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South Island road trips itinerary · by Michael Nees

10-day South Island road trip itinerary

This New Zealand South Island Itinerary 10 days will cover most key highlights the South Island offers. Whales, beaches, glaciers and more.

Highlights

  • Explore Christchurch
  • Explore Kaikoura
  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park
  • Explore Greymouth
  • Explore Fox Glacier
  • Explore Wanaka

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    At Christchurch Airport, go to the rental car counter to collect your reserved car. Central Christchurch is only a short 15 minute drive away - so depending on your flight arrival time, you'll have some time to explore here.

    Stay: Orari Bed & Breakfast (opens in a new tab)

  2. Day 2

    Kaikoura

    Travelling from Christchurch to Kaikoura, you'll get plenty of stops on the way - wine lovers will love the Waipara area of North Canterbury.

  3. Day 3

    Kaikoura

    Kaikoura is famous for Whale Watch, which can be done by flight or boat. The Albatross bird tour and Dolphin Swim trip is also another great option. Try and complete all tours in the morning - leave plenty of time for some awesome walks along the Kaikoura Peninsula.

    Stay: Kincaid Cottage (opens in a new tab)

  4. Day 4

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Continue travelling along the coastal road to Blenheim,into the main wine growing region of Marlborough - famous for its Sauvignon Blancs . Great vineyard lunch restaurants here. Visit the fascinating Omaka Aviation Centre. Drive to the Nelson-Tasman region in the afternoon.

    Stay: Mapua 41 South (opens in a new tab)

  5. Day 5

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Today it's time to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have scheduled a very informative nature tour, but you could also go for a kayaking and walking trips or an cruise along the coast with short walks.

    Stay: Mapua 41 South (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Greymouth

    Travel south through the Buller River. Do stop at Cape Foulwind to see it's seal colony and coastal walks. Continue to Punakaiki. If you're lucky to arrive at high tide, you'll see the dramatic force of the Tasman Sea. The Paparoa National Park offer many some stunning scenic walks.

    Stay: Oak Lodge Greymouth (opens in a new tab)

    • RecommendedCape Foulwind
    • RecommendedPunakaiki
  7. Day 7

    Fox Glacier

    Drive along the beautiful rugged West Coast with its empty shingle beaches, lakes and wetlands. Stop at Hokitika for the local gold mining history. A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is a highlight - especially if you land on the snow! Do the easy 1.5 hour Lake Matheson Loop Walk - either in the early evening or next morning.

    Stay: Sunset Motels Fox Glacier (opens in a new tab)

  8. Day 8

    Wanaka

    Continue south on a road trip with amazing scenery full of surprise and highlights. Stop at view points like Shipwreck Cove. Get a closer look at waterfalls and the famous 'Blue Pools' near Makaroa. Arrive in Wanaka, a great base from where to explore the Otago region.

    Stay: Wanaka Berry Farm B&B

    • Good to knowHaast
  9. Day 9

    Wanaka

    Wanaka is one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations. Its' close to the 'busy' Queenstown, but a little smaller and calmer. You'll be spellbound by the crystal clear Lake Wanaka and it's dramatic alpine surrounds. We have included the Wanaka River Journeys trip, but there are other tours and activities available in both Wanaka and Queenstown. We can easily add another day or two if you have more time available.

    Stay: Wanaka Berry Farm B&B

  10. Day 10

    Tasman

    Depending on your forward travel arrangements you may have still time to experience the Queenstown region.

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