10-Day New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary
With vast, sprawling landscapes dotted with spectacular natural landmarks, and a ton of wildlife, scenic tours and nature escapes, it's no surprise that New Zealand's South Island is one of the best places in the world for an amazing road trip adventure. If you need some help crafting a South Island road trip itinerary - here's some inspiration for you! Do note that this itinerary is just a guide - feel free to tweak it to your needs and preferences and even extend your trip!
Our proposed 10D itinerary starts at Christchurch and ends in Queenstown. The best part is you can book all of the activities mentioned with Klook - hassle-free!
How to Travel Around New Zealand's South Island
The best part about road tripping is definitely the freedom to explore at your own pace plus the convenience that comes with having your own vehicle. If you're looking for fuss-free car rental in New Zealand, you can easily book a rental on Klook.
New Zealand Travel Essentials 🇳🇿
Planning a New Zealand holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🏮 New Zealand Essentials: Top Must-Dos & Tours
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Day 1: Christchurch
Kick off your 10-day New Zealand South Island road trip adventure around Christchurch, your gateway to all the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island.
Christchurch Gondola
The best way to start your New Zealand South Island road trip is to see the entirety of the majestic Christchurch as you go uphill aboard a gondola! Nothing eases jet lag more than basking in the picturesque sights of Christchurch from the best vantage point in the city.
After the gondola ride, you can also check out other attractions like the Time Tunnel, which takes you into a volcano and to Christchurch's early settlements.
International Antarctic Ticket in Christchurch
Learn more about Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre. Image credits: @internationalantarcticcentre
Did you know you could add Antarctica to your NZ itinerary for the South Island? That’s right - travel to the edge of the world without leaving Christchurch at the International Antarctic Centre!
Learn more about the farthest region globally through interactive experiences such as the Antarctic Storm simulation, and hang out sessions with the Little Blue Penguins and more animal friends in the centre.
Day 2: Christchurch
The Christchurch Pass
There are plenty of sights to see at Christchurch! Image credits: @travelstyle_vijaya
Spend your second day experiencing all of Christchurch’s highlights in one go with this all-access tram pass to the best views of the city. A perfect way to sightsee for the day.
Alight on Christchurch’s historic tram and spend your morning learning about the local flora on your hour-long guided tour of the must-see Christchurch Botanic Gardens. After that, go on a scenic boat ride on the charming Avon River. A gondola pass is also included in the package for the ultimate sightseeing experience.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Located in the CBD of Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Christchurch is the perfect base for your Christchurch adventures. With shops and cafes in the vicinity - you don't have to worry about dining and entertainment options. If you're looking for a beautiful morning stroll, Victoria Square in just a 2-minute walk away!
Day 3: Hanmer Springs
Distance: 133km
Drive Duration: ~1.5 hours
Hanmer Springs is a perfect stop for your New Zealand South Island road trip if you like a mix of relaxation and recreation. Whether you want to go jet boating or simply relax in a hot pool, you can easily experience both here!
Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs
Zoom past Waiau River on a jet boat!
Experience the thrill of a lifetime when you go zooming across the Waiau River on a jet boat! Enjoy heart-pumping twists and turns against the rapids. Have your breath further taken away by the stunning landscape that surrounds the river!
This 1-hour jet boat adventure is complete with a professional guide who will fill you in on the secrets and hidden gems around the area, and execute 360-degree spins made famous by the jet boat!
Quad Biking in Hanmer Springs
Go on an off-road adventure in Hanmer Springs!
Conquer the rugged terrains of Canterbury with this 2-hour quad biking adventure! Hop aboard a durable quad bike and race into the wilderness. First-timers need not worry as the quad bike is easy to manoeuvre (even kids can try em out too!).
Marvel at the surrounding forests and springs in Hanmer Springs as your expert guide takes you to all of the best places you can go to during this experience. This package is complete with overalls, gumboots, and helmets to keep you safe and protected during your drive.
Hanmer Springs Hot Pools
Enjoy a long warm soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa! Image credits: @pookestar1
After all those outdoor activities, it's time to relax your muscles and chill out. Explore 15 outdoor pools, a spa, and waterslides, and see the benefits of natural mineral waters, clear alpine air, and an uplifting environment for both your mind and body at Hanmer Hot Springs!
Plus, all of these are against the picturesque backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains and redwood trees of Hanmer Springs! How wonderful does that sound?
Stay: Hanmer Springs Retreat
For an affordable yet clean and comfy stay, consider a night at the Hanmer Springs Retreat. Hanmer Springs Retreat is located just a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve so a relaxing soak is always just a few steps away.
This motel is also great for those travelling with kids as you can choose from 1 or 2-bedroom options, and each unit comes with a kitchenette too!
Day 4: Kaikoura
Distance: 130km
Drive Duration: ~2 hours
Don’t miss out on the beautiful Kaikoura during your New Zealand South Island road trip! Animal lovers will enjoy this coastal town, especially with the animal encounter adventures you can have while here.
Kaikoura Whale Watching
Go whale watching all year round at Kaikoura! Grab this opportunity to get up close with giant sperm whales, the largest toothed predators in the world, via a comfy whale-watching cruise. Sail along the pristine waters in this whale-watching tour and see if you can spy other cute wildlife creatures like playful dolphins too!
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura
Continue your magical wildlife experiences with a seal kayaking adventure! Explore the magical coastal town of Kaikoura and discover stunning cliffs, craggy rocks, and mountaintops on a comfortable kayak.
Paddle along the Pacific and be greeted by friendly and adorable New Zealand fur seals as you weave through the waters. All necessary equipment is included in the package, like life jackets, spray skirts, paddle jackets, poggies, wet shoes, a dry bag for your camera, spare thermals, and GORETEX dry pants for winter paddling!
Stay: The Fairways Apartments
As a luxury 4.5-star Kaikoura accommodation, The Fairways Apartments offers 1 or 2-bedroom ensuite apartments and ensuite studio rooms ideal for couples and families. Expect nothing but spacious luxury with features like separate ensuite king bedrooms with jetted tubs and even a fire-lit lounge for cosy nights!
Day 5: Mount Cook
Distance: 503km
Drive Duration: ~6.5 hours
There's going to be a long drive today, but you will be richly rewarded with majestic views of the Southern Alps, and get ready to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping action on this leg of the trip!
With thrilling heli hike experiences, make this New Zealand self-drive holiday different from other road trips you’ve done before. Since you will be kinda tired after the long drive, save the fun stuff for tomorrow, and take it easy with a stargazing tour!
Dark Sky Project-Summit Experience (Mt. John Observatory Tour)
Reach for the stars at Mt John Observatory. Image redits: @annetteyules
Love stargazing? Brace yourself for a breathtaking experience at Mt John Observatory and part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
On this stargazing tour, you'll get to take in the incredible Milky Way, far-off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies using start-of-the-art telescopes! Every night beholds something different - who knows what you'll get to see!
Day 6: Mount Cook
Heli Hike in Franz Josef Glacier
Learn how to walk on ice when you visit Franz Josef Glacier!
What's a heli hike, you ask? It's an adventure-filled combination of helicopter flight PLUS guided trek that guarantees the best views and experience for this majestic glacial formation!
Spend half a day discovering the glacier with an expert guide who’ll teach you all about the formation and get up to 2 hours of fun ice time on the snowy landscape. Learn the art of step-cutting, and you’ll soon find the safest and most comfortable way for you to travel through the glacier like a pro.
Stay: Aoraki Court Motel
With sensational views of sublime mountains all around, you can definitely expect a room with a breathtaking view whatever motel unit you stay in at the Aoraki Court Motel! Parking is available right outside your unit for maximum convenience and every unit is fully fitted with a kitchenette and ensuite bathrooms to boot.
Day 7: Wanaka
Distance: 206km
Drive Duration: ~2.5 hours
Venture into the quaint town Wanaka - adventure seekers will surely enjoy the activities Wanaka has in store for you!
Wanaka Skydive Experience
Leap of faith and soar over Wanaka. Image credits: @skydivewanaka
Freefall from up to 15,000 feet over the Southern Alps with this Wanaka skydive experience! Meet your tandem master at Wanaka Airport and board the aircraft that will take you above the stunning Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring! Take a leap of faith and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of New Zealand!
For photo and video packages, make sure to book them during check-in!
Puzzling World Ticket in Wanaka
Don’t let the illusion trick you at Puzzling World! Image credits: @puzzlingworldwanaka
Get your minds blown by illusions and 3D exhibits at Puzzling World! True to its name, this attraction is made to trick you and your kids’ minds with confusing illusions and puzzles.
Conquer the world’s first 3D Super Maze, and don’t forget to take amazing photos at their optical illusion rooms to trick your followers when you post them on IG!
Stay: Clearbrook Motels Wanaka
Centrally located near the city centre, Clearbrook Motels Wanaka is close to an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options so you're well-equipped with everything you might need. To top it all off, it is also only a 5-minute drive from the famous #ThatWanakaTree at the scenic Roys Bay.
Day 8: Te Anau
Distance: 227km
Drive Duration: ~3 hours
Home to fantastic wildlife, the lakeside town of Te Anau should be on your list of places to visit on your New Zealand South Island road trip! Plus, this town sits right outside the Fiordland National Park, so you can easily head to Milford Sound right after!
Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
No, those are not stars! Those dazzling creatures are Te Anau’s glowworms.
Be mesmerised by the enchanting sight of the millions of glowworms that inhabit Te Anau in this half-day glowworm cave tour! Ride on a cruise vessel and explore the cave’s hidden limestone passages in search of magical creatures. Some pathways require you to travel by foot, so be prepared to get wet along this trip.
But, don’t worry, the tour is worth it as thousands of glowworms will greet you as you pass along hidden grottos where they stay!
Stay: Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau
Tasman Holiday Parks is a quick stroll away from the pristine Lake Te Anau and a quick walk from the town centre too. You're in a prime location and the perfect launchpad for your day's activities.
Opt for their villa which comes with a kitchenette included, or if you're looking for more budget-friendly, they also have cabins available!
Day 9: Day trip to Milford Sound
Distance: 117km
Drive Duration: ~2 hours
Nature lovers on their New Zealand South Island road trip will absolutely adore Milford Sound. With its lush rainforests, majestic rock formations, and cascading waterfalls, a picture-perfect day awaits.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
The quickest way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown is by a fly over. Get the best views of Milford Sound via a scenic flight - window seats guaranteed! You will get to enjoy sprawling panoramas that span from the Mount Aspiring National Park into the Fiordland National Park, flying above snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers before descending into Milford Sound. You'll also get to fly past Sutherland Falls (one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls!) on your way back!
Fiord Day Cruise
Now that you've seen the sights from way up high - how about going on a cruise all aboard a Milford Sound cruise to catch the majestic Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls up close? Bonus - you'll get to meet adorable local creatures such as New Zealand fur seals along the way!
The cruise lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes, and you can sit back as you listen to your local guide’s fun commentary while sipping on a complimentary cuppa or tea. Picnic lunches are available for pre-purchase too.
Day 10: Queenstown
Distance: 171km
Drive Duration: ~2 hours
The road of this New Zealand South Island road trip ends at Queenstown. Named the adventure capital of the world, you can expect even more thrilling activities for your NZ South Island road trip!
Skydive in New Zealand
If you've been thinking about checking skydiving off your bucket list, there's no better place to do it than New Zealand. Pluck up the courage to take the leap and you will be vastly rewarded with sublime 360-degree views of Queenstown's spectacular surrounds from Lake Wakatipu to the snowy slopes of The Remarkables Ski Resort - it'll definitely be an unforgettable view!
You can take your pick from a 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000-feet jump, and enjoy up to 60 seconds of freefall at up to speeds of 200km/h! Are you up for the challenge?
Shotover River Rafting Experience
Toughen up as you brave out the rapids of Shotover River! Image credits: @challengerafting
Enjoy Shotover River and have a hand in the action through a river rafting experience! Feel the thrill of a lifetime when you conquer the foamy grade 3 to 5 rapids, with names like the Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball.
To finish you'll ride through the famous 170m Oxenbridge tunnel - this is an unforgettable outdoor river adventure that you won't get anywhere else!
Soak in Onsen Hot Pools
After your heart-pumping Queenstown activities and adventures, it's time to chill and unwind inside a classic cedar-lined hot pool spa at Onsen Hot Pools!
Ease your mind and body, and bask in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of Shotover River. You can opt for an indoor or outdoor pool, and all hot pools are heated to the optimal temperature and are infused with 100% earth minerals to help detoxify your body. This 1-hour soak is also inclusive of a complimentary beverage and snacks - now, how amazing does that sound?
Stay: Nugget Point Resort
Boasting fantastic spa facilities that include rose mosaic showers, a sauna, a Roman bath, and even a saltwater plunge pool - your last stay on your road trip has got to be the most relaxing one yet! Nugget Point Resort also overlooks the famous Shotover River, so a view is definitely guaranteed.
