The Ultimate 3-Week South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

In early 2018, Ben and I set out on a three-month road trip throughout New Zealand. We traveled both the North and South Islands in our renovated Sprinter van, staying in campsites as we went. The South Island in particular was a very beautiful drive that is a must for any nature lover. I’ve taken our trip and fine-tuned it into this 3-week ultimate South Island New Zealand road trip. Read on for every can’t-miss destination, as well as some lesser-known stops along the way!

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South Island New Zealand road trip overview

Total driving distance: 2,474 km / 1,537 mi

Total driving time: 31 hours

This South Island itinerary assumes that you’re starting in Picton and ending in Christchurch, but you can obviously reverse the direction if you need to. If you’re visiting the North Island as well, it’s easy to connect via the Interislander Ferry in Picton. Most people visiting New Zealand want to see both islands, and the ferry makes it easy and convenient to cross the Cook Strait.

To make this South Island road trip into a full loop, simply continue north from Christchurch back to Picton on Highway 1.

Stops along your South Island New Zealand road trip

• Picton (1-2 days)
• Nelson (1-2 days)
• Abel Tasman National Park (2-3 days)
• West Coast (3-4 days)
• Wanaka (2 days)
• Queenstown (3 days)
• Te Anau & Milford Sound (1-2 days)
• Invercargill & the Catlins (3 days)
• Dunedin (1-2 days)
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (1 day)
• Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo (1 day)
• Christchurch (2-3 days)

Things to know before you go

• Although distances between places on a map may seem small, actual drive times can be much longer. This is because mountains, lakes, and valleys often get in the way!
• Road conditions on the South Island can change very quickly due to weather or construction patterns. A one-hour drive can easily turn into two (or more!). Allow yourself extra time to avoid frustration.
• Accommodation options in certain areas can be few and far between. Check for Department of Conservation campsites, Airbnbs, or youth hostels if you can’t find any standard hotels in your price range.

South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary

Picton (1-2 days)

If you’re coming in on a ferry from the North Island, Picton will be your first stop. Located in the Marlborough region, Picton is a beautiful little town with lots in the surrounding area to do. If you can, try to spend some time out in the Marlborough Sounds for a relaxing break from reality. This whole region reminds me a lot of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island — simply breathtaking.

Things to do in Picton:

• Tirohanga Track: 6.5 km (4 mi) hike over volcanic terrain with views over the town and water
• The Snout: Scenic spot overlooking the Sounds
• Queen Charlotte Track: 71 km (44 mi) Great Walk that can be partially done as a day hike
• Visit a winery: Marlborough is wine country. Drive south to Blenheim and have a tasting at one of the many wineries.

Book a tour in Picton

Nelson (1-2 days)

Driving distance: 139 km / 86 mi

Driving time: 2 hours

Nelson, the oldest city on New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its local art scene (as well as for being the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park). Its eccentric vibe and lush landscapes combine to give it a very unique feel when visiting. Make sure to try a local beer from one of the many breweries before leaving!

Things to do in Nelson:

• Tahunanui Beach: Sandy beach with a picturesque coastline
• Pic’s Peanut Butter World: Take a tour and sample some of New Zealand’s most popular peanut butter
• The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary: Nature preserve with wildlife and hiking tracks
• Cable Bay Lookout: Scenic area where the bay meets the sea. Come here for kayaking, swimming, and hiking.

Book a tour in Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park (2-3 days)

Driving distance: 60 km / 37 mi

Driving time: 1 hour

Crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and exotic wildlife come together at Abel Tasman National Park. The tropical climate and flourishing plants will make you feel like you’re on a different planet. Whether you take a guided tour or forge ahead solo, the activities in the park are not to be missed.

Things to do at Abel Tasman National Park:

• Day cruise: See all the major sights in one fell swoop
• Attempt a Great Walk: The Abel Tasman Coast Track (60 km / 37 mi) can be done in as little as three days
• Kayak around the park: Can be hired out for half days or full days
• Look out for wildlife: Fur seals, little blue penguins, and bottlenose dolphins all call the park their home
• Takaka Hill: See the Ngarua Caves and walk the Takaka Hill Walkway
• Golden Bay: Long stretches of sandy beaches and clear water

Book an Abel Tasman Tour

The West Coast (3-4 days)

Driving distance: 642 km / 399 mi

Driving time: 8 hours 30 minutes

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a large region made up of many small towns. It’s remote, off-the-beaten-track, and less touristy than other places in the country. With forests that make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park and glaciers bigger than you can imagine, the wild West Coast is simply breathtaking.

Things to do on the West Coast:

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes: Natural phenomena made from limestone
• Hokitika Gorge: Short hike with high swing bridges and powdery blue water
• West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe: Canopy walkway through the trees
• Blue Pools: Easy track that leads to bright blue glacial water
• Franz Josef: Take a helicopter tour to Franz Josef Glacier (or hike if you’re looking for a budget option)
• Fox Glacier: Another cool small town with a glacier. Drive to the nearby Lake Matheson which is known for its reflective views of Mt. Cook.

⇉ West Coast New Zealand Itinerary: An Adventurous 7-Day Road Trip

Book a tour on the West Coast

Wanaka (2 days)

Driving distance: 143 km / 89 mi

Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Wanaka is like a smaller, chiller version of Queenstown. You’ll still find all the natural beauty and trendy spots but with less adventure and fewer crowds. Don’t be deceived — Wanaka is still a bucket list destination in its own right. With the stunning peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park in the background, Wanaka’s scenery is unmatched.

Things to do in Wanaka:

• Roys Peak: Popular 16 km (10.1 mi) hike with picture-perfect views
• Wildwire via ferrata: Guided waterfall cable climb with views over Wanaka
• #ThatWanakaTree: A solitary willow tree on the lake that’s gained fame for being very Instagrammable
• Lake Wanaka: Post up for some swimming or boating on Wanaka’s main lake
• Lake Hawea: A smaller, neighboring lake with great freedom camping sites

Book a tour in Wanaka

Queenstown (3 days)

Driving distance: 68.5 km / 43 mi

Driving time: 1 hour

Ahh, Queenstown. Adventure capital of New Zealand, hipster haven, and backpackers’ paradise. There is so much to do in this city. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or a luxurious spa getaway, Queenstown is the place for it.

The drive between Wanaka and Queenstown follows Highway 6 and Crown Range Road. It’s a very scenic drive and one that you’ll want to give yourself more time to experience. Make sure to stop at any of the roadside lookout points along the way!

Things to do in Queenstown:

• Skyline Queenstown: Take a gondola up to the Queenstown Ultimate Viewpoint (or hike the Tiki Trail for a budget option)
• Skydiving: Tandem with a pro with NZONE Skydive
• Bob’s Cove: Easy hike with a lookout over Lake Wakatipu
• Jet boating: Exhilarating jet boat ride down the Matukituki River
• Coronet Peak: Hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding in winter
• Go cafe hopping: Queenstown has the coolest cafe culture

Book a tour in Queenstown

Te Anau & Milford Sound (1-2 days)

Driving distance: 289 km / 179.5 mi

Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

If you were to send a postcard from New Zealand, Milford Sound would be on it 9 times out of 10. This famous fjord is home to hundreds of powerful waterfalls and colonies of fur seals. Spend your days here out in nature, then head back to a bit of comfort by staying at the Milford Sound Lodge.

Things to do in Te Anau & Milford Sound:

• Drive the scenic road to Milford Sound: The stops along the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound deserve at least a few hours to explore!

• Boat cruise through Milford Sound: Hands-down the best way to see Milford Sound. There are various operators running tours of different types & lengths. Prices start at about $60 NZD per person.
• Scenic flight: Unbeatable views of Milford Sound and the Southern Alps for those that don’t mind the splurge. Many of these tours leave from Queenstown.
• Lake Te Anau: Largest lake in the South Island
• Doubtful Sound: Larger but less famous fjord than Milford Sound
• Kepler Track: Another multi-day Great Walk that can be partially done as a day hike
• Mirror Lakes: Super short walk with perfectly reflective water
• Fiordland National Park: Tons of hikes and activities around the fjords. Cascade Creek Campground is a great campervan option!

⇉ 16 Exciting Things to Do in Te Anau, New Zealand

⇉ 14 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound: First Timer’s Guide

Book a tour to Milford Sound

Invercargill & the Catlins (3 days)

Driving distance: 318 km / 197.5 mi

Driving time: 4 hours

The Catlins region is the most underrated in New Zealand. Stretching from Invercargill in the west to Balclutha in the east, the Catlins is filled with waterfalls, striking seaside cliffs, and mystical forests. This area of the country is remote and far-flung, but definitely worth the drive.

Things to do in Invercargill & the Catlins:

• Queens Park: Spacious park with diverse foliage in Invercargill
• Nugget Point: Dramatic cliffside lighthouse with big “nugget” rocks
• Slope Point: Southernmost point on the South Island
• Curio Bay: Coastal headland with a petrified forest and yellow-eyed penguin colonies
• Cathedral Caves: One of the longest sea caves in the world

⇉ Catlins Road Trip Itinerary: 4 Days in New Zealand’s Most Underrated Region

Dunedin (1-2 days)

Driving distance: 78.4 km / 49 mi

Driving time: 1 hour

Dunedin is a charming student town with a strong Scottish heritage. Throughout the adjoining Otago Peninsula, you’ll find windswept landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities to partake in. Dunedin is another town that is also known for its wildlife — in this case, albatross, seals, and penguins.

Things to do in Dunedin:

• St Clair beach: Sandy beach that’s good for surfing (and wildlife spotting)
• Larnach Castle: New Zealand’s only “castle”
• Tunnel Beach: Rugged beach walk with a manmade tunnel
• Signal Hill Lookout: Scenic lookout over Dunedin and the Otago Harbour
• Baldwin street: Steepest street in the world

⇉ Dunedin Travel Guide: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Book a tour in Dunedin

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (1 day)

Driving distance: 317 km / 197 mi

Driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes

New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, dominates the skyline of its namesake National Park. With some of the best Southern Alps mountain views in the whole country, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is a must for any South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary. There is a variety of hikes for all experience levels, from quick walks to multi-day excursions.

Things to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park:

• Mueller Hut Route: Iconic alpine track with a bright red hut. The first half of this hike is the Sealy Tarns Track.
• Hooker Valley Track: Easy, flat walk with stunning views that end at Hooker Lake
• Red Tarns Track: Lots of stairs for a killer view over Mt Cook Alpine Village
• Tasman Glacier: The largest glacier in New Zealand. Can be seen on the Blue Lakes/Tasman Glacier hikes
• Hermitage Hotel: Historic hotel with a museum and planetarium in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

⇉ The Ultimate Guide to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Book a tour to Mount Cook

Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo (1 day)

Driving distance: 104 km / 64.6 mi

Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes

With bright blue water and snow-capped mountains, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are a photographer’s dream. Make sure to wear a cute outfit on the day you visit, because you’ll definitely be taking a lot of pictures! Because they’re so close, the two lakes can easily be combined into one day’s worth of exploring.

Things to do in Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo:

• NZ Alpine Lavender: Roadside lavender farm that sells tasty lavender-flavored treats
• Church of the Good Shepard: Picturesque stone church on the shores of Lake Tekapo
• Mt John Walkway: Easy hike with views over the Canterbury Plains that ends at Mount John Observatory
• Dark Sky Project: Planetarium that runs stargazing tours. This area is known as a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning there is very little light pollution!
• Tekapo Springs: Soak in some hot pools to relax after a long day of exploring
• Hunt for lupins: These pink, purple, and orange flowers bloom around the shores of Lake Tekapo in November and December

⇉ Tekapo Travel Guide: 14 Can’t-Miss Things To Do Around Lake Tekapo

Book a tour in Tekapo

Christchurch (2-3 days)

Driving distance: 230 km / 143 mi

Driving time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is famous for its mix of city living and lush outdoor spaces (as well as for the massive earthquake that hit in 2010). It’s the largest city on the South Island by population, and the city center has a lot to offer. Although a lot of areas have been rebuilt, you can still see remnants of the rubble in certain spots downtown. The city has a trendy and eclectic vibe, with lots of unique restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.

Things to do in Christchurch:

• Christchurch Gondola: Mountain cablecar with panoramic views
• Hagley Park: Sizeable urban park with frequent festivals and markets
• International Antarctic Centre: Come here to learn all about New Zealand’s footprint in Antarctica
• Lyttelton: Trendy port town with cute cafes and shops
• Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula: Unique, hilly landscape with a quirky French settlement

Book a tour in Christchurch

If you have more time in New Zealand

There is so much more to do in New Zealand than what I’ve listed above. You’d need several months (or more!) to fully experience everything. If you’re blessed with a lot of free time, here are some suggestions to extend your New Zealand road trip.

• Marlborough Sounds: Rent a holiday home and spend some time kayaking, hiking, and swimming
• Embark on a Great Walk: Multi-day treks through New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery
• Kaikōura: Coastal town known for its whale watching tours
• Mt Aspiring National Park: Tall peaks, glaciers, and tons of waterfalls
• Glenorchy: Charming town on Lake Wakatipu that’s great for outdoor enthusiasts. Only a 40-minute drive from Queenstown!
• Central Otago: Visit the quaint small towns of Cromwell, Alexandra, and Roxburgh
• Bluff: Coastal town in the far south that’s known for its oysters
• Oamaru: Quirky town that’s home to the Steampunk HQ
• Twizel: High country town with several nearby lakes. This is a great place to stay to take a day trip to Mt. Cook!
• Timaru: Port city that’s perfect for a pleasant stopover between Christchurch and Dunedin
• Arthur’s Pass National Park: Between Christchurch and the West Coast
• Castle Hill: Alpine village in Canterbury with strange rock formations
• Nelson Lakes National Park: Mountain park with beech forests, streams, and lakes
• Stewart Island/Rakiura: Home to unique wildlife, incredible views, and Rakiura National Park
• North Island: Get there by airplane or by ferry. You’ll find a warmer climate, Maori culture, and unique natural phenomena.

Thanks for reading this South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary! I hope that it’s been useful in planning your next trip.

xoxo Niki