Ultimate New Zealand South Island Itinerary + Travel Guide

Traveling to the South Island of New Zealand is a dream come true for many. The awe-inspiring mountains, adventure sports, and amazing hiking make this island a top destination for travelers around the world. If you have finally booked a trip to visit the South Island of New Zealand, you may be looking for an itinerary to follow. That’s where we come in!

We spent around three months in the South Island, traveling to remote corners and discovering everything the island has to offer. There is honestly so much to do and see in the region, so we have curated the ultimate New Zealand South Island itinerary so that you don’t have to painstakingly plan out your own trip. So, let’s get into it!

Before we dive in, if you want to visit the North Island of New Zealand, we’ve got you! Here’s our New Zealand North Island guide.

Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary 14 Days

You’ve likely traveled at least half a day to get to the South Island of New Zealand. In fact, if you’re coming from Europe, you may even spend 2+ days in a plant just to get to the island. After all that trouble, what’s the point in only spending a long weekend exploring the South Island?

In our opinion, you’ll need a minimum of 14 days to really see everything the South Island has to offer. While you can technically travel around the South Island in fewer days, you’ll have to cut out destinations or rush through the trip, and no one wants that! This is why we HIGHLY recommend staying for at least 14 days.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s our New Zealand South Island itinerary for 14 days!

Land in Christchurch

To get to the South Island of New Zealand, you’ll most likely take a flight from the international airport at Auckland to fly to Christchurch, the largest city (and airport) in the South Island. Personally, while Christchurch does have some interesting things to offer, we don’t think it’s worth it to spend a night in the city in this packed itinerary, so feel free to explore some parts of the city. But the main reason to come here is to rent a car and start your road trip across the island.

Things to Do in Christchurch

If you’ve got some extra time, here are some must-do activities in Christchurch.

• Explore the Botanic Gardens: Want a relaxing walk surrounded by native and exotic plants alike? Check out the city’s Botanic Garden located smack dab in the middle of the city.
• Visit the Canterbury Museum: If you want to dive into the local history, including the natural and cultural histories of the area, head to the Canterbury Museum. Unfortunately, as of right now, the museum itself is being rebuilt. But you can visit pop-ups throughout the city, including Quake City and the Ravenscar House Museum.
• Do a street art tour: One thing you should know about Christchurch is that it was hit by a massive earthquake in 2011. In reality, the city is still recovering from it. The post-earthquake rebuild of the city has given birth to some really cool street art we recommend checking out. 
• Check out the cardboard cathedral: Did you know there is a cathedral in Christchurch made up of wood recycled from the broken homes following the 2011 earthquake? While not technically made out of cardboard, this structure is a city icon.
• Ride the Christchurch gondola: This is the best place to go for a panoramic view of the city. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view. Enjoy a coffee at the cafe while taking in the panorama.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

As mentioned, we recommend renting a car or van and heading up north to the next destination once you arrive in Christchurch and spend a couple of hours checking out the city. But if you’ve got some extra time or want to rest before your big road trip, here are some of the top accommodation options in the city.

• Drifter Christchurch: Best Budget Option
• Designer Cottage: Best Mid-Range Option
• The George: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Christchurch

There are plenty of places to eat in Christchurch. If you want a bite to eat, here are some restaurants we recommend.

• Little High Eatery: A busy eatery or food court selling a wide range of diverse foods at reasonable prices.
• Twenty Seven Steps: One of the most popular special occasion restaurants in the city. Reservations required.
• Eightgrains Dumplings & Bao: Fantastic dumplings full of flavor. Slightly on the expensive side.
• LONDO: An amazing spot for dinner. Food and drinks are always on point here.

Day 1: Kaikoura

After leaving Christchurch, it’s time to hit the road and head up the coast to Kaikoura. Don’t worry; we’re starting off the road trip easy with a 2-and-a-half-hour drive.

Kaikoura is a tiny town that is known for its marine life and absolutely stunning scenery. This is the place to go to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Depending on the time of year, you can see sperm whales (pretty much guaranteed all year round), humpback whales, orcas, blue whales, southern right whales, and pilot whales, amongst other marine life. Beyond the wildlife from Kaikoura, you’ll see the Kaikoura Ranges on a clear day, which makes some absolutely stunning photos.

Word of warning: Whale tours may be canceled in Kaikoura if the weather is bad or if the sea is particularly choppy. Unfortunately, this was our experience. For the sake of this itinerary, we have only allowed for 1-day in Kaikoura, but if seeing whales is an absolute non-negotiable for you, we recommend being slightly flexible with your schedule to allow for cancelations.

Things to Do in Kaikoura

Of course, there’s one primary reason to come to Kaikoura, but let’s list all of the cool things you can do here.

• Do a whale watching tour: Of course, an absolute must-do activity while in Kaikoura is a whale watching tour. Book a tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura. They offer three tours a day (weather depending), and each of the tours is around 3 hours long. On this tour, you have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and seals. And tours, on average, will see 1 to 2 whales, with a 90% success rate. Not bad odds if you ask us! If you’re unlucky enough to not see any whales, the company will refund you 80% of the fare.
• Swim with dolphins: While you may see dolphins during the whale-watching tour, you can also book a specific dolphin encounter tour to see these amazing creatures up close. With Dolphin Encounter, you can book a tour that allows you to swim in the ocean with wild dolphins – a true bucket list activity! They provide all swimming equipment as a part of the tour.
• Walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: Walk alongside the rugged east coast of the South Island with the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. During the walk, you might see whales, dolphins, seals, and various birds. The entire walkway takes around three hours, but there are shorter tracks available as well.
• Kayak alongside seals: This seal kayaking adventure tour is a must if you want to explore the Kaikoura coast alongside New Zealand fur seals. The best part is that during your tour, your hands will be free to take photos of the playful seals as you’ll be pedaling your boat with your feet!

Where to Stay in Kaikoura

Now, it’s time for some much-needed rest after arriving at your first destination in the South Island. Here is where we recommend staying, depending on your budget.

• Dusky Lodge & Backpackers: Best Budget Option
• Brook House B&B & Cottages: Best Mid-Range Option
• Sudima Kaikoura: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Kaikoura

Of course, you’ll also need some food to fuel your wildlife adventures, so here’s where to go eat some good food in Kaikoura. Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of options, but as one of the main tourist destinations on this side of the South Island, you’ll still find some good restaurants with some research.

• Zephyr: High-quality superb food and great service at a reasonable price point.
• Flo & Co Kaikoura: The place to go to for brunch.
• Street Eats Kaikoura: Who knew you could find an authentic Malaysian restaurant in the middle of Kaikoura?
• Black Rabbit Pizza: The best spot in town if you’re craving some pizza.

Day 2: Marlborough

After spending a night in Kaikoura, you’ll hop into your car again and drive up north to the Marlborough region. Marlborough is often touted as New Zealand’s best wine region, so it’s time to relax and drink some world-renowned sauvignon blanc in the picturesque vineyards. It’s only about a two-hour drive to get to Blenheim, the main town you want to be in to explore the wineries of the region. We recommend getting to Blenheim early (ideally before lunch) so that you can hit all the wineries before they close at around 4 PM (some may close even earlier)!

Things to Do in Marlborough

While there is one main thing to do in the Marlborough region (drink wine), there’s also a cruise you can take if drinking wine is not for you.

• Taste some wine: First things first, you can’t come to the Marlborough region without tasting some wine, so you’ve got to hit some wineries. But where should you go? Our favorite Marlborough wineries in Blenheim are: Lawson’s Dry Hills, Cloudy Bay, Wither Hills, Saint Clair, Villa Maria, and Whitehaven. Each tasting at a winery will cost around $10, which can be comped off if you buy a bottle. If you want, you can also book a guided tour of several wineries in the Marlborough region.
• Do a Marlborough Sounds cruise: If you did not or are not planning to take a ferry down from Wellington or vice versa, you’ve got to take a Marlborough Sounds cruise to check out this natural wonder. Many of these tours offer lunch on the boat so that you can have a feast while taking in the views. This half-day cruise is perfect for those on a tighter time schedule!

Where to Stay in Marlborough

Here’s where to spend the night during your time in the Marlborough region. After some wine, you’re going to want to ideally stay in Blenheim, but Picton is a great choice as well.

• Tombstone Motel, Lodge & Backpackers (Picton): Best Budget Option
• Two Tree Lodge (Blenheim): Best Mid-Range Option
• Carnmore Chateau Marlborough (Blenheim): Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Marlborough

Wine can’t be your only sustenance while you’re in the Marlborough region! Here are some food options to keep you fueled up.

• Gramado’s: Fancy Brazilian food with delicious flavors and amazing service.
• Wither Hills: While you can eat good food at most wineries in Blenheim, a special shoutout to Wither Hills, which serves tasty food with tons of variety.
• Frank’s Oyster Bar & Eatery: Have some delicious seafood at Frank’s!
• Toastie Lords: If you’re in Picton and craving a toastie (toasted sandwich), there’s no better place to go.

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to see and do here. This national park is a coastal paradise, making summer the best time to visit this area, when you can experience the stunning sandy beaches and native wildlife, including tui, little blue penguins, and fur seals.

The drive to the national park from Blenheim is very easy. Most likely, you will be staying in either Kaiteriteri or Marahau, which are both around 2 and a half hours away.

Things to Do in Abel Tasman National Park

Here are the top things you should do when you visit this gorgeous national park.

• Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track: If you are only staying here for one night, you won’t have the time to do this. But if you want to extend your stay in the national park, we highly recommend trying the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This 60 km track is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand and takes anywhere between 3 and 5 days to complete. This walk takes you from Marahau to Wainui Bay, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views along the way.
• Take a water taxi to other beaches: Water taxis are the most convenient way to explore the Abel Tasman coastline. Water taxis only leave from Marahau or Kaiteriteri (during the summer months). They can take you to Anchorage, Bark Bay, Onetahuti, Awaroa, and Totaranui, with a one-way ride costing around $50 to $65, depending on where you want to go.
• Go sea kayaking: Abel Tasman is the sea kayaking capital of New Zealand. So, if you’d like to explore the coast, rent a kayak and discover the bays and beaches of the national park.
• Go seal and dolphin watching: From the beaches, you might be lucky enough to spot some dolphins and seals in the area. So, always keep a lookout, whether you’re on the beach or in a kayak or water taxi.

Where to Stay in Abel Tasman National Park

While you can have your pick when it comes to where to stay at the Abel Tasman National Park, we recommend staying at Kaiteriteri or Marahau for the convenience. Keep in mind that if you plan to do the Coastal Track, you’ll need to book the huts and campsites on the way in advance, as it is a very popular activity.

• The Barn (Marahau): Best Budget Option
• Abel Tasman Kaiteriteri B&B (Kaiteriteri): Best Mid-Range Option
• Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments (Kaiteriteri): Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Abel Tasman National Park

With all the walking you’ll no doubt be doing, you’ll want to eat some good food during your stay. Here are our restaurant recommendations.

• Hooked on Marahau: A restaurant with a chill vibe, serving small and large plates.
• “The Views” Vegetarian Restaurant: Delicious seasonal vegetarian dishes.
• Molly B’s: A busy restaurant selling delicious classic NZ dishes.
• Totos Cafe & Pizzeria: For a delicious wood-fired pizza, head here!

Day 4: Upper West Coast

After spending a night up at the north coast, it’s time to head down south to view some of the magnificent landscapes the South Island is known for. But instead of heading straight down to the more popular and famous Franz Josef Glacier, we recommend breaking up the trip by spending a night on the Upper West Coast. While it may not be as famous, there are still plenty of things to do and see on this part of the West Coast!

To get to the Upper West Coast, you’ll be driving south through Upper and Lower Buller Gorge. From Marahau/Kaiteriteri, the drive to Lower Buller Gorge is a bit over 3 hours. Then, from there, you’ll continue on south while taking in the stunning views.

Things to Do in the Upper West Coast

The great thing about the West Coast is that you can pick your own adventure. There’s honestly so much to do, even on the upper end of the coast!

• Explore the Buller Gorge: To get to the Upper West Coast area, you’ll drive past Buller Gorge, a stunning river flowing through a canyon. While you can simply admire the views during the drive, you can stop by the country’s longest swingbridge or try your hand at zip-lining if you’d like to break it up.
• Go glow-worm rafting at Charleston: From Lower Buller Gorge, continue south for just 15 minutes, and you’ll reach Charleston. From here, you’ll head to Te Ananui, a cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and, of course, galaxies of glowworms on the roof of the cave. During this experience, you’ll float in your tube down the river—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure! Keep in mind you’ve got to book this experience beforehand.
• Check out the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes: Continuing south from Charleston, after about a 30-minute drive, you’ll arrive at Punakaiki, where you can do the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, an easy 20-minute loop. Here, you’ll admire the unique limestone formations.
• Marvel at the Hokitika Gorge: Hokitika Gorge is roughly 1-and-a-half hours south of Punakaiki. Hokitika Gorge features a couple of different walks, taking you around the Scenic Reserve. We recommend the Hokitika Gorge Track, a 45-minute walk that takes you through the bush, alongside the river, and on a suspension bridge.

Where to Stay on the Upper West Coast

While there aren’t the most accommodation options on the Upper West Coast, you can pick and choose an area that best suits your road trip plans. Here are some accommodation options we recommend staying at on the Upper West Coast.

• Te Nikau Retreat (Punakaiki): Best Budget Option
• 3 Mile BnB (Hokitika): Best Mid-Range Option
• Punakaiki Forest Retreat (Punakaiki): Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants on the Upper West Coast

What about some places to eat? There aren’t a ton of food options in this part of New Zealand, but you can fuel up at these eateries.

• Charleston Tavern (Charleston): A cute tavern in Charleston serving classic pub fare.
• Jimmy Cook’s Restaurant (Greymouth): A popular restaurant situated in a hotel serving classic NZ food.
• Korath Thai Cuisine (Hokitika): A simple restaurant serving Thai food.

Day 5 to 6: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

After a night on the Upper West Coast, you’ll continue your journey south to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These glaciers are a definite highlight on any trip to the South Island of New Zealand. Here, you can participate in a huge range of outdoor activities, including glacier hiking, heli-hiking, and hot pools to balance out the cold. After spending the past few days on the coast, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve jumped into a completely different world the moment you behold the glaciers on the horizon!

At this point, you’ve been moving from destination to destination with no stopping point. So, it’s time to take a break and spend 2 nights at Franz Josef Glacier, giving you enough time to do all the activities you want to do.

And don’t worry; the drive to Franz Josef Glacier from Hokitika is not too long, taking around 2 hours.

Things to Do in Franz Josef Glacier

Where do you even begin when listing the things to do in the area? You definitely won’t be able to do all of these activities during your time here, so pick and choose what is a priority for you!

• Do the Franz Josef Glacier Walk: One of the most popular walks in the area is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk. This easy 1.4 km walk takes just 20 minutes, but along the way, you’ll find plenty of birds and gorgeous views. This is the best free way to see the Franz Josef Glacier, but it’s worth noting that you may not be able to see it as the glacier is, unfortunately, retreating.
• Visit Lake Matheson: One of the most stunning walks in the Glacier Country is the Lake Matheson walk, a 4.4 km loop that will take you around 1.5 hours. Make sure to stop at the viewpoints for amazing views of the surroundings and glaciers. To really take advantage of the reflections in the lake, aim to go during dawn or dusk.
• Do the Peters Pool Walk: Peters Pool is a very scenic lake with the most stunning mountain backdrop. If you head here on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with an impossibly clear reflection of the glacier valley and mountains. This is a family-friendly 1.1 km return walk that takes just half an hour.
• Take a helicopter to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: If you’re up for a bit of an adventure but unsure about hiking in the glacier, we HIGHLY recommend going on a scenic helicopter ride to see the glaciers up close. During this helicopter trip (plus a snow landing!), you’ll see Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman glaciers.
• Go sky diving: There are a few different destinations in New Zealand where you can go skydiving, but Franz Josef Glacier would definitely be one of the best places to do it! You can book your Franz Josef skydiving experience here.
• Do a heli-hike: One of the most popular activities at Franz Josef is a heli-hike. During this tour, you kill two birds with one stone by taking a helicopter ride to the glacier and walking around with a knowledgeable guide. Don’t worry; all hiking and safety equipment are included. Pick between a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike and a Fox Glacier heli-hike.
• Relax in the hot pools: After hiking all day, the only thing you’ll want to do is relax in a hot pool. Head to the Waiho Hot Pools to get yourself a private, wood-fired hot tub in the middle of the rainforest.

Where to Stay in Franz Josef Glacier

So, where should you stay during your 2 nights at Franz Josef Glacier? Here are our recommendations.

• Glow Worm Accommodation: Best Budget Option
• 10 Cottages: Best Mid-Range Option
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Franz Josef Glacier

You’ll definitely want to eat some good food after all that hiking and adventure sports you’ll be participating in! Here are some of the best restaurants in the area.

• Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar: Cozy restaurant selling classic NZ foods.
• SnakeBite Brewery: The best place to go for a good beer and pretty good Asian food.
• Matheson Cafe: A very cute cafe with a stunning view of the landscape.
• Alice May Restaurant: A rustic restaurant with an interesting history selling classic NZ fare.

Day 7 to 8: Queenstown

From Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, you will need to buckle up for a bit of a journey! Featuring the longest single stretch drive on this New Zealand South Island itinerary, you will be driving around 5 hours south, all the way to Queenstown. Feel free to stop by one of the many stunning viewpoints along the way.

If you were to go to just one destination in the South Island, most would pick Queenstown (this town is one of the best places to live in NZ for digital nomads). Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital and is perfectly situated to explore its surroundings, making it the arguably most famous destination in the South Island, if not the whole of New Zealand. Here, you can take in the lovely lake and mountain views while partaking in thrill-seeking adventure activities like bungee jumping or simply relaxing in a spa. You can pick your own adventure in Queenstown!

But the best part? After about a week of being in tiny towns, you’ll be happy to be in society once again. In fact, Queenstown boasts some really delicious eateries and a lively nightlife!

Psst! Want to be a digital nomad in Queenstown? Check out our New Zealand digital nomad visa guide.

Things to Do in Queenstown

Where to even begin? Queenstown is one of our favorite destinations in New Zealand, and there’s an endless list of activities to do here. Here are some of the main things to do.

• Go skydiving: In our opinion, one of the best places to skydive in New Zealand is Queenstown. Here, you can pick a 9,000-, 12,000-, or 15,000-foot drop, which includes up to 60 seconds of freefall and a 3-4 minute flight under canopy. You can really admire the dramatic Queenstown scenery while in the air. Book a skydiving experience with NZONE here.
• Bungy jump or canyon swing: If you don’t want to fully jump into skydiving, another adrenaline-seeking activity that’s just as thrilling is a bungy jump or canyon swing. In fact, did you know that Queenstown is the home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump? You can pick between a bungy jump and the Nevis 300-meter swing, but if you feel daring enough, why not do both? Book your bungy jump or canyon swing here.
• Try your hand at paragliding: If freefalling with skydiving and bungy jumping both sound too intense for you, there is yet another extreme sports activity you could partake in: paragliding. Paragliding is a much smoother and calmer experience, where you can still take in the views from the air without having your heart jump out of your chest (unless you are afraid of heights, that is!). You can book a Queenstown tandem paragliding adventure here.
• Go up to Skyline Queenstown: Going to Skyline Queenstown is the easiest way to get a good view of Queenstown and the surrounding areas. At the bottom, you’ll find a gondola station that’ll take you up to Bob’s Peak in just a few minutes. From here, we highly recommend riding the luge, which is also a popular activity in Rotorua, if you’re ever up in the North Island. At Skyline, you can also have a meal with a view, ride a zipline, mountain bike, or go stargazing.
• Taste some wine: Did you know that Central Otago (where Queenstown is located) is one of New Zealand’s best wine regions? You can either have a designated driver take you around to the nearby wineries or book a winery tour that can take you to the top spots. Or, if you’d like some more flexibility, there’s an option of taking a Hop on Hop off wine tour. Some of our favorite Central Otago wineries are: Gibbston Valley, Mt Rosa, Peregrine Wines, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, and Mora Wines.
• Take a thrilling jet boat tour: Like bungy jumping, jet boat tours got their start in Queenstown as well. While there are a few jet companies to choose from, our recommendations are Shotover Jet and KJet, both of which offer a super fun and exhilarating time! The Shotover Jet is a great choice for those on a time crunch, as it is a 30-minute jet boat tour with frequent departures. And KJet gives you up to one hour on the water. Both jet boat tours offer stunning views as well as those famous 360-degree spins and turns!
• Relax in the Onsen Hot Pools: After running around, hiking, and participating in those heart-pumping activities, you will want to relax come the evening. There’s no better place to do that than at the Onsen Hot Pools. The Onsen Hot Pools are a luxurious private hot pool experience that offers amazing views of the landscape.
• Explore the Queenstown Gardens: If you want to do something more relaxing during the day, we recommend taking a stroll through the Queenstown Gardens, a botanical garden next to the waterfront. The gardens feature an easy 1.5-hour walk that takes you through the gardens and alongside Lake Wakatipu.
• Go skiing or snowboarding: If you visit Queenstown during the winter, an activity you absolutely cannot miss out on is skiing or snowboarding. The ski areas in Queenstown are Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona. Queenstown also has a fun apres-ski culture that you’ll appreciate after a hard day on the slopes!
• Walk the Ben Lomond Track: After all the adventure sports, if you’re up for a challenging hike, one of the classic hikes to do in Queenstown is the Ben Lomond Track, which offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys of the area. This is a difficult day hike that takes around 6 to 8 hours return.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

You have many accommodation options in Queenstown that suit any budget!

Hot tip: Queenstown is a very popular destination for New Zealanders and foreign travelers alike in the summer months, so you should always BOOK AHEAD OF TIME. If there are no more accommodation options, you can also book a place to stay in Arrowtown or Frankton.

• Absoloot Hostel Queenstown: Best Budget Option
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Best Mid-Range Option
• The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartment: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Queenstown

Some of our favorite restaurants in New Zealand are in Queenstown. In fact, some of these restaurants are tourist attractions in their own right! Here are our favorite places to eat in town.

• Fergburger: Probably one of the most iconic places to eat in all of Queenstown. They serve amazing burgers. An absolute must when in Queenstown!
• Fergbaker: Located right by Fergburger, this sister cafe serves baked goods. Try some of their amazing pies!
• Blue Kanu: Delicious Asian-fusion. We highly recommend trying the “Feed Me” set menu!
• Flame Bar & Grill: Craving meat? This is the best spot for meat lovers in Queenstown!
• FINZ Seafood & Grill: If you want to eat any kind of seafood, this is the restaurant to go to.
• Bella Cucina: Delicious Italian food.
• Margo’s Queenstown: Amazing margaritas and Mexican food.

Day 9: Te Anau

After a fun time in Queenstown, it’s time to head to the serene town of Te Anau. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau. The drive from Queenstown is just an easy 2 hours. Once you arrive, you can simply relax and take in the gorgeous scenery (the big activity you’ll do here is Day 10, so it might be worth taking a break if you’re feeling exhausted at this point!), do a hike, or visit a glowworm cave—what you pick is up to you!

Though you will only spend one day exploring the Te Anau area, you will technically be staying two nights in Te Anau, as on Day 10, you will be taking a day trip to Milford Sound. And, of course, Milford Sound deserves a day on this (or really any NZ) itinerary on its own!

Things to Do in Te Anau

There are a fair few things to do during your time in Te Anau. As with Queenstown, feel free to pick and choose what you want to do.

• Explore the glowworm caves: If you haven’t seen any glowworms yet during your time in New Zealand, this is your last chance on this South Island itinerary! At Te Anau, you can cruise alongside the caves while you marvel at the glowworms glowing above as you punt through the grotto. You can book a glowworm cave tour here.
• Do a scenic Lake Te Anau cruise: Another relaxing tour you can do at Te Anau is a cruise of the lake itself! This tour combines a cruise of the lake on a small yacht as well as a guided walk in Fiordland National Park, which includes some stunning mountain views.
• Walk the Kepler Track: About a five-minute drive from the town, you’ll find the trailhead of Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Of course, if you have the time to spare, you can do the full 4-day/3-night tour, but you can also do shorter walks that take around a couple of hours. These shorter tracks are to Dock Bay and Brod Bay or Rainbow Reach.
• Go birding at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary: New Zealand is home to some really interesting birds you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the world. If you’d like to get to know these birds, visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Entry is free, but you can book a guided tour as well.

Where to Stay in Te Anau

Here are some accommodation options we recommend during your stay in Te Anau.

• Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers: Best Budget Option
• Annies on Milford: Best Mid-Range Option
• Dunlace Boutique B&B: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Te Anau

What about places to eat? Here are some of the best-rated restaurants we recommend in the area.

• Sandfly Cafe: The best place in Te Anau for breakfast and brunch.
• The Fat Duck: A local favorite serving good pub food.
• The Ranch Bar & Grill: A restaurant serving a good range of dishes, including burgers, salads, and various meat dishes.
• Ditto: Creative Asian fusion in a cozy space.

Day 10: Milford Sound

Wake up bright and early at Te Anau, and get ready to explore what is often considered an eighth wonder of the world. The moment you behold the awe-inspiring fiords, you’ll know why. No trip to the South Island is complete without a tour of Milford Sound. With towering cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and still waters, the scenery will be unlike anything you’ve seen before.

The cruise starts at Milford Sound, so you’ll need to drive around 2 hours to get here from Te Anau. So, depending on your tour time, make sure to time it properly!

One alternative to Milford Sound, if you’re up for an adventure, is Doubtful Sound. You can book a Doubtful Sound tour from Te Anau here.

Where to Stay in Milford Sound

Most travelers will stay in Te Anau, so check the accommodation options for Te Anau for this!

Day 11 to 12: Wanaka

After spending a couple of nights in Te Anau, it’s time to drive to one of our favorite towns in New Zealand, Wanaka. This picturesque town is located right by Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by mountains. It’s often touted as the quieter, more serene version of Queenstown. Wanaka offers incredible outdoor and indoor activities alike!

Wanaka is around a 3-hour drive from Te Anau. Try to leave as early as possible to reach Wanaka by lunchtime.

You’ll need at least two nights in Wanaka, as you’ll need that extra night to recover from the Roy’s Peak hike, which is an absolute must-do!

Things to Do in Wanaka

There are so many things to do in Wanaka. You won’t have time to do everything, so pick and choose a few activities from below.

• Take pictures of #ThatWanakaTree: The most iconic photo of Wanaka is no doubt a picture of #ThatWanakaTree, which is a lone willow tree near the shoreline. It’s an easy 20 to 30-minute walk from town, so you can walk along the shoreline as you get up close.
• Climb Roy’s Peak: Even if you’re not a hiker, one thing you absolutely cannot miss out on during your stay in Wanaka is the Roy’s Peak hike. This is honestly one of the most stunning hikes we have ever done, and we couldn’t recommend it more. This 16 km (10 mile) hike takes around 5 to 7 hours to complete, and at the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Aspiring National Park. Of course, about 1.5 km from the top, you have to take a picture at that iconic lookout and photo spot. A top tip from us: Try to go earlier than later, as this hike has absolutely ZERO shade, and the sun can be pretty intense.
• Walk around Wanaka Lavender Farm: One of the most beautiful places to visit in Wanaka is the lavender farm. While you can visit this farm all year round, it’s best to visit in the summer when the lavender is in bloom. Here, you can explore the gardens, try their lavender and honey products, and hang out with some animals.
• Get confused at Puzzling World: If you’re looking for an indoor activity, we highly recommend checking out Puzzling World. Here, you’ll walk through illusion rooms that’ll really mess with your brain. And at the end, you can walk through a huge maze, which is a lot more difficult than you think!
• Check out the National Transport & Toy Museum: Another great rainy day activity in Wanaka is the National Transport & Toy Museum, which contains one of the world’s largest private collections of aircraft, vehicles, and toys. This is the collection of Gerald Rhodes and is the perfect activity to do with kids.
• Do a Lake Wanaka cruise: Of course, where there’s a lake, you’ve got to take some kind of cruise! Check out this 1-hour cruise, including wine and cheese board.
• Go skiing: Visiting Wanaka in the wintertime? Go skiing at one of the nearby ski resorts: Cardrona or Treble Cone!
• Climb a waterfall: If you’re up for an adventure, you’ve got to try climbing a waterfall! In fact, the waterfall climb in Wanaka is considered to be the world’s highest waterfall cable climb! When you first look up at the Twin Falls Waterfall, it can feel very daunting, but you will be in safe hands the whole time as you climb via ferrata as well as suspension bridges and tightropes! You can book a waterfall climb here. Lunch, snacks, and safety equipment are all included.
• Visit a winery (or two): There are a few different wineries to visit if you want to wind down after some adventures. Some of our favorite wineries in the area are Rippon, Nanny Goat, Aitken’s, and Maude.
• Go skydiving: Just like Queenstown, Wanaka is another top spot for skydiving. If you haven’t tried your hand at skydiving yet, now’s your chance to jump from up to 15,000 feet! You can book your skydiving experience with Skydive Wanaka.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

There are many amazing accommodation options in Wanaka. Here are three great places to choose from.

• Adventure Wanaka Hostel: Best Budget Option
• The Moorings Motel and Apartments: Best Mid-Range Option
• Lakeside Apartments: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Wanaka

We had an amazing time hopping around from restaurant to restaurant when we visited Wanaka. While Wanaka may not be the biggest town, there are some real gems when it comes to food.

• Big Fig: Absolutely delicious and healthy food, where you pick and choose what goes on your plate.
• Francesca: A must-eat for Italian food.
• Kika: Craving something slightly fancier? Amazing food. Get the chef’s choice.
• Bistro Gentil: French dining with amazing ambiance.
• Red Star Burger Bar: No frills burger restaurant.
• Tititea Steak House: No better place to go to for a good old steak.
• Federal Diner: A local’s favorite for brunch.
• Bombay Palace: The place to go to for Indian food.
• Cardrona Hotel: Iconic restaurant serving classic pub food.

Day 13: Mount Cook National Park

After spending two nights in Wanaka, it’s time to get back in that car and drive around 2 hours to Mount Cook National Park. On the drive, you will drive past the gorgeous Lake Pukaki. You should 100% stop to take some pictures of the view.

Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and is an absolute must-visit for anybody traveling around the South Island. This National Park offers the most amazing hiking opportunities (some of which are super family-friendly) and the most gorgeous night sky that you’ll appreciate for hours when the sun goes down.

Things to Do in Mount Cook National Park

Of course, when in Mount Cook, you’ll need to hike! There are a few different options to choose from, and whatever you pick, you really can’t go wrong.

• Hike the Hooker Valley track: The most popular hike in Mount Cook National Park by far is the Hooker Valley track, which is an absolute must if you’ve never been in this area before. This is a very easy 3-hour return walk and is considered by many to be one of the best short walks in the country. The trail is well-marked and even, making it easily accessible for people of all fitness levels. This hike takes you to Hooker Lake, where you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible scenery. When we did this hike, we even saw a couple of mini avalanches, which was pretty incredible to watch from a safe distance!
• Walk up the steps on the Sealy Tarns Track: If you want a slightly more challenging walk, the Sealy Tarns Track may be for you. This 3 to 4-hour hike is pretty steep and includes 2,200 steps, which is often dubbed the “stairway to heaven.” These steps take you up the Sealy Tarns freshwater lakes and include stunning views of the Hooker valleys and mountains in the area, including Mount Cook/Aoraki, of course. 
• Walk the Mueller Hut Route: If you’re up for an overnight adventure, the best hiking trail is the Mueller Hut Route. This track is 4 hours each way and is around 10 km in total. This trail takes you to a hut, where you’ll spend the night in one of the 28 beds, which you’ll need to pre-book. While this hike is fairly moderate during the summer months, if you are attempting this when it’s colder, you’ll need proper mountaineering experience and equipment.
• Hike to Kea Point: The hike to Kea Point can be anywhere between 1 and 2 hours, depending on where you start the hike. From the campground, it’s an easy 1-hour return hike, but it’s double that from the village. Once you’ve determined your starting point, you’ll head to one of the most stunning lookout points of Mount Cook, where you’ll see it reflected on a glacial lake. We recommend heading here around sunset time for the best views.
• Heli-hike the Tasman Glacier: The Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand, measuring a whopping 27 km long! If you want to get up close and personal with this glacier, do a heli-hike, which starts with a scenic helicopter flight to the glacier and a two-hour hike with an experienced guide. You can book this activity here.
• Gaze at the night sky: Mount Cook Village is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This means you’ll get some of the best star-gazing opportunities that you’ll ever get. While you can do a Big Sky Stargazing tour, you can also simply look up at the sky after sunset to admire the stars and the Milky Way.

Where to Stay in Mount Cook National Park

If you stay at the National Park, you will likely be spending the night in Mount Cook village or the campground. And if you are doing the overnight Mueller Hut hike, you can begin the hike immediately when you arrive at the starting point and hike up to the hut, where you’ll spend the night. If you are doing the Mueller Hut hike, don’t forget to book the hut in advance. It’s a very popular hike that books up fast!

You also have the option of staying in Lake Tekapo instead, which is the next stop. From Lake Tekapo, you can simply take a day trip to Mount Cook National Park, which is around an hour’s drive away.

• White Horse Hill Campground: Best Budget Option
• Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook: Best Mid-Range Option
• Aoraki Court Motel: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Mount Cook National Park

You should bring your own food when staying the night in Mount Cook National Park. And don’t worry; the campground has cooking facilities. While you will technically be able to find food in the village, we wouldn’t recommend eating at any of the restaurants unless you are in a pinch, so we won’t bother recommending any here, as there really aren’t any standouts.

Day 14: Lake Tekapo

After spending a night in Mount Cook, hop back in the car to head to our final destination on this New Zealand South Island itinerary: Lake Tekapo. Just a 1-hour drive away, Lake Tekapo is known for its stunning blue waters, amazing mountain backdrop, and clear night skies. This is a peaceful destination to end your awesome South Island trip, with plenty of opportunities to go on more adventures and relax before your flight back home from Christchurch! Keep in mind it’s an almost 3-hour drive to the Christchurch Airport.

If you’ve ever seen those classic photos of purple and pink lupins on a lake in the South Island of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo is a classic spot to see these gorgeous flowers. Unfortunately, the lupin flowering season is relatively short from mid-to-late November to early February (if you’re lucky), so you’ll only be able to see them if you are traveling New Zealand in the summer.

Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

So, it’s your last night in the South Island, and you want to make it count. Don’t worry; there’s plenty to do at Lake Tekapo that’ll ensure your last day and night in the South Island is one you’ll remember for years to come.

• Relax in Tekapo Springs: At Tekapo Springs, you can rest your body in the different hot pools. Here, you can soak in the warm waters while taking in the lake and mountain views. Tekapo Springs also has an 18-hole mini golf course and kid-friendly pools as well if you are looking for some family-friendly activities.
• Check out the Church of the Good Shepherd: One of the most famous photo spots in all of New Zealand is the picture of the Church of the Good Shepherd. While the church itself is not much to look at inside (for stunning churches, you’ll need to go to Rome!), it’s the combination of the quaint building with the amazing backdrop that makes this so iconic.
• Walk around the lake: Of course, there’s no better way to admire this beautiful lake than by walking around it. There are a few different walks around Lake Tekapo, including Lake Tekapo foreshore, Pines Beach walkway, and Cowan’s Hill walkway, amongst others.
• Do a stargazing tour: As with Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. If you haven’t done a stargazing tour already, this is another great spot to learn all about the night sky in New Zealand. You can book a stargazing tour with Chameleon here.
• Take pictures of the lupins: As already mentioned, Lake Tekapo is a premier spot for checking out lupins in the South Island of New Zealand. While an invasive species, there’s no denying how gorgeous these flowers are. Snap some pictures of these pink and purple flowers with the backdrop of the turquoise lake behind them for a classic New Zealand photo.
• Kayak or SUP on the lake: If it’s summer, take advantage of the warmer weather by getting out onto the lake via kayak or SUP. You can rent the equipment with Paddle Tekapo.

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo

Here are the places we recommend staying at while spending a night in Lake Tekapo.

• Haka House Lake Tekapo: Best Budget Option
• Lake Tekapo Village Motel: Best Mid-Range Option
• The Mackenzie Suites: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Lake Tekapo

After a night at the Mount Cook National Park, where there aren’t any good places to eat, you’re going to want to eat some yummy food before heading up on a flight back home. Thankfully, Lake Tekapo has a few standout restaurants we love.

• Monster Kitchen: This food truck has one of the best fried chicken burgers we’ve ever had.
• Dark Sky Diner: A cozy restaurant with a good atmosphere, great food, and an even better view.
• The Better Batter: The best place to get affordable fish and chips.
• The Greedy Cow Cafe: This is our recommendation for brunch.
• Dolce Pizza: Craving pizza? Head here for some wood-fired pizza.

Where Else to Go in South Island New Zealand

If you have more time on your New Zealand South Island itinerary, you can either spend more time at one of the above destinations or add some more places to visit. If you’re not sure where else to go, we’ve got you! Here are other awesome spots worth visiting in the South Island of New Zealand:

• Nelson: Nelson is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. If you want to spend more time up north, spend a night here exploring the art scene and stunning beaches.
• Hanmer Springs: An alpine town not far from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis, featuring natural hot pools and stunning landscapes.
• Oamaru: Oamaru is honestly such a hidden gem. This city boasts Victorian architecture, a little blue penguin colony, a steampunk museum, and some really good food.
• Dunedin: A university town through and through, Dunedin has well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture, rare wildlife, and natural wonders. If you’re craving a bit of city life during your tour of the South Island, come here!
• The Catlins: The Catlins offers rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and waterfalls to explore. Located at the southernmost point of NZ, you’ll experience something very different and wild here than the rest of the South Island.

What to Pack for the South Island

What you pack will depend on when you go to the South Island. The most popular travel months for the South Island are December, January, and February, as these months coincide with the summer months. So, here is what you’ll need to pack if you are traveling the South Island in the summer.

Quick disclaimer: Unlike most popular summer destinations, you’ll need to pack for all seasons when traveling the South Island, as temperatures can range from 7 to 30 degrees C (45 to 86 F).

• 6-7 tops (t-shirts and tanks)
• 2 pairs of shorts (plus 1 skirt if you want!)
• 2 dresses or nicer shirts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2-3 swimsuits
• 1 set of pajamas
• 2 sets of workout and hiking clothes
• 1 rain jacket
• 1-2 sweaters
• 7+ pairs of underwear
• 7+ pairs of wool socks
• Hiking shoes
• Running shoes
• Flip flops
• 1 hat
• Sunglasses

You’ll likely spend some time on glaciers, which can be cold, but if you do a glacier heli-hike, the company you go with will likely provide all cold-weather clothing as well as other ice hiking equipment if needed.

You should check out our full New Zealand packing list for a more detailed guide of everything you should pack for your trip to the South Island.

Transportation Guide for New Zealand’s South Island

Okay, so now that we’ve got the New Zealand South Island itinerary out of the way, it’s important to discuss what options you have in terms of transportation. What’s the best way to get around the island? You have a couple of different options to choose from.

By Car

The best option to get around the South Island is by car. Rent a car at any major city in the North or South Island and start your drive around the country. Traveling around the South Island by car gives you the flexibility to figure out your own schedule and itinerary for your trip instead of working around bus or plane schedules (more on this below). Just keep in mind that in New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road. But even if you’re used to driving on the right side, you’ll get used to the road pretty quickly.

However, one thing to keep in mind: If you plan to travel the South Island in the winter, you should ideally be comfortable navigating winter roads, particularly with dangerous black ice. If you aren’t, stick to routes that don’t go too off the beaten path.

By Van

If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, another similar option you have is to rent a van. There are a few campervan companies you can rent from, one of the most popular being JUCY. The great thing about renting a van is that you have even more flexibility than a car, as you can basically set up shop wherever you want (if you have a self-contained vehicle, that is). So, you don’t have to book accommodation beforehand or worry about finding a place to stay during the busy summer months, in particular.

By Bus

Technically, you can travel the South Island by bus. While we don’t recommend this mode of transport, if you do not feel comfortable driving in New Zealand, this option is available for you. Intercity connects all of the major South Island destinations by bus, but you’ll need to work around the bus schedule, as it is not too frequent.

By Plane

A final option is getting around the island by plane. This option is expensive and not very sustainable, so we don’t recommend it. But it is, technically speaking, an option for those who want to travel in this manner. The South Island has airports in Christchurch, Nelson, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, Blenheim, and Invercargill. But this option offers the least amount of flexibility. And once you arrive at the airport at any chosen town or city, you’ll likely need to rent a car or ride a bus anyway in order to do a lot of the activities the South Island is known for.

FAQ

How many days do you need to see the South Island New Zealand?

To really see everything the South Island of New Zealand has to offer, we recommend spending at least 14 days on the island. While you can technically do it in fewer days, you will either need to cut out some key destinations or rush through the trip.

What is the best way to travel around the South Island of New Zealand?

The absolute best way to travel around the South Island of New Zealand is by car or van. With a car or van, you have the flexibility to drive around the entire island whenever you want instead of being at the mercy of a bus or plane schedule.

What are the best months to visit South Island NZ?

Generally speaking, December to February or March tend to be the most popular months to visit the South Island of New Zealand. But if you want snow, you should go between June and August. But beware that the winter months may lead to more dangerous road conditions.

Should I spend more time in the North or South Island of New Zealand?

This depends on what you are looking to get out of your New Zealand trip and what you prioritize. If you prefer beaches and cultural activities or want to visit Lord of the Rings film sets, you should spend more time in the North Island. But if you want to partake in outdoor adventures and take in otherworldly beauty, you should spend more time in the South Island.

Is 1 week enough for South Island, New Zealand?

Honestly speaking, you will need more than 1 week to properly see the South Island. We would recommend at least spending 2 weeks to make the most out of your trip!

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