Located on the other side of the world (at least for me), New Zealand has always been on my bucket list. Thus, I am so excited to share my travel journey and I can’t wait to inspire you to discover this preserved country too. This is the reason why I share my full New Zealand South island travel guide including a 2-week itinerary starting and ending at Christchurch airport. Within this route, you will be able to see most of the South Island of New Zealand.
Indeed, if you want to see different types of landscapes such as glaciers, lush forests, or turquoise lakes, and above all, want to live in harmony with nature, New Zealand South Island is definitely for you!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When to visit New Zealand south island?
New Zealand is a country with four distinct seasons but they are the opposite of the ones we know in Europe.
- December to February is summer
- March to May is autumn
- June to August is winter
- September to November is spring
That is to say, the rainiest period of the year is from May to August. In addition to the high rain level, there is even snow in some parts of New Zealand (the country is also well-known for skiing actually). Consequently, if your goal is not to hit the ski slopes of New Zealand, I would strongly recommend avoiding this time of the year.
Moreover, New Zealand is one of the most humid places on Earth, so I highly suggest visiting New Zealand during summer or at the beginning of autumn. However, note that the locals (called kiwis) have their summer holidays between December and January. Accordingly, accommodations become notably more expensive and quickly sold out. Hence, I advise you to avoid these two busy months and rather visit New Zealand between February and March.
Finally, keep in mind that some parts of the country, especially on the Southern island, will always be wet no matter when you go due to the rainforest.
“As per my experience, you could very well have all four seasons in a single day. Therefore, I highly recommend you take appropriate clothes in your suitcase. You never know!“
Best way to travel around New Zealand south island?
From my standpoint, the most common and funniest way to explore New Zealand is by van. With this means of transportation, you will have the freedom to discover the country at your pace!
Above all, New Zealand offers a lot of campsites of all types ranging from free but basic to payable but full of amenities. Different apps like Ranker camping NZ and Wikicamp can help you locate them easily.
If you decide to stay in a free campsite, which usually doesn’t include any facilities, you must have a self-contained vehicle. In other words, you must have a toilet on board.
Along with the multiple campsite possibilities, different types of rentals, from a car with a futon to the most amazing camping car, are available. Therefore, it depends on the budget you have. The only advice I can give you from my own experience is that having a good night’s sleep is necessary if you want to enjoy your journey to the fullest. Thus, I recommend reading the reviews and choosing the type that best suits your needs. Considering our van was in very bad shape and too small for two big people like us, we had to book hotel rooms a few times during our road trip to recharge our batteries.
Last but not least, nearly all rental companies offer free transfers from/to the main airports. Also, to avoid driving back, you can drop off the vehicle at another location by paying an additional fee.
“Keep in mind long travel distances, as kiwis used to say: “Roads in New Zealand are different and can be tricky.”
What to do in New Zealand south island?
Throughout this section, I share with you my ultimate New Zealand travel guide with a 2-week itinerary starting and ending at Christchurch airport. Actually, within this route, you will get your eyes full of diverse wonders!
On a side note, if you have more time ahead of you, you should read my ultimate New Zealand travel guide here.
Day 1 - Christchurch
ACCOMMODATION
219 John Camping, located from 10 minutes of Christchurch airport
NZD $ 50 per night for a powersite (2 people)
ITINERARY
Christchurch airport to Christchurch - 15 minutes
Christchurch is the third biggest city in New Zealand and has an international airport. We didn’t have time to visit the city properly (due to our late flight). Depending on your time arrival, you can either visit the city (15 minutes away from the airport) or head to the camping mentioned above to take it easy the first day before hitting the road!
Day 2 - Akaora
Akaroa is a French colonial city on the East coast, where Hector dolphin pods (the smallest dolphins in the world) have found a home. In addition to its unique marine fauna, the town is filled with shops and restaurants.
ACCOMMODATION
Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park
NZD $ 65 per night for a power site (2 people)
ITINERARY
Christchurch to Akaora - 1:20 hours
dolphins watching
What better place than Akaora to watch or swim with the native dolphins of New Zealand?
Therefore, different tour operators have established themselves at the port, offering diverse experiences such as swimming with dolphins and cruising. For the record, my hubby and I should have initially done the swim with dolphins tour but because of rough conditions in the open sea that day, we had to cancel it. We then decided to switch to dolphins watching cruise tour. Lucky us, we got the chance to observe Hector dolphins for long minutes. That is to say, if you don’t feel comfortable swimming in the open sea, don’t hesitate to book a cruise instead.
“If you don’t feel comfortable swimming in the open sea, don’t hesitate to book a dolphin-watching cruise instead. You won’t regret it!“
- Duration: 3:00 in total
- Price: NZD $ 90 per adult for a 2-hour cruise with black cat, paid parking spaces near by
Day 3 - Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small town on the East coast of New Zealand South Island. The place is well-known for the presence of sperm whales and New Zealand fur seal colonies around its coasts.
ACCOMMODATION
Kakaku Retreat
NZD $ 230 for a double room, breakfast included
ITINERARY
Akaora to Kaikoura - 3:35 hours
Whale watching
As mentioned before, Kaikoura is the most famous place in New Zealand for watching giant sperm whales.
There are two ways you can watch them: either by air with a helicopter flight or by boat. We opted for a boat ride and were so thrilled to potentially see these giant wonders for the first time! Since sperm whale is a protected species, only one company is allowed to approach them, always at a safe and respectful distance.
Fortunately, we saw a sperm whale for about 10 minutes, which is the time the whale is back to the surface to breathe and relax. To be honest, the journey was quite tough as the weather conditions were really bad. In other words, the ocean was so agitated that it was almost impossible to stay on our feet. Anyway, this is called an adventure, right?
“I advise you to book the first tour in the morning as the ocean conditions usually get worse through the day.”
- Duration: 3:00 in total
- Price: NZD $ 150 per adult with Kaikoura Whale Watching, free parking spaces at the entrance
New Zealand South island
Sunset kayak tour
Alright, I think you shouldn’t leave Kaikoura without doing a sunset kayak tour to enjoy the ocean coastline in the company of sealeals colonies.
- Duration: the tour starts at 4:30 pm for a 3-hour tour on the water
- Price: NZD $ 110 per adult with Kaikoura kayak, free parking spaces at the entrance
“Be aware that you will be kayaking in the open ocean which can be tough. If you are prone to seasickness, trust me this one will hit you hard! So, don’t forget the pills.“
Day 4 - Picton
Picton is a small port town where ferries arrive when traveling from the North island to the Southern island. Besides, it is located in the heart of the Marlborough sound which is well-known for its fjords and marine fauna.
ACCOMMODATION
private cabins in the ferry with Bluebridge
NZD $ 55 per night for a double room
ITNERARY
Kaikoura to Picton - 2:00 hours
Swim with dolphins in the fjords
As stated, Picton is the perfect place to cross out one of the most amazing activities from your bucket list: swimming with dolphins in the wild!
My hubby and I were so impatient to go for this exceptional adventure and couldn’t be more excited about it! Sadly, the weather wasn’t on our side that day with quite a lot of rain. Anyway, the rain didn’t stop us so, we suited up with thick wet suits that protect you in these freezing waters.
Despite three attempts in the water, we haven’t had the chance to swim properly with wild dolphins. Indeed, the color of the water was super dark and the visibility wasn’t that good. Luckily, once we were back on the boat, we saw families of bottle-nose dolphins.
Most importantly, we were fortunate to see Hector dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world and only present in New Zealand’s waters. On a side note, Hector dolphins are an endangered species. Thus, it is strictly prohibited to swim with them in the Marlborough sound. As a result, if the crew sees Hector dolphins during the tour, they will prevent you from going into the water but will still get close to them with the boat (always at a safe and respectful distance).
“I highly recommend this experience to all animal lovers! Briefly, you will be immersed in a cinematic setting with unique marine fauna. A great and magical experience you won’t forget!“
- Duration: the tour starts at 9:00 am for 2 to 4 hours depending on how far the wild dolphins are spotted
- Price: NZD $ 180 per adult with E-ko tour, paid parking spaces near by
Day 5 - Arthur's pass National Park
Arthur’s pass is the highest pass across the Southern Alps of New Zealand. During your journey, you will have your eyes full of diverse landscapes with gorgeous mountain peaks, stunning waterfalls, and abundant forests.
ACCOMMODATION
Lake Pearson Campsite
NZD $ 8 per night per person
No facilities, only self-contained vehicles are allowed
ITINERARY
Picton to Arthur's pass - 5:20 hours
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Okarito trig walk
Okarito Trig Walk is a challenging hike through a forest offering a 360° panoramic view at the top. In other words, this place is perfect to stretch your legs while crossing Arthur’s pass.
- Duration: 1:30 hours (return) – intermediate level
- Price: free access and free parking spaces at the beginning of the trail
New Zealand South island
Devils punchbowl waterfall
Devils Punchbowl waterfall can be seen from the side of the road, but I highly recommend hiking the simple trail to get a close view of the impressive waterfall.
- Duration: 1:00 hour (return) – easy level
- Price: free access and free parking spaces
Castle hills conservation area
Castle Hills Conservation area, also known as Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, seems coming from another world. In fact, you will immediately get the feeling that time has stopped. Furthermore, this place is popular notably for its rock-climbing sites. However, no worries if you are not into climbing like us, you can just walk around and enjoy the rocky landscape.
- Duration: 1:00 hour
- Price: free access and free parking spaces
Day 6 - Franz Joseph
Located on the West coast of the Southern island, Franz Joseph is a small town in the middle of the mountains. On top of that, it is home to the notorious glacier of the same name.
ACCOMMODATION
Franz Joseph Oasis Hotel
NZD $ 120 per night for a king-size bedroom, breakfast included
ITINERARY
Arthur's pass to Franz Joseph - 3:00 hours
Franz Joseph glacier
Franz Joseph glacier is a glacial wonder of 5 kilometers! To have a great overlook, there is an easy walk along the valley that will bring you close to the foot of the glacier.
“I felt so lucky to have seen one from this close as it is getting rarer by the day.“
- Duration: 1:00 hour (return) – easy level
- Price: free access and free parking spaces at the beginning of the trail
New Zealand South island
Matheson lake
Situated near Fox glacier, Matheson Lake is the ideal place to see reflections of Mount Aspiring and Mount Cook on clear days. You can hike around the lake on a marked path through a native forest.
- Duration: 1:30 hours to complete the hiking loop
- Price: free access and free parking spaces at the beginning of the trail
Day 7 - Wanaka
Wanaka is home to the well-known Wanaka Roys Peak trail and is consequently the perfect place to stay if you want to hike it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do the trail because of bad weather conditions!
ACCOMMODATION
Glendhu Bay Motor Camp
Located 5 minutes away from the starting point
NZD $ 40 for a camper site (2 people)
ITNERARY
Franz Joseph to Wanaka - 3:40 hours
Wanaka tree
Standing in the large Wanaka lake, the Wanaka tree is the world-famous lonely tree that you most likely have seen in pictures.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Price: free access and free parking spaces
New Zealand South island
Wanaka lavender farm
While in the area, Wanaka lavender farm is a great place to stop. Indeed, the farm offers free honey tasting and sells also locally-made lavender products. Moreover, you can visit the place by strolling around lavender fields and even saying hi to Alpacas.
“Lavender’s flowering season happens between December and late January, which is when you will get the most colorful pictures.”
- Duration: 1:00 hour
- Price: NZD $ 10 per adult, free parking spaces at the entrance
Day 8 - Queenstown
From my standpoint, Queenstown is the trendiest town in New Zealand, offering also spectacular views of the Southern Alps and the stunning Wakatipu lake.
ACCOMMODATION
Queenstown Lakeview Camping
located within walking distance from the city center
NZD $ 65 per night for a power site (2 people)
ITINERARY
Wanaka to Queenstown - 1:00 hours
Walter Peak gourmet lunch
If you want to enjoy a cruise on Waikitapu lake combined with a lunch buffet on a picturesque farm, this activity is right for you! No worries, Real Journey offers plenty of different tours in case you prefer not to eat.
- Duration: 4:00 hours
- Price: NZD $ 110 per adult with Real Journey, paid parking spaces near by
New Zealand South island
Skyline of Queenstown
In addition to its great vibes, Queenstown deserves to be seen from above. That is why I highly recommend taking the gondolas to reach the heights of Ben Lomond mountain which overlooks the city. Additionally, the place offers several thrilling activities such as summer luge or bungee jumping.
- Duration: 2:00 hours
- Price: NZD $ 45 per adult for the gondola (return) + additional fees for activities
New Zealand South island
Arrowtown
Located within a short ride from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a typical little town that will bring you back in time. On top of that, this is the very first city in the world where gold was found.
“Arrowtown can be visited on your way to Wanaka.“
Day 9 - Te Anau
Te Anau is a sweet living city by the lake of the same name, renowned for its glowworm caves and amazing sunsets.
ACCOMMODATION
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park
NZD $ 60 per night for a power site (2 people)
ITINERARY
Queenstown to Te Anau - 2:00 hours
Te Anau Glowworm caves
From where I stand, no trip to Te Anau is complete without a visit to the glowworm caves. In other words, you will be speechless with this spectacular underworld. Seeing all these small creatures shining in the dark was truly magical.
Firstly, a 30-minute cruise on Te Anau lake will get you to the caves. Afterward, a ranger will bring you inside the protected site for a 1-hour guided tour. The highlight of the tour is a small barge tour in the dark, under a sky full of stars made of blue and white glowworms.
“Be aware that taking photos or videos is not allowed once in the caves to preserve the worms.”
- Duration: 2:30 hours
- Price: NZD $ 109 per adult with Real Journey, free parking spaces near the office
Te Anau Lake
The largest lake in the area called Te Anau offers beautiful beaches to relax and stunning sunsets for ending your day perfectly!
“I suggest going to the Yacht club which is the ideal spot to take great pictures with a pontoon during sunset.“
Day 10 - Milford sound
The world-famous Milford Sound is a must-see while on the South Island of New Zealand. In other words, the fjords are so vast, it will take your breath away!
ACCOMMODATION
Aden Motel
NZD $ 110 per night for a king-size room with a kitchen
ITINERARY
Te Anau to Milford Sound - 3:00 hours (return)
sea kayaking at Milford sound
Milford sound is not only the most famous attraction in South island but also one of the most spectacular places to kayak in New Zealand. In reality, by kayaking through the fjords, you will experience the beauty of nature combined with a great adventure! Although you won’t be able to go as far as the classic boat tours, it will offer you an original way of exploring the place.
Sadly, we didn’t have good weather that day (get used to it while traveling through New Zealand). As a result, we had rough conditions for kayaking with strong wind, big waves, and lots of rainfalls. Because of that, it was impossible to get inside the fjords. This is the reason why, our guide decided to take us only to the renowned Bowen waterfalls (for which it was already all an adventure, trust me!). After this epic kayak ride, we spent a relaxing time in the “backyards” of Milford Sound, where the rainforest is king.
“If you don’t have time to explore both Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, I highly recommend visiting Doubtful sound as it’s a less crowded place and just as beautiful (even more).“
- Duration: 8:00 hours
- Price: NZD $ 69 per adult for a 2-h paddling with Roscosmilfordkayak, free parking spaces near the meeting point
Day 11 - Manapouri
Located in the Fiordland National Park, Manapouri is the perfect starting point for an expedition to the stunning Doubtful Sound.
ACCOMMODATION
Possum Lodge
located 5 minutes away from the tours' departure
NZD $ 45 per night for a power site (2 people)
ITINERARY
Te Anau to Manapouri - 20 minutes
Cruise to Doubtful sound
Doubtful is the deepest (421 m) and second largest (40 km) sound of the South island’s fjords with amazing tropical rainforest and splendid waterfalls. Without a doubt, this preserved place is so magical that it will highlight your trip to New Zealand!
All tours are composed of a cruise on Lake Manapouri, a 45-minute bus drive into the mountains, and a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful sound.
Due to the long journey to get Doubtful sound, the place is much less known than Milford Sound but just as beautiful.
- Duration: the tour starts at 7:15 am and lasts about 7:00 hours
- Price: NZD $ 230 per adult with Real Journey, free parking spaces at the entrance
Day 12 & 13 - Aoraki Mount Cook Region
Aoraki Mount Cook National park is home to one of the most amazing landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island with the longest glaciers and glistening mountain lakes.
ACCOMMODATION
White Horse Hill Campsite
located at the entrance of Hooker Valley track trail
NZD $ 15 per person per night. No shower.
ITINERARY
Manapouri to Mount cook - 4:50 hours
Hooker Valley track
Hooker Valley track is one of the most popular hikes in the Aoraki region and also my favorite from the Southern island. The trail starts at the White Horse Hill campground and leads you through the valley by following its river. Most importantly, you will be able to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the Southern Alps with notable icebergs!
“I highly recommend starting the trail early in the morning to avoid the crowd and to be able to find a parking spot. If you sleep at White Horse Hill Campsite, you can leave your van at the camp for the day.“
- Duration: 3:00 hours – 10 km (return by the same track) – easy level
- Price: free access and free parking spaces at the entrance
New Zealand South island
Tasman lake
Tasman lake is a glacial lake located a few minutes away from the Hooker Valley track. Therefore, this is a great stopover on the way to or back from the valley. There is a viewpoint from which you can see the Tasman glacier with its lake. Just be aware that the walk to the viewpoint is only made up of stairs!
- Duration: 30 minutes (return) – medium level
- Price: free access and free parking spaces at the entrance
New Zealand South island
Pukakhi Lake
Pukakhi lake is my favorite lake in the region and its color is even more turquoise than Tekapo lake. Honestly, it looks completely unreal due to the brightness of the water combined with the contrast of the dry landscape.
Moreover, the lake can be enjoyed on foot, by bike on the many tracks available, or by car with plenty of lookouts. Don’t hesitate to stop by the visitor center to get more information about the area.
“Don’t hesitate to stop by the Visitor Center to get more information about the area.“
Day 14 - Tekapo
Tekapo is home to the famous turquoise mountain lake of the same name, located at the center of the Southern island. This place is without a doubt a must-do of the Mackenzie region.
ACCOMMODATION
Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
NZD $ 60 per night for a power site (2 people)
ITINERARY
Aoraki Mount Cook to Tekapo - 1:10 hours
Tekapo to Christchurch airport - 2:50 hours
Tekapo lake & Tekapo hot springs
As I said, Tekapo lake is famous for its crystal blue turquoise water surrounded by mountains. Frankly, I was in total admiration of the clarity of the water. I suggest you walk around to enjoy its beauty to the fullest. In addition, if you want to, you can head up to Tekapo Hot Springs to relax with a great view of the lake and the mountains.
“I truly recommend spending the night in one of the campsites located around Tekapo lake to get the best morning view directly from your van. Lake Tekapo Holiday park was just perfect for that!“
In conclusion
To sum up, I can’t recommend enough to visit New Zealand. Indeed, you will be in awe every day by the natural wonders that stand everywhere throughout the whole country. Furthermore, kiwis (the locals) are very kind and helpful (even with tourists)!
That is to say, I hope I have inspired you to travel to New Zealand someday soon, and that you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Moreover, if you want to get more inspiration, you should click here to find all my posts related to New Zealand.
Finally, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. It would be a real pleasure to share with you.
Sending you lots of love,
