EPIC New Zealand South Island Itinerary: A 10-Day Road Trip

“The most beautiful place in the world.” 

“I wish I could stay in New Zealand forever.”

“Incredible scenery. Amazing hiking. Unforgettable landscapes.”

All the rumors about New Zealand are true! 

From the remarkable, jagged mountains in Queenstown (quite literally called “The Remarkables”!) to the darkest town in the world, Lake Tekapo (the stars are INCREDIBLE!), I fell in love with the inspiring nature around New Zealand.

I didn’t think I could love a place so much that I would never want to leave. But in New Zealand, I could’ve stayed forever.

Buckle UP. This post is a detailed one. Check out my table of contents for quick access to information!

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As a Colorado girl, the mountains are my happy place. 

So naturally, when I was planning my ten-day South Island New Zealand road trip around the island’s incredible landscapes, I chose the most picturesque towns, reminiscent of the quaint Colorado mountain towns I loved visiting back home.

I wanted to spend as much time as possible outdoors, grounding myself with the incredible New Zealand scenery. And considering that my 9–5 keeps me stuck in a research lab, I craved a little one-on-one with Mother Nature. 

I planned my New Zealand South Island itinerary around all my favorite activities…

…hiking, horseback riding, eating (duh!), and a few, “never-been-done-befores”, that required unthinkable amounts of courage (bungee jumping!!).

My ten-day South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary is sure to please even the most thrill-seeking of travelers.

This New Zealand 10-day itinerary can be adapted for any season, but make sure to frequently check road conditions, especially when traveling in the winter!

Disclaimer: this New Zealand itinerary requires access to a rental car! But if you prefer camping over traditional accommodations, I recommend renting a camper or a van, and traversing New Zealand the old fashioned way! 

Otherwise, the savviest of travelers will find inexpensive modes of travel to traverse around New Zealand…public transport or hitchhiking is NEVER a bad idea in New Zealand!

Renting a Car or Camper Van in New Zealand

The best way to cover the most distance across New Zealand’s South Island landscapes is to rent a car or a camper van. 

My most trusted resource for renting a car in New Zealand is Discover Cars – a powerful car rental booking platform that helps you find and book the best rental car deal for your budget. I reserved my rental car and picked it up right after I landed at Queenstown Airport – ZERO HASSLE!

If you’d rather traverse the South Island landscapes in a home on wheels, there are plenty of options for camper van rentals in New Zealand whether you plan to pick up your van in Queenstown, Wānaka or Christchurch.

My top recommendations for renting a camper van in New Zealand are HERE:

The Ultimate New Zealand South Island Itinerary

An Epic Road Trip Around the South Island’s Landscapes

Arrive in Queenstown

The gateway to the South Island’s unforgettable adventures

I recommend starting your New Zealand South Island road trip from Queenstown, a beautiful mountain village nestled at the base of “The Remarkables”, a prominent set of jagged mountains that cascade over the town.

Queenstown has a small airport operating many of the South Island’s flights to and from Australia and the international hub of Auckland. Queenstown Airport is a great place to pick up your rental car or camper van!

Alternatively, if you’re flying into Christchurch, you can follow this New Zealand itinerary in the reverse order 🙂

Queenstown is one of my favorite places in New Zealand for its many adventure activities and unforgettable scenery. For a list of the best places to stay in Queenstown for your restful first night on the South Island, READ the Queenstown SECTION of this article!

DAY 1: Te Anau

An unforgettable town along the shore of the peaceful Lake Te Anau

Your first full day in New Zealand takes you deep into the dramatic landscapes of the South Island.

From Queenstown, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Te Anau, a picturesque lakeside town surrounded by towering peaks.

As you drive past the rolling hills, dotted with grazing sheep, you’ll realize just how vast and breathtaking the South Island is.

Te Anau serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the world-famous Milford Sound, making it the perfect base for adventure. 

While in Te Anau for the day, treat yourself to the legendary handmade sweet and savory pies at Miles Better Pies, stroll along the peaceful lakefront, and embark on an other-worldly tour of the Te Anau Glowworm caves – the best activity to do in Te Anau.

Where to Stay in Te Anau

BEST BUDGET:

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Budget accommodation in Te Anau offering travelers the choice between comfortable private rooms, social dorm-style accommodation or a cozy “glamping” experience. 

BEST MID-RANGE:

Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

Modern, lakefront rooms a short walk from the center of Te Anau.

BEST LUXURY:

Fiordland Lodge Te Anau

A luxury, five-star guest lodge located just outside the town of Te Anau offering travelers a lush and relaxing experience with epic lake views.

Things to Do in Te Anau

DAY 2: Milford Sound

Embark on a scenic drive through the landscapes of Lord of the Rings and cruise along the breathtaking Milford Sound

Following an early breakfast in Te Anau (beat the bus tours!), begin the two hour journey to Fiordland National Park. 

Along the way you’ll discover the epic landscapes featured in Lord of the Rings, including the towering mountains surrounding Eglinton valley used to represent the Misty Mountains in Fellowship of the Rings. 

There are many incredible places to stop for photo opportunities, so I recommend booking any Milford Sound activities in the afternoon so you’re not rushed to get to Fiordland National Park.

If there’s one thing you must add to your New Zealand bucket list, it’s a sightseeing cruise (and kayaking, if you’re adventurous!) on Milford Sound. 

Originally believed to be formed by rivers, hence the name Milford “Sound”, the incredible valley was recently determined to be carved by glaciers millions of years ago. Thus, Milford “Sound” is actually a FJORD, not a Sound! 

In the mythical land of Milford Sound, mountains transcend high into the sky.

According to Maori legend, an omnipotent figure, Tu-te-raki-whanoa, carved the landscape with his axe, forming jagged cliffs and sharp valleys. Oftentimes a mythical fog descends over the top of the monumental mountains making Milford Sound appear ethereal, and unfathomably beautiful.

Most Milford Sound bus tours will depart from Queenstown or Te Anau, however I made the journey by renting a car. This allowed for more flexibility at viewpoints and rest stops. 

If you’d rather book hassle free transportation from Queenstown to Milford Sound, here’s my TOP recommendation for a guided tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown:

If you’d rather leave the car in Te Anau and book a guided tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau, here’s my top recommendation for a guided tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound:

After your epic cruise along the mythical Milford Sound, drive back to Queenstown following the same beautiful route you traversed getting there! There are many great places to stop for dinner in Te Anau before heading back to Queenstown. With so many incredible landscapes, the time will FLY!

Best Milford Sound Activities

DAY 3 – 6: Queenstown

Explore local farmer’s markets, hike the awe-inspiring mountains above the town, and become a certified thrill-seeker

Queenstown is a small mountain town with a plethora of activities, hiking trails, and dining options making it a great place to stay for four days.

Queenstown is known for the incredible mountains that cascade over the town – The Remarkables – the endless hiking trails around the town, and the picturesque blue lake – Lake Wakatipu – that decorates the scene in every season. 

The moment I drove into Queenstown I felt like I was home…could it be because Queenstown resembles some of Colorado’s mountain towns? YES. Could it be that I’m destined to move there someday? ALSO YES. 

My first day in Queenstown happened to fall on a Saturday — perfect timing for the local farmers market.

I loved strolling through the market, chatting with the vendors, and hearing about their favorite corners of New Zealand. I even found the perfect souvenir: a New Zealand chardonnay bottle that had been turned into a clock!

Being New Zealand’s adventure hub, Queenstown is the place for adrenaline-inducing activities, such as bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving. 

I’ll never forget standing 43 meters above the river on top of the Kawarau Bridge with bungee cords tied to my feet.

This mind-blowing bungee jumping experience began in 1988 when A.J. Hackett brought bungee jumping to New Zealand. Since then, people have been bungee jumping off of Kawarau Bridge for decades! DO IT if you’re brave enough. Seriously. 

Immersed in the beautiful mountain landscape, Queenstown is a perfect place for hiking and mountain biking.

There are several popular trails in and around Queenstown, including the Ben Lomond track, accessible at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Be sure to bring proper hiking gear and lots of sunscreen (my most-used sunscreen is THIS Blue Lizard Mineral sunscreen)!

The dining options in Queenstown are endless. Some of my favorites included Nest at Kamana Lakehouse (my TOP pick!), Pedro’s House of Lamb (just ten minutes from the town center), and Aosta in Arrowtown (a small historic mining town, just under thirty minutes from Queenstown). 

Four days in Queenstown is the perfect amount of time to soak in the region’s charm and experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic activities. Queenstown also makes a fantastic “home base” if you’d rather not trek all over the country — with countless adventures and scenic day trips just a short drive away.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

BEST BUDGET:

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

One of the best social hostels in all of the South Island offering budget travelers comfortable dorm rooms and social gathering spaces.

BEST MID-RANGE:

The Dairy Private Hotel

Queenstown’s best boutique hotel in the heart of the town offering vibrant modern luxury and incredible views for an affordable price.

BEST LUXURY:

Kamana Lakehouse

Queenstown’s best hillside four-star hotel with coveted balcony rooms overlooking the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. If you don’t book this awesome hotel, I highly recommend visiting Kamana Nest, the hotel’s restaurant, for a mouthwateringly delicious dinner.

Best Queenstown Activities

DAY 7 – 8: Wānaka

Horseback ride through herds of deer, explore local wineries around the town and get a birds-eye view of Lake Wānaka from Roy’s Peak

Just one hour from Queenstown is a quieter town called Wānaka – a great place to spend two full days exploring the epic South Island landscapes. 

I planned to stay in Wānaka for two full days, spending one day horse trekking around the lake, and the other hiking and exploring the town. 

Wānaka is one of those towns you can easily fall in love with, even in a short time.

Like Queenstown, the dining options are endless. Some of my top restaurant recommendations in Wānaka include Kika, Muttonbird, and The Big Fig. 

But despite the delectable market fish, slow-cooked beef, and endless fresh side dishes, I didn’t travel to Wānaka just for the food. 

My most memorable experience in Wānaka was an unforgettable horseback riding experience with Wānaka Horse Trekking! 

Several months before I was set to depart for my ten-day road trip in New Zealand’s South Island, I found a horse trekking account on instagram called Wānaka Horse Trekking. I was mesmerized by the photos and videos of the horse trekking adventures in Wānaka, and I knew that I had to wrangle this opportunity immediately. 

I booked the two-hour Homestead Bay ride, a great beginner-friendly horseback riding activity in Wānaka. This half-day excursion was a perfect way to explore the rugged landscapes around Wānaka and witness the grazing herds of New Zealand’s local elk farms. 

Also in Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes, Roy’s Peak, which boasts incredible views of Lake Wānaka and Mt. Aspiring. Many people will wake up before the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise at the top. This is a long, difficult trail but it is most certainly worth the climb!

Where to Stay in Wānaka

BEST BUDGET:

Adventure Wānaka Hostel

A centrally-located social hostel with dorms and private rooms, great for budget backpackers or families!

BEST MID-RANGE:

Edgewater Hotel

Just steps away from That Wānaka Tree (an unusually photogenic tree in the lake) is Edgewater Hotel, a comfortable four-star hotel in Wānaka with lake views.

BEST LUXURY:

Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet

An intimate luxury waterfront lodge offering guests a five-star experience with incredible views.

Top Things to Do in Wānaka

DAY 9: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Drive to Lake Tekapo for the Night

Explore the valleys beneath the breathtaking Aoraki peak and stargaze along the shores of Lake Tekapo

Those pictures of snow-capped New Zealand mountains and turquoise lakes you see all over the internet? 

That’s Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding mountains with Lake Pukaki nearby. 

According to indigenous legend, the sons of Rakinui, the Sky Father, capsized while voyaging the ocean. Aoraki and his brothers perished, freezing to stone from the frigid South Island winds. Their canoe became the south island, while the brothers became peaks of the southern alps. 

The tallest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mt. Cook is climbed by mountaineers all over the world as preparation for summiting the world’s tallest peaks.

One of the first New Zealanders to climb Mt. Everest named Sir Edmund Hillary, trained on Mt. Cook to develop his climbing skills to summit the Nepalese giant. 

If there’s one place you visit in New Zealand’s South Island, make sure it’s Mt. Cook National Park. 

I spent half a day hiking, and really enjoyed the Hooker Valley Track, an easy “walk” to the base of Aoraki/Mt. Cook. 

Driving into the National Park, you’ll see one of the bluest lakes in the world – Lake Pukaki – which gets its turquoise color from Tasman Glacier particles in the water. The scenery in Aoraki/Mt. Cook is unbelievable, a result of millions of years of erosion from glacial melting. 

Note: Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular of New Zealand’s walks, so be sure to get there early, before the crowds! Additionally, there is limited shade along the track, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen!

After spending the day hiking around Aoraki/Mt. Cook, drive 70 minutes to the quaint town of Lake Tekapo.

You’ve probably seen videos of instagrammers frolicking around beautiful purple flowers, the lupines, in Lake Tekapo. But what the instagram travelers don’t seem to mention is that, upon nightfall, Lake Tekapo is one of the “darkest” towns in the world. 

Classified as a “Dark Sky Reserve”, Lake Tekapo has very strict regulations about light pollution. This means that stargazing in Lake Tekapo is AMAZING, which is why you really only need to spend one NIGHT here! 

One of the most high tech observatories in the world, Mount John Observatory, resides in Lake Tekapo. This small town offers incredible opportunities for professional stargazing. 

If you’re like me and you’d rather lay down a blanket and gaze at the stars, just know, you’ll see stars and constellations from light years away, without a telescope! 

I’ve never been as captivated by the constellations as when I was listening to “the village crazy man”, Billy the Bard, tell stories and poems about the stars, and point them out with his laser pointer.

Usually performing after dark behind the town center, Billy the Bard is incredibly knowledgeable about astronomy and tells captivating stories about the cosmos.

I recommend staying in Lake Tekapo for one night to experience the dazzling night sky!

Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo

BEST BUDGET:

Haka House

A scenic and social hostel just along the shores of Lake Tekapo with stargazing opportunities right in this hostel’s backyard.

BEST MID-RANGE

Creel House Bed and Breakfast

A cozy bed and breakfast just walking distance from the beautiful Lake Tekapo.

DAY 10: Christchurch

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the largest city in the South Island

Your last morning in New Zealand’s incredible South Island should be spent enjoying breakfast at Lake Tekapo’s best breakfast restaurant, The Greedy Cow. This restaurant is very popular, so I recommend arriving early to beat the rush!

After breakfast, you’ll make the three-hour drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, the last stop on your South Island New Zealand road trip!

Christchurch is a beautiful city on the northeast side of the South Island. Known for its English heritage and sprawling garden landscapes, Christchurch is a great place to unwind after your jam-packed South Island road trip.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

BEST BUDGET:

Jailhouse Accommodation

An award-winning New Zealand hostel in a renovated prison – one of Christchurch’s most unique stays.

BEST MID-RANGE:

Distinction Christchurch

A modern, four-star hotel in the heart of Christchurch offering guests a “luxury” feel for an affordable price.

BEST LUXURY:

The Observatory Hotel

Christchurch’s best boutique five-star hotel in the former location of an observatory tower offering modern, unique rooms just steps away from Christchurch attractions.

Enjoy planning your New Zealand road trip around the South Island’s incredible landscapes!

I hope this detailed South Island New Zealand itinerary gives you plenty of inspiration to plan your epic New Zealand road trip!