My Final Street Journey Itinerary for New Zealand’s South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is the nation’s bigger (however less-populated) island…nevertheless it’s additionally essentially the most visually gorgeous. With simply 23% of the nation’s 5.2 million inhabitants, it’s a dramatic and delightful island, residence to wineries, wildlife, high-octane journey sports activities, and pristine seashores. That is the island that folks find yourself spending extra time in and, whereas everybody sticks to just some areas, there’s a whole lot of hidden areas right here value exploring.

At a minimal, you’ll need to spend two weeks exploring. Something lower than that and also you’ll really feel rushed. As I mentioned, there’s so much to see right here. That approach you’ll be able to see the large attracts, get off the crushed path, do some good climbing, and never rush (journey between locations can take longer than you suppose)!

With two weeks to traverse New Zealand’s South Island, what route must you take? The place must you begin, and the place must you end?

Under is my urged itinerary that will help you plan your South Island street journey to will be certain that you see the highlights, take advantage of your time, and get off the crushed path.

New Zealand Highlights: South Island

Simply searching for a couple of pointers to begin your planning? These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise:

• Hike and marvel on the Franz Josef Glacier
• Go skydiving in Queenstown
• Experience the gondola in Christchurch
• Relax on a ship cruise in Wanaka
• Discover the fjords of Fiordland Nationwide Park

Trying to see the opposite island? Take a look at my detailed street journey itinerary for the North Island!
 

Selecting the Proper Car

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a approach to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very in style, particularly amongst budget-conscious vacationers, because the automobile serves as each lodging and transportation. If you’d like a campervan, there are 5 most important rental companies:

• Jucy
• Travellers Autobarn
• Spaceships
• Britz
• Depraved Campers

Costs differ so much. Your day by day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, if you’re dropping it off at a unique place, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and when in the course of the 12 months you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a traditional automobile and e book lodging alongside the best way. Uncover Vehicles is my go-to rental website, as they search rental companies large and small to seek out the most effective offers.

You need to use this widget to get a free quote in your automobile rental:

 

New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

Begin your journey in Queenstown. Even when your worldwide flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you’ll be able to simply get an inexpensive flight to Queenstown, which additionally has direct flights to many main cities in Australia in case your journey to New Zealand is a component of a bigger journey.

Days 1–3: Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque city overlooking Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has an outdoorsy vitality, with pedestrian lanes stuffed with retailers and eating places. Regardless that it has change into vastly in style, I can not categorical my love of Queenstown sufficient. I like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and climbing the close by trails.

Queenstown is often known as “the journey capital of New Zealand.” It’s the launching pad for each kind of journey exercise you’ll be able to consider, together with zip-lining, bungee leaping, canyon swinging, rafting, and even skydiving. You too can attempt extra distinctive actions like river browsing, jet-boating, go-karting, paddle-boarding, and paragliding.

For one thing extra laid-back, take a wine tour in and round Queenstown. I all the time do that after I go to (the grape of selection right here is the light-red Pinot Noir). If wine isn’t your factor, get pleasure from a calming cruise on Lake Wakatipu for some gorgeous views!

For a listing of extra issues to do in Queenstown, try my detailed information.

The place to Keep: Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms on this social hostel have balconies, the showers have wonderful water strain, and the pillows are thick and comfortable. There are actions each evening and a free dinner and quiz evening on Sunday. It’s a enjoyable and inexpensive place to remain.
 
Days 4–6: Fiordland

Named for its resplendent fjords (lengthy, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), Fiordland is among the nation’s most scenic and distant areas. (It’s residence to quite a few Lord of the Rings filming areas). Boasting gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, and untamed forests, the land is formally off-limits in order to guard these pure sources.

I cherished the realm right here. There’s a whole lot of good climbing and delightful views. There are various fjords and sounds to discover in Fiordland Nationwide Park, however I notably love Milford Sound. This superb fjord is finest recognized for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You possibly can stroll the wooded shoreline path for good views of the height, or take the Chasm Stroll on the Cleddau River to get near highly effective waterfalls.

The fjord itself is residence to seal and penguin colonies. You possibly can typically see pods of dolphins frolicking within the waters too. Discover by boat and take a look at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see uncommon black coral and different underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the one firm doing cruises that embrace the Underwater Observatory, ranging from 165 NZD.

Whereas much less well-known than Milford, Uncertain Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord within the nation. You possibly can solely get to Uncertain through boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 299 NZD.

Should you like climbing, some of the in style walks within the nationwide park is the Kepler Observe, passing underneath snow-covered mountain peaks and luxurious verdant forests. It’s very near the Te Anau basecamp, and the simple entry and scenic views alongside the best way make it a fantastic selection. The entire loop is 37 miles (60 kilometers). It takes three or 4 days to finish.

Be aware: There’s restricted bus service within the space so having a automobile right here could be very useful.

The place to Keep: Milford Sound Lodge – That is the one place to remain close by. It’s not low cost, however the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is scrumptious, and the up to date rooms are cozy but trendy. Should you don’t thoughts driving a bit extra, you’ll be able to keep within the closest city, Te Anau.
 

Days 7–8: Wanaka

Wanaka is a resort city framed by snow-capped mountains. As close by Queenstown has change into overcrowded lately, journey to Wanaka has exploded (and, in a approach, additionally change into overcrowded as a result of it’s tremendous small). It’s change into in style with backpackers and outside fanatics, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do in addition to having fun with the outside (which is what I like about it). Most individuals come for a couple of nights to hike (or ski within the winter), calm down, and transfer on.

Wanaka has change into one thing of a smaller model of Queenstown, so you’ll be able to count on loads of journey sports activities alternatives. I’m not an adrenaline junkie (and I don’t like heights). But when it’s your cup of tea, you’ll be able to go skydiving, canyoning, rock-climbing, paragliding, jet-boating, or mountaineering, together with scores of different actions that may get your coronary heart pounding.

You possibly can take a comfortable hour boat cruise, go fishing or climbing, or do one other wine tour (there’s no such factor as too many wine excursions!).

The meals scene right here is actually nice too.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Wanaka, try my detailed information.

The place to Keep: Mountain View Backpackers – This social hostel has an enormous outside area with a grill, and a giant desk to congregate round that makes assembly individuals a breeze. I had many gratifying nights spent ingesting wine outdoors right here whereas I chatted with different vacationers.
 
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

In 1865, Julius von Haast christened the massive, stunning glacier on the South Island of New Zealand “Franz Josef Glacier” after the then-monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The title caught, and immediately the glacier is a significant vacationer attraction.

Mountain climbing the glaciers is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting rapidly because of local weather change, the caves and trails have been shut down. Now, the one approach to trek on them is through heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/climbing expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter trip, trekking, and expertise as a complete are well worth the value for my part. It’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences you gained’t remorse.

Conversely, you’ll be able to simply hike to the glacier face and take images from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (the place you’ll additionally see sobering images of simply how far the glaciers have receded through the years).

There are additionally a whole lot of actions to do close by. You possibly can go trekking via a rainforest (sure, there’s a rainforest close by), admire towering waterfalls, and swim (or go kayaking) in pristine lakes. There are additionally some pure thermal swimming pools that you would be able to take a soak in to appease your post-hike muscle mass.

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging presents visitors free home made soup each evening and free breakfast (together with home made waffles and pancakes). It has two communal kitchens if you wish to cook dinner, and a scorching tub for stress-free. It’s a vigorous, social spot.
 
Days 10–11: Abel Tasman Nationwide Park

Drive simply six hours north of glacial Franz Josef and also you’ll be in beachy Abel Tasman Nationwide Park, New Zealand’s smallest nationwide park. With its turquoise water, dense jungles, and heat temperatures, you’ll really feel such as you’re within the tropics relatively than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), that means there are a whole lot of single and multiday hikes. Essentially the most well-known is the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Observe, one of many Nice Walks of New Zealand.

One of the best ways to see the park is by kayak. That approach, you’ll be able to discover all of the little coves and seashores that actually make the realm particular. Full-day leases begin at round 110 NZD, or you’ll be able to be part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 190 NZD. You too can take a scenic cruise across the park for 95 NZD.

Should you’re aching for some critical surf, sand, and solar time, head to Te Puketea Bay. This pristine, crescent-shaped seashore hugs up towards turquoise waters, and lounging right here is well worth the journey to Abel Tasman alone. You too can stroll as much as the centuries-old Maori fort, known as Pa, for wonderful views of the encircling nature.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – This lodging presents dormitories and small non-public cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to get monetary savings. It’s a chill, no-frills spot.

From right here, choose your final cease: both drive onward to Christchurch and finish there, or take the ferry over to Wellington (an journey in and of itself!) and finish there. Both approach, you’ll have the ability to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland in your worldwide flight residence.

Should you’re heading to Christchurch, maintain studying. Should you’d like to go to Wellington, try my North Island itinerary right here.
 
Days 12–14: Christchurch

Although severely broken by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (over 185 individuals had been killed and three,000 buildings had been broken), Christchurch has rebounded and developed right into a brand-new metropolis. This revival has instilled a newfound sense of hope and vibrancy, with extra funky bars and markets, in addition to new eating places, retailers, and displays. The locals have labored arduous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that actually shines. I like the place Christchurch goes and I’m comfortable to see its revival.

Whereas there’s not so much “to do” per se, the vibe is actually relaxed, and it’s value taking your time for those who can. Make sure to trip the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake Metropolis (a singular and interactive museum that recounts private tales from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a listing of extra issues to do in Christchurch, try my metropolis information.

The place to Keep: Urbanz– That is an superior hostel downtown, with pleasant employees and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, films, and comfortable couches, in addition to a car parking zone.
 

Issues to Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the best, like within the US or Canada).
• It’s essential to all the time park your automobile within the path that site visitors goes (or threat a nice).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the street, which might be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so keep in mind that it’d take longer than you count on to cowl a selected distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• Should you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek out close by campsites, fuel stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand’s South Island is an unforgettable vacation spot, the place I all the time have a blast. It’s a area loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. After visiting a bunch over the previous decade and a half, I’ve realized firsthand how superior a street journey there might be. Simply observe the route above and also you’ll be assured to have an epic go to to this picturesque isle!

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