Ultimate 32-Day Road Trip: South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is a bucket list destination for many, and for good reason! Think snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and epic coastlines all in one place. Many first time visitors to New Zealand opt for a tour of the South Island in search of stunning natural beauty, and the island certainly doesn’t disappoint!

For most people, New Zealand is quite a journey to get to, so when you’re planning a road trip around the South Island of New Zealand, you’ll want to see as much as possible. This 32-day itinerary is designed to help you do just that, without rushing the magic. From iconic spots like Queenstown and Milford Sound to small gems like The Catlins and Hamner Springs, this South Island itinerary will ensure you have a jam-packed experience!

Why 32 days? Well, I couldn’t decide what to drop when you’ll be passing that way on the road trip anyway, but feel free to take what fits and skip over the bits that aren’t quite what you’d want to do with your time. If you’re a hiker you’ll likely want to make some changes anyway to fit in some of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

This New Zealand South Island itinerary is a loop, so you can start anywhere. It starts in Picton as that’s where the ferry arrives if you’re coming from the North Island as I did, but if you fly in to any other city such as Nelson, Queenstown or Christchurch, then you can start the route from there and it’ll bring you back there to return your hire vehicle.

The itinerary is based on travelling the South Island by private car or campervan, having the flexibility to move on when you want, stop at sights along the way and not be tied to public transport times and routes. If you’re exploring the South Island by bus this is still a good guide for places to visit but you’ll need to adjust timeline and maybe miss some stops if they’re not easily accessible by public transport.

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South Island Road Trip Itinerary

Picton – 1 day

Picton is a small town, and only really needs to be part of your itinerary if you’re catching the ferry to/from the North Island. You don’t need more than an hour or two to explore the town…it really is compact! Picton highlights include the charming town centre, harbour and great views of the ferries coming and going. For the best viewpoint, drive along Queen Charlotte Drive for just a few minutes.

Nelson – 1 day

One day in Nelson will give you plenty of time to explore the historic city centre, visit the hilltop cathedral and spend some time on the stunning stretch of golden Tahunanui Beach. Nelson is also home to the geographic centre of New Zealand, and while it’s quite a walk to the top, the views are certainly worth it!

Abel Tasman – 2 days

For easy access to facilities while you’re exploring the Abel Tasman region, base yourself in Motueka or the smaller town of Tākaka. You’ll have a couple of days to explore the region, soak up the mountain views, admire the golden beaches and indulge in some epic road trips to explore the picturesque Golden Bay. As you drive between Abel Tasman and Nelson you’ll also pass a number of wineries…just in case you’re a fan of a tipple!

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a popular multi-day walk through the national park and along sections of the coast, but if you’re not into spending days trekking through nature you can also hop on a water taxi to travel sections of it and not miss out on the experience while you’re undertaking a full South Island road trip.

Nelson Lakes – 2 days

Spending two days in Nelson Lakes is a treat for nature lovers. Tackle the stunning Lake Rotoiti Circuit or the Mount Robert Track for stunning alpine views, both walks need most of a day and it might be a touch ambitious to plan to do both unless you’re used to hiking long distances.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still soak up the beauty with lakeside picnics, short nature walks, and wildlife spotting. Without big hikes, a full day is often enough.

Westport/Greymouth – 1 day

Which town you choose really depends on your preference for driving time, but with a morning in one and an afternoon in the other be sure to stop by Pancake Rocks in the middle of the two…it’s a gorgeous natural sight, a really easy and short walk and a must see on the West Coast!

Hokitika – 1 day

One day in Hokitika is just enough time to get a taste of this quaint town, take a trip out to Hokitika Gorge and to explore the local area. You could visit Hokitika as you drive through to your next stop, but the absolute heartstopper view in Hokitika is sunset over the beach. Possibly the best I’ve seen yet!

See also: How to Spend One Day in Hokitika

Franz Josef – 2 days

Franz Josef is a tiny settlement, and 2 days in the area is probably too much for how much there is to see but with a road trip this long you need rest days to keep up your energy. Visiting the glacier is quite weather dependent, so having two days to play with will give you the best chance to see the glacier and also use the other day to rest up. Be sure to venture out to Fox Glacier too, though you can do that on the way to your next stop if you want.

Road on the approach to Franz Josef Glacier

Haast – En Route

Haast is another small settlement, even by South Island’s standards. You don’t need a huge amount of time to visit there, and stopping there on your way to Wānaka will likely be sufficient.

Wānaka – 2 days

Wānaka is the quieter, more serene cousin of Queenstown. 2 days in Wānaka will give you time to explore the slower pace of life in the town, have a look around the shops, admire the view from the lake and even take the short walk from town out to the famous Wānaka Tree. Yes, it is just a tree in the lake, but when in Rome, right?

See also: How to Spend 2 Days in Wānaka

Cardrona – En Route

Slight caveat here: if you’re visiting in summer, or during winter but don’t want to ski, then just passing through Cardrona is plenty of time to see the small town. However, if you want to indulge in a spot of skiing or stay the night at one of the most historic and famous hotels in New Zealand, Cardrona Hotel, then factor in a day or two for the area.

Queenstown – 2 days

Queenstown is one of those cities you’ll either love or just be very ‘what’s the hype?!’ about. It’s not the cheapest place to stay, but there’s plenty to do here in terms of scenery, city life and extreme sports. This is *the* spot if you want to tick a bungee jump off your bucket list, or race down a mountain in a luge. Queenstown is also the perfect base for visiting Glenorchy and Arrowtown too.

Glenorchy/Arrowtown – 1 day

Both Glenorchy and Arrowtown are within easy reach of Queenstown, and if you’re not planning any big hikes then you can see both in a day. They’re both small towns with their own charm, Glenorchy is known for the stunning lake and mountain combo view, while Arrowtown has that old town charm with a deep-rooted gold rush history.

See more: How to Spend a Day in Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a personal favourite in Autumn because it is just absolutely gorgeous with the autumnal trees, golden afternoon glow and rolling hills surrounding the town. It is possible to visit both in one day but note it’s quite a bit of driving and you’ll want to get started early-ish to fit in as much as you can. The views on the drive though? Absolutely stunning!

Te Anau – 1 day

Often visited for the glow worm caves or as a base to visit Milford Sound, Te Anau is a southern town with a lot of charm, a huge lake and stunning sunsets. If you’re not hiking or going to Milford Sound then Te Anau is a stop you can bypass as it’s really just great for easy access to Milford Sound or for hiking.

See also: Spend One Day in Te Anau

Milford Sound – 1 day

Also known as the 8th wonder of the world, if you’re on the South Island and in the area you won’t regret taking the time to venture out to Milford Sound. The views on the drive there are just as stunning as the scenic cruise itself, and although it’s a long day, it is so worth it. If you want a more remote option, check out Doubtful Sound. It’s a bit more effort to get to but that just means less tourists!

Invercargill / Bluff / Stewart Island – 2 days

Ok ok, so Invercargill itself isn’t really a spot that I think should be on your itinerary, but it is good for cheaper accommodation balanced with a good amount of amenities and great location for exploring the south coast. If you’re happy to have a couple of days with less on offer in terms of shops, base yourself in Bluff instead and use a day to explore there and a day to venture out to Stewart Island. If you want to see kiwi birds, Stewart Island is a hotspot!

Drive to Dunedin – 1 day

If you drive from Invercargill to Dunedin along the highway, it’ll take a few hours. If you take the scenic route – which I highly recommend – then it’s a whole day of driving through gorgeous scenery, stopping in small towns for coffee and food, snapping photos and admiring the natural beauty of The Catlins. So much of a South Island road trip is the journey and the sights you’ll see on the way, so while it may seem a waste of time to take the longer route, it’s so worth it for the views and experience.

Dunedin – 2 days

Famously a university city, Dunedin has such a different character than the other South Island cities. With noticeably more brick buildings than other cities in New Zealand, Dunedin feels more like a European city than a Kiwi one. A day spent exploring the city centre will give you the city buzz fix, gorgeous architecture and a visit to the serene Chinese Garden to balance out the city vibes.

For your second day, I’d 100% recommend jumping in the car and exploring the peninsula. On a sunny day the views will have you pulling over and wishing you could live in this oasis. You’ll have castle visits, wildlife and gorgeous scenery to fill your day.

Oamaru – 1 day

On your way out of Dunedin, be sure to stop at Baldwin Street, it holds the record of steepest street in the world! As you leave Dunedin stick to the coastal road and you’ll be able to stop at Moeraki Boulders – huge spherical stones scattered on the beach – before arriving in the quaint town of Oamaru.

See more: Visit the Moeraki Boulders

Oamaru is famous for being home to the Steampunk HQ (a museum) and having a blue penguin colony which welcomes a colony of penguins up the beach each evening. Times and ‘penguin traffic’ vary, so be sure to check the website or Facebook group before visiting.

Lake Tekapo – 2 days

Use one of these days to enjoy the journey from Oamaru to Tekapo, stopping off at Elephant Rocks, lakes, Clay Cliffs and a Mount Cook lookout point on the way.

Lake Tekapo is a small town, and one day there will give you plenty of time to enjoy the lake views, check out the Instagram hotspot of The Church of the Good Shephard, and soak away your troubles at the thermal pools. If you’re lucky enough for a clear night, the view of the stars in Lake Tekapo is, quite literally, out of this world!

Rock towers, Lake Tekapo, South Island New Zealand

Fairlie and Opuke – En Route

Fairlie bakery has a reputation that shocks even Google reviews…in a good way! It’s a small town but one that you can pass through easily on your way to Christchurch, adding in the best lunch/coffee stop as you go. The drive is very scenic, and if you pass by Opuke too you’ll have the perfect excuse for an afternoon in the thermal pools. Ok, so it might not be completely en route, but it’s a detour that’s very worthwhile!

If you’re tight on time, this can be a day that you skip without missing out on too much.

Christchurch & Akaroa – 3 days

The Christchurch times include the travel from Tekapo and a day venturing out to the scenic and very French town of Akaroa. If neither of those are your idea of fun, skip them and enjoy the bonus time in Christchurch instead.

It’ll be a refreshing break from the small towns of late, and Christchurch city is a buzzing, modern metropolis that’s fun to explore, offering plenty of opportunities to learn about the devastating earthquake of 2011. Aside from that, the city centre is full of shopping and food, the beaches are within an easy drive and there’s even a scenic train ride you can take through the mountains to Greymouth and back.

Avon River in Central Christchurch, New Zealand

Hanmer Springs – 1 day

Hanmer Springs, famous for….the springs! It’s also a walker’s paradise with plenty of trails to explore. The charming stone buildings in the town centre give it a real mountain town vibe, and the expansive thermal pools are the perfect way to end a busy day. Or even spend the day…there are plenty of hot pools to relax in and waterslides to enjoy too!

Kaikoura – 2 days

Kaikoura is famous for the whales that pass by, and the considerable seal colony not far from town. It’s one of the best places in New Zealand for whale tours, whether you want to jump on a boat or splash out (ha!) and enjoy a scenic flight.

If you’re not interested in taking a whale tour, it’s still worth visiting Kaikoura. The town itself has a calming vibe and the seal colonies are easy to see without taking an organised tour. Plus the sunrise is just stunning! If you just want to see the seals then one night in Kaikoura will be sufficient.

Blenheim / Marlborough region / Marlborough Sounds – 1 day

One day to explore Blenheim city is plenty, though if you want to explore the Marlborough region and get out to some of the wineries in the area you’ll want to add extra time, or just go there instead of stopping in Blenheim. This also applies to the Marlborough Sounds. If you’re a fan of hikes or nature you’ll want to factor in extra time to explore the absolutely gorgeous scenery. If you’re like me and just enjoy the view, you’ll get a lot of it from the ferry as you pull in to / leave Picton.

FAQs

The best time to visit New Zealand’s South Island depends on what you want to experience. For warm weather, hiking, and long daylight hours, visit between December and February (summer). Autumn (March to May) brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds, while spring (September to November) offers blooming landscapes and baby lambs. Winter (June to August) is perfect for snow sports in places like Queenstown and Wanaka, but you’ll need to make sure your car is snow ready.

Each season has its charm, there’s truly no bad time to go!

For this itinerary, it is highly recommended that you have your own vehicle, whether it’s a car or campervan. This will give you the flexibility and freedom to explore on your own schedule and stop at the places you want to. So much of a good New Zealand road trip are the stops you see as you’re passing and think ‘oh, let’s have a look‘ and it ends up being a stunning waterfall.

If you don’t have a car or campervan to explore, you will still be able to enjoy a road trip around the South Island but you’ll need to make adjustments as per the public transport allowances.

The towns, cities and settlements on the South Island are small in comparison to the north, so you’re unlikely to find boutique, all inclusive hotels in each stop. Instead you’ll find a range of hotels, apartments, hostels and motels. If you’re looking to save money, you’ll also have a great choice of camping options.

Absolutely! You’ll need to pick your top spots to visit and focus on those, and don’t forget to factor in driving time because Google Maps loves to say it’ll take 4 hours and it’ll actually take you 6 once you factor in the stops along the way to enjoy the views and to grab a drink to break up the journey.

This was something I heard a lot before I visited New Zealand, and yes the driving may be different than you’re used to at home. Kiwis drive on the left, and depending on where you’re driving you’ll either encounter normal town driving with plenty of turns to keep it interesting, straight roads for a long stretch as you travel through the flat farmland or crazy curvy roads that snake through the mountain regions.

One thing to remember is that you should travel at a speed you’re comfortable with, and if you notice that there are cars gathering behind you then find a lay-by and let them pass. There are so many passing places on the roads because it’s a frequent occurrence that locals want to overtake tourists who aren’t used to the roads, or want to pass a truck that’s struggling with a hill.

This is purely down to personal preference. Many people will tell you New Zealand’s South Island is the best one for exploring, but I personally love the North Island too. My take? South Island is best for scenery and animal spotting, North Island is best for culture and city life. You’ll get both on either island, but that’s where their strengths lie.

If you can only visit New Zealand once and you want those jaw dropping views of mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, national parks, etc then spend your time on the South Island. To add in some Māori culture or geothermal highlights, add some time on the North Island to your itinerary. Whatever you decide, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Check out this comparison to see which is better for you: North Island vs South Island.