A South Island New Zealand road trip offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Scenic drives connect renowned destinations like Queenstown, Christchurch, the Marlborough wine region, and Abel Tasman National Park, making a self drive journey both accessible and rewarding. This guide provides a practical 7 day South Island itinerary, revealing the best places to visit and offering clear tips for planning a successful New Zealand campervan or car adventure.
Whether travelers are planning a Milford Sound day trip, seeking the highlights of Picton, or following the Haast Pass for unforgettable views, this South Island travel guide covers all the essentials. From budget stops and accommodation options to unique things to do along the way, readers can expect straightforward advice for mapping out an efficient and memorable NZ road trip. The route covers key safety tips for driving in New Zealand and includes suggestions for both short getaways and longer exploration.
Best Time To Visit South Island
The South Island of New Zealand has distinct seasons, with each bringing its own highlights. The most popular time to visit is during the warmer months from December to February. These months offer long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, ideal for hiking around places like Aoraki/Mount Cook and relaxing by Lake Tekapo.
Spring (September to November) brings blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds. This is a good time for those looking to see the South Island’s landscapes come alive with color. Autumn (March to May) also provides pleasant temperatures and stunning fall foliage, especially in regions like Queenstown and Wanaka.
Winter (June to August) appeals to snow sports enthusiasts. Resorts near Queenstown and Wanaka offer skiing and snowboarding. Lake Tekapo often experiences beautiful frost in winter, and Aoraki/Mount Cook’s alpine scenery is especially striking with snow.
To help compare seasons:
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Warm, sunny | Great for hikes, Lake Tekapo stargazing |
| Autumn | Mild, crisp air | Fall colors, fewer tourists |
| Winter | Cold, snowy | Skiing, snowy peaks at Aoraki/Mount Cook |
| Spring | Cool, fresh | Wildflowers, quieter sites |
For fewer tourists and good weather, late spring and early autumn are often recommended. Always check forecast and road conditions, especially in mountainous regions, before setting out on a South Island self drive itinerary.
Safety And Driving Advice For Tourists
Driving in New Zealand’s South Island is rewarding, but it differs from other countries. Drivers must keep to the left side of the road at all times. Many rural roads are narrow or winding, with regular one-lane bridges and sharp corners—caution is necessary, especially in alpine and coastal regions.
Before setting off, visitors should review New Zealand’s road rules and signs, which may differ from those at home. It’s advisable to take breaks every two hours and avoid driving long distances when tired. Frequent weather changes are common, so check road conditions, especially in winter.
Common speed limits are 100km/h on highways and 50km/h in towns. Speed cameras operate in many areas, and fines are strictly enforced. Always wear a seatbelt, and never use a mobile phone while driving unless using hands-free.
Car rental companies require a valid driver’s license in English or an official translation. Many require drivers to be 21 years or older. Insurance is highly recommended. When renting a campervan, park only in designated areas or holiday parks to avoid fines.
For those visiting national parks or embarking on the Great Walks, parking can fill up early. Secure valuables, and use official lots. Always carry a map or GPS, especially in remote areas where phone coverage is limited.
Helpful travel tips:
- Keep headlights on in low visibility
- Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
- Plan refueling stops in advance—petrol stations may be sparse in rural zones.
Day 1: Queenstown To Te Anau
The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau covers some of the most scenic countryside in New Zealand. Travellers can enjoy iconic lakes, historic towns, and the adventure experiences that have made Queenstown famous.
Route And Driving Time
The primary route from Queenstown to Te Anau follows State Highway 6 through Kingston, then joins State Highway 94 at Five Rivers. The distance is about 170 km and takes roughly 2 hours without stops.
Those seeking a slightly longer but rewarding detour can visit Arrowtown or Glenorchy before leaving Queenstown. Each offers unique views and history. The main route skirts the southern end of Lake Wakatipu, providing photo opportunities along the way. Road conditions are typically good, with clear signage and well-maintained surfaces year-round.
Stopping in Kingston or Garston gives a taste of local rural settlements. Petrol stations are not frequent after leaving Queenstown, so ensure the tank is full before departure.
Main Attractions To Visit
Queenstown, known as the “adventure capital” of New Zealand, is the starting point of this journey. Notable attractions include the Skyline Gondola, which provides panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, and the option for adventurous activities like bungy jumping or paragliding.
Arrowtown, a small historic town 20 minutes from Queenstown, is known for its gold rush heritage and charming main street. A visit here offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to bustling Queenstown.
Along the way, Lake Wakatipu’s southern shores provide several stopping points for photos. The approach to Te Anau offers sweeping views of farmland transitioning into Fiordland National Park, setting the stage for further exploration.
Recommended Short Hikes Or Activities
Those keen on stretching their legs should consider the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, a 1.5-2 hour return hike starting in Queenstown. The viewpoint at the top showcases Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the wider basin.
In Arrowtown, the Arrow River Trail is a gentle riverside walk accessible to all fitness levels. For those with time, Glenorchy offers access to short walks such as the Glenorchy Walkway through wetlands and along the Dart River.
Upon arrival in Te Anau, the Lakefront Walk is an easy option to enjoy sunset views across Lake Te Anau. These short activities can be adapted depending on the season and weather conditions.
Suggested Places To Stay
In Queenstown, accommodation ranges from hostels to boutique hotels and luxury lodges. Travelers seeking a base before the drive can choose spots near the town centre for easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
Te Anau also offers a variety of options, including motels, lakeside hotels, holiday parks, and budget-friendly backpacker hostels. For road trippers, Te Anau’s holiday parks provide campervan sites, shared kitchens, and common areas.
Booking in advance is advised, especially from November to March when demand is highest. Lakeside rooms can be found in both towns, delivering great views at sunrise and sunset.
Queenstown is known for its vibrant food scene. Fergburger is a local favorite for gourmet burgers, often drawing queues throughout the day. For a quick breakfast or coffee, visit cafes along Shotover Street.
Arrowtown’s main street has bakeries and cafes serving homemade pies and pastries. Kingston and Garston have small cafés, making them good spots for a snack break along the route.
Te Anau’s town centre has a range of dining choices from fish and chips shops to bistros and pizzerias. Local specialties often include Southland cheese rolls and fresh lake-caught fish. Most restaurants cater to a range of budgets and often offer both takeaway and dine-in options.
Day 2: Milford Sound Day Trip
A Milford Sound day trip showcases one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders within Fiordland National Park. Travelers can expect awe-inspiring scenery, iconic landmarks, and memorable activities with practical tips for getting there and making the most of their visit.
Route And Driving Time
Most visitors begin the journey from Queenstown or Te Anau, with Te Anau being the closest main town to Milford Sound. The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound covers about 118 km and typically takes 2–2.5 hours without stops.
From Queenstown, the drive is around 288 km and takes about 4–5 hours each way. The route is scenic, passing by lakes Te Anau and Gunn, the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and through the Homer Tunnel.
Road conditions in this region can change quickly due to weather, especially in winter. It’s best to leave early in the morning to allow time for stops, photos, and wildlife spotting along the way.
Main Attractions To Visit
The highlight of the area is the Milford Sound fjord, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush rainforest within Fiordland National Park. The towering peaks of Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls are especially iconic.
Boat cruises are the most popular way to experience the fjord. These cruises typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours and provide up-close views of waterfalls, seals, and sometimes dolphins or penguins.
At the end of the road before the ferry terminal, The Milford Sound Visitor Centre offers exhibitions and toilet facilities. Don’t miss the Chasm Walk en route, just before reaching Milford Sound, where a short path leads to dramatic waterfalls and rock formations.
Recommended Short Hikes Or Activities
A short hike to the Milford Lookout, about 10 minutes return, offers a panoramic view of the fjord and Mitre Peak. The Chasm Walk is another brief, easy option, taking about 20 minutes return through native forest to view powerful waterfalls carving through rocks.
For those wanting a longer activity, the Key Summit Track (part of the Routeburn Track) can be accessed from the Divide car park. This hike takes about 3 hours return and rewards with alpine views over Fiordland National Park.
In addition to walking, guided kayak tours and scenic flights are available. These provide different perspectives on the dramatic fjord landscape.
Suggested Places To Stay
Many travelers choose to stay in Te Anau since accommodation in Milford Sound is very limited. Te Anau has a range of motels, holiday parks, and hotels to suit various budgets. It is about a 2-hour drive from Milford Sound, making it the most convenient base.
For those seeking a unique overnight experience, the Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation in the immediate Milford Sound area. The lodge offers chalets and campervan sites but must be booked well in advance due to high demand.
Camping is not permitted within the Milford Sound village area, but there are DOC campsites along the Milford Road such as Cascade Creek.
Food And Restaurant Tips
There are very limited food options available at Milford Sound. The Milford Sound Lodge café is the main place to buy meals in the area, offering snacks, coffee, and simple meals. Hours may vary, so it is best to check ahead.
Visitors are advised to bring their own packed food and water for the day, especially if planning to spend extra time hiking or sightseeing. Te Anau has several supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants where travelers can purchase provisions or enjoy a meal before or after the trip.
Picnic tables are available at some scenic roadside stops. Dispose of waste properly, as there are minimal trash facilities in the national park.
Day 3: Te Anau To Wanaka
Traveling from Te Anau to Wanaka covers some of the most dramatic scenery on New Zealand’s South Island. The drive offers opportunities for hiking, lake views, and stops in historic towns, making it a day to experience the heart of Fiordland and Otago regions.
Route And Driving Time
The main route runs from Te Anau to Wanaka via State Highway 94 and State Highway 6. The distance is about 230 kilometers, and the direct drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.
For a scenic detour, travelers can add stops in Queenstown by taking the road over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest main road, which adds both views and road trip interest.
Drivers will pass through Mossburn, a small service town, and Lumsden, before reaching the glacial landscapes near Lake Wakatipu. After Queenstown, the road ascends the Crown Range before descending into Wanaka.
Main Attractions To Visit
Arrowtown offers a chance to see a preserved gold-rush village, with charming streets and historic buildings. The town is about an hour’s drive from Te Anau.
Lake Hayes is a photogenic stop and popular spot for a quick walk or to stretch legs. Queenstown provides excellent lakeside scenery and adventure activities, though time here depends on the day’s pace.
Before arriving in Wanaka, the route passes through Cardrona, famous for its historic hotel and alpine landscapes. Wanaka itself is known for Lake Wanaka, with iconic views and easy lakeside access, and the famous Wanaka Tree.
Recommended Short Hikes Or Activities
In Arrowtown, the Arrow River Trail is a flat, family-friendly walk taking 1-2 hours.
Near Wanaka, the short walk to the top of Mt. Iron delivers panoramic views over Wanaka and the Southern Alps in about 1-1.5 hours return. The outlet track from Wanaka to Albert Town follows the Clutha River for a gentle, scenic walk.
Wine enthusiasts may want to stop by a Central Otago cellar door for tastings—Rippon Vineyard near Wanaka is known for its Pinot Noir and stunning lake views.
If time allows, hikers can also access a section of the Routeburn Track near Glenorchy, though this detour adds significant travel time.
Suggested Places To Stay
In Wanaka, options range from hostels to boutique lodges. YHA Wanaka is a popular budget-friendly choice in the town center, while Edgewater offers lakeside suites with views of Lake Wanaka.
Camping and campervan travelers will find holiday parks such as Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, which offers powered sites and basic facilities.
Apartments and motels are widely available for self-catering, including Bella Vista Wanaka for reliable comfort and proximity to central Wanaka.
Food And Restaurant Tips
Wanaka has a diverse food scene. Big Fig offers quick, healthy meals focused on slow-cooked meats and salads. Relishes Cafe is good for breakfast and coffee on the lakefront.
Drinks and casual dinner options are available at Speight’s Ale House, serving classic New Zealand pub fare. For local wines and pizza, Francesca’s Italian Kitchen is popular among both travelers and locals.
Travelers preferring a self-catered meal can pick up supplies from New World Wanaka supermarket. For coffee on the go, Ritual Espresso Cafe is a favorite stop with locals for a quality brew.
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