for four weeks, we spent another two weeks discovering the North Island, which was equally unforgettable. To continue your journey, drive about three hours from Abel Tasman National Park to Picton, where you can catch the ferry to Wellington. Make sure to book your spot early, as the ferry can sell out months in advance!
Best time to visit New Zealand
The seasons in New Zealand are reversed from those of Belgium and the Netherlands. That is, when it is summer with us, it is winter in New Zealand. Therefore, the best travel time to explore this amazing country is between early November and late March. In this, the months of December, January and February are the high season. If you go in November as we did, you have the advantage that it is still quiet. This makes traveling a little cheaper, but the weather is a little more unpredictable and it can still be really cold.
Do you have any questions about the above round trip through the South Island? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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