best south island tours new zealand

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New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips

• New Zealand South Island 2 week
• New Zealand South Island 10 day
• New Zealand South Island 7 day
• New Zealand South Island Seniors

183 New Zealand South Island tour packages with 1,992 reviews

Southern Voyager

"We did visit the best spots in the south island and had a huge amount of optional activities to choose from." Bruno, traveled in October 2023

"Fun activities to choose from, just what I was looking for. The other one I wished that he could talk to us more about NZ (history/nature/culture etc.)" Shimeng, traveled in April 2019

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

"Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer." Rebecca, traveled in December 2019

South Island Lick Tour

"Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems." Daniel, traveled in December 2023

• €75 deposit on some dates

NZ Adventure South

"Definitely enjoyed this trip, and strongly recommend. We covered a ton of ground in a relatively short amount of time." William, traveled in June 2024

NZ Adventure 17 Day

"Hobbiton, the jet boat ride, and the Maori village were probably my highlights, along with the scenery all around during the whole trip." Laura, traveled in September 2023

New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

"Get more money for activities you will not regret." Jinyoung, traveled in January 2024

• €100 deposit on some dates

New Zealand South Island Express

"Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time." Annette, traveled in March 2023

Classic South Island Adventure

"We were treated to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and there was an amazing mix of activities." Jeff, traveled in February 2019

Ultimate South Island Adventure

"From start to finish, the folks from Active Adventures succeeded in creating the perfect outdoor experience in New Zealand." Jonathan, traveled in March 2019

What people love about New Zealand South Island Tours

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Ben and Daisy were fantastic tour guides. If you like smaller groups, then this is definitely the best way to explore the south island while making friends along the way

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

Travel New Zealand South Island your way

Explore a wide diversity of group tours through New Zealand South Island. We have 149 adventures that vary from 2 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.

Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 140 adventures available in New Zealand South Island.

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 107 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through New Zealand South Island with our expert guides leading the way.

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 77 family tours lasting from 2 days up to 25 days available in New Zealand South Island.

More travel styles:

Top operators in New Zealand South Island

"Amazing your. Super professional and well organized. Packs a lot into 7 days but it was perfect for people trying to pack a lot in and see a lot in a short amount of time. Tegan was the best!!! Knew so much and spoke so passionately about New Zealand and Māori culture. Was so nice to learn. And she is just the best

Wild Kiwi is an expert in:

"Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

G Adventures is an expert in:

"This tour is excellent for anyone wanting a quick trip to see all the major spots in the South Island. Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems. :)

Haka Tours is an expert in:

Best time to visit New Zealand South Island

• March 2025 popular 115 tours
• April 2025 104 tours
• May 2025 80 tours
• July 2024 61 tours
• August 2024 popular 73 tours
• September 2024 88 tours
• October 2024 101 tours
• November 2024 popular 107 tours
• December 2024 106 tours
• January 2025 popular 119 tours
• February 2025 115 tours

Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts

Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar

Joachim is one of our seasoned New Zealand South Island Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand South Island tours answered!

• Choose from 183+ New Zealand South Island tours
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New Zealand South Island Tours starting in:

• Christchurch (77)
• Auckland (30)
• Queenstown (28)
• 3 Day Tours (7)
• 7 Day Tours (39)
• 10 Day Tours (34)
• 2 Week Tours (35)
• 3 Week Tours (20)
• 4 Week Tours (7)

Other Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand North Island (107)
• New Zealand Central North Island (44)
• Milford Sound (38)
• Southern Alps (18)
• New Zealand Bay Of Islands (15)
• New Zealand Northland (14)
• Te Araroa Trail (13)
• New Zealand West Coast (13)
• Aoraki Mount Cook (10)
• Southland New Zealand (10)
• Bay Of Plenty (8)
• Marlborough (5)

Travel Styles

• Budget (13)
• Singles and Solo (105)
• For Couples (27)
• Young Adults (22)
• Seniors (33)

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New Zealand South Island Tours - over 60 great tour ideas

Experience dramatic scenery, landscapes and wonderful hospitality on a South Island New Zealand tour. We have over 120 great itineraries exploring the South Island by coach from escorted and guided tours to highly flexible Thrifty Tours which depart every single day. New Zealand's South Island has it all, from the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the thrill of a jet Boat ride in Queenstown or a heli hike on the West Coast glaciers. All our South Island New Zealand tours visit iconic locations of the south including Mt. Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier plus much more. Get in touch with us today to get the best advice on the best South Island tour for you.

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

5 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• New Zealand Independent Tour
• Pre and post tour options? Yes
• Viewed 597 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary....

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

Christchurch to Milford Sound and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 4 star
• Viewed 750 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving int...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving into Queenstown. Take a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys.

Glaciers Overnight

2 days, from queenstown to christchurch.

• Viewed 557 times in the last 7 days

Short and sweet, this tour to the glaciers is a New Zealand bucket list experience.

5 day Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook

• Viewed 696 times in the last 7 days

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful...

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

8 day South Island Scenic Explorer

8 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 3 star
• Viewed 552 times in the last 7 days

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sou...

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

2 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 499 times in the last 7 days

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Vis...

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

3 day TranzAlpine Glaciers and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 429 times in the last 7 days

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable ...

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable small group tours. Witness the West Coast and southern lakes whilst enjoying the TranzAlpine Scenic Train and a stay in Queenstown.

5 Day Southern Highlights

• Viewed 402 times in the last 7 days

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford ...

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey. An ideal tour to customise to your own schedule!

7 day Fiordland Explorer 4 star tour

7 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Viewed 599 times in the last 7 days

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Ca...

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Caves and leaves you with time to experience the Adventure Capital of Queenstown.

• Viewed 664 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queensto...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queenstown. Then take the time to enjoy a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real NZ.

Even with hundreds of New Zealand coach touring ideas we know that sometimes you need something special. That's why the team at NZCT are experts at designing New Zealand holidays to suit everyone. We can combine our Guided Coach Tours with a tailor-made independent tour in another part of New Zealand and then design a self drive holiday to finish off your itinerary. Whatever you can think of we can create so you get the New Zealand touring experience you deserve.

Our sister company, New Zealand Self drive Tours , specialises in just that - Self Drive Holidays across New Zealand. With over 200 great itinerary ideas to help inspire you there is something for everyone. Our team of NZ Specialists tailor-make each itinerary to suit you. With hundreds of accommodation options, activity ideas, a great rental car range and our expertise to pull it altogether you are guaranteed a great NZ Self Drive holiday.

New Zealand Fine Touring is the parent company of New Zealand Coach Tours. Started in 2004 New Zealand Fine Touring grew from a small home business to New Zealand's leading touring holiday planner. We operate many different channels such as New Zealand Coach Tours, New Zealand Self Drive Tours, Fine Tours New Zealand, Discover New Zealand, Thrifty Tours, Ski New Zealand, NZ Road Trip, Pure Journeys and our travel agent only business nzsidekick. Each channel specialises in a particulur style of touring holiday but we can also use our experience across all these channels to create a bespoke itinerary to suit anyone from anywhere. Check out New Zealand Fine Touring here .

Small Group Tours

Cycle tours, private tours.

• Golden Bay Geological Gems Tour
• Bluff Oyster Festival & Stewart Island
• Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour
• Molesworth and Upper West Coast Tour
• Central Otago in Autumn Tour
• Stewart Island and Catlins Tour
• Hurunui Art & Garden Tour

Canterbury Foothills and Rivers Tour

• More tours...

• Molesworth Station Cycle Tour
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Tour
• Private Tours Customise your own tour 4 Day (3 night) Scenic Tour 3 Day (2 night) Scenic Tour
• 4WD Tours 4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour 4WD Molesworth Tour Lead Vehicle Seat 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tag-along Tour 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tour Lead Vehicle Seat North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour

We would love to show you around on our small group South Island Tours

Quality accommodation, meals and experiences are part of our guided tour packages showcasing different regions of the South Island. Your friendly tour guide will ensure you have a safe and memorable tour.

When you purchase a tour from us you are supporting multiple small kiwi businesses at the same time.

Your guided tour options include  small group tours for seniors  to discover the hidden gems of our regions. A range of  guided cycle tours , or fabulous  guided 4WD Tagalong Tours  where you bring your own 4WD to explore off the beaten track destinations.

Since 1992 people have enjoyed experiencing tours with us and we think you will as well, we have 30 years’ experience.

Choose your tour type

Our group of 11 loved the tour through the iconic Molesworth and beyond. Hosts very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and responsive to individual needs. Food and accommodation top class. Scenery fantastic and our group (half using e-bikes and half mountain bikes) all loved the daily rides. Some who wanted to do more were able to which was much appreciated. A big thank you to our tour leaders for making this one of our best NZ cycling experiences

It was a really great ride made all the more enjoyable with all the interesting stories told by Geoff and Phil and the great food presented beautifully by our “hostess with  the mostest” Sue, aka bus driver. She’s a multitasker extraordinaire!!!

The meal at Kelly’s farm was lovely. It was neat to have her and her wee girls join us for lunch and being able to ask her questions about the farm made it really interesting. The stay at the shearers quarters was cool. We loved the meal there too. Great  to have the support of Phil riding with us encouraging everyone and the bus to collapse in if you wished to.

All in all a wonderful experience which I would highly recommend to anyone.

Just to say thank you to you both for a really great holiday! For all the necessary background work and admin required for a tour like this you do a wonderful job Lee so much appreciation! Geoff, you were an excellent tour guide, really well informed and great company, all the details which help to make a very special experience. To add to it all, your baking was delicious Lee and also much appreciated! Thank you again

Thank you for organising the new trip to the West Coast and White Heron Colony. We know that under our own steam we could never have seen and done as much as we did in the time your trip took. So thanks to your planning and the excellent driving, we were both able to relax and enjoy everything on offer. ​

Of course the highlight was the visit to the White Heron nesting site – an experience to stow away in the memory bank! Having said that there were so many other memorable experiences and I’ll never forget that wonderful garden at Walter Peak Station.

We had a FANtastic trip, Phil and Sue were both amazing and I have to say that I honestly have not enjoyed an organised trip more ever (and I’ve done a few ). The food was unbelievable, the scenery stunning and I really enjoyed staying at the station and even got to see a bit of mustering. An added bonus! I would highly recommend this company and would do another tour with them for sure!

We had the best tour ever far exceeded our expectations from the guides Sue and Phil to the food prepared by Barb and the hosts at the stations were amazing. Sue and Phil were outstanding …so down to earth and friendly nothing was too much bother. ​

The scenery was spectacular and the ride exhilarating…loved it.

It was an amazing experience, allowing us the opportunity to see some of the vast countryside and scenery up close and talk to some of the locals. You cannot appreciate the landscape and lifestyle when you “fly over the area at altitude”.

This trip was on our bucket list and we can now add the memories to our life experience, (some of which was a bit out of my comfort zone) but well worth it! But, don’t forget the yarns, and great company along the way too

Choose your experience

Golden Bay Geological Gems & Farewell Spit Tour

North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour

Akaroa French Festival Tour

Summer Alpine Flowers Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour

Winter Night Sky Tour

Have a question.

If you have a question about any of our tours or services, please do get in touch. We’d love to help.

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Molesworth 4WD Tag-Along Tour

Bring your own 4WD with us on this Molesworth 4WD tag-a-long tour. Travel in convoy, joined by two-way radio, with your guide Geoff bringing every landscape to life with a different story.

Cutting Tracks Overview Central Otago Rail Trail

A high quality mini documentary series about cycling The Central Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail – New Zealand

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand in all its colour and beauty – from our highest mountain- Mt Cook, past great lakes and rivers, and down to the ocean.

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5-21 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours

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South Island New Zealand Tour - Pure South 7 Day

A distillation of the very best..

We’ve cherry-picked the very best destinations, hikes and experiences, combining them into an unforgettable 7 day South Island adventure. Day walk amongst the Southern Alps on our legendary Great Walks. Soar over peaks and valleys on a scenic plane flight, Alaska-style, deep into the Kiwi backcountry. Explore Milford Sound and day walk in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

If you’re short on time or you’re just after the epic highlight reel, our Pure South itinerary is the perfect bite-sized morsel. It’s everything you’ve heard about and want to see during your time in New Zealand but weren’t sure how to piece together in such a short time.

With our wonderful Kiwi guides looking after all of the details of your holiday, you’ll quickly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure. This is 7 days of the very best of the South Island and while you probably won’t want to go home at the end of it, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you made the absolute most of every moment! We think of it as a distillation of the very best!

Activity Level 2 to 4 :  Designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  You can find a full breakdown of our activity levels plus details of each activity including elevation maps for each hike on our  Pure South Activity Levels page here.

Trip Style :   Throughout the trip you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals to fuel you for the adventurous days of walking and activities, and sleep soundly at night in comfortable ensuite accommodation that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations.

South ISLAND

Activity level 2 - 4

Very comfortable lodging

Price NZD$8999 NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 CAD$6399.00 +tax ALL INCLUSIVE!

Pure south - 7 day route map.

Highlights of the Pure South - 7 Day

1: The Kepler Track Hike on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, well-known for its awe-inspiring scenery.

2: Cruise Milford Sound An early morning cruise through our most famous fiord.

3: The Routeburn Track A heart-pumping day hike up to Key Summit for epic mountain views.

4: Siberia Valley A scenic flight into the wilderness, followed by a hike and thrilling jetboat ride.

5: Mt Aspiring National Park A morning hike takes you to the summit of Rocky Mountain for breath-taking panoramas.

6: Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Take on an epic hike up to Sealy Tarns or the Hooker Valley for views of the tumbling glaciers of Mt Cook.

7: Hike Mt John  A stunning hike alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with epic views of the Southern Alps.

8: Akaroa Swim with the rarest and smallest dolphin in the world, the Hector’s dolphin.

Pure South - 7 Day Day-by-Day Itinerary

Kepler Track Te Anau

Lunch Dinner

Day 1 – Welcome & Hike Kepler Track

We’ve distilled down the very best experiences on the South Island for our Pure South trip, making sure you don't miss a thing on your New Zealand adventure! And it all starts today!

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure.

Hike the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut. Following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks. What a way to welcome you to New Zealand! Afterwards, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau for a delicious home-cooked meal and the chance to rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.

Tonight we stay in Te Anau*

Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound Hike Routeburn Track

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 2 – Cruise and kayak Milford Sound & hike the Routeburn Track

It’s time to rise and shine for your first full day of activities. We’ll head straight to Milford Sound where we’ll explore the glacially carved fiord on a peaceful morning cruise and kayak adventure. After our relaxing morning on the water, it’s time for a day walk on your second Great Walk, the Routeburn Track, before ending the day back at your accommodation in Te Anau.

Cruise and kayak Milford Sound

This morning, we’ll head to Milford Sound for our scenic boat and kayak trip. Enjoy the crisp, fresh air as you explore our most iconic fiord. Have your cameras ready as you snap reels of photos of cascading waterfalls, towering peaks and native wildlife in action. Eventually, we’ll cruise back to dock to discover Fiordland National Park on foot, with a hike on part of the Routeburn Track.

Hike the Routeburn Track to Key Summit

Once back on dry land, we’ll head deeper in Fiordland’s wilderness, for a day walk on the world famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit. A well-formed track leads us through lush beech forest and past tall tree ferns, with velvety mosses blanketing the rich earth underfoot. Native birdsong provides a beautiful soundtrack to our walk and as we climb higher, views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley stretch out beneath us providing a fitting reward for our efforts. You’ll sleep soundly tonight in your lakefront accommodation in Te Anau.

Hike Arrowtown Explore Wanaka

Day 3 – Hike Arrowtown & Explore Wanaka

Today we leave the rainforests of Fiordland behind and head for the high-country lakes of Central Otago. We’ll explore the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown before walking one of our favourite local trails. We then head over the Crown Range to the pretty mountain resort town of Wanaka and gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, where we’ll spend the night.

Hike from Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today we will be walking the Arrow River Bridges Trail, one of our favourite hidden gems here in Queenstown.

Explore Wanaka

A short but incredibly scenic drive over New Zealand’s highest sealed road at 1022m takes us into Wanaka, a favourite holiday spot for us Kiwis. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, this lakefront town is Queenstown’s more relaxed cousin, although its equal in stunning scenery. It’s a great place to explore on your own for a bit – be sure to try out some of the local delicacies including meat pies, fantastic coffee, uniquely flavoured gelatos and craft beers.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge*

Mt Aspiring National Park Siberia Valley

Day 4 – Scenic flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, Hike & Wilderness Jet boat

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic flight deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We land in an isolated valley where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with views that will knock your socks off. Sufficiently fortified, we’ll hike back down to the river where a jetboat will be waiting to whisk you back to civilisation and your comfortable bed in Wanaka.

Scenic Flight into Mount Aspiring National Park

Today's adventure begins on one of Southern Alps Air’s Cessna bush planes, taking in expansive views of the 355,000ha Mount Aspiring National Park. Look out across winding rivers, virgin beech forest, glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, glaciers and the towering Southern Alps, before landing on the remote Siberia Valley air strip. Once on the ground, we'll head up the valley to a backcountry hut with outrageous views of the surrounding peaks. 

Hike Siberia Valley

After a tasty picnic lunch on the deck of the hut, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. The track was originally used by Mount Albert Station to take stock into the valley for grazing.

Wilderness Jet Boat Trip

Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968 transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, a jet boat will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge again*

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Hike Aspiring National Park

Mt Cook Region

Day 5 – Hike Wanaka & Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you’re feeling energetic this morning, we’ll start the day off with a heart pumping hike up to Rocky Mountain. If you’d prefer a more relaxed start, there’s plenty to do in Wanaka town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. This afternoon it’s a change of scenery as we make our way to the Mackenzie Country, an area of jaw-dropping beauty, wide-open skies, glacial lakes and distant towering peaks. We’ll spend the next two nights staying at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

We’ll kick the day off with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. You’ll have the option of carrying on up the Rocky Mountain trail if you’d like. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region*

Aoraki/Mt Cook Your choice

Day 6 – Your Choice in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Home to not only its namesake, known as “the Cloud Piercer” to Māori looming at 3,724 metres (over 12,000 feet), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks topping more than 3,000 metres. These are the mountains where Edmund Hillary honed his skills before becoming the first to successfully summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. This incredible outdoor playground is a hiker’s paradise, and you have several experiences to choose from today. Get up close to the icebergs on a glacier boat tour, or even splurge on a heli-hike if you’d like. Check out the many hiking tracks and trails, or simply explore the village at your leisure. Whatever you decide, it’s an incredible place to spend the day.

After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a tasty meal and a chance to trade stories from the day as well as gaze up at the impressive night sky in this internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region  again*

Hike to Red Tarns

Offering phenomenal views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains the Red Tarns Track is one of Aoraki/Mt Cook's hidden gems. On a calm day, you'll enjoy incredible mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook that will leave a lasting memory of this magical spot.

Walk the Hooker Valley Track

This is one of the South Island’s most popular glacier country trails. Looking down from swing bridges over rushing rivers, you’ll walk a track that leads to an alpine lake complete with icebergs. For those with an interest in New Zealand flora, the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see Mount Cook lilies in season.

Free time around Mount Cook Village

Today is a great opportunity to explore on your own. Visit the museum and planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Take some short walks around the area or just soak in the views with a coffee and good book.

Day 6 Optional Add-ons

Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:

Glacier heli-hiking

Take a helicopter up to land high on the Tasman, New Zealand’s longest glacier. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll don crampons to explore the dramatic ice caves of this frozen wonderland.  If you book this optional add-on it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Glacier lake boat tour

Hop aboard a Zodiac boat and set off across the iceberg-filled lake for an up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier’s terminal face.  If you book this scenic boat tour it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Aoraki/Mt Cook Hike Mt John

Today we finish the trip in Queenstown.

Day 7 – Hike near Lake Tekapo

It’s our last morning together and the adventure isn’t quite over just yet. We’ll start today with a hike through the picturesque Mackenzie Country. We'll climb through forest and tussock until we reach a spectacular view of the surreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before heading back to Queenstown to say our farewells. 

Hike Mt John 

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John though forest and tussock to the observatory at the top. As we walk, we’ll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue to the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land.

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.

Don’t take our word for it...

Jane Sinclair (Pure South, January 24)

Jennifer & Graham Gillen (Pure South, February 24)

Customer rating:

Photos of the Pure South - 7 Day

Magnificent beech forest on the Kepler Track.

The majestic Milford Sound.

Exploring Siberia Valley in style.

Cruising through Milford Sound.

Glorious Key Summit on the Routeburn Track.

Venturing along the Rocky Mountain Track.

Iceberg filled Hooker Lake, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Lupins bursting to life in Spring.

Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Pure South - 7 Day Accommodation

Aoraki Alpine lodge.

Views of Mt Cook at Aoraki Alpine Lodge.

Te Wanaka Lodge.

Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our Pure South trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

How fit do I need to be for the Pure South?

The Pure South is designed for people who want to experience New Zealand's incredible array of outdoor adventures with the flexibility to explore at a pace that's right for you. With your two New Zealand guides you'll always have easier or more challenging options available so you can scale your activity level up or down to suit your preference. On the Pure South trip, you will walk between 3 to 5 hours each day on well-formed tracks. The average distance walked each day is 9km/5.6mi. 

Click here to go to a handy page  with a summary of the distances and approximate times for every walk and activity on our Pure South trip!

What is the accommodation like on the Pure South?

On the Pure South trip, you'll sleep soundly in comfortable accommodations that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations. You’ll meet friendly hosts and have a private ensuite room each night.   Click here to find out more about the accommodation on this trip.

What time does the Pure South trip start and finish?

Pick up information We can pick you up on the first day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

8.30am  from the lobby of our city joining hotel - the Ramada Queenstown Central

9.00am from the lobby of our airport joining hotel- La Quinta Queenstown

9.15am  from the Queenstown International Airport

Drop off information* We can drop you off on the last day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

5.30pm  at Queenstown International Airport

after 5.45pm at your airport hotel

after 6.15pm at your city centre hotel in the Queenstown CBD. Due to the time restrictions on the final day, if we are dropping you off at a hotel this will need to be a hotel that is either close to the airport of within the city centre, not a hotel in another suburb. 

*Please note, if you are travelling on a trip with us that departs from October 2025 onwards, the drop off locations will be: 5.30pm at Queenstown International Airport, 5.45pm at our airport joining hotel - La Quinta Queenstown, 6.15pm at our city joining hotel - Ramada Queenstown Central

When booking your flights, please make sure you:

Arrive  on day one to  Queenstown no later than 8:15am  International 8:45am  Domestic   Depart  on the final day from  Queenstown no earlier than 7.30pm  International  6.30pm  Domestic

**If your travel plans fall outside of these times please check with us  before you book .

What's not included on my Pure South tour?

Airfares to and from New Zealand. Airfares between the North and South Island of New Zealand if you are joining our Sweet North trip. Airport transfers. Travel insurance. Visas. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner.

What's included on my Pure South tour?

• Two experienced New Zealand Trails Guides to guide you on your tour.
• Activities, hikes and guides as shown in the itinerary.
• Accommodation as indicated in your final itinerary.
• All local taxes and gratuities.

New Zealand is not a tipping culture. If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guides with a tip it is very much appreciated but not an expectation on our trips. 

What hikes are included in the Pure South trip?

On the Pure South trip you'll experience the very best hiking the South Island has to offer including:

- Fiordland National Park: The Routeburn Track, The Kepler Track - Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park: Hooker Valley track, Sealy Tarns track. - Mt Aspiring National Park: Siberia Valley - Rocky Mountain and Diamond Lake near Wanaka

What activities are included on the Pure South trip?

On your Pure South tour you'll get the chance to experience some very special Kiwi activities including:

- Scenic plane flight into Siberia Valley - Jet boat down the Wilkin River - Nature cruise on Milford Sound -  Milford Sound Kayak

Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?

Yes – we are well connected in New Zealand! You will have access to the internet, at your accommodation whether free or for a small fee, every night on your trip. While New Zealand is quite tech savvy the wifi at some accommodation may not be of the speed you are used to back home.

Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip?

Yes, all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip have electricity.

Tell me about your safety standards

Safety is always our top priority. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record and our safety management plans. Your New Zealand Trails Guides are highly experienced outdoors professionals who are first aid qualified and fully equipped with a satellite phone, personal locator beacon and first aid kit. Our trips have direct access to our highly experienced operations team and other outside services 24 hours a day.

Biking isn't really my thing. Do you have other options?

If biking isn't really your thing no worries! We have lots of guests join us who prefer to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you'll be able to join your guide on a walk of the Arrow River Trail instead of biking if you'd like.

What National Parks and Great Walks does the Pure South trip visit?

The Pure South visits three of New Zealand’s National Parks - Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will have the opportunity to hike on two Great Walks, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track.

What kind of people will be on my Pure South trip?

Our guests are like-minded people from Australia, the UK, Canada and America, and come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. On average, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, with several single travellers on each trip as well as couples and friends travelling together.

If you would like to see the actual people that come on our Pure South Island tour, check out our  photo gallery.

Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?

There is no additional charge for solo travellers on our trips. If you are a solo traveller, as many of our guests are, we will team you up with another solo traveller of the same sex to share with for the duration of your trip. If you would like to guarantee your own room as a solo traveller, then there is the option to pay a solo supplement.

Do you need any outdoors experience for the Pure South trip?

You certainly don’t need any technical outdoors experience to enjoy your New Zealand Trails trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. 

You will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride on your trip. The trail is an undulating gravel track that is rated as an “easy” trail ride but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part in the bike rides. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer. 

How many people will be on my trip?

We run small-group tours, so along with your guides, there are typically 12 - 15 guests in your group. We have found keeping our group sizes small is the perfect way to make sure everyone has the best time.

What does going on a guided trip entail?

Coming on a guided trip with us means we take care of everything! Our small group tours have a maximum of 14 guests per trip along with your local, New Zealand guide and are designed to make it easy, fun and safe for you to explore on your New Zealand trip of a lifetime.

Before your trip: You’ll have a dedicated guest service team member to assist you every step of the way. From advising what you should pack to choosing the best flights to arrive for your trip on time and helping organize pre and post-trip accommodation. No matter when you book or how far in advance you plan your travel, our team is here to help.

During your trip: On your trip, you’ll have two dedicated local New Zealand guides who will take care of everything. They provide food, snacks and safety information, as well as arrange all of your activities and make sure you get where you need to be safely and on time. They’ll also share their extensive knowledge of our country and culture and provide flexibility so you can enjoy New Zealand at the pace that’s right for you.

After your trip: Your dedicated guest service team member will be there to support you. From helping book accommodation and advising on the best flights to sharing local knowledge on other activities you might enjoy or the best places to eat. You’ll also receive all the photos from your trip that your guides have collected along the way so you can cherish the memories of your adventure.

Can you help with pre/post-trip accommodation and flights?

Yes, we can! Our dedicated Guest Services team member Becky will be here to help every step of the way. She can advise you on which flights you should book to ensure you arrive for your trip on time, the best accommodation for you pre and post-trip and everything in between. She’s here to make sure your travel experience is seamless and stress-free.

How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?

On day one of your trip, your guides will pick you up from either our joining hotel or the airport in a late-model Mercedes Benz Sprinter. This will be your vehicle for the duration of the trip and your luggage will travel with you in the luggage compartment. Each day we'll drive between 0.5 and 3 hours to reach our next destination. Our trips are carefully planned to give you the most time exploring the outdoors and any travel is always broken up with hikes, activities and coffee/bathroom breaks. You'll bring your small day pack with you inside the vehicle, with just your hiking essentials (jacket, water bottle, sun hat etc) and will be all you will need to carry with you when you are out exploring. Your luggage will stay in the vehicle until we reach our accommodation for the evening. 

If you are joining us on both a Sweet North and a South Island trip,  it is a very easy to transition between the South and North Islands. Our national airline  Air New Zealand operates several flights a day between Auckland and Queenstown or Christchurch. We leave the flights for you to organise so that you can choose where you would like to spend any extra time between your trips and the time that suits your plans. If you have any questions about the timings for your trips, or you would like any help at all, just ask us!  

Activity Level

The Pure South trip is an activity level 2 to 4, d esigned for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Short on time? No worries. Discover the highlights of the South Island over 7 incredible days as you hike, cruise and soar over iconic New Zealand sights. You’ll enjoy tasty home-cooked meals and local restaurant cuisine, resting your head at night in very comfortable and perfectly located accommodations.

If you have a little more time up your sleeve, experience the best of both North and South over 12 days by combining this trip with our Sweet North  or Great Walks - North .

Find your ideal dates below using the date picker and keep an eye on availability as our small groups fill up fast.

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?

We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!

Pure South - 7 Day – ready to book?

Ready to start your new zealand adventure.

A distillation of the best hiking New Zealand and the South Island has to offer, as well as unique Kiwi experiences and action-packed adventures, our Pure South is a smorgasbord. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure.

What’s included:

✓ Local guides, small groups

✓ All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities

✓ All inclusive

✓ All accommodation

NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 NZD$8999 CAD$6399.00 +tax per person (twin or double share)

Want more information?

Get a free New Zealand Trails brochure!

Too many options out there? Want to “do New Zealand” your way, with expert local guides to help?

Our FREE brochure has 36 pages of detailed itineraries, maps and behind-the-scenes tour info.

All you need – nothing you don’t.

If you’re still not sure, or just want to hear a friendly voice, contact Jodi!

GET OUR FREE BROCHURE

Kia Ora, welcome to Wildsouth Discovery.

So, why Wildsouth Discovery? We work closely with our clients to understand their New Zealand travel wishes and desires and to understand the style of tour that they would like. We will provide you with the advice and information that will give you a sound understanding of the best way to achieve your perfect tour. We are passionate locals who love sharing our magical world with our guests. It’s a place of dramatic scenic beauty that will electrify your senses and capture your heart: golden beaches, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers and majestic alpine landscapes. As locals with over 27 years’ of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, we know this island intimately, and we can guarantee our discerning guests will experience a magnificent journey, and take away memories they will treasure for a lifetime.

We believe that size does matter, and that is why we keep things personal offering only unique, private small-group experiences. Explore with us, the iconic destinations as well as lesser and visited places on our scenic luxpeditions in our fully customised deluxe tour vehicles. On each day, you will be hosted and guided and we are passionate about sharing our backyard and its stories.

Our tours are for solo travellers and couples or for groups of more travelling together, such as family groups, friends and special interest groups.

Give us a call today on 03 332 3665 (within NZ), +64 3 332 3665 (Outside NZ) or email us using our contact form, outlining where you’d like to go, and some of the things you’d like to see and do, and then let us do the rest.

We can tailor the perfect trip to suit you and your fellow travellers, in style and comfort.

Wildsouth Discovery Guided Experiences

Private Tours and Luxpeditions

At Wildsouth Discovery, we do  offer some “off-the shelf” tours but mostly, we design “Tailored Journeys.”

Join us on a journey of exploration ,  discovery  and  inspiration  through the South Island of New Zealand. The custom tours that we offer are private, completely personalized and created for the discerning traveller who expects a high level of luxury, service and attention to detail.

We are passionate about creating and personally guiding exclusive, tailor made tours. Our emphasis is always on quality for visitors wanting that “extra something”, and a memorable and wonderful stay.

Read more about our Tailor-Made Tours

Customised Tours in South Island

Akaroa day tour, arthur's pass day tour, kaikoura heli-day tour.

Journeys, expeditions and safaris

• Would you like to experience a special kind of vacation with a boutique tour operator?

• Would you enjoy travelling on an exclusive private tour?

• Do you enjoy doing gentle guided walks?

• Do comfort, fun, exploring, discovering and learning appeal to you while travelling?

• Do you find first-class service, superb food and exquisite accommodations very desirable?

• Are you interested in history, geology, wildlife, ancient pristine landscapes or perhaps just magnificent scenery?

• Do you enjoy getting ‘off the beaten track’?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, then perhaps you should join one of our Companion Luxpeditions!

It’s an unforgettable moment when you round a corner to a remote and beautiful location, and stop for a delicious picnic morning tea, a picnic lunch or a picnic stop for a glass (or two) of NZ wine and cheese.

Whether it is a bush morning tea with a stunning view, a relaxed picnic stop in a secluded spot or a private celebratory lunch looking out at a mountain, there’s just something special about eating al fresco.

Going the extra mile and offering guests the special delight of a picnic experience in our varied outdoors is one of the hallmarks of what Wildsouth Discovery prides itself on… definitely something to consider before you book your next trip.

We strive to create unique, lifelong memories for each and every guest that travels with us.

By tapping into our broad experience and our deep knowledge of the South Island’s unparalleled beauty, heritage and culture, we ensure everyone gets the most from every moment of their tailor-made and personally-guided journey.

Creating lifelong memories through unique travelling experiences

Sharing our experience and knowledge with guests to explore and discover South Island’s beauty, heritage, and culture

Providing exclusive companion luxpeditions through our customised, personally guided tours

In 2009, Brian was nominated as one of 3 finalists for the 2009 ITOC (Inbound Tour Operator’s Council) – Operator of the Year Award. The award recognises New Zealand tourism operators who offer outstanding tourism experiences for inbound travellers, and are selected by leading inbound operators based on feedback they receive directly from international clients.

   Wonderful day with fantastic hosts  - We were lucky enough to get to go on this fantastic tour on a gorgeous summer day in New Zealand while there recently for our wedding. Brian and Paula were ... read more our hosts and picked us up in their super comfy touring van from our accommodation. We were greeted with smiles and hospitality from Brian and Paula who quickly got us settled into the van and on the way to middle earth! The trip out to Mount Sunday was so comfortable and we felt very cared for and looked after- little extras such as a comfort stop along the way for tea and biscuits made it feel like going on a day out with friends which was lovely. The van has very comfortable seats with furry cushions which really makes the trip so much more pleasant- you could tell that Brian and Paula had put a lot of thought into making each detail unique and comfortable and had gone above and beyond to change things to make them even better for us. Brian and Paula were wonderful hosts- Paula in the back providing a solid and calm presence and Brian up front chatting knowledgeably about the locations and places we were going. It was clear that they both have a love for the land and love sharing this with others. Mount Sunday was absolutely beautiful and Brian and Paula gave us the freedom to climb the hill at our own pace, exploring the beauty and sites. At the top of Mount Sunday Brian even produced a sword which we excitedly waved around and took photos posing as our favourite lord of the rings characters. It was a fantastic touch which really added to the experience of being up in such a great place (and made taking photos that more fun!). On the way back from Edoras we were happily surprised to stop off by Lake Clearwater and we paddled around in the water a bit, skipping stones and enjoying the beauty of the lake. While we did this Brian and Paula were setting up a wonderful lunch for us on the shore with a picnic table, wine, homemade chutneys, cheese and more! It was truly wonderful and such a kind and personal experience- we hadn't expected this and we were a bit overcome with how thoughtful this was and this was a highlight of the trip for us. Sitting by the lake, eating Paula's homemade chutney and looking at the beauty around us was magical. On the way back we had another comfort stop which was planned and obviously well thought out by Brian and Paula- wherever we stopped it was clear they had scouted it out and chosen the spot because of it's beauty and unique experience. We had tea and chocolate by some lovely waterfalls and then Brian and Paula returned us to our accommodation around 630ish. I would highly recommend Wildsouth Discovery to any travellers in NZ- I felt very looked after and comfortable that Brian and Paula would have done whatever they could to help make our trip memorable. If you are looking for a more personal touch with lovely people and fantastic views don't go past these guys! Thanks Brian and Paula, your tour was a highlight of our trip to NZ!

   'Wildsouth discovery' West Coast South Island NZ trip  - The many bush walks were my favorite part of my South Island adventure. Wildsouth discovery is an excellent way to explore many locations in the South Island of New ... read more Zealand. Brian and Paula planned a small group tour for us that was flexible accommodating the groups interests and abilities. Their knowledge of history, flora and fauna brought the itinerary alive. As hosts and guides they are outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed my 8 day West Coast adventure and recommend them highly.

   Arthur’s Pass  - This is our first NZ trip. We had a private Arthur’s Pass tour with Brian and Paula. They were timely, knowledgeable, funny and gracious and our experience was ... read more fantastic. When you are in the Christchurch area this is the place to go for a memorable private tour. We absolutely loved it

   Amazing  - Brian and his wife Paula gave us the best tour we’ve ever had. Not only did they know facts about the area they took us places a regimented tour ... read more wouldn’t. They even took us to a Harley dealer before the end of our day! A picnic in the hills with cheese, wine and homemade treats topped it all off. Recommend them 100000000%.

   To Rohan!  - This tour was arranged by a friend and it was such an amazing experience - I am so grateful to Brian and Paula for making it a memorable experience. ... read more The South Island is naturally beautiful, but a comfortable, professional and thoughtful tour makes it even better. Brian and Paula are very focused on the details and making sure the entire trip - from pickup to drop off - is personalised and of high quality. A tea break en route to Mount Sunday and a lovely lakeside lunch were nice additions to the tour. The scenery where they filmed Rohan/Edoras for Lord of the Rings is amazing, and Wildsouth Discovery made it even better! Thanks!

   Wonderfully Tailored Experience  - We spent an amazing 10 days touring the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with Brian and Paula. They put together an itinery that exactly matched our requirements for a ... read more stress free and not too adventurous holiday with some luxury thrown in. Brian and Paula's knowledge and passion of the flora, fauna and Maori culture was amazing and by the end of the trip we were well educated in all three. Just a couple of highlights were Brian's ability to show us some out of the way places and scenery that you won't find in the travel brochures and Paula's amazing home cooked treats for morning and afternoon teas (and wine). Nothing was too much trouble and Brian and Paula went out of their way to ensure we had a memorable holiday. We have no hesitation in recomending Wildsouth and will travel with them again when we have the opportunity to revisit the South Island.

   Wonderful!  - This was our first visit to New Zealand. We did not have the luxury of taking the recommended minimum of a month to travel the country--we had only a week ... read more for the South Island and opted to go with professionals to help us maximize our time there. We didn’t attempt to “do it all” but we did have some requirements. As we made inquiries Brian was keen to call so we could better discuss what we wanted to do. Brian made suggestions and designed an itinerary that incorporated our priorities and South Island highlights: hikes, scenic views, night sky, wildlife, bird watching and wine drinking. I was concerned about spending too much time driving rather than hiking but to get around the large distances one must drive. However, the vehicle is very comfortable, the scenery is spectacular and journeys were broken up with hikes, picnic lunches, afternoon teas or wine and cheese. In fact, because of the bespoke itinerary we struck a perfect balance between seeing different places and walking and being active. Our travels included lodging in superb accommodations: Arrowtown Boutique Hotel and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, which added more value to our Wildsouth Discovery experience. Brian and Paula are delightful hosts who work hard to make your trip easy in a relaxed and easy-going way. They shared their love for New Zealand and knowledge of geography, natural history and “secret” places and provided us with views of dolphins, birds, glaciers, breathtaking scenery and more all in one short week.

   Outstanding private guides of the South Island  - Our travel agent had recommended Wildsouth Discovery tours to us for our week in Christchurch. Brian Lucas and his partner Paula Sinclair were everything we could have expected and more. ... read more Brian met us at the airport at midnight and got us to our B & B, he and Paula picked us up after our breakfast and began with an orientation of the city itself and its attractions, gradually expanding in term of geography to the coastal peninsula where we saw fur seals and dolphins, on a whale watch out in the Pacific, and up on the TransAlpine train to Arthur's Pass in the Southern Alps. They provided a portable tea for us wherever we went, including Paula's home made chocolate cookies, and they took us to their vacation home in Akarora for wine and more chocolates. They were the essence of kindness and consideration. We consider them to be close friends. We had a wonderful time because of them.

   Unforgettable Journey through New Zealand's South Island with Wildsouth: A Review  - My family and I had an incredible 10-day exploration of the stunning South Island of New Zealand in the company and under the guidance of Brian and Paula. Their itinerary ... read more perfectly aligned with our desire for a relaxing and adventurous vacation, infused with some luxurious touches. Brian and Paula's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for explaining and showcasing the natural beauty of New Zealand, Maori culture, and the history of New Zealand were truly impressive. They were so kind and sweet, and especially my children loved them. I must say that without them, this amazing trip would not have been possible. Among the numerous highlights were Brian's skill in revealing hidden gems and scenic spots not featured in typical travel brochures, as well as Paula's delightful homemade treats for morning and afternoon teas, along with wine, cheese, and caracaras. Brian and Paula consistently went above and beyond to ensure our holiday was unforgettable, and we wholeheartedly recommend Wildsouth. When the opportunity arises to revisit the South Island, we will undoubtedly choose to travel with them again. I highly recommend this tour, as you could not find a better one than this.

   We live in Christchurch and have visited Akaroa on a few occasions. It's a picturesque setting and we tend to do similar things each time ... walking the village, browsing ... read more the shops, enjoying a lunch. But .... what joy, going on the trip with hosts, Paula and Brian. For a start, the fact that neither my husband nor I had to drive, meant we were both able to sit back and enjoy the scenery, instead of watching the road. Brian drove us to parts we'd never explored before and stopped at breath-taking views. A delicious morning tea was provided, as we took in the tranquility of the area. We walked a short track and there before us was the best view of Akaroa and the harbour, we've ever seen. Photographic opportunities filled the day. Apart from enjoying the relaxed travel, we were also amazed to hear the local history and Maori legends of the area, which Brian related so well. The boat trip out on the harbour was wonderful, with many encounters with the dolphins, seals, bird life and even penguins. Our Granddaughters (in their teens) thought the day was totally fantastic. The return trip was equally enjoyable with additional refreshments and pleasant views. Whether you are from overseas or a local, we highly recommend this superb day out.

   We sent the most amazing 4 days with Brian & Paula. They met us at the airport and gave us a great city tour of Christchurch, then delivered us to ... read more our hotel. An amazing day in North Canterbury at a sheep/beef farm watching the sheep dogs work the animals, the shearing of the sheep and hand feeding alpacas, including an incredible jet boat trip. A day at Akoroa Harbor for a harbor cruise to see Hector Dolphins, lunch at a delightful restaurant, and walkabout of a charming town. A train trip to Arthur's Pass National Park and Otira Gorge. Brian & Paula met us at the pass and we drove for many incredible views, tea and treats along the way, as well as a stop at a very good restaurant for lunch in the middle of no where. Another stop at a Merino sheep ranch - amazing day! Final day we were picked up at our hotel and personally dropped at the charter bus that took us to the cruise ship dock. All of this plus restaurant recommendations and many conversations and laughs along the way. Not only were Brian & Paula great guides, but we felt like we spent 4 days with "good friends". Certainly our favorite part of visiting New Zealand.

   A Day to Remember: Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge with Expert Guiding  - First, Brian and Paula rescued our day. With the train fire, our plan was in Jeopardy. No worries, they scooped us up from our hotel in Christchurch, and ... read more we drove in style and comfort. We stopped countless times on the way for scenic vistas--a photographer's dream--and their knowledge about the history, personalities, plants and trees, and the places (Castle Hill Rocks, Southern Alpes, Waimakariri River) was staggering. Not sure we managed to ask a question that was a stumper. Four well-traveled adults agreed these guides were terrific. Very full day, and returned to hotel at 6:30pm.

   South Island High Country - Lord of the Rings, Canterbury  - The best tour we have experienced - and we have been on many, many tours. Pickup in Christchurch was exactly on time, the vehicle was very comfortable with great seats ... read more and all were positioned so that everyone had a good view. Morning tea was a very welcome surprise - lovely. Our destination was Mt Sunday in the High Country (Edoras in the Lord of the Rings) - what a place- stunning. Lunch was provided and unexpected, wine, fresh bread, dips etc on the banks of Lake Clearwater. Could you find a more peaceful and picturesque spot? Brian and Paula our hosts were just fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and very very passionate about New Zealand.

   Adventures in the South Island!  - If you are looking to avoid masses of tourists & find the real essence of the South Island, then you can do no better than touring with the lovely duo ... read more of Brian & Paula. They are fantastic hosts who love and enjoy showing us their beautiful country. We went on a 5-day trip and learnt a lot, had masses of fun and I can't recommend them highly enough. They tailored our trip to our exacting specifications and tight time scale. Great vehicle, which was very comfortable with large seats and nothing was too much trouble for them with picnics and yummy home-made chocolates to boot!

   Amazing tour, excellent hosts  - Brian and Paula are among the best guides that South Island has to offer, and I feel truly lucky to have had them along for my journey. They know their ... read more way around the island, how to avoid the tourist traps and get off the beaten track, and (most importantly) how to plan one hell of a trip. The accommodations and vehicles we used were extremely comfortable, the food was nothing short of amazing, and the locations (both large and small) were beautiful. Would recommend to anyone planning a trip to South Island, even returning visitors!

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The 15 Day Best of the South Island

• New Zealand Self Drive Tours
• South Island Itineraries and Road Trips

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Day by Day Itinerary

Explore New Zealand's South Island on this classic 15 Day southern New Zealand circuit, an awe-inspiring self-drive sightseeing tour. Highlights include a guided walk experience in Mount Cook National Park, wildlife experience on a remote island in Lake Wanaka, a helicopter flight over both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound with a Scenic flight over Fiordland and much much more...

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Reviews of this tour....

We had a few bumps and Katarina quickly responded and was able to give us good advice.

We had a fantastic experience traveling with First Light Travel! The primary reason we chose to travel with them was their excellent consultant, Katarina, who provided prompt and relevant responses throughout the booking process. We found the itinerary to be well-suited to our interests, and the information provided was both accurate and helpful. Our holiday experience exceeded our expectations, with activities that were mostly enjoyable and perfectly aligned with our interests. We particularly loved the accommodations in Queenstown, Christchurch, and Napier, which were outstanding. However, the Te Anau bed and breakfast fell short of our expectations, feeling outdated and out of the way. Despite this, we still felt that the overall holiday experience represented excellent value for money. Katarina's assistance was invaluable, especially when we encountered a few bumps along the way. We greatly appreciate her quick responses and helpful advice. Thank you, First Light Travel, for a memorable holiday!

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Classic Two Week North and South Island Self Drive Tour

This Classic New Zealand North and South Island Tour is designed for those who prefer exploring the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand, from geothermal marvels, to mountain tops and the soaring vistas of the Milford Sound. We've added plenty of luxurious touches with wine tasting and scenic flights.  The pace is relaxed with time to relax in Rotorua, Wellington, Mt Cook and Queenstown.

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New Zealand South Island | Touring Ideas

5 to 9 day holiday itineraries.

Explore our popular 5 to 9 day self drive, independent and coach holiday ideas. New Zealand's South Island has it all from beautiful Fiordlands, Milford Sound, West Coast Glaciers and the famous Queenstown. On this South Island holiday discover all of the highlights and ask our specialised travel agents for their favourite places and hidden secret spots! Remember, we are also able to customise your itinerary to perfectly suit your needs. Just get in touch with one of our specialists to start planning your Discover New Zealand experience.

Train, Fiord and Glacier

Duration: 6 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 3 star
• Independent tour (bus & coach)

Spoil yourself with a New Zealand tour to a beautiful fiord, stunning glacier and finish with one of the best scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. This vacation really is fantastic if you want to see some unique highlights in a short time frame. Contact us if you wish to alter this plan - we can design your holiday specifically for your needs!

• Viewed 793 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

Duration: 5 days Christchurch to Christchurch

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

• Viewed 1146 times in the last 7 days

6 day South Island Encounter

Duration: 6 days Queenstown to Queenstown

• Hotel 4 star

A 6 day introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers.  Highlights are the renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey and the Milford Sound Nature Cruise.

• Viewed 476 times in the last 7 days

6 day Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glacier Highlights

Starting and finishing Christchurch this tour visits Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers before taking the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey across the Southern Alps.

• Viewed 553 times in the last 7 days

Southern Scenic Wonders

This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

• Viewed 563 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$4,000

Southern Spotlight Tour

Explore the South Island on this popular 9 day itinerary. Highlights include a night in Mt Cook National Park, Dunedin, Te Anau including a Milford Sound cruise, free time in Queenstown, an evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak station for dinner, the West Coast and Franz Josef Glacier plus the Tranz Alpine Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch.

• Viewed 491 times in the last 7 days

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes

Duration: 7 days Christchurch to Queenstown

Highlighting the renowned TranzAlpine scenic train, and allowing time to explore the west coast glacier regions, the alpine-adventure town of Queenstown and the breath taking Milford Sound this tour has it all.

• Viewed 428 times in the last 7 days

6 day Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glaciers

Experience Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and the Glaciers on this 6-day itinerary. Includes the Speights Brewery Tour, a Milford Sound day tour including a 2 1/2 hour nature cruise and the famous Tranz Alpine train.

• Viewed 435 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$2,885

5 Day Southern Highlights

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey. An ideal tour to customise to your own schedule!

• Viewed 440 times in the last 7 days

• Viewed 462 times in the last 7 days

5 Day Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

A 5 day tour of the spectacular South Island. Visit Queenstown, explore Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, and finally experience the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey.

• Viewed 288 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

© Copyright 2024 Discover New Zealand | [email protected]

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

11 must-do experiences in the South Island

Experience New Zealand's highest peak and explore the only castle in the country. Admire striking lakeside views, street art and mountain peaks.

The South Island hosts some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. Add some of these must-do's to your South Island itinerary.

1. Marvel at Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain

Aoraki / Mt Cook, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Will Patino

Experience the beauty of  Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot. Enjoy a birds eye view of the area from the air on a scenic flight or go on a boat trip with Glacier Explorers on the only accessible glacial lake with icebergs in the world. Day or night, from up close to views across the water, this mountain takes on of our top spots for South Island experiences.

2. Visit New Zealand's only castle

Lanarch Castle, Dunedin

By Enterprise Dunedin

Built by William Larnach in 1871, the Larnach castle is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. The castle and its creator offer a fascinating look into Dunedin's history. Boasting a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a tower with sweeping views of the Otago Peninsula and stunning Victorian style gardens,  Larnach Castle  is a must-do. Soak up the atmosphere and stay for high tea, hosted each day at 3pm.

3. Go native bird spotting on Rakiura/Stewart Island

Stewart Island birdlife, Stewart Island - Rakiura

By Matt Crawford

Stewart Island  is home to New Zealand's largest and most diverse bird population. Here, you can go birdwatching and see kākā, albatross, penguins, weka and even kiwis as you walk. With over 240 kilometres of  walking tracks  you can explore the beaches and rainforests at your own pace or pick from one of the many tour companies and discover the island's hidden gems.

4. Discover the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds

Milford Sound, Fiordland

By Tourism New Zealand

A UNESCO World Heritage site,  Fiordland National Park  features  Milford  and  Doubtful Sounds  which you can explore by  boat , air or on  foot . Keep the camera handy - there's a magic spot around every bend in this part of the world! The park can be accessed through the picturesque town of  Te Anau .

5. Explore the Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds by bike, Marlborough

By Marlborough Tourism

Located at the top of the South Island, Marlborough Sounds boasts 1,500km of New Zealand coastline. Home to secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious island sanctuaries which foster kiwi and other native species. Cruise or kayak your way through the Sounds, spotting the wildlife along the way. Starting at Ship Cove, walk or cycle bush clad ridgelines to admire the view from the  Queen Charlotte Track.

6. Go on a street art trail in Christchurch

Christchurch Street Art Trail, Christchurch - Canterbury

By ChristchurchNZ

Soak up the creative vibe of  Christchurch  before you hit the road on an epic  South Island  journey. New Zealand's home of street art, you can walk the streets of Christchurch and admire ever-evolving murals in the city (opens in new window) . With stunning art like the Riverside Mural, Kaitaki in the YMCA Building and Organic Matters in Lichfield street, creativity meets you at every turn and corner.

7. Choose your own adventure in Queenstown

AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown, Queenstown

By AJ Hackett Bungy

The stunning lakeside resort of  Queenstown  is the adventure capital of the world. From iconic  bungy jumping, jet boating , to quad biking,  white water rafting , river surfing,  sky diving  and canyon swings ...there is something for everyone!

8. Enjoy the outdoors at Mt Aspiring National Park

Mt Aspiring National Park, Wānaka

By Tourism NZ

From soaring mountains to tranquil river flats, glaciers and turquoise lakes, exploring the  Mount Aspiring National Park  wilderness is an unforgettable experience. Just an hour's drive from  Wānaka , it boasts plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts; from  walking  to jet boating and  scenic flights . Choosing where to start is the hardest part!

9. Taste the wines of Central Otago

Wineries, Central Otago

By Archangel Wines

Central Otago  is breathtaking, with vast undulating landscapes, rugged snow-capped mountains, clear blue rivers and tussock-clad hills. The gem of this region is the  multitude of wineries , many world-renowned for their Pinot Noir. Meet the wine-makers, stroll or bike through the vines and savour the best of this region.

10. Discover the hidden paradise of Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge, West Coast

By West Coast Tourism

Located 33 kilometres from  Hokitika  on the  West Coast, The Hokitika Gorge is one of those places that look as good in photos as in real life. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush looks too good to be true but trust us, it is well worth a visit. Take a tour to access some unique and hidden locations with  Hokitika Gorge Tours.

11. Encounter marine life in Abel Tasman National Park

Split Apple Rock Kaiteriteri Kayak Nelson, New Zealand

By Nelson Tasman

The sheltered bays of  Abel Tasman National Park  are perfect for sailing or kayaking, with ample opportunity to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters. If you prefer to explore by land, the park is a great place to walk. Hike the  Abel Tasman Coastal Track  and follow the coastline through native bush, past limestone cliffs and along golden beaches.

Discover your South Island adventure

Find more things to do in christchurch - canterbury, find more things to do in central otago, find more things to do in stewart island.

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

South Island New Zealand Road Trip Planner • EPIC 2024 ITINERARIES

Just skip North Island and go to South Island.

That’s the advice that I received before arriving in New Zealand. Now, after round-tripping the country twice, I understand why:  South Island is next-level New Zealand.

South Island’s must-go destinations are some of the finest examples of New Zealand’s prehistoric landscapes that you will see. South Island is harsher and more uncut: it’s a wilder New Zealand. However, it’s hard to truly explore the magnificence of this place unless you’re touring New Zealand by car.

South Island is way more spread out than North Island, and the choices for transport are extremely limited. Driving around the South Island of New Zealand with your own vehicle is an absolute must to experience even a fraction of it properly, but the cost of travel is so high that every tank of gas feels like a sucker punch to your budget!

That’s why today we’re planning a road trip in the South Island of New Zealand before your arrival! We’re talking about the best South Island road trip itineraries and everything you need to do get those wheels on the road.

It’s the ultimate New Zealand road trip—one that doesn’t leave any hidden gems hidden beneath the muck.

Oh, who am I kidding? It’s New Zealand; there is no muck.

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Why Road Trip in New Zealand’s South Island

Driving in the south island of new zealand, south island road trip route #1: the golden north, south island road trip route #2: the deep south, the last few tips of the south island road trip planner.

Once you board the ferry in Wellington and cross the strait into the sounds of South Island’s north, it all makes sense. Oh, that’s why skip North Island… It’s New Zealand Level 2.

South Island’s reverent beauty is hard to put into words, but it’s a land made for road trip travels.

• Majestic Drives – Long winding roads—built for manual transmission and cheeky smokes—through some of the most awe-inspiring yet gently soothing landscapes you will ever see.
• Easy Drives – Traffic, cops, and excessive road rules are few and far between making driving holidays in the South Island a very relaxed affair.
• Much, Much More Freedom – The intercity public transport in New Zealand is like a poltergeist (haunting yet non-existent), and reaching off-beat and rural locations is nigh on impossible unless you’re travelling by hitchhiking. A vehicle is a strong necessity.
• Much More Camping Potential – While New Zealand is pushing to crack down on freedom camping, there are still plenty of sites available (free and paid) for everyone from car campers up to self-contained RVers. And there are still plenty of secret places to pitch away from the probing eyes of the law too…
• Endless Stopping Potential – The supreme lookouts, day hikes, and unreal attractions of New Zealand’s South Island—often easily accessible from the road—means that there are endless worthwhile rest stops and picnic places!

I really would proudly stand on my soapbox in Auckland and declare South Island to host the best road trips in New Zealand until the Northerners came for my blood. While North Island does have its sights—and some truly special ones at that—South Island is where things truly feel New Zealand.

That wonderful special mix of Kiwi, Aotearoa, and Middle-earth.

Other than majestic and mind-blowing, what else can be said of a driving tour of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s mega-chill: it’s all relaxed roads, little traffic, and mostly considerate drivers too (there’s always the odd jerk). As long as you know the ins-and-outs— your road rules, rentals, and insurance —she’ll most certainly be alright, mate.

She’ll be better than alright.

Get an International Drivers Licence

One aspect that many travellers often overlook when taking a road trip, is the importance of getting an International Drivers licence. While it is not always 100% strictly necessary to hold an international driving permit, some countries and states DO insist that foreign road users have them – ignorance of this is not a valid defence and the penalties for not having one can prove expensive.

Even if you are visiting a region where an International driving license is not mandatory, they can still make your experience a lot better by speeding up the vehicle rental process and making traffic police roadside shakedowns that bit smoother.

Finally, in some countries officials may charge informal fines (aka levy baksheesh) if you can’t produce an IDL. All in all, we think the $50 application fee is a sound investment.

You can apply for an international drivers licence quickly and easily by hitting the button below.

Renting a Vehicle in South Island

Honestly, I’m gonna skip the humdrum and straight-up tell you to travel New Zealand by campervan . It’s bloody New Zealand: God made this land for the vanlifers.

There are plenty of choices for hiring a van in New Zealand including some big-name rental companies. Britz , and Maui Rentals are a few players you’ll see everywhere on the road, however, get yourself a JUCY . They’re a long-time rental company in New Zealand AND Australia who have been serving backpackers their Batmobiles for two decades strong.

Now, if the vanlife ain’t calling, all the above-mentioned rental companies—and a whole bunch more ( Hertz jumps to mind)—still have lots of options. Cars, 4x4s, larger RVs, and even camping trailers.

Hiring a car is pretty easy in any of New Zealand’s arrival hubs (Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch) as well as any major town or city. You just need to be aware of the hidden fees:

• Age Surcharge – There are variations amongst companies but  most  rental companies have a minimum renter’s age of 21, and there are additional surcharges (usually in the range of $10-$30 NZ per day ) for drivers younger than 25.
• Bond/Deposit – This is a much more complicated subject. Generally, rental companies are going to want a credit card pre-authorisation  in place of a bond  (i.e. you can skip the fee). Other methods—such as debit cards, cash, or external rental agencies—are likely to incur a deposit. The variation in the deposit is huge: I’ve seen it as low as $400 NZ and go as high as $2500 NZ (or posibly even higher).
• Additional Drivers – Charges vary greatly with additional drivers but generally you’re looking at anywhere between $5-$25 NZ per day (dependent on age and other factors). A lot of companies will include spouses as an additional driver at no additional charge, howver.

Rental Insurance in New Zealand

Urrgh, insurance. The deal with rental insurance in New Zealand is the same as anywhere in the world: it’s all hogwash.

The good news is that rental companies already offer a basic coverage free (or more aptly, built into your base rental cost). It’s a legal requirement. You could technically just take off galivanting with that albeit with a much higher excess.

That’s where the good news stops though. The rest is all just organised crime, particularly in a country like New Zealand where the car insurance and registration laws are already so wack.

What’s actually covered in your insurance is up to you to decipher from the hieroglyphic Terms and Conditions they provide. They’ll then also offer you their special packages: the ‘Bronze’ , ‘Silver’ , ‘Blood Diamond’ , and ‘Salty Tears of Broke Backpackers’ tiers. Although it varies, this could run you anywhere form an extra $15-$30 NZ per day (and that’s not even taking the insurance on your own person into account).

Instead, just skip the rental mafiosos. Organise insurance before you go with a reputable and dedicated rental insurance company. At The Broke Backpacker, we’re a fan of RentalCover.Com ; their coverage is excellent, up-front without the ugly behaviours, and their rates are better than most anything else you’ll find in New Zealand!

Road Rules in South Island

Honestly, commonsense leads the way. New Zealand does have plenty of road rules, but, unlike its sister state Australia, there aren’t so many asinine ones that you need a codex just to keep track. Also (and also much unlike Australia), cops in New Zealand aren’t so much just glorified tax collectors with revenue quotas to meet, so you really should be fine.

All the same, here are some basics to driving in New Zealand you shouldn’t overlook:

• New Zeland is a left side country! You drive on the left and give way on the right—simple.
• Similarly, overtaking on the left is illegal. It’s also illegal to speed up when someone overtakes you; that could get you booked.
• You can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand as long as you have a current driver’s licence from your home country or an international driver’s licence. Licences not in English will require a translation though.
• Whether you’re living and travelling in a van , car, RV, or motorised pumpkin, always check the relevant overnight parking/camping laws. The rules change in every area, and they vary quite substantially depending on whether you’re driving a self-contained vehicle or not.
• Beware yellow lines. A yellow line in the centre of the road means you can’t overtake and one on the side of the road means you can’t pull over/park.
• Pay attention to the signage on one-way bridges (which are super common). They denote who has right of way.
• Lastly, be prepared to slow down, stop, and wait for livestock.  New Zealanders have a lot of sheep and they’re just as precious about them as Indians are about their cows. Who else are they going to marry? (Hurhurhur.)

Oh, and I know I said that the roads are chill, however, they may be narrower and more winding then what you’re used to. Just go slow and easy. You should be paying attention to the scenery anyway!

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Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

• South Island road trip from Picton
• Finishing at the Farewell Spit, Golden Bay
• Distance: 915 km

This is the first driving route for the South Island of New Zealand and one that assumes you’re starting a road trip from Picton (most likely after crossing on the ferry from Wellington ). This almost-circuit (shaped more like a horseshoe) tracks down and up through some of the northern highlights of South Island before finishing in the Tasman/Golden Bay area —my personal favourite area of New Zealand to stay in —lapping up the sunshine for whatever time is left in your itinerary. 

It’s worth noting that the most famous points of interest in South Island—eg. Queenstown and Milford Sound—aren’t featured here. Instead, I’ve given you a few drives around South Island that are much more underappreciated. Both the south drive to Kaikoura and northern drive along the West Coast and then up to Tasman Bay (skirting the Kahurangi National Park) before lapping up the sticky and sunny north are personal favourites of mine.

At the end of this self-drive around the South Island of New Zealand, the return to Picton is a fairly simple trek. Nelson (an even closer drive from Takaka) is also close by with a domestic airport, or you can instead drive this entire South Island road trip itinerary in reverse and opt to travel to Christchurch after Hanmer Springs instead of Kaikoura. The international airport is there. You’ll also find plenty of yoga retreats in this area.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Sunrise from the east coast.
• Melting in the hot springs at Hanmer Springs.
• Driving the West Coast.
• The beaches of the Tasman.
• Slowing down in Golden Bay.

Day 1: Picton to Kaikoura (156 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Ahh, Picton, the gateway to South Island… the semi-boring gateway to South Island. The township itself is admittedly a bit dull, but the beauty of the surrounding area of the Malborough Sounds act as a very suitable introduction to the island.

The southbound drive to Kaikoura along State Highway 1 and following the east coast of South Island is just a taster of things to come. First, it’ll be a gentle coast through New Zealand’s premier wine country (the New Zealand vineyard tours here are EPIC!) before reaching one of South Island’s (marginally) less dramatic coastlines—mountain ranges on the west sloping into rolling hills to the ocean.

Once you arrive in Kaikoura—the windswept coastal town—there’s no better way to celebrate a successful first day of the South Island road trip than with a proper seafood feast. New Zealand style of course…

The good ol’ takeaway shop!

• Check out Crow Tavern for a proper pub feed in Picton.
• Nin’s Bin (in Halfmoon Bay) or the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk have the seaside greasy delights that New Zealand is renowned for.

I strongly recommend camping to wake up to that bombshell east coast sunrise. The Paparoa Point Campsite 30 km north of Kaikoura is an option while Kiwa Road Beach USED to have a free campsite which is reportedly now gone (whereas the beach remains).

Otherwise, book a dope Airbnb out on the Kaikoura peninsula for that early-morning seal-watching goodness.

• Ward Beach Boulders – A beautiful isolated beach stop-off with some absolutely spectacular boulder formations to check out (but only during low tide).
• Ohau Point Lookout – Yay for seals! A lookout over the majestic yet slippery fur seal colony that call the area home.
• Blenheim and Malborough Wine Country – New Zealand’s wine exports are world-renowned, so why not book a winery tour to sample the delectable delights? Wine country equals wine and wine equals fun… Therefore you’re in fun country! (…Unless you’re the designated driver.)

Day 2: Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs (131 km | 2-2.5 hours)

There’s plenty to do in Kaikoura but nothing is better than catching the dawn on the coast (potentially with a stop-off to say hi to the aquatic furry locals at the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway ). When you’re ready to depart, drive to Hanmer Springs, another gem of a destination in South Island.

The faster route is via the Inland Kaikoura Route (70) , however, adding a scenic extra leg to the trip by continuing on Highway 1 south is definitely a recommendation. Although having been repaired quite substantially, remnants of Kaikoura’s 2016 earthquake still litter this section of coastline. Somehow, all the fractured and fragmented stretches of the landscape just make the scenery even more beautiful.

And then you get to finish day 2 of your South Island road trip melting away your problems in the springs! Queenstown’s introverted and more chill little bro, Hanmer Springs is the perfect place for an adventure holiday in New Zealand without the rampant backpacker-fuelled binge alcoholism. You’ll find some of the classic South Island adventure activities here like rapid rafting, quad biking, ski fields, bungee jumps, and, of course, the show-stealer: the hot springs!

PJ’s Chalet does tasty burgers, fish, and chips at tasty burgers, fish, and chips prices. Can’t really go wrong with that!

Check out the YHA Kakapo Lodge for a cheaper place to stay in Hanmer Springs with the lodge feels.

• Hike Up Mt Fyffe – This is only really an option for those with the extra time in their road trip itinerary for South Island, however, if you got it, flaunt it! Stop off to climb the 1602-metre beauty for a proper panorama of the Kaikoura coastline.
• Bungee Jumping – Jump from the 135-year-old Ferry Bridge with nothing but a thin elastic rope tied around your ankles—genius!
• The Springs of Hanmer Springs – Thermal pools are a no-brainer anywhere in the world (I may have a not-so-secret love affair with hot springs). Buy your entry ticket , skip the line, and don’t waste a single second not sitting in naturally heated bubbly alpine bliss.

Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Westport – the West Coast (313 km | 4-4.5 hours)

Ok, so you’re actually going to drive from Hanmer Springs to Westport via Greymouth . That’s because the goal is not Westport but purely to drive the West Coast itself. And that’s because the West Coast is one of the best drives in New Zealand full stop. If it feels right, you can stay the night in an Airbnb in Westport then hit the road again.

Untamed, wilderness, and wild are just some of the words people use to describe the West Coast of South Island. Personally, though, I prefer ‘prehistoric’ . The place just feels so ancient and is so sparsely populated that you truly feel like your catching a glimpse of the proper Aotearoa.

Also, the weather sucks farts. Like, you may think that’s a crude and ineloquent way to put it but trust me—once you get to the West Coast, your first thought will also be ‘the weather sucks farts’ . It’s cold and windy (even in summer), it’s the wettest area of New Zealand (even in summer), and the sandflies are always lurking about. Truthfully, the West Coast  is best experienced from inside a car…

But that’s part of the charm! They don’t call it the Wild West Coast for nothing. Travel into the wilderness and experience it! You go for the untouched landscape; if you want joints and sun, you go to Golden Bay (spoiler warning).

It’s a little bit pricey but Denniston Dog in Westport is popular with the locals for a good reason. Stone-grilled carnivorous delights and also stone-grilled herbivorous delights – something for everyone!

In the northern half of the West Coast, I wouldn’t really suggest staying anywhere other than Westport. In fact, if you’re willing to drive another 100 kilometres up the coast to Karamea , that area is majestic with some killer campsites.

• Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks – An uber-popular series of coastal rock formations that double as natural blowholes. It’s mega-touristic but fun as a stopover.
• Exploring Karamea –  Conversely, Karamea (north of Westport) is criminally underexplored and well worth the detour while touring the South Island of New Zealand. Go find the Oparara Basin Arches to see what I mean.
• Drive It – Seriously, pick your most bangin’ backpacking playlist, pre-roll a few cigs (if that’s your style), and enjoy the drive. The West Coast really feels like one of those old-school IMAX dinosaur films with one nice long road through the middle (minus the dinosaurs, unfortunately).

Day 4: Westport to Nelson (214 km | 2.5-3 hours)

Ohhh , this is a pretty South Island drive too! Through the lush forests, trailing the rivers, all the way to twinkling Nelson.

I’d say Nelson is the most East Coast Australia feeling place on South Island. East Coast Australia vibes is going be the reoccurring theme for the last few stops of our first driving itinerary for New Zealand’s South Island… Well, it’s like the east coast of Australia… except better!

Perched right on Tasman Bay, the city is no stranger to blue skies and ridiculously blue water. Like, I’m talking twinkling ‘oh sorry, I got lost in your eyes’ blue. It’s the coastal life.

Swimming, restaurants, cafes, shopping, festivals, markets… you get the idea. It’s like a busy slow-life; alternative living at a premium price. Nelson is no stranger to tourists, budget backpacker hostels , and the weekend rush.

Honestly, it doesn’t attract me as much as the rest of South Island’s points of interest further up the bay (and the next bay over) but it’s still well worth checking out. Especially for anyone that enjoys that small beachside-city style of living.

There are also some sweet places to stay in Richmond just a short 15-minute drive from Nelson. Perfect to crash without breaking the bank!

Check out The Indian Cafe for a little more ‘Asia’ in your ‘Australasian Adventure’ . Or the frozen yoghurt place; it’s a totally conventional frozen yoghurt place but when has frozen yoghurt ever not been the tits?

Nelson has lots of choices for budget backpacker accommodation, however, I’d head to Tasman Bay Backpackers because they have free off-street parking. Nelson also has a more lenient system set up for freedom camping than many other places in New Zealand but only for those doing a South Island road trip in a self-contained vehicle. Failing all of that, I just did the sneaky in the Botanical Reserve.

• Art Galleries – The Nelson area is something of an art hub; Nelson itself, nearby towns, and even places further up the bay are loaded with groovy exhibitions. The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson is a perfect starting place! For something a little different, the Hoglund Glass Gallery in Appleby features live glassblowing demonstrations or for something  really different check out the National WOW Museum (World of WearableArt) .
• Markets! – Ahh, the weekend markets: the hive of all things activity in a sleepy coastal life. This is more timing-based, but if you happen to be swinging through Nelson on a Saturday between 8 A.M. and 1 P.M., coast by Montgomery Square .
• Ride the Skywire – As well as kooky art and kookier frozen yoghurt, Nelson has the world’s longest Skywire! And, honestly, if you were going to blast through the air at 100km/h on a thin wire, Nelson is a pretty good place to book a ride .

Day 5: Nelson to Motueka (42 km | 30-45 minutes)

Blimey, that’s a short drive! Truthfully, I hitchhike travelled it in about an hour, and what a nap that was!

The drive may be short, but you’re going to be grateful for the extra time to explore these next two stops. Tasman Bay (and Motueka) is a pretty standard visit on most people’s itineraries for the South Island of New Zealand. It’s home to the magnanimous Abel Tasman National Park .

Even outside of the national park, Tasman Bay is home to heaps of stellar beaches. It’s a hippy-haven, a major point of interest on South Island for lovers of permaculture, and an area that just carries a real feeling of openness to travellers, drifters, and backpackers alike.

Good vibes, good bud, and good boogies are what define Mot and the surrounding villages. Even on a quick drive through town, chances are you’ll make a friend!

Arcadia Organics Shop and Cafe is a must. It’s Hare Krishna-owned and run, and that means ridiculously good food in ridiculously good portions at ridiculously good prices. Eating with the Krishnas is a top tip for any and all New Zealand road trips.

There are heaps of cheap (and free) options for camping around the Motueka area. Kina Beach has an excellent campsite: $5 a night and all the best dirtbags stay there. There’s also a free site by Motueka River on the way to Ngatimoti.

• Beaches, Baby! – With fewer sandflies than the West Coast and fewer people than Nelson, pack for a beach day because Motueka is a prime spot! Kaiteriteri Beach  is both super famous and super popular, Kina Beach is super underrated, or alternatively, you can try and hunt down something more secluded in the Abel Tasman.
• Cheap Fruit and Veg – Being South Island’s epicentre for sustainable living and agriculture, roadside honour system produce stalls are everywhere, especially if you head into the hinterland. The absolute best stall in the region is at the end of  Greenhill Road in Ngatimoti .
• Exploring the Abel Tasman –  A massively famous national park AND Great Walk in New Zealand, the Abel Tasman is super popular (so expect crowds and a need to book campsites). If you’re not feeling the multi-day tramp, then booking a sailing tour and getting out in those crystal blue waters is a fine alternative.

Day 6: Motueka to Takaka (57 km | 1-1.5 hours)

Oh, snap—we’re here! If I get a bit gushy and start talking about joints way too much, I apologise, but we’re here! There’s no feeling quite the same as the drive into Golden Bay, summitting Takaka Hill and seeing the spread of the intoxicating landscape beneath you.

Takaka—weird and wonderful Stuckaka—is a bubble of a town in every sense of the word. A snowglobe without the snow.

Weirdos, ferals, travellers, drifters, normies, (honourable) thieves, and honest folk all float into Takaka and many never leave. It’s pure hippy-shenanigans through and through: scrumptious spliffs, bangin’ tunes, and a friend is only ever a stroll through town away. That’s why I reckon any road trip in New Zealand’s South Island should finish in Takaka: because you may just want to get stuck for a while.

If the slow and easy budget backpacker lifestyle isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s still lots to draw you in: surfing, rock climbing, and the immense Kahurangi National Park to disappear in for at weeks at a time. Whether you’re there for the mountains, the beaches, or the forests, Golden Bay has it all.

Y’know… if you actually leave Takaka.

There’s a little internet cafe/laundromat/video store/library (the owner is quite resourceful) called FrontSeat and it’s a meeting place of sorts for travellers in town. The Curry Leaf across the road does the best chips in town and up the other end of town is an ice-cream shop that I’ve forgotten the name of but it’ll blow your mind into the realms of the dairy gods.

There’s a spot in town all the ferals rough it at which I’m not gonna spoil, but I’m sure you can find it. Hangdog Camp is the climber camp just outta town and it’s cheap! Failing that, Gazebo Backpackers in town is a good balance of comfort to price.

• Rock Climbing – There’s a healthy chunk of climbing in the area and  Hangdog Camp has cheap gear for hire. The best part is that it’s next to a river so you can finish the day’s climb with a dip!
• Boogie Down – Finding hippies, ferals, and psy-kids always means finding good boogies. Festival season goes  off , the  Roots Bar in Takaka has d-floor tunes every night, and the  Mussel Inn (in Onekaka) has the pub feel with an alternative twist.
• Te Waikoropupu Springs – Close to town is this sacred Maori site with some of the clearest crystal-like water you will ever see anywhere. It’s a chill walk to a truly special place.

Day 7: Takaka to Puponga/The Farewell Spit (47 km | 45-60 minutes)

And this is your last trek north. While I’d always recommend doing the sticky Takaka life for as long as feels right, taking your South Island road trip this far north and not finishing the job would just be plain silly!

When you look at a map of South Island, you’ll see a strip of land jutting out the top like a talon: that’s the Farewell Spit —one of the longest natural sandspits in the world. While driving this far north on South Island is a pretty spectacular thing to do in New Zealand , it’s not always so popular on the tourist trail given its remoteness.

But to reiterate, Golden Bay is so yummy . Girt by clean, Kiwi ocean waters, secluded beaches, and the overlooking mountains (yet avoiding the harsher weather of further south), it’s one of the most tranquil places in New Zealand to finish a South Island road trip itinerary.

Getting stuck purely in Takaka for two weeks would be a mistake (*cough* me *cough*).

Allll  the way at the top of South Island near a place called Wharariki Beach is a darling little place called Archway Cafe .

There are a few holiday parks up that way both at Wharariki  and  Puponga , but if you’re not feeling it, I’d recommend just doing the sneaky. It’s pretty remote out that way.

• Whanganui Inlet – The inlet that separates Golden Bay and the West Coast. It’s perfect for a swim and equally perfect for a scenic seaside drive.
• Wharariki Beach – The beach at the very top of South Island. You’re definitely off New Zealand’s beaten path here; not many people come up this far. It’s a secluded beach with beautiful dunes, heaps of wildlife, and unique rock formations to soak up.
• The Farewell Spit – The spit runs about 35km to a scenic lighthouse at its terminus. The downside is that there’s restricted access for both walking and vehicles! If you want to reach the very end (and you definitely do to finish this South Island driving tour right), you’ll need to book an eco-tour .

• South Island road trip from Christchurch
• Finishing at Mount Cook, Southern Alps
• Distance: 1661 km

Ok, we’re heading further south; it’s the South Island of New Zealand road trip itinerary numero dos! If you know much about New Zealand at all, then you know that there are some glaring omissions on our first driving itinerary. It’s time to go visit the other famous attractions of South Island!

This time we’re planning our South Island road trip from Christchurch . It’s where the only sizable (though not very sizable) international airport is on South Island. It’s also a major thoroughfare for flights coming from North Island.

South Island is about to get really South Island. We’ll be driving through a huge host of terrains from devastating mountain passes to (more) primordial coastlines and sweeping fjords.

Things are really starting to get otherworldy. You’re about to experience the real Aotearoa .

• Arthur’s Pass, rain, hail, or shine.
• More West Coast magic!
• My sweet, darling Wanaka.
• The haunting majesty of Milford Sound.
• The approach to New Zealand’s highest mountain—Aoraki (Mount Cook).

Day 1: Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass (148 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Honestly, fuck Christchurch. You can stay in Christchurch if you want; it’s not a bad city (it’s certainly no Auckland), but my God is it boring. Just get your car and get out: that’s the recommendation.

Instead, you’re going out to experience some of that devastating, primordial nature I told you about—Arthur’s Pass! Arthur’s Pass is a trip.

The first time I passed through Arthur’s pass, the road-weary entourage of misfit travellers I’d banded with didn’t stop. We drove through the Jurrasic valley: the weather was misty and the rains spewed in cascading falls from the cliff faces streaming down enormous ferns and into the surging river below.

I made a not-so-silent promise to my friend that we would return with more time. So we did.

You won’t find much in the way of inhabitants in Arthur’s Pass. There’s a small settlement at Castle Hill and then a tourist centre in the middle of the pass and that’s about it. This is a place to visit in South Island to shush your face, shush the ambient noise of the world, and sit in stoned silence by the sheer magnitude of nature.

The hiking is hella mean too.

I mean, there’s a cafe in town. I feel a bit insincere recommending though considering it’s, like, one of two options. This is the kinda place you should really come with packed with your own camping gear and supplies.

You’ll find the odd beautiful New Zealand lodge or homestay in the area, however, a place this special deserves to be camped. There are heaps of DOC campsites throughout, but I stayed at Hawdon Shelter Campsite which had a firepit. Klondyke Corner Campsite is also really popular with road trippers.

• Castle Hill’s Bouldering Basin – A must-stop on the drive into the Pass for climbers and a probably-should-stop for everyone else. Castle Hill presents a proverbial playground of magnificent limestones boulders and formations that are equally fun for monkeying on or just wandering blissfully amongst.
• Bealey Spur Track – Arthur’s Pass is a tramper’s paradise with some real hardcore offerings for the hikers and general avalanche enthusiasts. The Bealey Spur Track, however, is done-in-a-day medium-ish difficulty alpine hike good for a meaty challenge on the way through.
• Devil’s Punchbowl Falls – Conversely, the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls (props to whoever coined that name) is a done-in-an-hourish easy difficulty hike to full-power waterfall madness .

Day 2: Arthur’s Pass to Franz Josef Glacier (233 km | 3-3.5 hours)

The southern stretch of the West Coast—no less gorgeous and no less wild (and still with all your sandfly homies). It’s much the same vibes as the northern side of the West Coast, however, the drive down through Haast into the Otago region and Wanaka is mesmerising. That’s tomorrow though; first, Franz Josef Glacier.

Personally, I don’t get Franz Josef—it feels like a tourist trap through and through. An expensive town coupled with a short and exceedingly popular walk to a glacier that’s receded so far it looks like it left skidmarks in its undies.

Still, Franz Josef Glacier is a massive tourist attraction on South Island—it’s in all the brochures—and it’s a good stopover to break up the drive to Wanaka. It’s worth a squizz at the very least. Particularly if you’re actually going on the glacier.

In Franz Josef? I dunno; I had free soup at the hostel and an UP&GO from the convenience store. The Hokitika Sandwich Company (in Hokitika on the drive through) makes killer sandwiches though!

I stayed at  Chateau Backpackers and Motels which was so forgettable I forgot if that was where I actually stayed (though the complimentary fresh soup was a nice touch). Alternatively, you could just forget Franz Josef and stay back up the road a spell in Hokitika.

• Pounamu Fossicking – Pounamu, jade, greenstone… you know it. You see it hanging around the neck of every Maori, Kiwi, and backpacker in Kiwiland. But why would you want to buy some dinky souvenir pounamu as a trinket rather than find your own? The West Coast region is famous for its abundant stores of pounamu and you can hunt it down for yourself. Along the rocky beaches from Greymouth and the river mouth at Hokitika are great places to search. Just be sure to stay out of the Arahura River (it’s an off-limits sacred Maori location), and once you find one pounamu, stop. These are highly sacred stones to the Maori—New Zealand’s indigenous people. One is enough. You don’t choose your pounamu; your pounamu chooses you.
• Franz Josef Walk – The short and popular walk up to the viewing platform for the glacier is admittedly super gorgeous—with some perfect spots for stone fossicking along the way—but then you get to the end of the track and it’s kind of like ‘Oh… is that it?’ . You’re not supposed to walk up further onto the glacier either, but also, there’s nothing really stopping you.
• Heli-Hike on the Glaciers – Alternatively, the best way to see the glaciers (there’s another one thirty minutes up the road called  Fox Glacier ) is by booking a helicopter tour that takes you over and on top of them. But that’s only if you’ve left enough aside in your road trip budget for New Zealand.

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka (284 km | 3.5-4 hours)

Sweet, darling Wanaka; my busking paradise. It’s hard to recommend backpacking Queenstown to people when Wanaka is only an hour’s drive away. It’s still touristy and busy but it also feels like a town where you can escape all of that. The lake always feels tranquil.

Perched on the shore of the absolutely drop-dead spectacularly sexy Wanaka lake, it’s a tourist town in the warmer months and a ski town in the colder months. Much like Queenstown, Wanaka is an all-year-round destination—with plenty of activities, nightlife, and cool places to stay —however, without the messy backpacker-and-booze execution.

And the drive there? A magical mystery tour, man.

The wild sights of the West Coast quickly turn into dense, moss-laden rainforests before becoming the rocky (and very Colorado-esque) hills of the Otago Lakes District). All in the space of a 4-hour drive. Magnificent, muckless New Zealand.

The Doughbin (opposite the lake) has got some smashing pies. Red Star Burger up the road from there does well-priced feeds too… and kumara chips!

I got three choices for ya:

• For a good hostel in Wanaka, Wanaka Bakpaka may just have the best view in town—what a panorama!
• Otherwise, Albert Town Campground outside Wanaka is a little bit pricey but worth the cost for the location and amenities.
• Or , if you’re willing to make the half-an-hour drive, there’s a free campsite near Cromwell .
• Skipping Stones at Blue Pools – Down in Haast Pass is the Blue Pools and the name is no misnomer! The walk through the native beech forest is gorgeous (with some insanely fluffy moss if you like your forest strolls barefooted) and the eponymous Blue Pools are spectacular and, yes, extremely blue (with pounamu-green tinting too).
• Puzzling World – Here’s something to do if you’re sick of New Zealand’s life-changing scenery and the adrenaline-soaked thrills—puzzles!  A whole museum and playground of optical illusions, puzzles, mazes, and WTF moments. That’s not to say there aren’t heaps of adventure activities in Wanaka, but this is just something a little different from the usual New Zealand contenders.
• Get Out on the Lake – It’s a damn big lake so get out there and explore! Book a kayak tour and explore the scenery at your own pace (it’s a very still lake too—easy paddling). Alternatively, just sit on the shore, smoke Js, and play tunes until a tribe of travellers flock around you: that’s what I did.

Day 4: Wanaka to Queenstown (69 km | 1-1.5 hours)

So, I may not have been subtle about my displeasure for Queenstown. It’s the rum and raisin to my blessed hokey pokey Wanaka, HOWEVER, it is still mighty gorgeous (because it’s New Zealand).

There’s no shortage of cool things to do in Queenstown for adventure fiends, boozehound backpackers, and second-hand shoppers alike. Just about everyone on a driving tour of South Island or New Zealand as a whole will end up staying in Queenstown at some point.

It has everything you’d pretty much expect from South Islands’s premier holiday destination and adventure capital: there’s shopping in droves, adventure activities, budget to luxury accommodation, and more food, booze, and drugs then you’ll ever need to consume! The downside is that there’s never a chill time of year to plan a trip to Queenstown . There’s really no off or shoulder season.

In the summer, the lake sparkles just as much as Lake Wanaka and the waterfront markets crowd with tourists. And then, come snow season, the town floods with snowbums and it becomes a proper ski town with everything that entails: powder snow, banger parties, and a lot of shitfaced Aussies.

Slice Pizza over on Shotover Street does $2 slices all day long. There are definitely some good reasons to visit Queenstown.

I would not recommend trying to rough it: freedom camping of any description is hardcore cracked down on. The free campsite at Cromwell is a good spot because it’s pretty much halfway between Wanaka and Queenstown. Otherwise, The Flaming Kiwi is a solid hostel in Queenstown itself.

• Bonus Stops – Although I missed out on going, some chill places outside of Queenstown’s madness to visit are Arrowtown (a super quaint old mining town en route from Wanaka to Queenstown) or Glenorchy further north up the lake.
• The Quintessential Queenstown Bungy Jump – Home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump, bungy jumping is a pretty classic Queenstown thing to do. It’s kinda the titular Queenstown experience. Kawarau Bridge is the OG spot for the jump and now there are a few other locations around the Queenstown area including some sky swings!
• Or Skydiving – It’s like bungy jumping except you have no rope and the death rate statistics are higher! Skydiving is another classic hit in the Queenstown adventure activities LP (with the follow-up secret hidden track of ‘Oh god, my parachute isn’t working’ ). You can book a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet … You can also go from lower but if you’re committing to jumping out of an aeroplane in flight, I don’t think you should half-ass it.

Day 5: Queenstown to Te Anau and Milford Sound (171 km | 2-2.5 hours)

The Te Anau township is the gateway to Fiordland, which still remains one of the most unexplored places in New Zealand. Fiordland is marked by incredibly wet weather and often inaccessible terrain. It’s true to say that this landscape of Fiordland still remains untouched and authentic to New Zealand’s ancient heritage.

The town itself doesn’t have much to offer, but it is the entry point to both Fiordland as well as the Milford Sound. What’s Milford Sound? Oh boy, you’re in for a treat. 

Rudyard Kipling’s own personal “Eighth Wonder of the World” . TripAdvisor’s 2008 winner of the Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards . And just an all-round marvel to behold.

From it’s inky black waters to sprawling fiord setting harkening back to Scandinavia (on steroids), the sheer cliff faces of lush vegetation and rolling cascades of water are unfathomable in any weather conditions. It sparkles under the sun, overwhelms the sense in the rain, and if there’s a lighting storm?

Well… that’s the holy grail.

The Habit Foods Truck is cheap and they do bao buns… with chips! It’s the best of both worlds!

You’re not exactly inundated with accommodation options this far south but the Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers will put you up nicely for your Fiordland adventures. You could camp but it rains a lot in Fiordland.

• Cruise the Sound – While there are a few ways to see Milford Sound, hopping on a cruise tour is the standard activity that 80%-90% of Milford Sound’s annual visitors enjoy every year. It’s definitely one of those things that you just have to splurge on.
• Hike the Sound – Stuff the cruise; if the Maori could walk it, so can you! You can walk the Milford Track or Kepler Track (both are stellar examples New Zealand’s Great Walks), and it’s easily one of the best and most authentic ways to experience the majesty of the sounds. There are plenty of day hikes in the area too if your South Island itinerary is getting kinda smushed. But you gotta do at least do one walk! Milford Sound is somewhere you may have to devote a few extra days too.
• Dive the Sound – Beneath the sound is as dripping in every aspect of reverent majesty as above the sound. Reaching sprawls of black coral trees and a defiance of physics between the layers of salt and freshwater make this one of the most interesting spots to dive in New Zealand . Above, below, or around the sound, prepared to be astound…ed.

Day 6: Te Anau to Bluff (179 km | 2-2.5 hours)

Now, you could skip Bluff entirely. Bluff is the southernmost town on South Island (however, it’s not the southernmost point), and I’d be lying if I said there was much going on down there. It’s a bit of a dead-end seaport town (the humongous seaweed growing on the rocks is pretty damn special though).

So why come to Bluff? Simple—it’s where you catch the ferry to Stewart Island .

Stewart Island is about as far from the conventional backpacking trail in New Zealand as you can possibly get. It’s like New Zealand’s third smaller and more desolate island. It consists of one small settlement and then it’s just nothing: nothing but trees and animals. No roads, no people, no fish and chips; only nature.

Now, you may not have enough time on your road trip through South Island to cross the ferry and properly explore Rakiura (Stewart Island’s Maori name). However, if you’re in the throes of planning a road trip in New Zealand’s South Island, I’d strongly suggest putting some days aside for it (and particularly if you’re a lover of off-the-beaten-path travel).

You can’t get much more far out and much more into the “real New Zealand” than Stewart Island. Tell a Kiwi you tramped Stewart Island’s Great Walk, and they’ll be impressed. Tell them you saw an actual kiwi there, and you’ll definitely have their respect.

Desolate or not, there’s still some fish and chips on Stewart Island (it is still New Zealand after all). Kai Kart has you covered for a cheap and choice feed before you head out into the wilderness and then again when you’re craving it on your return.

If you’re not camping or walking, your only option is to stay in Oban , Stewart Island’s only settlement. There’s a hostel and a bunch of lodges and bed and breakfasts and that’s about it. I wouldn’t even bother staying in Bluff.

• Hiking, Of Course! – The local Great Walk—the Rakiura Track —clocks in at only a measly 32km— bah! However, the North West Circuit takes 9 to 11 days, so if your goal is to eject from known civilisation for a spell, Stewart Island is the place to go! There’s also plenty of day tramps for beginner hikers and just those who aren’t too keen on that whole masochism thing.
• Stargazing – Remember when the stars weren’t hidden behind a wall of ambient lighting from sports fields and street lamps? Stewart Island does. Stargazing from Stewart Island means long pensive moments of silence, deeply brooding thoughts about life elsewhere in the universe, and, if you’re lucky, the Southern Lights.
• Find a Damn Kiwi – No, not of the two-legged ‘churr, bro’ variety! The actual kiwi in all of its elusive, rotund, flightless glory. The kiwis are actually so phenomenally rare in Kiwiland that most kiwis haven’t actually seen a wild kiwi. Stewart Island remains the best place in New Zealand to see kiwis (of the feathered variety). Nighttime or the early hours of the morning are the best times to go. There are a few good places to look but Ulva Island is undoubtedly your best shot. Alternatively, you could take a tour, but we all know that doesn’t count.

Day 7: Bluff to Dunedin via the Southern Scenic Route (259 km | 3.5-4 hours)

Ahh, the Southern Scenic Route—it’s so good I hitched it twice! I hitchhiked solo from the Bluff end to meet my friend in a hostel in Dunedin ; he then promptly told me we were going to hitchhike to Bluff via the Southern Scenic Route. The second time around, we even got to hitch it in the rain!

But it is really pretty, to be fair. Is it worth ‘4 hours waiting in the rain for a ride’ pretty? Yeah—defs.

The Southern Scenic Route is (as the name would suggest) a very scenic drive in South Island and one that doesn’t make most people’s campervan itinerary for New Zealand. It should though. It’s a slower trundling drive along the windswept cliffs and through the ancient coastal forests of New Zealand’s Deep South.

And to top it off, you’ll be terminating the day’s drive in Dunedin, another overlooked highlight of South Island. Dunedin is a beautiful architectural disaster birthed by the genius idea of copying Edinburgh’s construction plan verbatim and plopping it down on New Zealand’s hilly southeastern coastline. The result is a charming and often oddly-designed Edwardian-style city that mixes off-beat student life with a more conservative feeling.

Which is kinda New Zealand’s Deep South in a nutshell: an eclectic mix of straight oddballs and more traditional rural life. There are way fewer people this far down, and of the ones that are here? The accent is even funnier!

• On the way through Owaka, there are a couple of cafes. Lumber Jack is a chill spot for a coffee.
• In Dunedin itself, opposite the university is the OUSA building (Otago University Student Association). Every weekday, between 12-2 P.M., you’ll find the Hare Krishnas serving up a $3 lunch.  Haribol,  indeed.

There are a couple of free campsites out of town for tenters and non-self-contained vehicles, plus Dunedin is actually relatively chill with self-contained overnight parking laws . Your second-best bet is to just stay at a backpackers in town:  On Top Backpackers serves up a free brekky. There are also a few affordable motels in Dunedin for a cheap night’s sleep.

• Curio Bay – You could honestly camp here a night. It’s a pretty fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting—fur seals, penguins, and kiwi-exclusive miniature dolphins—plus a  ‘petrified forest’  which is admittedly nowhere near as impressive as it sounds.
• Caitlins Forest Park – More essential NZ mossy elven forest vibes with some cool waterfalls to boot! Check out McLean Falls or  Matai Falls for a splash.
• Cathedral Caves – Two massive sea-formed caves well-worth testing the acoustics in BUT you can only access them at low tide.
• Bomb Baldwin Street – The world’s steepest street is in Dunedin: I told you the city planning was weird! Now, the mayor has asked that people don’t bomb it on a rental Lime scooters, however, I’m asking people that they do.
• Dunedin’s Beaches – There are some good beaches scattered around the Dunedin area. On a warm sunny day (which is, admittedly, a rarity in the city), they’re magnificent. When Dunedin is having one of its classic Dunedin days—dreary grey skies and drearier winds—the beaches are a bit more like the harsh, misty maidens of the south. All that said, you  have to see  Long Beach regardless of the weather. I’m not even spoiling it; just trust me.

Day 8: Dunedin to Aoraki / Mount Cook (317 km | 4-4.5 hours)

The last stop of your South Island road trip and there’s nowhere more appropriate to finish than Aoraki (Mount Cook): the highest mountain in New Zealand. The road approaching Mount Cook and the Aoraki National Park still remains one of the best drives in the South Island of New Zealand purely for the truly humbling spectacle of it.

Mount Cook is the defining pinnacle of the Southern Alps mountain range—the 500 kilometre stretch of snowcapped peaks that run nearly the whole length of South Island. You get a whole host of ridiculously sexy mountains, a metric shittonne of glaciers (that blow Franz Joesf and Fox Glacier out of the water), and endless opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.

So while the Southern Alps may be a mountain-lovers paradise, the question is…

Can you climb Mount Cook?

Sure, if you’re an experienced mountaineer with the right outdoor adventure gear suited for the job. For everyone else, simply hiking around the behemoth and the surrounding alps will have to suffice.

You could stop in Oamaru on the drive through for a bite. There are a couple of cafes in Mount Cook Village too, however, there’s nothing overly special. Definitely bring some snackos.

There’s YHA in Aoraki Mount Cook Village or a few more options for backpackers in Lake Tekapo about an hour’s drive away, but I’d just go get booked into the Aoraki Court Motel . It’s popular, super comfortable, and just a little bit of a splurge for you last stop—job well done!

• Hiking Galore – Damn, where to even begin! The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular; it’s an easy walk with the backdrop of the Mount Cook range terminating at the stunning Hooker Glacial Lake. The Tasman Glacier View Track is another goodie with views of glaciers that really are worth the effort.
• Land on the Tasman Glacier – New Zealand’s longest glacier despite considerable shrinkage over the last three decades. You can definitely just look at it and be wowed by its unapolegetically raw beauty OR you can book a ski plane/helicopter flight combo deal and land on the bombshell beauty!
• Lake Tekapo – I considered making this a stop all of its own, however, it’s also a perfect stopover on the return to Christchurch from Aoraki. It’s another alpine New Zealand lake to die for with hot springs, an ice-skating rink, and some angles that are simply  too postcard-perfect.

Tip number one!

Make your own damn plans!

The (admittedly fucking awesome) road trip itineraries for South Island that I’ve done up are totally legit and can be completed in the time alotted. Still, slow travel is and unequivocally always will be the best type of travel.

A lot of these destinations deserve to be slowed down for. Golden Bay is a place for the slow-tempoed, Milford Sound really does deserve at least one multi-day tramp, and if it’s winter, you may really want to get into some snowboarding in Queenstown (or Wanaka because it’s better).

Don’t get locked in! New Zealand is pretty goddamn magnificent. She deserves to be enjoyed in her own time.

Tip 2: Staying Safe in New Zealand

New Zealand is fine. Totally and absolutely fine. Things can happen the same as anywhere else, but they don’t happen much in New Zealand.

Normal safety rules for travellers still apply: be smart and trust your gut. Do take care of your stuff though, especially in touristy areas like Queenstown. I had my phone in Raglan (on North Island) nicked letting my guard down like a dope.

The thing to really look out for is New Zealand itself: mother nature is a fickle bitch.

Talk to locals to get the lay of the land. Don’t go hiking unprepared. Don’t climb a mountain without knowing the weather forecast, and don’t dive headfirst into a river or lake.

It’s standard staying safe in nature stuff. Even the nature is lowkey though. There’s, like, one poisonous spider in the whole of New Zealand and no snakes. The earthquakes might get ya though.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Tip 3: Insurance! (Again)

Yeah, we covered insurance, but this is one more firm reminder not to let the rental companies take you for a ride (so to speak).

Don’t be a dope—get yourself covered with RentalCover.com BEFORE you pick up your rental. And consider insuring yourself too!

Members of The Broke Backpacker team have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re an easy to use and professional provider that the team swears by.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re still not sure what the right coverage for you is, then we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison of the market’s best travel insurance companies . Just make sure you cover yourself!

Tip 4: My Favourite Second-Hand Shops – Bonus Section! 🙂

This is a bonus section because I wasn’t really sure where else to fit it in, but I just desperately wanted to talk about it. The second-hand shops in New Zealand are killer! Nothin’ but absolutely, splendiferously mean bargains left, right, and centre.

I made it a ritual of mine to check out the second-hand shops in any new place I rocked up in. Like, fair, I’m a bit of a nerd for op-shops, but even in regards to getting your hands on pre-loved budget backpacking tents , camping goods, or trekking gear, the second-hand shops have got what you need:

• Nelson – There’s nowhere unique in Nelson that I know of; it’s just the usual contenders (Salvos, Vinnies, etc.) All the usual contenders are there, however, and they’re all close together with a sizable stock too!
• Motueka – It’s the same deal as Nelson but definitely worth the browse.
• Takaka – There’s a couple in Takaka and you’re looking for Trash Palace because it’s next-level! Imagine all the cool apparel and oddities that ferals, hippies, and weirdos leave behind.
• Wanaka – The second-hand shops and cosy motels in Wanaka may be the other reason for my not-so-secret love affair with this gorgeous town. There’s a few in the town itself, and then, just outside of town a little bit (at the waste management plant), is WasteBusters which still remains as one of the best second-hand shops I’ve ever been too.
• Queenstown – Queenstown has a bunch of good ones and the other added bonus is—given that it’s the adventure capital of New Zealand—you’ll get heaps of cheap outdoors gear. Especially clothes: there’s a lot of woollens, merinos, and trekking stuff.

Tip 5: Have a Blast on Your South Island Road Trip!

There’s so much to see. And it’s all so goddamn pretty! That’s why I say slow down.

South Island is a New Zealand road trip on steroids, opiates, and every other drug under the sun. South Island is a drug.

From some of the most legitamately tear-inducing sunsets I’ve ever witnessed to some of the kindest souls I have ever met, South Island has it all. While the island may be more than 150,000 km² in size, it never loses that small village feeling.

The more you slow down, the more friends you will make and the more of South Island’s hidden gems you will discover. I’ve met people from North Island that have never even set foot on South Island, much less ventured all the way down to Southland. 

There really is the potential to still find the untouched Aotearoa. Despite the ease of travelling and closeness of everything, it still feels like somehow you’ve accidentally ended up far from where any human has ventured before. Like if you just pulled right over here, got out of the car, and crossed that hill over yonder, you’d find some glorious secret that hadn’t been seen since the days of the Maori.

So pack your car with the essentials and get yourself out on one of the best road trips in South Island you can! Whether it’s one of these driving routes or one of your own inception, you really can’t go wrong. There’s so much to discover and so much beauty: there really is a spark of the Divine in New Zealand’s landscape. And before you ask, can I afford it? Yes, of course you can, you dope, just make sure to budget well.

Plus, it’s still the most no-shoes-friendly country I’ve ever been in.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Ziggy Samuels

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The 5 Best 5-Day Tours of the South Island ⛰️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, how to tour the south island in 5 days.

Do you have limited time in the South Island but want to make the most of it? Tour companies are a great way to go, saving you time figuring out how to get around and what to do. While you might not be able to explore the majority of the South Island in five days, you can certainly see a few of the highlights. 5-day tours of the South Island of New Zealand are usually specialised tours, getting you to fully explore one or two destinations through hiking, mountain biking or skiing, for example. Check out some of our favourite 5-day tours of the South Island below!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand . Plus, don’t forget to bookmark Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide for even more tips.

6 Tips for Planning a 5-Day Trip on the South Island

• For a five-day tour of the South Island, allow a couple of days extra for your travel time to and from the starting point of your tour, as well as to get over the jet lag in your arrival town/city (if applicable)
• Check if your chosen tour company has a Facebook Group where you can connect with other travellers that will be on your tour
• Compare tour companies on websites like TourRadar to ensure you find the best type of tour for you. Another advantage is that comparison websites have standard cancellation policies, unlike booking directly with the tour company
• Pack light : don’t be that guy with two huge suitcases that everyone has to make room for! Get tips from our   New Zealand Packing List
• Check out what optional activities you will want to do prior to arriving in New Zealand so you are able to budget for your tour correctly
• Allow enough room in your budget for food if your tour does not include every meal – see How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?  for typical food costs in New Zealand.

For more bus tour advice check out the 15 Tips to Make the Most of Your Bus Trip .

Active Adventures – Great Walks Discovery

Active Adventures shows an alternative way to explore the South Island in five days on their Great Walks Discovery tour, starting and ending in Queenstown. This active small group tour has a lot of focus on walks and hikes in beautiful landscapes, for instance, the Routeburn , Kepler and Milford Great Walks, as well as hiking Ben Lomond in Queenstown and enjoying the lesser-visited Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise and to the popular Milford Sound .

For more hike-orientated tours, check out  The Best New Zealand Hiking Tours .

About Active Adventures’ Tours

Age Range : 16-90-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 14 Accommodation : Hotels, lodges, chalets and overnight cruise Meals : All breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Destinations on the 5-Day Tour

• Doubtful Sound
• Milford Sound

Find out more about this tour and prices by comparing Active Adventures on Tourradar .

Haka Tours – Snow Explorer

Skiers and riders, check out this five-day snowsports tour with Haka Tours . The Snow Explorer tour takes snow bunnies on a ski field-hopping trip throughout the South Island, including Porters , Broken River , Mt Olympus / Temple Basin and Craigieburn . Accommodation is included in the form of shared dorms with private room upgrades available. Some meals are also included.

For more small-group experiences, head to The Best Small-Group Tours in New Zealand .

About Haka Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 18-65-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 8 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and two dinners

• Christchurch
• Springfield ski fields
• Craigieburn – see  The Top 24 Ski Fields in New Zealand

Find out more about this tour and prices by checking out Haka Tours on Tourradar .

Adventure South – West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Enjoy a cycle tour with like-minded travellers on the Adventure South West Coast Wilderness Trail tour. This five-day adventure starts and ends in Christchurch and includes a scenic drive through Arthur’s Pass National Park to the West Coast. You’ll then enjoy a guided cycle tour of the West Coast Wilderness Trail between Greymouth and Punakaiki. The tour includes meals, transport, bikes and entry to the West Coast Treetops Walkway .

About Adventure South’s Tours

Age Range : 16-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 14 Accommodation : Hotels and motels Meals : Four breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners

Find out more about this tour and prices by comparing Adventure South on Tourradar .

Intrepid Travel – Walk Abel Tasman National Park

Another excellent hiking tour, Intrepid Travel takes you to the glorious beaches of the northern South Island on their Walk Abel Tasman National Park tour. You’ll enjoy daily walks on the iconic Abel Tasman Coast Track Great Walk without having to sacrifice comfort or having to carry lots of gear thanks to transport being included to the park daily. You’ll stay in the rural paradise of Marahau in cosy cabins.

About Intrepid Travel’s Tours

Age Range : 15-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 12 Accommodation : Hostel, cabin and lodge Meals : Four breakfasts and three lunches

• Marahau ( Abel Tasman National Park )

Find out more about this tour and prices by comparing Intrepid Travel on Tourradar .

Thrifty Tours – Southern Highlights

Note that Thrifty Tours prearranges InterCity buses or other companies, accommodation and airport transfers on your behalf for a cheaper self-guided experience. They do not run their own guided tours. 

Only having five days on the South Island doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the highlights! That’s, at least, Thrifty Tours ‘ mantra when it comes to their Southern Highlights itinerary, which starts and ends in Christchurch . This five-day tour of the South Island includes a scenic train journey through the Southern Alps before exploring the West Coast and the Franz Josef Glacier . The tour includes hotel accommodation, some meals and a cruise in Milford Sound .

For similar tours, head to  The Best New Zealand Tours Starting in Christchurch .

About Thrifty Tours

Age Range : 1-100-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Four breakfasts and two lunches

• Franz Josef
• Arthur’s Pass

Find out more about this tour and prices by comparing Thrifty Tours on Tourradar .

More About 5-Day South Island Tours

That’s it for our list of the best 5-day tours of the South Island! For more tours to compare them to, take a look at the following guides:

• The Best National Coach Tours in New Zealand
• South Island in One Week : New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
• The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand

Finally, compare all of your bus travel options in our complete guide, How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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The South Island of New Zealand is home to dramatic mountain ranges, powerful waterfalls and eye-wateringly beautiful lakes. More than that though, it’s also known as the adventure capital of the world. Looking to skydive, bungee jump, heli hike and canyon swing? Look no further.

Travelling by bus is the best way to experience the dramatic landscapes of the South Island. Your Driver Guide will know where all the secret stop are, the best times of day to avoid the crowds and help you book all your accommodation and activities.

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Abel tasman, franz josef, milford sound, lake tekapo, christchurch.

South Island Accommodation

The South Island is set up for all kinds of travellers and offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget. Our South Island itineraries, give you several accommodation options, including, backpacker hostels and holiday parks. Read more about our different accommodation options for the South Island.

South Island Itinerary

Are you looking for a pre-planned itinerary to make your trip through the South Island as seamless as possible? Look no further. Crafted using our decades of experience travelling the country in a big green bus, we’ve created epic South Island travel itineraries ranging from 7, 10 and 14-day.

South Island Seasons

No matter whether you’re travelling in summer or winter, the South Island of New Zealand is a year-round destination. From skiing in Wanaka and bungy jumping in Queenstown in winter to kayaking at Abel Tasman National Park and hiking in Mount Cook in summer, you won’t be short of things to do whatever the weather. Check out our winter and summer to-do lists to ensure you’re packing in all your chosen season’s must-dos.

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Ard and Arwin, The Netherlands The whole of New Zealand is beautiful.

Efia, Scotland Ignore the forecast and prepare for all weathers.

Callum, England New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited.

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TOP 10 SOUTH ISLAND WALKS IN NEW ZEALAND

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​ The jewel in the crown that is the South Island.

28 May 2018

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Two week fun-filled tour around the South Island

Other experiences the family enjoyed were a helicopter landing on Franz Josef Glacier,  an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, jet boating on the Shotover River, taking an historic steamboat to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour, star-gazing, wine & cheese tasting and plenty of walks in nature.

One highlight was a visit to Hook in Wanaka where a family member caught four salmon; some became Sashimi while the rest was smoked for our lunch.  Really delicious & highly recommend giving this place a go.

The autumnal weather was a mixed bag of sunshine, cooler days, heavy rain and some unseasonable snow. But this did not dampen spirits or deter the family who were determined to make the most of it.  Soaking in wood fired hot tubs were the perfect antidote to the inclement weather.

All in all everyone had a grand time.  So good in fact that when the kids left, Mom & Dad stayed on to experience the North Island on their own doing a self-drive tour to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

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New Zealand's South Island has alpine delights and natural wonders.

From hiking on glaciers to kayaking with dolphins, you can enjoy a range of active experiences while you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re looking for the perfect South Island itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. A New Zealand South Island tour promises breathtaking scenery, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and some of the best food and wine on the planet. If you're having trouble figuring out whether you should explore the South Island or the North Island of New Zealand, you simply have to look at all the fun experiences to be had, from overnight scenic cruises to cultural exchanges and exciting adventure tours. From sampling the region’s famous wine near Queenstown  to sleeping on Milford Sound and observing the famous kiwi bird in Christchurch , there are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.

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South island travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to the South Island?

The two major airports on New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown.

Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season.

Vehicle ferry services, which also take foot passengers, travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Getting around the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand.

InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

When is the best time to visit the South Island?

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September.

Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't travelling with school-age children as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times.

Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days that are generally clear and sunny.

Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed due to snow, so plan your journey accordingly.

Spring sees fewer crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

What should I pack for the South Island?

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie.

Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

What should I wear in the South Island?

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

What is the internet access like in the South Island?

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Can I use my mobile/cell phone in the South Island?

There is good mobile coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.