The South Island of New Zealand is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful places in the world – think snow-capped mountains, bright blue lakes, and wild, windswept beaches. I’ve been living in Queenstown for close to 4 years, and I’ve ticked off all of the amazing places listed below. So, this South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary is written from personal experience!
I will say that two weeks is the minimum amount of time I’d allow for a South Island road trip. You will need to be strict with your time and it means you’ll be spending just 1-2 nights in each place.
Remember, the South Island is huge and there will be a lot of driving involved.
I’ve written this itinerary based on my favorite parts of the South Island and the places that make the most sense to visit with just two weeks. I’m not recommending driving for 7 hours each time; instead, each place listed below is a reasonable driving distance from the next. Because in a place as beautiful as the South Island of New Zealand, who wants to spend all their time in a car?
With the below South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary, you’ll get to see the region’s best cities (Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin) as well as some off-the-beaten-path gems like The Catlins and Te Anau.
Getting around the South Island:
My South Island road trip itinerary starts in Christchurch, as that’s where most of you will fly into – Christchurch International Airport is the largest airport on the South Island.
If you wish, you could also change around this itinerary to suit other starting points – like Queenstown or Dunedin which both have pretty big airports, too.
And I’ll be honest, the only way you can really do this road trip is by having a car, as public transport is limited to places like The Catlins and Mount Cook. And if you don’t have your own car, I highly recommend renting a car for this road trip.
If you have a rental car or campervan, the South Island will be your oyster as you will have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The scenery will give you goosebumps, and for the most part, the roads are pretty easy to drive. Keep in mind they drive on the left in New Zealand. You will mostly find two-lane highways here.
But, there are some roads that you will need to be extra careful on in the winter, for example, the Lindis Pass and the Crown Range (the road between Wanaka and Queenstown).
If you’re going to rent a car in New Zealand, we highly recommend Discover Cars. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars when we’re traveling. It is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
A PERFECT Two Week South Island New Zealand Road Trip
Christchurch
- Spend two nights here
The biggest city on the South Island (and the second largest in the country, behind Auckland) – will likely be the starting point for most international travelers to the South Island as there’s a large international airport here.
Christchurch is a walkable city that you can easily spend two full days in. To be honest, I spent my two days here chilling out, eating great food, and drinking strong coffee. One of the best spots to get your coffee fix in Christchurch is C1 Espresso, where your food is delivered via pneumatic tubes overhead. It’s so cool!
My favorite things to do in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens: The gardens are huge at 52 acres, and there’s a section dedicated to every season.
- Christchurch Gondola: I highly recommend driving 15 minutes from the city center to the Heathcote Valley for the Christchurch Gondola. The views from the gondola ride up and from the top are epic, and you’ll get to see the downtown area, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps!
- Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial: This memorial is for those who lost their lives in the devastating 2011 earthquake. It contains the names of all 185 victims and is located along the lovely Avon River.
Where to stay in Christchurch:
We’ve stayed at Arthur’s Court Motor Lodge a few times now, as it’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and clean. It’s also just 1 km from the city center.
Fairlie/ Fairlie Pies
On your drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, be sure to make a pit stop in the tiny town of Fairlie. For it is here you’ll find the best pies in New Zealand – and I’m not talking about the sweet kind. Nope, New Zealanders love savory pies – meat and veg encased in yummy pastry.
At Fairlie Bakehouse, you can expect to queue for a pie as it’s well-known with locals and tourists for its generous fillings and buttery, flaky crusts. The bakery uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to ensure each pie is bursting with flavor, whether it’s a classic steak and cheese or a more adventurous venison and cranberry.
Burkes Pass
About 2.5 hours from Christchurch is the historic teeny-tiny village of Burkes Pass. It looks like a movie set and is home to the eclectic Three Creeks Shop (which sells art, giftware, collectables, and furniture), a lovely heritage walk, and the charming St. Patrick’s Church.
Lake Tekapo
- Spend 1 night here
Lake Tekapo is like a painting; the lake here is known as the bluest in the country, and it’s also backdropped by the snowcapped peaks of Mount Cook National Park.
But, my favorite thing to do here is to hike up to Mount John Summit via the Lakeshore Track (I’m a hiker!). This trail starts from the hot springs and is 8.5 km each way. It provides awesome views of the lake and town. At the summit, you’ll find a great Cafe, called the Astro Cafe, and the Mount John Star Gazing Observatory – another awesome stargazing spot.
One of the must-see attractions here is the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming stone chapel that sits at the edge of the lake.
As for the best time to visit Lake Tekapo, I say aim for lupin season, which runs from November to the start of February. During these months, the area is especially photogenic as the colorful lupins grow along the shores of the lake. These pink and purple flowers are actually weeds, but that’s a story for another day!
Where to Stay in Tekapo:
We decided to splurge on Peppers Bluewater Resort for our two days in Tekapo. This 5-star hotel offers glorious views of the lake and our room here was spacious.
Lake Pukaki
Possibly the most eye-catching spot on this list, Lake Pukaki is just 45 minutes from Tekapo and is on the road to Mount Cook. The lake actually provides one of the best viewpoints of Mount Cook on a clear day.
This glacial lake owes its striking color to finely ground rock particles, or “glacial flour,” suspended in the water, reflecting the blue spectrum of sunlight. The lake is especially beautiful in lupin season (from late November to January).
Mount Cook
- Spend 1 night here
Around an hour and 15-minute drive from Tekapo is the mighty Mount Cook, aka the tallest mountain in the country. It stands at an impressive 3,724 meters tall! And let me tell you, the drive into Mount Cook Village from Lake Tekapo is one for the bucket list!
My favorite thing to do in Mt Cook is to walk the Hooker Valley Track, which is rated as easy and will take most people 3-hours to complete (return that is!) The trail boasts breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers, and the iconic Mount Cook itself.
Please note, the Hooker Valley track is closed as of April 23rd, 2025, it is expected to re-open in Autumn 2026! You can keep an eye on updates for the track here.
There are tougher hikes here like the Sealy Tarns Track and the Mueller Hut Track if you’re keen for a challenge.
If you’re keen for something a little different, why not consider a guided glacier tour or a scenic helicopter ride of Mount Cook and the glaciers to experience the majestic landscape from above. It’s just under an hour-long tour and includes a landing on a glacier, so cool!
Stargazing is another highlight here, as Mount Cook lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. An area that offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which provides insight into the history of the region and the legendary mountaineer himself.
Where to stay in Mount Cook:
We spent two nights in The Hermitage Hotel, which is one of the most famous hotels on the South Island. It’s HUGE – with 164 rooms and the views from here are honestly unbeatable. There’s a Cafe and bar/restaurant on-site, from which the views are insane!
Lindis Pass
Renowned for its stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes, the Lindis Pass traverses the Southern Alps and reaches an elevation of 971 meters (3,186 feet), providing breathtaking views of tussock-covered hills and expansive valleys.
The pass is 63 km long and I have to say, it’s not the easiest road to drive as it’s quite steep and winding in parts.
During winter, the area often experiences snowfall, so, if you do plan to drive through here in the winter, be sure to drive carefully, as the road can be treacherous in sections due to ice and snow.
As for the best photo spot on this road, at the highest point, you’ll see a ‘Lookout’ sign. There’s a small car park there and it’s a short walk to the lookout from where you park your car.
Wanaka
- Spend 1 night here
At the end of the drive along the Lindis Pass, you will arrive at one of the cutest lakeside towns on the South Island – Wanaka. Locals often refer to Wanaka as ‘Queenstown’s little sister’. And once you’ve visited both towns, you’ll understand why. They look very similar to one another, but Wanaka has more of a chilled-out vibe.
An Instagram-famous tree, jetskiing, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Wanaka, and plenty of scenic hikes – there’s enough in Wanaka to see and do.
Best things to do in Wanaka:
- Blue Pools: An hour from Wanaka, is the gorgeous blue pools. Which live up to their name, as the water here is the brightest shade of blue. It’s a short walk from the car park into the pools (we had to park on the road as it was so busy) and we spent around an hour here strolling around and taking lots of photos.
- Hike to Roy’s Peak: Wanaka is home to one of the most famous hikes in New Zealand – the very photogenic Roy’s Peak. It’s a long, pretty uneventful uphill climb to the summit but the view from the summit makes it all worthwhile! This 16 km round-trip hike is crazy-popular and you may have to line up to snap a photo at the top!
- Check out the Wanaka Tree: In the town, be sure to check out the Wanaka tree, a tree so famous it has its own hashtag #thatwanakatree. It’s a short walk along the lakefront to the tree, just make a beeline for the crowd of people gathered on the Southern end of the lake.
- Visit Lake Hawea: Lake Hawea a 15-minute drive from Wanaka, is also worth checking out. And there are several viewpoints which are easily accessible from the road.
Where to stay in Wanaka:
We stayed at the Bella Vista Wanaka Motel. It’s conveniently located just 300 meters from the town center and our studio apartment had a small kitchenette (very handy!)
Cardrona
Located at the start of the Crown Range Road into Queenstown is the teeny-tiny town of Cardrona, which is a popular Queenstown ski resort in the winter months.
The Cardrona Hotel, one of the oldest bars in New Zealand, is located here. And we recommend stopping in here for food after the white-knuckle drive over the Crown Ranges. It’s a great spot for an alfresco lunch on a sunny day as the Cardrona Hotel has a huge beer garden.
Crown Ranges
The Crown Range Road is the highest main road in New Zealand, and this lookout (at its highest point) is a must-stop when driving to Mount Cook. From this lookout, you can look over the rugged mountain ranges, lush valleys, and, in the right season, snow-capped peaks that define the region’s dramatic beauty.
It’s quite steep and narrow in sections, so you will need to have your wits about you on this drive. In winter, it may be icy in parts and so winter tires are needed.
Queenstown
- Spend 3 nights here
This drop-dead-gorgeous lakeside town is one of the most-visited destinations in the country, attracting around 350,000 tourists every year. And it is ridiculously beautiful – think, looming snow-capped mountains to be seen from almost every point in town.
Queenstown is also well-known for being the ‘adventure capital of the world’, so if adrenaline-pumping activities like jetboating, doing a bungy jump, or skydiving are your idea of heaven. Then, Queenstown is the spot for you.
Amazing things to do in Queenstown:
I recommend allowing at least 3 days in Queenstown, so that you can tick off all the amazing things that there’s to do here. It may be a good idea to break up your stay in Queenstown to two nights and then one night after Milford Sound. As it makes sense for your journey to The Catlins – you’ll read why below.
Anyway, I’ve listed a couple of my favorite Queenstown activities below to help you plan your itinerary for here.
Go Kayaking at Moke Lake –
It’s so peaceful at this scenic lake, which is around a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. And the water is usually super calm, so it’s an easy task if you’ve never kayaked before. It’s also the perfect thing to do during the Queenstown summer. If you don’t have a kayak with you (I mean, they’re a bit bulky for hand luggage) – you can book this 3-hour kayaking tour, which includes pick-up and drop-off from Queenstown! It includes all your equipment (kayak, helmet, life jacket) and costs $169 NZD.
Go jetboating on the Shotover River –
The world-famous Shotover Jet is a must-do thing in Queenstown! Sure, it’s very fast-paced, and you’ll get wet, but you’ll also get to see some awesome scenery (when you’re going slow, that is). Your experienced driver will do everything he can to get your heart pounding – think 360-degree spins and driving at speeds of 90 km/ph! The Shotover Jet costs from $173 NZD per person.
Go on a helicopter ride –
Imagine seeing the beauty of Queenstown from high above. A scenic helicopter tour with an alpine landing is top of most people’s Queenstown bucket list and for good reason! On this 50-minute flight, you’ll soar over Queenstown, Mt Aspiring National Park and, Skippers Canyon. It’s pricey at $703 NZD per person, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We did it here in Queenstown in the winter and it was wow-worthy!
Great day trips from Queenstown:
It’s also a good idea (depending on how you’re doing for time) to go on a day trip to some pretty towns close to Queenstown, namely Glenorchy and Arrowtown.
Glenorchy:
The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy generally takes 40 minutes to complete. However, given how unbelievably beautiful the scenery is, don’t be surprised if it takes you two or three times as long as that!
Along the way, you can stop at plenty of stunning viewpoints (our favorite is Bennett’s Bluff) and remote beaches like Bob’s Cove (which you’ll read more about below), where you can take Insta-worthy Queenstown photos and generally immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the area. Glenorchy is the home of many Lord of the Rings filming locations as you’ll read below.
Even if you’re not into Middle Earth, there is plenty to do in Glenorchy, including checking out its famous red shed – a former building for the NZ Railways Department. That’s oh-so-photogenic! From here, be sure to walk along the Glenorchy Walkway, a scenic and easy walk.
Arrowtown:
Arrowtown is a cute, picture-perfect town about a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. While here, be sure to take a walk along the town’s main street – Buckingham Street. It looks like something from a movie set and many of the storefronts here have been maintained from the town’s gold rush days.
Yep, Arrowtown was at the center of the mining boom in the South Island in the late 1800s, and its mining past is evident on a stroll around town. First, you have the Chinese Settlement built along the banks of the Arrow River, this is where Chinese miners lived at the height of the boom. You should stroll along here before dinner for a glimpse into the town’s fascinating history.
You can even go panning for gold in the Arrow River, which is a family-favorite Arrowtown activity!
There are also lots of great Cafes in Arrowtown if you need a caffeine fix, we love Provisions on Buckingham Street.
My favorite restaurants in Queenstown:
- Blue Kanu: This Pacific-Asian restaurant is one of the most sought-after eateries in town, the food is so fresh and flavorful. And the interior is so cool. It’s the perfect date night spot.
- Caribe Latin Kitchen: For those on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this casual spot which serves up delicious quesadillas, tacos, and more!
Where to stay in Queenstown:
We spent 3 nights at the Sherwood in Frankton and I loved its cozy, eclectic vibe. It’s one of the most sustainable hotels in New Zealand and the views of the lake from here are incredible.
While, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel in downtown Queenstown, look no further than the Ramada Queenstown Central, which has rooms starting from $200 NZD. The rooms here are stylish and sleek and some offer views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Kelvin Heights Peninsula. The hotel only opened in 2020 so it’s very modern both inside and outside. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
Te Anau
- Spend 1 night here
The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a tiring one and will take 4 hours each-way. Therefore, I recommend stopping off in Te Anau for the night so you can refuel and have a few hours to explore. I loved walking along the lake here and snapping photos on the jetty.
By staying in Te Anau, it also means you can leave early for Milford Sound thus beating all the tour buses. This section of road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world, and some of my must-see stops along it include the Homer Tunnel, Eglinton Valley, and Lake Marian.
But, in the town itself, a must-do activity is exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Here you can watch the twinkling glowworms in a unique underground setting. For those who love hiking, the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It offers incredible views and diverse landscapes. Additionally, taking a scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau is the perfect way to appreciate the stunning natural scenery here.
I’ll also add that the restaurant options in Te Anau are surprisingly good. We loved Paradiso Pizzeria, an authentic Italian with excellent wood-fired pizzas. We also loved Bao Now a food-truck serving delicious Vietnamese fare.
Where to stay in Te Anau:
We stayed at the Kingsgate Hotel along the lakefront and loved it! It’s great value for money and the rooms are spacious.
BONUS TRIP: If you have time, I highly recommend ticking off Doubtful Sound while you’re here!
Milford Sound
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is 118 kilometers, which means the drive will take you around 1.5 hours without stops! But not stopping would be a real shame, considering this drive is regarded as one of the prettiest road trips in the world. I advise allowing half a day to see all the sights, including Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and the Homer Tunnel.
Milford Sound is known as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, it’s a secluded hard-to-reach fjord (not a sound) that remains one of the most-visited tourist sites in the country! A boat cruise is the most popular thing to do in Milford Sound, as it means you can get up close to gushing waterfalls and spy unique wildlife like Fiordland Penguins.
After my boat tour, I checked out the Milford Sound Swing (see photo above) which is a short distance along the Foreshore Walk. It’s a hidden gem here in Milford and was actually constructed by a local worker for his girlfriend.
The Catlins
- Spend 1 night here
It’s a long drive from Milford Sound to The Catlins (around 4.5 hours). The road is part of the Southern Scenic Route and you must actually go past Queenstown, so, as I said earlier, it may be a good idea to spend a night in Queenstown before driving on to The Catlins.
The beautiful and wild Catlins is one of my favorite parts of New Zealand. That’s because it’s typically tourist-free and is home to some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, like Purakaunui Falls and Cathedral Caves.
Below, I’ve detailed all the must-see stops in the Catlins:
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Nugget Point Lighthouse is one of my favorite stops on this road trip as it’s so photogenic. It’s one of the most recognizable lighthouses in New Zealand.
The lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline, dotted with rocky islets known as “The Nuggets,” which gave the area its name. Built in 1869, this historic lighthouse has guided countless ships safely through the perilous waters of the South Pacific Ocean. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot fur seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin
Purakaunui Falls
The three-tiered Purakaunui Falls is a cascading waterfall that is certainly a ‘sight for sore eyes’ as the saying goes. And it actually looks its most impressive after a heavy rainfall, which is when we visited.
From the carpark it’s an easy 20-minute walk to the viewing platform for the falls. The track is flat and wide and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Cathedral Caves
Cathedral Caves is a gorgeous, hidden beach that’s accessible via a 20-minute-long native forest trail. The selling point of this beach are the sea caves which are only accessible at low tide so be sure to check the tide times beforehand. They do have the tide times displayed at the entrance to the car park.
I felt at peace here, maybe that’s because the Cathedral Caves are a sacred place to Maoris.
You will need to pay a $10 NZD entrance fee payable at the gate per car.
Curio Bay
Curio Bay is renowned for its 170-million-year-old petrified forest, where visitors can walk among the fossilized remnants of ancient trees that have been preserved in stone. Curio Bay is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to the rare and endangered yellow-eyed penguins, or hoiho, which can often be seen nesting along the coast. Additionally, you may spy dolphins and fur seals in the ocean here.
McLean Falls
The stunning McLean Falls, one of the tallest in the region, cascades down a series of steep, moss-covered rocks and plunges approximately 22 meters. Accessible via a scenic walking track, the short hike through lush native bush offers an immersive experience, with the sounds of native birds and the tranquil ambiance of the forest enhancing the journey. The falls are part of the Tautuku River and are especially impressive after a rainfall.
Where to stay in The Catlins:
We recommend staying at the campsite at Curio Bay or at the Whistling Frog Resort near Cathedral Caves. This popular spot has camp sites, and rooms which are set within small bungalows. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site, too.
Dunedin
- Spend 2 nights here
Dunedin is the second-biggest city on the South Island and one that’s known for its Scottish Heritage. And the best example of the city’s Scottish Heritage is Larnach Castle – which is around a 20-minute drive from the city center and well worth a visit. Entrance costs $45 NZD per person.
Some other places we loved wandering around in Dunedin include the stunning Dunedin Railway Station, a true gem of Edwardian Baroque architecture that will leave you in awe and the Dunedin Botanic Garden (the oldest in the country).
While you’re here, be sure to check out Baldwin Street (pictured above), the steepest residential street in the world! It’s perfect for a fun photo op and it’s a bit of a challenge to walk to the top. I always wonder what it’s like for the people living here – they must have very toned legs!
Below, I’ve listed some other stunning spots that are a longer drive from the city center. But, well worth visiting during your two days in Dunedin.
Royal Albatross Centre
This is the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the world. Here, you can see these magnificent birds up close. Did you know, they boast the largest wingspan of any living bird (reaching up to 3.3 meters)? You can join a guided tour here that will provide you with fascinating insights into the life and conservation efforts surrounding the royal albatross.
Beyond the albatross, the area is rich in biodiversity, home to other wildlife such as fur seals, sea lions, and various seabirds.
The Royal Albatross Centre is around a 40-minute drive from Dunedin.
Tunnel Beach
This natural wonder (just a 10-minute drive from Dunedin) features a hand-carved tunnel from the 1870s, commissioned by local politician John Cargill for his family. This tunnel provides access to a secluded beach with striking rock formations and sea-carved sandstone cliffs.
Although Tunnel Beach is not suitable for swimming due to its strong currents, the spectacular scenery and unique geological features make it a must-visit location, especially during low tide when the tunnel is accessible.
Sandfly Bay
This stunning and secluded beach is renowned for its sweeping golden sands and dramatic dunes. Plus, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as this picturesque bay is home to a variety of native species, including the rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and New Zealand fur seals.
Sandfly Bay is accessible via a scenic but steep walking track that will take around 15-minutes each-way. While its name might suggest an abundance of sandflies, it is actually derived from the sand-blown nature of the area.
Where to stay in Dunedin:
We recommend spending a minimum of two nights in Dunedin, so that you can tick off the city’s top attractions (like Baldwin Street and the Dunedin Railway Station) as well as drive out to further afield spots like the Royal Albatross Centre.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Highland House Boutique Hotel, a 4-star small hotel that’s around 2 km from the city center. It’s a heritage-style building and our room was clean and comfortable. It’s also very reasonably priced for Dunedin, with rates starting from $140 NZD for a double room.
Moeraki Boulders
One of the most unique sights on the South Island is the Moeraki Boulders, aka huge spherical stones that are scattered along the shoreline at Koekohe Beach. Each one weighs several tonnes and some are as tall as two metres. These boulders are believed to have been formed 65 million years ago.
The Moeraki Boulders are around an hour’s drive from Dunedin.
Oamaru
- Spend 1 night here
Oamaru is a cool little town, a 1.5 hour drive from Dunedin, that mixes history, culture, and nature in a fun way. You can wander around the Victorian Precinct and feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its awesome 19th-century buildings and cute shops.
Don’t forget to check out Steampunk HQ, a museum packed with funky and imaginative art. If you’re into nature, the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a must-see – you’ll love watching the cute blue penguins come back from the sea at sunset. You can also chill out at the scenic Oamaru Public Gardens.
Where to stay in Oamaru:
We really liked the 3-star Brydone Hotel on Thames Street. This historic hotel was built in the late 1800s, and the rooms are cozy. There’s also a restaurant on-site.
Back to Christchurch
Christchurch is just under 3 hours from Oamaru, and you could fly home from here or continue on to one of the other amazing bonus trips that I’ve listed below.
Bonus trips (if you have more time)
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers:
From Christchurch, it’s a 5-hour drive to Franz Josef and an extra 30 minutes to Fox Glacier.
The Franz Josef Glacier Walk is just a 30-minute return and will take you to the base of this massive glacier, but to actually walk on the glacier, you’ll need to book a guided tour, which includes a helicopter flight to the middle of the glacier.
In Fox Glacier, there are several hiking trails that get you up close to the glacier, but the best way to see it is on a helicopter tour. Which lands on the glacier and gives you a couple of hours to hike on the glacier. So cool!
Kaikoura:
Known for its amazing marine life, a whale watching tour is a must! You’ll get the chance to spot awesome sperm whales, playful dolphins, and fur seals doing their thing. If you’re more into staying on land, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is perfect for stunning views of the rugged coastline and loads of wildlife, like seabirds and seals.
Marlborough Sounds
If you want to make your way back to the North Island by ferry, make sure to stop off in Marlborough Sounds on your drive to Picton (where the ferry leaves from). Here, you’ll find sheltered, sandy beaches and the opportunity to swim with dolphins. There are also heaps of scenic hikes here.
Thanks for Reading!
In short, New Zealand is best explored on a road-trip and I hope my suggestions above have you excited for your upcoming South Island adventure.
You may also enjoy my other South Island New Zealand blogs, like –
Ultimate Guide to Getting to Doubtful Sound
Can You Visit Queenstown on a Budget (A Locals Money-Saving Guide)
Moving to New Zealand: My Experience (Updated for 2025)
Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by snaphappytravel