12-day South Island road trip itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Christchurch

   After arriving at Christchurch Airport, go to the rental car counter to collect your reserved car. The central city is only a short 15 minute drive away, so depending on your flight arrival time, you'll have some time to explore some of Christchurch.

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

   • RecommendedChristchurch Botanic Gardens (opens in a new tab)
   • RecommendedChristchurch Tramway Restaurant (opens in a new tab)
   • RecommendedChristchurch Art Gallery (opens in a new tab)
2. Day 2

   Twizel

   Drive the Inland route via the scenic Rakaia Gorge to Geraldine. Head towards Mackenzie country to Lake Tekapo and Twizel Village (285 km, 177 miles, 4 hours). Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo. The Mount John Observatory is definitely worth a visit. Because of limited accommodation in this area, you'll be stay in either Twizel, Mt. Cook Village or Lake Tekapo.

3. Day 3

   Dunedin

   The Mount Cook offers 4WD safaris, glacier lakes, horse treks, scenic flights with snow landings and walks. The Glacier Explorer company will take you by coach to the Tasman Valley for a 20-minute walk then a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Touch the ice crystals from floating icebergs and admire the awesome views of Mount Cook. Leave the high country for Oamaru, famous for it's whitestone architecture.

4. Day 4

   Dunedin

   Explore the wild beauty of the Otago Peninsula. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre at the foot of Tairoa Heads . This is the only place in the world on a mainland where you'll see Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat. (The colony is closed between 15 Sept and 25 Nov.) At Dunedin's doorstep, see wildlife, including the rare yellow- eyed penguin, sea lions and cute little blue penguins. Enjoy the 'Tunnel Beach' and 'Sandfly Bay' beach walks. Visit Dunedin's Larnach Castle.

5. Day 5

   Te Anau

   Travel the 'Southern Scenic Route' either via the Catlins or from Invercargil. Head to Te Anau, New Zealand's tramping capital. The drive traverses the eastern boundary of Fiordland National Park and the rugged south coast, connecting to the southern parts of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. On arrival at Te Anau, take the 'LOTR walk' along the Waiau River (on the Kepler Track). Start from the 'Rainbow Reach' swing bridge between Te Anau and Manapouri.

6. Day 6

   Te Anau

   Milford Sound is a mixture of spectacular and breathtaking natural features (125 km, 78 miles, 2.5 hours one-way). The fiords rise vertically and when it rains and waterfalls transform into giant water canons of power. Join a tour into Milford Sound for a nature cruise in the fjord. On the way back to Te Anau, take some short scenic walks on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

   Stay: Cosy Kiwi Bed & Breakfast

   • HighlightMilford Coach Cruise & Walk (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightReal Journeys Milford Sound Sc (opens in a new tab)
7. Day 7

   Queenstown

   The drive to Queenstown only takes 2.5 hours. If you crave the nightlife and world-class facilities, then stay in Queenstown. Equally beautiful is the smaller Wanaka township. Either way, the Wanaka-Queenstown region (with Cromwell and Cardrona in between) offers great adventure, including zipline, jet boating, bungy or sky diving. Once in Central Otago, the rainforests of the Fiordland area are replaced by large lakes and tussock grassland.

8. Day 8

   Queenstown

   Queenstown is one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations. You'll be spellbound by the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and it's dramatic alpine surrounds. Queenstown is also home to the ultimate adventure bucket list. Skiers love the winter months and all visitors love activities like bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting. Queenstown is now a famous cycling destination with different graded scenic tracks.

   Stay: Chalet Queenstown Included (opens in a new tab)

9. Day 9

   Fox Glacier

   Travel to the beautiful rugged West Coast. From Haast to Jackson Bay, see empty shingle beaches, lakes and wetlands. For an authentic insight, go on the Waiatoto River Jet Boating Safari. Join a wildlife tour to see fur seals, Hector's Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is a definite highlight - especially if you land on the snow! Do the easy 1-hour Lake Matheson Loop Walk.

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

   • RecommendedLake M
10. Day 10

    Greymouth

    The West Coast region is sparsely populated with few towns between Karamea and Jackson Bay. The town of Hokitika is famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and the 1860's gold rush. Stop here for a break. The Great Coast Road as one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world! Drive alongside the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park. Go underground rafting at Charleston, caving at Fox River and visit the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

11. Day 11

    Christchurch

    Explore the Paparoa National Park before leaving Greymouth for Christchurch . The TranzAlpine scenic train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. From the comfort of modern carriages, view the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Continue through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You'll be collected at the Christchurch Railway Station and driven to your accommodation.

12. Day 12

    Twizel

    Depending on your flight time, you may have ample time to explore the Christchurch region before leaving. If departing in the evening, Akaroa would be a perfect day trip (only a 1.5 hour drive away (one-way). Feel free to extend your stay in Christchurch or any other location.

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