South Island Wonders Itinerary

Christchurch central is a fascinating place to wander around – from the Botanical Gardens to the Arts Centre and the Avon River winding through the city. For more action, head up to the Port Hills and ride the Crater Rim cycle trail.

On your way out of town, stop at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and meet some of New Zealand’s most unique bird and animal life. Then head north to the beach town of Waikuku, where you can stay tonight before the trip to Hanmer Springs tomorrow.

Kaikoura lies in a rugged and striking coastal area that’s home to a multitude of marine life, and delicious seafood. In the Maori language 'kai' means food, 'koura' means crayfish, which makes this the best place to taste fresh crayfish.

With such a vibrant marine ecosystem, this is the place to hop on a boat for some whale watching, or get closer with a dolphin or seal swim.

Back on dry land, explore the area with a walk to the Ōhau Waterfall or a visit the Nga Niho Pā Site. 

Car-free options:

Add a night in Waipara or Amberley before heading on to Kaikoura.

Marlborough is the South Island’s top wine region, and famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. There are vineyards galore where you can stop in for a tour or a tasting. Many places put on a delicious lunch too.

At the top of the South Island is the stunning Marlborough Sounds, with a multitude of intricate waterways accessible only from the sea. You can explore the area on a boat tour or by kayak, or hike a section of the Queen Charlotte Track. You could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring this breathtaking area.

Nearby towns to stay in include Picton and Blenheim, which is known for its charming B&Bs and character accommodation.

Nelson is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, so it’s a place to be outdoors. Happy Valley Adventure will give you plenty of activity options from horse treks to quad bike tours, paintball and more, including the Skywire flying fox.

Both Nelson and Motueka – about a half-hour drive away – have an arty, creative feel to them. There’s also a growing craft beer scene in Nelson, and many of the local breweries put on tours and tastings.

On your way to Motueka, you’ll see lots of local produce for sale on the sides of the road, as there are many orchards and berry plots in the area. 

Abel Tasman National Park is an area of golden beaches, sparkling blue ocean and bush that grows right down to the water’s edge. Much like the Marlborough Sounds, if you want to head deeper into the park you’ll need a boat (there are water taxis that will take you from bay to bay) – or a kayak.

Many guided kayaking tours start in nearby Mārahau, you can spend as many days and nights as you like exploring the area – pull your kayak up onto the beach each day and camp nearby.

You can also walk part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, crossing estuaries or visiting sandy beaches for a well-deserved swim. The full track takes between 3-5 days, but you can walk a section on a day trip.

Time to hit the wild West Coast. Your first stop is the appropriately named Cape Foulwind. From here, a short walk takes you to colonies fur seal. Further south, in Paparoa National Park you'll find the unusual and awesome Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the famous blowholes. Spend the night in Greymouth and sample a few beers at the Monteith's Brewery Bar or travel on to Hokitika for some kayaking on the Hokitika Gorge.

The following day make your way to Franz Josef Glacier. A scenic heli-flight will take you deep into the glacier's maze of ice so you can experience it up close. Alternatively, you can walk to the terminal face.

Afterwards, soak your frozen toes at the Glacier Hot Pools.

Today you'll head through Haast Pass to Wānaka. There are few towns along the way, but be sure to stop at the gorgeous Blue Pools.

Wānaka is a more slowed-down version of its adventurous next-door neighbour Queenstown, so grab a coffee then head out and explore with a lake cruise and nature walk. Alternatively, you could take a relaxing wine tour, through the region's many vineyards. For those visiting in winter, this area is also home to some top ski fields.

Then gear yourself up for Queenstown!

It’s impossible to cover everything there is to do in “the adventure capital of New Zealand", but here’s a start: jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving, 4WD Safaris(opens in new window), mountain biking and hiking.

Milford Sound is a relaxing contrast to Queenstown, so board a tour bus for a day trip to this beautiful spot.

You’ll spend a fair amount of time on the road, but once you get out on the water of the Sounds you’ll forget all about it. Take a boat cruise or hire a kayak and soak in the blue skies, green mountains, crystal-clear water and tumbling waterfalls – it’s magical.

Alternatively, instead of driving you can take a flightseeing tour of the Sounds, departing from Queenstown airport.

Or if you want to break up the trip spend a night at Te Anau, where you can explore glowworm caves or hike one of Fiordland's many walking trails.

You’re about to head as far south as it gets in New Zealand. 

In Invercargill, you can visit the Southland Museum and meet their large lounge of Tuatara.

Then cross the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, the third-largest island of New Zealand. Stewart Island Experience(opens in new window) has a number of tours for you to try, including one to Ulva Island, home to many threatened species.Tonight may be your chance to spot the rare kiwi bird that gives New Zealanders their nickname, so take a Kiwi Spotting Tour and keep your fingers crossed.

On Day 19, return to the mainland and make your way along the stunning Catlins coast to Dunedin. Be sure to visit some of the beautiful Catlin's attractions along the way.

The city of Dunedin is a university town, with a lively student vibe during semester time. Make yourself at home at one of the many student bars, or go for something a bit more upmarket – the choices are abundant.

Dunedin’s historic Speight’s Brewery is the birthplace of the iconic South Island brew. Take the Brewery Tour then stop for dinner at the original Speight’s Ale House, where the food is matched to the ale.

Further afield, the Otago Peninsula is home to many species of penguin, including the cute but endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. The magnificent Royal Albatross and several sea lions and seals groups also live here. Book a bus tour or hire an electric bike and ride out the Peninsula.

On your way north to Lake Tekapo, take time to visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary, home to many rare native species.

If you're driving, travel inland from Oamaru via Kurow and Twizel. You'll pass the stunning Southern Alps and get a view of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook.

The arrival into Lake Tekapo is always spectacular, the unusual colour of the lake will have you pulling to the side of the road for a better look. This area is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world – the vast spectrum of stars at night are unmatched, anywhere. A stargazing tour is a great way to learn more.

Car-free option

Add a night in Ashburton or Cromwell before travelling on to Tekapo.

Beautiful New Zealand scenery lines the route as you make your way back to Christchurch and the end of your journey. Be sure to stop for coffee or lunch at some the towns you pass along the way.

If you haven’t had the chance to explore Christchurch yet, this could be your chance to visit the International Antarctic Centre, or if you have a spare day, Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula makes a great day or overnight trip. Alternatively, you can spend your last afternoon checking out the city's many boutique stores(opens in new window) or relaxing in a funky cafe, before you head home.