There might not be a more beautiful place in the world than New Zealand's South Island. It is a land of unparalleled beauty, boasting breathtaking landscapes ranging from majestic mountains and pristine lakes to lush forests and dramatic fjordlands. The best way to experience all the beauty this country has to offer is undoubtedly by road tripping. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply in search of tranquility, a road trip through the South Island should be on everyone's bucket list. 

However, planning a road trip around the South Island is no easy feat. With so many beautiful places to see and adventure activities to conquer, it’s hard to narrow down exactly how and where you should spend your time. We spent two weeks exploring the South Island in April 2024 and I’m going to share our exact itinerary and favorite activities in this blog to save you a ton of time and planning stress! This ultimate itinerary will guide you to unforgettable hikes, jaw-dropping vistas, thrilling activities, and the most beautiful campsites New Zealand’s South Island has to offer.

Before we dig into the itinerary, here are a few helpful tips for planning and booking your trip to New Zealand:

Best Time to Go:

The best time to visit New Zealand's South Island depends on your weather preferences and planned activities. Spring (September to November) offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming wildflowers. Summer (December to February) provides warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities, though it is also the peak tourist season. Autumn (March to May) features cooler temperatures and stunning autumn foliage, also with the added benefit of fewer tourists. Winter (June to August) brings cold weather, especially in the south and mountainous areas, but it's perfect for skiing and snow sports. We visited New Zealand at the beginning of April which meant we got to experience gorgeous fall foliage with minimal crowds. However, since we were in the middle of the fall season, we did have to deal with several rainy days and colder nights. If you are willing to take a bit of a gamble with the weather, I highly recommend visiting in their Spring or Fall to avoid the peak tourist season crowds. 

How Long to Visit:

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to make your way all the way around the South Island! If you’re short on time, you could reduce this to 10 days but I don’t recommend it because you’ll have to cut out some of the further destinations and drive longer distances on some days. If you have more than two weeks, you could add on some more stops along this route or make your way up to the North Island.

Cost:

Budgeting for a South Island road trip involves several key expenses: flights, camper rental, gas, campsites, gear, activities, and food. Your biggest expenses will most likely be your flights to/from New Zealand and your camper rental. Make sure to book these at least 3 months (4-6 months for peak summer season) in advance of your visit to get the best deals and have the most options. You have two main options for airports to fly in/out of the country: Auckland Airport (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC). If you plan to roadtrip just around the South Island, it’s best to fly into Christchurch. 

Campervan and RV rentals can range from $100 to $500 NZD per day depending on the size, type and season. Campground fees vary, with DOC campsites costing about $10 to $20 NZD per person per night and Holiday Parks ranging from $20 to $50 NZD per person per night. Food and groceries might cost around $15 to $50 NZD per day per person. Fuel is approximately $2.50 NZD per liter, with higher costs expected for long distances. Additionally, budget an additional few hundred dollars per person for paid activities such as Milford Sound cruises and adrenaline activities in Queenstown. All in for our two week road trip, we spent just under $5,000. It’s definitely one of the most expensive places we visited on our one year trip around the world but it’s worth it!

Different Types of Campers:

When embarking on a road trip through New Zealand, you'll encounter various types of campers, each with its advantages. Campervans and motorhomes are the most comfortable, fully equipped with beds, kitchens, toilets, and sometimes showers. These can be either self-contained or non-self-contained. To be self-contained, a vehicle must have freshwater storage, wastewater storage, a rubbish bin with a lid, and a toilet that can be used inside, even when the bed is in place. The self-contained designation gives you the freedom to camp in more remote and often free locations. Non-self-contained campervans lack these amenities and are restricted to designated campgrounds with appropriate amenities. Car campers, which can include vehicles with space to sleep inside or with rooftop tents, are less expensive but offer less comfort. Car campers are typically non-self-contained so you must camp at designated campgrounds with facilities. Finally, you have the good old fashioned tent camping which requires the most gear but provides a true outdoor experience. Tent camping is also considered non-self-contained so you are required to stay at campgrounds with facilities. 

Finding and Reserving a Camper:

I recommend beginning your search for a camper on a multi-company search website like this one to get any idea of what type of campers are available and compare the prices of several companies at once. However, I don’t recommend booking through those third party websites. In my experience, you can get a better price by booking directly through the specific company’s website. One additional money saving trick I came across in my research was to request an email quote from the rental companies and then let it sit for a couple days. After a couple days, the companies emailed me and offered a 5% discount if I completed the booking. This may not work in peak season, when the demand is high, but it worked for us in the fall shoulder season. 

We booked our camper through Jucy. It’s one of the largest and most popular camper rental companies in New Zealand. Jucy is a mid-budget option, our camper was definitely not luxury by any means but had all the basic necessities. The company and camper you go with will depend on the amenities and level of luxury you are searching for. One thing our camper was lacking was a heater. We had some very cold nights when we visited in April and a heater would have been helpful. 

Different Types of Campgrounds in NZ:

There are three main camping options in New Zealand: holiday parks, DOC campsites, and freedom camping. Depending on the level of “comfort” you’re seeking will help determine which option is best for you! Holiday Parks are the most equipped, offering a wide range of facilities such as kitchens, flush toilets, showers, laundry, powered sites, and sometimes even pools and playgrounds. Since they have all the amenities, they are the most expensive option typically ranging from $50-$70 NZD per night in peak season. The most famous holiday parks in New Zealand are the “Top 10 Holiday Parks” which are in some of the nicest locations across the country. For those seeking a cheaper and more natural camping experience, the Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are ideal. Just make sure to research the DOC campsite amenities before staying so you are prepared with proper provisions like drinking water and enough fuel. Many of the DOC sites are in very remote locations without services and only offer drop toilets.  DOC campsites range from $15-$30 NZD per night in peak season. Freedom Camping is the cheapest and most rugged option, allowing you to camp for free in designated areas if you have a self-contained vehicle. Check with your rental agency to ensure your camper meets the specifications and has the required “self-contained” sticker on its back side before freedom camping! 

We stayed at a combination of DOC campsites and holiday parks. The camper we rented was self-contained but the toilet was difficult to access and clean so we opted not to use it. We really enjoyed the DOC sites because they were typically in beautiful remote destinations but stayed at a holiday park every few days so we could shower and do laundry! Make sure to make campsite reservations in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure you can stay at the spots you want. 

DOC Campground Reservation Website: Link

Holiday Park Reservation Websites: Top 10 Holiday Parks and Hampshire Holiday Parks 

The best route:

There is one main route that most road trippers will take around the South Island with a few variations or detours depending on your preferences and timeframe. The only major decision to make initially is whether you will drive the route clockwise or counter-clockwise. It really doesn’t matter which way you choose, but you have to make a decision early in order to make campground reservations in your direction of travel. We drove the route counter-clockwise and I was really happy with this decision because we really started off our trip with a bang - Mount Cook National Park! Here is a map of our route with all of the campground, hikes and viewpoints we stopped at along the way: Map Link 

Gear:

If you rent a fully equipped campervan or RV, they will most likely come with all of the necessary sleeping and cooking gear you will need. Some items, like a table and chairs, may be an additional fee so make sure to note what is and is not included when you make your booking. There are a few additional items that I recommend bringing or buying when you arrive to make your experience safer and more comfortable: headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, rechargeable power banks, baby wipes, umbrella, soap (dish and shower), sunscreen, insect repellant, and deck of card or game for when you’re off-grid!

Additional Tips:

Don’t speed! The speed limits across New Zealand are pretty slow and there are speed cameras frequently. Most of the roads are small two lane winding mountain roads with steep grades. Make sure to drive cautiously and put your camper in a low gear on steep grades. There are also many one-lane bridges, make sure to follow the proper right-of-way signage and approach them cautiously.  

Try to keep your fuel tank above half tank! Gas stations can be sparse, especially in remote areas, so make sure to fill up when you pass one even if you’re not running low. Most gas stations also require you to use a card with a PIN to make sure to have a debit card or credit card with a PIN with you. 

Buffer extra time for your drives! Roads in New Zealand are narrow, windy and beautiful. Don’t expect to get to your destination in the amount of time Google Maps says. You’ll want to take your time to drive safely and take in the views with frequent stops. 

Download your maps! Cell phone service can be sparse or non-existent at some of the more remote destinations and campsites so make sure to download offline maps on Google Maps before you head out on your road trip. 

Pack clothes for all weather conditions! The weather can change quickly from hour to hour and day to night so be prepared with warm layers and water proof clothing. The nights tend to get chilly, even in the summertime, so pack warm layers and a jacket. Also be prepared for rain - it’s not a matter of if it will rain but when. We had three full days of continuous torrential rain during our trip and I was so thankful we had water-proof jackets and pants. 

Stock up on groceries in larger towns to avoid higher prices in remote areas, and bring a mix of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items with you when you move to remote locations. 

Be prepared for bugs, especially sandflies on the West Coast and Fiordland. Bring strong insect repellent and even some mesh face covers for extra protection. 

Watch out for the Kea birds! They are beautiful but keep an eye on your belongings because they like to steal things, especially shiny things like car keys. 

Two Week Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly into Christchurch, Pick Up Camper & Drive to Mount Cook NP

Drive Time: 4 hours (Realistic time: 5-6 hours with stops)

Campground: White Horse Hill Campground

Upon arrival in Christchurch Airport (CHC), head over to your rental company and pick up your camper. Before hitting the road, stock up on groceries at one of the many large grocery stores in Christchurch and get any last-minute supplies you might need. I suggest hitting the road as soon as possible as you have a long drive to White Horse Hill Campground in Mount Cook National Park. Along your drive, make sure to stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki for breathtaking views! You will drive along the shore of Lake Pukaki as you approach Mount Cook National Park and you will find many spots to pull over and take pictures of the beautiful lake with Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, in the background. Don’t spend too long taking pictures, however, because White Horse Hill Campground is a first come first serve campground so you’ll want to arrive in time to get a spot. We arrived around 6pm and the spots were almost all full even in the shoulder season. You can pay in cash at the campsite or you can prepay online with a credit card on the DOC website. White Horse Hill Campground is well-equipped with toilets and running water and located conveniently near the best hiking trails in Mount Cook National Park.

Extra Tip: If you arrive in Christchurch late in the afternoon/evening, I suggest staying in one of the nearby airport motels to save some money and rest up before you pick up your campervan the next morning. 

Day 2: Hiking in Mount Cook National Park 

Drive Time: 0 hours 

Campground: White Horse Hill Campground (DOC)

The trailheads for some of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park start right from the White Horse Hill Campground. You can step out of your camper and straight onto the trail. There are a handful of trails to choose from but I suggest hiking the Sealy Tarns Track to Muller Hut and/or the Hooker Valley Track. The Sealy Tarns Track is a challenging but rewarding hike, with panoramic views of glaciers and Mount Cook itself. It is a difficult hike so it should only be attempted by experienced hikers in good physical shape. If you are looking for a less challenging hike, the Hooker Valley Track is perfect! The easy trail winds along the valley floor and offers stunning views of the Mount Cook valley ending at a beautiful glacial lake. If you are extra ambitious you can hike both of these hikes in the same day, hiking Sealy Tarns in the morning and Hooker Valley in the afternoon. After hiking, spend your second night at the White Horse Hill Campground. 

Extra Tip: If you are up for an extra adventure, you can spend the night at the Muller Hut but you have to pre-book a spot and reservations fill up fast!

Day 3: Drive to Queenstown

Drive Time: 3.5 hours (Realistic Time: 4-5 hours with stops)

Campground: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

Today is mainly a driving day so you can take your time in the morning, cook yourself a nice breakfast and then hit the road to drive to Queenstown. The drive itself is very scenic, with opportunities to stop and take photos along the way. Definitely make sure not to miss the Lindis Pass Viewpoint! When you arrive in town, I suggest dropping off your camper at your campsite and then heading downtown to grab a bite to eat. We stayed at the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park which is just a short walk from the downtown and offers nice amenities. Like most places in New Zealand, the restaurants are pretty expensive in Queenstown so we didn’t eat out a lot during our stay in this area but one place you can’t miss out on is Fergburger restaurant! They are famous for their huge and unique burgers. There is typically a line down the block to order a burger but it’s worth the wait. If you go between peak meal times, the line tends to be shorter. 

Day 4 & 5: Explore Queenstown

Drive Time: 0 hours

Campground: Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

Queenstown is referred to as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. It is known for adrenaline-pumping activities and epic adventures. You can choose from bungee jumping, canyon swings, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking and so much more. While the town itself is pretty small, I included two full days in Queenstown in this itinerary because most of the adventure activities in the area are weather dependent. It’s best to have a back-up day in case your planned activity needs to be rescheduled or canceled due to rain! 

If you’re not up for a crazy adrenaline activity, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other amazing things to do in the area. I highly recommend taking the Skyline Gondola up to the Skyline complex. From up here, you get some of the best panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. In addition to spectacular views, you can take a ride on the mountain luge course. Race your family and friends through an exhilarating mountainside course that’s exciting for all ages. From the top of the Skyline gondola, you can also hike one of Queenstown’s most beautiful trails, the Ben Lomond Track. If you still have some extra time, you could drive further up the coast of Lake Wakatipu to the small town of Glenorchy. The drive and area surrounding the town are beautiful. We drove this way one evening and caught a gorgeous sunset at the Bennetts Bluff Viewpoint.

After a fun day of adventuring, return to Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park for a refreshing shower and good night’s rest.

Extra Tip: If you are on a tight budget, like us, you can forgo the Skyline gondola and hike up to the Skyline complex along the “Tiki Trail” located just to the left of the ticket office. We made it to the top in just over an hour. 

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Day 6: Drive to Fiordland National Park

Drive Time: 3 hours (Realistic Time: 4-5 hours with stops)

Campground: Cascade Creek Campground (DOC)

Today you will begin your journey to Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful places on the South Island!  The drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown is incredibly scenic and there will be plenty of opportunities to pull over and take in the views! Your first stop should be at the Devil’s Staircase lookout point. You have probably come across pictures of this famous vista, boasting beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the picturesque road winding along its shore. As you continue on, you will need to stop in the town of Te Anau to top up your gas tank and stock up on food. There aren’t any gas stations or grocery stores in Fiordland National Park so this is your last opportunity to fill up! After passing through Te Anau, to further break up the drive, you can stop at the Lake Mistletoe Walking Track and/or the Mirror Lakes Walking Track. Finally, you will make it to the Cascade Creek Campground, your home for the next two nights. Cascade Creek was one of our favorite campsites of the trip. It’s in a beautiful remote location surrounded by mountains with amazing star gazing opportunities but it is one of the more rugged DOC campsites with just porta potties/drop toilets available and no cell service. The only thing we didn’t enjoy about this campsite were the sandflies but they’re hard to avoid in most areas of Fiordland National Park so come prepared with bug spray.  

Extra Tip: If you don’t have a full two weeks for your road trip, you will probably need to cut Milford Sound out of your itinerary. To get to Milford Sound, you have to detour 3-4 hours one-way off of the main route around the South Island to reach Milford Sound so you will want to spend at least one night out there. 

Day 7: Milford Sound Cruise & Hike 

Drive Time: 1 hour (2 hours round trip)

Campground: Cascade Creek Campground (DOC)

Visiting Milford Sound was a highlight of our trip around the South Island! From Cascade Creek Campground you have about a 1 hour drive to Milford Sound. There is a one way tunnel along the route that can back up traffic so make sure to buffer some extra time into your drive. 

The best way to experience Milford Sound is by boat cruise. There are a couple of companies that run cruises each day. We chose to cruise with the company Mitre Peak because they offer smaller boat cruises that were less crowded. Make sure to book your cruise at least a few days in advance, especially in the peak season. Luckily, the cruises run in rain or shine so you don’t need to worry about weather when booking in advance. The cruise is actually a bit better on a rainy day when the waterfalls are bigger! If you’re lucky, like us, you may also spot some seals and dolphins during your tour. The dolphins like to play in the wakes and swim alongside the boats. To make the most of your entire day, I suggest booking the first early morning time slot for your boat cruise so you have time to hike afterwards. 

After the cruise, if the weather permits, I highly recommend you hike the Gertrude Saddle Track for one of the most spectacular views in Fiordland.  The hike is challenging and can only be attempted on a dry day. You’ll come across multiple warning signs at the trailhead that warn of dangerous conditions when it’s wet or raining because of the exposed rock faces and scrambling required. Remember to only attempt trails that suit your experience level and always check the weather before heading out. If the weather is in your favor and you’re up for the challenge, you are in for a treat because the views at the top of the Gertrude Saddle are breathtaking!

Once you complete the hike, return to Cascade Creek Campground for another night under the stars.

Extra Tip: If you opt not to hike, you could use the extra time to drive further out of the national park to cut down on your drive time for the following day and stay at the Lumsden Freedom Campsite (self-contained campers only). 

Day 8: Drive to Wanaka

Drive Time: 4 hours (Realistic Time: 5-6 hours with stops)

Campground: Hampshire Holiday Park - Wanaka

Today you are going to backtrack along your route from day 6, past Queenstown and onto Wanaka. You’ll have the opportunity to make any stops you may have skipped the other day or just enjoy them all over again! The views really never get old here. One new place you could stop at is the Cardrona Alpine Resort. In the winter time, this resort is a popular skiing destination and in the summertime they host mountain cart racing. When you arrive in Wanaka, check into the Hampshire Holiday Park, have a nice hot shower and then head over to town for a bite to eat. Wanaka is a super charming little town with plenty of dining options and beautiful lake views. A few recommendations we received were for dinner at Kai Whakapai Eatery and sweet treats at The Doughbin Bakery. 

Day 9: Explore Wanaka and Shorter Hike in Area

Spend the day relaxing and exploring Wanaka. You can take a leisurely walk along the lakefront, visit the famous Wanaka Tree, or try one of the shorter hikes in the area like the Rob Roy Glacier Track or the Mount Iron Track. Tomorrow is a big hike day though so make sure to save some energy! When you’re in town, make sure to stock up on groceries and any other necessities. This will be the last “larger” town you will visit for the next couple of days. 

Day 10: Big Hike Day 

Drive Time: 1 hour

Campground: Cameron Flat Campground (DOC)

Today is dedicated to a big hike – the Isthmus Peak Track. You have probably heard of the famous Roy’s Peak hike in this area. From my research, we opted to hike Isthmus Peak instead of Roy’s peak because reviews said it was just as beautiful and WAY less crowded and it did not disappoint! This challenging hike offers incredible views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges. The trail is very steep, with over 3,700 ft of elevation gain, but the 360-degree views at the top are well worth the effort. This is probably in my top 5 favorite hikes of all time. The views were just out of this world. After your hike, head to Cameron Flat Campground, cook some dinner and call it a night! The Cameron Flat Campground is another DOC campsite so there are only drop toilets available. (This is where the baby wipes come in handy! It’s so nice to be able to “wash” yourself a bit after the long hike.)

Day 11: Drive Haast Pass to Franz Josef

Drive Time: 3 hours (Realistic Time: 4-5 hours with stops)

Campground: Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park

Start your day with a walk to the Blue Pools, known for their crystal-clear water. Unfortunately when we visited, the suspension bridges were closed so we couldn’t fully experience the pools but it was still a nice walk and it’s conveniently located just across the street from the Cameron Flats Campground. After the Blue Pools, you will continue your drive through Haast Pass and onto Franz Josef. This segment is again filled with breathtaking scenery including waterfalls and rugged landscapes. Definitely don’t miss out on the “Secret Slot Canyon” pinned on my google map. To access the slot canyon, you have to walk around the bridge guard rail and then wade up the river and into the slot canyon. We unfortunately couldn’t make it all the way in because it was raining very hard and the water was too deep. Just past the slot canyon, Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls are also worth a quick stop along your way. If you want the chance to see penguins, definitely stop at Monro Beach as well. 

Upon arrival in the Franz Josef area, take a walk along the Franz Josef Glacier trail which leads you to the base of the massive glacier. We unfortunately didn’t get the chance to see the glacier during our visit because of heavy rain and fog but I hear it’s beautiful! Spend the night at the enchanted Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park, which offers excellent facilities and a unique rainforest feel. 

Day 12: Franz Josef Activity & Drive to Hokitika

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Campground: Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Franz Josef is another area of New Zealand known for its adventure activities. The most popular things to do here are a helicopter tour or a guided glacier hike to get up close and personal with the Franz Josef Glacier. Both options provide unforgettable experiences and stunning views. Again, we unfortunately couldn’t see or visit the glacier during our trip due to the weather but it’s at the top of our list for next time! After your activity, drive north to Hokitika, a town known for its arts and crafts, particularly greenstone (pounamu) carvings. Spend the night at the Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park which is right on the coast. At this point we had been in non-stop rain for over two days so we opted to stay in one of the converted shipping container rooms at this holiday park and it was a great little break from the camper and a chance to fully dry out. 

Day 13: Drive Arthur’s Pass

To round out your loop of the South Island you will drive through Arthur’s Pass, a spectacular alpine route with plenty of opportunities for short walks and photo stops. One highlight is the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, a stunning 131-meter waterfall accessible via a short hike. And Castle Hill is worth a stop, the massive rock formations are pretty impressive. After three days of monsoon level rain, the clouds finally cleared for us as we drove through Arthur’s Pass and we were treated to a spectacular full rainbow! Continue your journey back to Christchurch, where you’ll stay at Tasman Holiday Park for your final night. Make sure to clean and prepare your camper for drop off based on the company's requirements tonight so you don’t get hit with any extra fees! 

Day 14: Fly Home

On your final day, return your campervan and head to Christchurch Airport for your flight home. Catch up on some sleep on the long flight and reflect on all the amazing things you experienced. I hope this blog helped guide you on the trip of a lifetime around the South Island. It is truly a one of a kind place that we can’t wait to go back and explore more one day!

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