South Island in 2 Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary [2022]

Day 1 – Christchurch to Kaikoura

Drive Time: 2h15mins

Welcome to the South Island! As soon as you get your rental vehicle it’s time to hit the road. (Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Christchurch later). Head toward Kaikoura, the marine wildlife mecca of New Zealand. The drive is a scenic one along the coast until you reach the small coastal town. Although you have a full day to make the most of Kaikoura tomorrow, there is so much to do that you can start exploring straight away!

Things to Do in Kaikoura

• Walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway with multiple viewpoints over seal colonies
• Catch a scenic flight to see whales from the sky with Wings Over Whales (more info and book tickets on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Join a wildlife boat tour whether to see whales, dolphins or albatross – check out the 5 Best Wildlife Activities in Kaikoura to compare experiences
• Try some famous Kaikoura crayfish at Nins Bin
• Get a surf lesson with a local surf school.

Learn more about each experience and more in the 15 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura.

Accommodation in Kaikoura

Take a look at the 10 Best Hotels in Kaikoura or 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura to compare accommodations. Otherwise, here’s a quick list of recommendations:

Budget:

• Dusky Lodge & Backpackers
• Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

Mid-range:

• Kaikoura Quality Suites
• Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
• Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

Luxury:

• Fyffe Country Lodge
• The Fairways at Ocean Ridge

Day 2 – Kaikoura

Drive Time: 0 Hours

Because there is so much to do in Kaikoura, we recommend spending the day doing any activities you missed yesterday. Plus, here are some more things to do in Kaikoura, which are best done if you are spending a whole day here.

More Things to Do in Kaikoura

• Hike Mt Fyffe for some epic views. It’s 5 hours return to the hut or 8 hours return to the summit
• Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat with Dolphin Encounter
• Swim with playful New Zealand fur seals with Seal Swim Kaikoura (more info on Viator or Tripadvisor).

Again, get much more ideas in our 13 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura.

Day 3 – Kaikoura to Nelson (via Marlborough)

Drive Time: 3h30mins

You have a long drive ahead today but there’s plenty of reasons to stop along the way to Nelson! Halfway on the route is the town of Blenheim in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. Take a wine-tasting tour or hire some bikes from a couple of hours and do some vineyard-hopping. (Remember to not drink your tastings, designated driver). We recommend Explore Marlborough for their self-guided and guided tours – find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Alternatively, once you reach Havelock, take a boat cruise out into the Marlborough Sounds (such as the Greenshell Mussell Cruise – on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook) or join a kayaking tour down the Pelorus River – one of The Hobbit filming locations. Then you will reach New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson, where you will have more opportunities to explore tomorrow.

Things to Do Between Kaikoura and Nelson

• Do a winery-hopping tour in Blenheim with Marlborough Wine Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Visit the Omaka Aviation Centre in Blenheim (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Cruise on the Marlborough Sounds from Havelock on the  Greenshell Mussell Cruise (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Kayak or do one of the many stunning walks by the Pelorus River (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do part of the Link Pathway Track from Havelock.

Get more details on these activities, as well as more ideas from the 13 Best Things to Do in Blenheim and 9 Best Things to Do in Havelock.

Accommodation in Nelson

Pick out your favourites from our 10 Best Hotels in Nelson and 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Nelson or simply book a stay to one of the following:

Budget:

• The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar
• Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
• The Sails Nelson
• Bridge Backpackers

Mid-range:

• Delorenzo Studio Apartments
• Boutique Hotel Warwick House

Luxury:

• Grand Arden Nelson Monaco
• Joya Garden & Villa Studios

Day 4 – Nelson (Abel Tasman National Park)

Drive Time: 0 – 1 hour

Nelson is the gateway to three national parks in the South Island. One of which is the Abel Tasman National Park, full of pristine golden sand beaches backed with lush forest. Tours operate from Nelson daily taking you into the Abel Tasman National Park via Kaiteriteri. Either drive to Kaiteriteri yourself (1 hour one way) for maximum flexibility or take one of the shuttle services. In Kaiteriteri, you have a great deal of Abel Tasman options from kayaking tours, water taxis to hikes, or boat tours.

Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park

• Take a water taxi to do a day hike of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with Wilsons Abel Tasman
• Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park with Wilsons
• Take a boat tour to explore the bays and beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park
• Board a sailing trip into the national park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do some mountain biking in Kaiteriteri, Nelson or in the Abel Tasman National Park.

And that’s not all! Check out the 11 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park for more ideas.

Day 5 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes National Park)

Drive Time: 3h45mins

There’s a fair bit of driving to do today but the beautiful views of the Buller Gorge help pass the time quickly. There are a few quaint towns to stop by for a coffee, such as Murchison. However, to really make the most of the drive we suggest taking a detour into the Nelson Lakes National Park to see the beautiful Lake Rotoroa or Lake Rotoiti. Both are very similar in terms of views and short walks available so take your pick! This will add on an extra 20 minutes onto your drive time, but they are simply too good to miss.

Once you arrive in Punakaiki, you have many options, but don’t miss the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes for their impressive and bizarre rock formations.

Things to Do in Punakaiki

• Do the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
• Visit the Punakaiki Cavern
• Horse trek into the Paparoa National Park
• Sample the Paparoa Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks
• Kayak on the Pororari River
• Check out the stunning overhang and waterfall onto the beach on the Truman Track.

Check out how to do all of these things and more in the 9 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki and 10 Best Things to Do in Paparoa National Park.

Accommodation in Punakaiki

Budget:

• Te Nikau Retreat
• Punakaiki Beach Hostel

Mid-range:

• Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
• Punakaiki Beach Camp

Luxury:

• Tasman Sea Retreat
• Punakaiki Resort

Day 6 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Drive Time: 3 Hours

Head to the Glacier Country with one of the world’s most accessible glaciers! Franz Josef is your opportunity to walk on, crawl inside, fly over, skydive over or walk up to a glacier. Get some ideas on how you can take on the glacier here. Nevertheless, there’s actually more to do here than glacier gallivanting! Check it out in the list below.

Things to Do in Franz Josef

• Do a heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and KKday)
• Do one of New Zealand’s highest skydives over the glacier and the Southern Alps (on Viator, Tripadvisor, and Klook)
• Hike to the Franz Josef Terminal Face (1h30min one way)
• Kayak on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook)
• Tackle the rugged glacial terrain on an ATV (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Learn more about these experiences in the 20 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef.

Accommodation in Franz Josef

See our top recommendations in the 10 Best Hotels in Franz Josef and 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Franz Josef or simply check these out:

Budget:

• Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Rainforest Retreat
• Glow Worm Accommodation

Mid-range:

• Glenfern Villas
• Kahere Retreat

Luxury:

• Franz Josef Oasis
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 7 – Franz Josef to Wanaka

Drive Time: 3h40mins

You’ve got a long drive ahead today but plenty of reasons to stretch your legs. You’ll be going through another super scenic rode on the Haast Pass where we recommend you stop at Thunder Creek Falls just a minutes walk from the road. Then don’t miss the Blue Pools of Haast. This is a 1-hour return walk through forest to some of the clearest and bluest rivers you will ever see.

This evening you will have the time to relax by the beautiful Lake Wanaka.

Things to Do in Wanaka

• Have a local craft beer or wine at one of the lakefront bars
• Do a stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour on Lake Wanaka (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Visit Puzzling World and get lost in their giant maze (on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do a skydive if you missed the chance in Franz Josef.

And that’s just a taste. Check out the 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka.

Accommodation in Wanaka

If the 10 Best Hotels in Wanaka or 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka doesn’t interest you, then check out these:

Budget:

• Wanaka Bakpaka
• Altamont Lodge
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy

Mid-range:

• Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Clearbrook Motel
• Mt Aspiring Holiday Park

Luxury:

• Wanaka Luxury Apartments
• Lime Tree Lodge
• Edgewater Hotel

Day 8 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive Time: 1 Hour

Time to hit the Adrenaline Capital of the World! Take the Cardrona Valley route to be the best views on the way to Queenstown. Once there you have so much to do! Take a look at The Complete Guide to Queenstown or the list below.

Things to Do in Queenstown

• Do a bungy jump – you have three to choose from in Queenstown
• Go skiing or snowboarding in winter
• Do a jet boat tour
• Visit the Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Go up the Gondola and do some luging/mountain biking/eating/sightseeing
• See native wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Party at the bars and clubs
• Do a wine-tasting tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

And there’s so much more to do listed in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.

Accommodation in Queenstown

Day 9 – Queenstown (or Milford Sound)

Drive Time: 0 Hours

If the list of things to do in Queenstown wasn’t enough for you, then you also have the option today to take a bus trip (or drive) to Milford Sound. We get it, Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s New Zealand bucket list, so this is a way to squeeze in the experience in a two-week South Island itinerary.

With towering mountains, untouched rainforest and unbelievable scenery, Milford Sound is an unforgettable journey. To have a break from driving, we recommend taking one of the many bus tours to Milford Sound then boarding a cruise of the fiord. Bus trips give you plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and do multiple short walks on the way. For more information, get your head in the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown or consider a flight to Milford Sound instead, using the 6 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

However, if you want a break from the road, you have plenty more options for things to do in Queenstown listed above as well as some more inspiration in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.

Day 10 – Queenstown to Mt Cook

Drive Time: 3 Hours

If you have not had enough of epic scenic drives, then here’s one more for you through the Lindis Pass on the way to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. On the way to Mt Cook, consider stopping by the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell to challenge your travel buddies to go-karting (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or stop by Omarama for their hot pools with a view.

Once at Mt Cook, you have plenty of options to explore the heart of the Southern Alps with its glaciers, but we’ll get onto that more tomorrow.

Accommodation in Mt Cook

Get inspiration for amazing stays from our 5 Best Hotels in Mt Cook and 5 Best Budget Accommodation in Mt Cook or, you know the drill by now, see these awesome stays:

Budget:

• Mt Cook Lodge & Motel

Mid-range:

• Aoraki Court Motel
• Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge

Luxury:

• The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
• Aoraki Alpine Chalet

Day 11 – Mt Cook

Drive Time: 0 Hours

There are many ways to enjoy the impressive landscape of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, from glaciers to lakes to mountains, so you’ll want to spend a whole day doing some or all of the following activities.

Things to Do in Mt Cook

• Take a scenic flight, helicopter ride or land on a glacier in a ski plane (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook)
• If you missed out in Franz Josef, do a glacier heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier New Zealand’s longest glacier (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
• Do one of the many hikes listed in the 10 Must-Do Hikes Around Mt Cook
• Do some stargazing in this International Dark Sky Reserve
• Take a boat trip or kayak on a glacier lake.

More details on all of these activities can be found in the 20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook.

Day 12 – Mt Cook to Geraldine (via Lake Tekapo)

Drive Time: 2h15mins

Next stop, Geraldine! This is not without an obligatory stop at Lake Tekapo with its vibrant blue lake and the most scenic church in New Zealand, The Church of the Good Shepherd. Stop by the Fairlie Bakery for one of their award-winning New Zealand pies, then onward to Geraldine. You have time to either do an activity this evening or tomorrow morning so take your pick from the following!

Things to Do in Geraldine

• Do grade 5 white water rafting on the Rangitata River
• Horse trek in the hills of Peel Forest
• Hike, swim, rappel, cliff jump and more on a canyoning tour
• Go mountain biking or 4×4 off-roading
• Take an alpaca for a walk.

See how to do all these exciting experiences in the 10 Best Things to Do in Geraldine.

Accommodation in Geraldine

Budget:

• Geraldine Top 10 Holiday Park
• Rawhiti Backpackers

Mid-range:

• Geraldine Motels
• ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
• Grumpys Kiwi Holiday Park

Luxury:

• The Vicarage

Day 13 – Geraldine to Christchurch

Drive Time: 2 Hours

If you missed any of the awesome activities yesterday, take the time to do them before you hit the road to Christchurch. Journey through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where you now get the chance to explore the South Island’s biggest hub.

Things to Do in Christchurch

• Walk in the Botanic Gardens
• Visit the Canterbury Museum
• Take an open-top bus tour of the city
• Grab some souvenirs to take home
• Try some Kiwi cuisine in Christchurch.

See the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch for much more ideas (and details).

Accommodation in Christchurch

Get ideas for places to stay from our 11 Best Hotels in Christchurch or the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Christchurch. Or check out these stays:

Budget:

• Around the World Backpackers
• Bealey Quarter

Mid-range:

• Camelot Motor Lodge
• Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch
• Southwark Hotel & Apartments

Luxury:

• Rydges Latimer Christchurch
• Crowne Plaza Christchurch
• Quest Christchurch Serviced Apartments

Day 14 – Christchurch (or Akaroa)

For your final day on the South Island, there are loads more things to do! If you have the whole day and still have the energy for driving, take a trip to Akaroa for its wildlife tours! Alternatively, hit one of the beaches such as New Brighton or Sumner Beach, both within the city limits. Then it’s time to return your rental vehicle and move on to your next adventure whatever that may be…

More Things to Do in Christchurch

• Take a trip to Akaroa to see dolphins and little blue penguins
• Head over to Lyttelton and take the ferry to Quail Island
• Surf or relax on New Brighton or Sumner Beach
• Walk or take the Christchurch Gondola going up the Port Hills for views of the city (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday).

And don’t forget that we have much more ideas in the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch.