Following our New Zealand Self Drive, Itinerary South Island will allow you to experience the best of New Zealand’s spectacular nature and wildlife. Whether you’re in a car or campervan, there is no better way to get around this beautiful part of the country and experience the untamed, incredible natural environment.
In this article, we’ve laid out everything you need to plan and organise your trip from start to finish. I’ll tell you all the best places to go and help you decide which of the South Island’s incredible experiences you don’t want to miss. I’ve also included the best accommodation options to round out the only New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary South Island you’ll need!
This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here.
What you’ll need before you set out on your New Zealand South Island road trip
- Book your flights to New Zealand if you need them
- You’ll need a car or campervan to get around
- Don’t forget to check out our New Zealand travel guide and our guide to campervanning around New Zealand
How to use the New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary: South Island to plan your trip
We’ve outlined the approximate driving times and the amount of time we’d recommend spending in each area, although you can easily tailor the itinerary to your needs or time requirements. Throughout the article, we’ve suggested how you can adapt the travel route to suit your needs.
How long does this itinerary take?
This is a 3 to the 5-week itinerary! It’s long, but you won’t miss any of the South Islands’ best experiences. Depending on your preferences, you can speed it up or slow it down.
Where to start your New Zealand South Island road trip
If you’ve already been travelling around the North Island, you’ll most likely catch the ferry from Wellington, on the North Island, to Picton, on the South Island. You can begin your South Island Self Drive Itinerary from there, beginning with a beautiful scenic drive through Blenheim.
Alternatively, fly into Christchurch Airport. Make sure you take a day or two to rest before you collect your hire vehicle and head off on your self-drive tour. Then, scroll down and begin in Christchurch.
The ultimate New Zealand Self Drive South Island Itinerary
Picton to Christchurch
Drive time: Approx 4.5 hours or 340km.
Alternative routes and stops: Stop halfway at Kaikoura
Days required:
- Picton to Christchurch – 1 day
- Picton to Christchurch stopping at Kaikoura – 2-3 days
What to expect
If you’re leaving from Picton, you’ll drive through the beautiful chocolate-coloured Blenheim mountains and along the east’s spectacular coastlines. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery such as rolling mountains, black sand beaches and sheer cliff faces.
Don’t miss the Ohau Point Lookout, where you’ll get to see the enormous seal colony calling Ohau Point home.
Stopping at Kaikoura
Lying between Picton and Christchurch is the gorgeous little seaside town of Kaikoura. While Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand for whale and dolphin watching, there is so much more to do there, making it a great place to stop on your drive to Christchurch.
What to do in Kaikoura
- Visit Kaikoura beach
- Do one of Kaikoura’s many walks, the longest being the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway which will take you past rocky outcrops where you can get up close (but not too close) and personal with the local seal colony. The full walk is 11km, but you can also do shorter portions. All the information can be found here.
Where to eat in Kaikoura
Try The Black Rabbit pizza place for a casual, cosy family restaurant with outdoor seating.
Hislops Wholefoods Cafe offers a great range of healthy and organic foods in Kaikoura.
Zephyr Restaurant has a delicious dinner menu for you to enjoy
Where to stay in Kaikoura
Camping and campervans
The Top 10 Holiday park offers all the necessary facilities and is only a 7-minute walk from the town centre, shops and restaurants. They also have accommodation for those who haven’t brought their own.
Budget: Backpackers and Hostels
The Lazy Shag Backpackers is located only 500 meters from the city centre and offers fantastic amenities.
Mid-range: Hotels and motels
The Sierra Beachfront Motel offers a great range of facilities at a reasonable price and has fantastic reviews.
The Mondello Kaikoura offers 4-star accommodation close to the beach and restaurants. They also offer free parking, which is excellent.
After leaving Kaikoura to continue your road trip along the coast to Christchurch.
Drive time from Kaikoura to Christchurch: 2.5 hours or 180 km
Christchurch
Days required in Christchurch: 1-2 days (minimum) depending on what you want to see
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. A beautiful and diverse city, Christchurch offers something for everyone, and you could easily spend 24 hours in Christchurch, or more if you wanted.
What to do in Christchurch
- Drive one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads, the Summit Road, to the harbour town of Akaroa on the peninsula for some of the most picturesque views of the area.
- Explore some of the beautiful natural surrounds such as the Avon River, the Botanical Gardens, local hiking trails or Sumner Beach
Unmissable scenic views: The Summit Road between Christchurch and Akaroa Town and harbour is spectacular and one of New Zealand’s best drives. Akaroa has also made our list of the best small towns in the South Island, so make sure you take some time to visit
Where to eat
If you’re into delicious food, you must try Twenty Seven Steps, a delightful modern restaurant that has been voted one of the best things to do in Christchurch. Admittedly, it is pricier, but you won’t be disappointed.
Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will love the Lotus Heart, where you’ll get amazing international meat-free dishes.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Camping and Campervan
The Tasman Holiday Park Christchurch offers a great base from which to explore the city and offers everything you need, including powered sites and fantastic amenities.
Budget backpackers and hostels
The Jucy Snooze Hotel is located near the airport and is a great place to recharge after a long flight. Located 20 minutes from the city centre, it is a great value.
Mid-range hotels and motels
The Quest on Manchester is conveniently located in the heart of the CBD and within walking distance of many local sights, bars and restaurants. You can also reserve paid parking for your vehicle.
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Drive time: 3 hours 10 minutes or roughly 243km
Alternative routes and stops: None. You could skip Tekapo if you want and head straight down the East Coast to Dunedin and the Catlins.
Days required: 1 day driving.
What to expect
Drive through the beautiful rolling mountains and open farmland at the centre of the South Island. It’s easy to go for kilometres without seeing another soul.
Lake Opuha is a beautiful spot at Fairlie, about an hour outside Lake Tekapo and is worth a visit. It is also possible to freedom camp there, which we did, and it was one of our favourite freedom camping spots. Always check up-to-date freedom camping information as spaces are not always open all year.
Lake Tekapo
Days required in Lake Tekapo: 1-2
As one of the most popular places on the South Island, Lake Tekapo is a must on your New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary South Island.
Known for its brightly coloured lupins, the beautiful old Church of the Good Shephard, and the magnificent Lake Tekapo, this beautiful region and quaint town are worth exploring.
It is also part of the Mackenzie region and forms a portion of the Dark Sky Reserve. Light pollution is strictly controlled in this large area, ensuring excellent star gazing, unmatched almost anywhere in the world.
Lake Tekapo is also an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Mt Cook National Park, where you can hike the Hooker Valley Track.
What to do around Tekapo
- Complete one of the many walks in the area. The Mount John Summit Track was our favourite. This 3-hour walk takes you up to the Observatory overlooking the area. Sit at Astro Cafe and enjoy the view! Note: you can drive up there, but the walk is worth it!
- Do a star gazing tour for amazing views of the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve using high-powered telescopes.
- Do the obligatory stroll around the lake, past the Lupins and the Church of the Good Shephard. It sounds a bit simple, but it is gorgeous.
Where to eat in Tekapo
The Blue Lake Eatery and Bar offers a casual vibe with outdoor seating
Our Dog Friday is open for breakfast and does excellent hamburgers
The Kohan Japanese Restaurant is delicious, and you can sit outside overlooking the mountains.
Where to stay in Tekapo
Freedom camping at Lake Ophua Reserve Picnic Area
Check that it is open before you go, but this was one of our favourite freedom places to camp. It’s only an hour or so outside Tekapo.
Camping and Campervan
The Lake Tekapo Motel and Holiday Park is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, offering spectacular views.
Budget backpackers and Hostels
The Lakefront Lodge Backpackers is the best value place in Tekapo. Located just outside the town centre it’s a great place to meet like-minded travellers.
Mid Range Hotels
Peppers Bluewater Resort has impressive views of the surrounding mountains and an in-house restaurant only a couple of hundred meters from the town centre.
Driving Tekapo to Dunedin
Drive time:4 hours and 20 minutes or 348km
Alternative Routes and Stops: Stop at the Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru for Blue and Yellow Eyed penguins
Days required: 1 day can be split into two
What to expect
A well-travelled driving route on the South Island; you’ll head back towards the east coast and continue south. This part of the road trip does not fail to disappoint, with endless wildlife and nature experiences to be found.
A great place to see Penguins for free and in the wild is in Oamaru, where they wander the coastline at sunrise and sunset. This does mean that you’ll have to plan your arrival in Oamaru.
Further down, you’ll pass Moeraki and the popular Moeraki Boulders. If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that we weren’t that impressed when we went. The weather was awful; it was freezing cold, there were so many people and most disappointing, the boulders looked a bit like rocks in the tide.
After complaining about this on Instagram, someone pointed out that you need to see them at low tide when the boulders are apparent. So in fairness, I’ve added them here. Unfortunately, we were simply there at the wrong time (and in the wrong weather!)
Dunedin
Days required in Dunedin: 1-2
Dunedin has earned a bit of a reputation as the wildlife capital of New Zealand. Home to seals, penguins, albatross, kiwi birds and more, there are endless amounts of things to see and do in this beautiful city. So if you want wildlife, Dunedin is an essential part of your New Zealand Self Drive Itinerary South Island.
What to do in Dunedin
- Do a hike and explore the area’s many beaches and natural environments.
- Dunedin has many museums and galleries to explore
- Visit the only castle in New Zealand, the Larnach Castle
- One of the only places in New Zealand with an Albatross breeding colony on land is Dunedin at the Royal Albatross centre
Where to eat in Dunedin
For a delicious, cozy meal, try the award-winning Ironic restaurant near the train station.
If you love Italian, Etrusco at the Savoy is the perfect spot for all your favourites.
Where to stay in Dunedin
Campervan and camping places
The Dunedin Holiday Park is only 200 meters from St Kilda beach and offers many facilities for cars and campervans.
Budget backpackers and hostels
On Top Backpackers has a bar and cafe within walking distance of the city centre. A great place to meet other like-minded travellers.
Midrange hotels and motels
A popular selection only 1.3km from the city centre is the Dunedin Motel and Villas, offering complete self-contained accommodation and free parking
Driving Dunedin to the Catlins
Drive time: About 2 hours 40 minutes or 182km
Alternative routes and stops: Drive the coastal route
Days required: 1
What to expect
Exploring the Catlins is often left off many New Zealand Self Drive South Island Itineraries as it’s a little further out of the way, but it is so worthwhile we couldn’t leave it off. So stop along the beautiful coastline to admire the view or follow any number of walks to spectacular waterfalls.
The Catlins
Days required in The Catlins: 1-2 depending on how many natural wonders you want to explore! We did not leave enough time to explore the Catlins, don’t make that mistake!
What to do in the Catlins
- Don’t miss the incredible Nugget Point Lighthouse with its wild ocean views and fascinating wildlife.
- Hike any number of beautiful waterfalls throughout the National Park
- Arrive at low tide and explore Cathedral Cave. At high tide, it is inaccessible as it is filled with water, but when the tide retreats, you can walk throughout it.
- Witness the views from Slope Point, the southernmost point of the New Zealand’s South Island.
Where to Eat in The Catlins
With a preference for fresh, local produce, the Niagara Falls Cafe in the South Catlins is a fantastic place to stop for a meal.
The Point Cafe at Kaka Point is a great place to find fresh, perfectly cooked seafood.
Where to stay in The Catlins
Budget backpackers and hostels
Thomas’s Catlins Lodge and Camp Ground offer an affordable base to explore the area. With great reviews and facilities, it’s one of the best-value accommodations in the area.
Midrange hotels and motels
The Catlins Gateway Motel has a beautiful garden and is located near restaurants in Okawa. With spacious rooms and free private parking, it’s the perfect place to base yourself in the region.
With stunning views of Kaka Point beach, the Breadalbane House is ideally located. With free parking, it provides an excellent location for your road trip to The Catlin region.
Driving from the Catlins to Te Anau
Drive time: 3 hours or about 234km
Alternative Routes and stops: Stop at Invercargill for a few hours to explore the city
Days required: 1 day
What to expect
The southernmost portion of New Zealand’s South Island does not disappoint as you drive through rolling farmland and small towns. As you arrive in Invercargill, you can spend a few hours, or more if you wish, exploring the southernmost city of New Zealand.
Te Anau and Fiordland National Park
Days required in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park: 2-3
One of the most beautiful regions of the South Island, Te Anau and Fiordland National Park is a must for anyone undertaking self-drive itinerary of New Zealand South Island. Home to the incredible Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, this region is a must-see part of the country.
What to do in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park
- Take a tour of Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound, or go crazy and do both! With good reason, Milford Sound is New Zealand’s number one tourist attraction.
- See the glow worms in the caves around Lake Te Anau
- Visit the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center for information on all the fantastic walks you can do in the area
- Explore the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Unmissable experience: We were lucky enough to do both a tour of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound and while there are similarities there are also substantial differences and both days were amazing. You can drive yoursef from Te Anau to Milford Sound for the boat tour. The drive is spectacular and that alone makes Milford Sound worth a visit. For Doubtful Sound, however, you’ll have to take a tour from Te Anau as it is not accessible by car. We did a tour of Doubtful Sound and it was fantastic! We wrote an article comparing Doubtful Sound vs Milford Sound so you can choose which you want to see.
Where to eat in Te Anau
This is an excellent article on the best Te Anau Restaurants if you’re looking for food options!
Where to stay in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park
Campervan and camping
Centrally located, the Te Anau Lake View Kiwi Holiday Park offers many facilities.
Budget backpackers and hostels
The Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers is in the heart of town and incredibly popular, with outstanding reviews.
Mid-range hotels and motels
The Aden Motel is excellent value for something a little fancier. Located near the centre of town, this popular motel is one of the best priced in the area.
Te Anau to Queenstown
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Alternative routes and stops: If you’re freedom camping, the Kingston Reserve is one of the most beautiful freedom camping places in New Zealand
Days required: 1 day
What to expect
The drive from Te Anau to Queenstown is primarily along state highways, but as with all drives in New Zealand, the views are incredible.
Queenstown
Days required in Queenstown: 1-2 minimum
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand for a reason. Offering everything the adrenalin junkie could want and a central base from which to explore many of the South Islands’ most exciting attractions, Queenstown has something for everyone.
What to do in Queenstown
- Explore the beautiful inland Lake Wakatipu
- Visit Skippers Canyon and Gorge
- Complete one of the spectacular hikes in the area
- Visit the old Gold Mining town of Arrowtown
- In winter, Queenstown is renowned for its winter sports
Where to eat in Queenstown
With its warm log fires, lake views, and delicious menu, the Botswana Butchery is an ideal place to enjoy a meal.
Blue Kanu is one of Queenstown’s best restaurants for a cozy warm atmosphere and fabulous drinks.
Where to stay in Queenstown
Freedom camping
One of our favourite freedom camping places was the Kingston Reserve outside Queenstown. For self-contained vehicles only, it’s a fantastic location by the river. Unfortunately, it was also the only place we saw rangers inspecting self-containment stickers, so be warned.
Camping and campervan
Located just outside the city centre, the Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park is an excellent option with all the necessary amenities.
Budget backpackers and hostels
Located in the centre of the city with breakfast included and free onsite parking, the Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel is a quirky hostel with excellent reviews.
Mid-range hotels and motels
With beautiful views of the lake and located only a couple of kilometres from the city centre and popular attractions, the Amazing Queenstown Guest House is a great accommodation option.
Queenstown to Wanaka
Driving time: 1 hour or 70km
Alternative routes and stops: None
Days required: 0.5
What to expect:
The drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is easy and short as you approach the outskirts of the Southern Alps with rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Wanaka
Days required: 1-2
The relaxing town of Wanaka offers the perfect place to relax and unwind amidst a spectacular natural environment.
What to do in Wanaka
- Do one of the short hikes up the mountains overlooking the lake; the Roys Peak track is one of the most popular walks in the area.
- See “That Wanaka Tree” that is so insta-famous
Where to eat in Wanaka
For Mediterranean cuisine, try the delicious White House, one of the best-rated restaurants in Wanaka.
The Dripping Bowl provides a wide array of yummy healthy options.
Where to stay in Wanaka
Camping and campervan
The Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park offers everything you could need and is only a short distance from the town.
Budget backpacker and hostels
The YHA Wanaka is located in the heart of the city and within walking distance of the Lake and ‘That Wanaka Tree. It also offers free parking.
Mid-range hotels and motels
The Fairway Motel and Apartments are within walking distance of the town and restaurants and offer free parking and WiFi.
Wanaka to Fox Glacier
Drive time: 3 hours 20 minutes or 260km
Alternative routes and stops: None
Days required: 1
What to expect
Drive across New Zealand’s Southern Alps and over one of the best roads in the country, the Haast Pass. Spectacular mountain and coastal views make this drive truly enjoyable.
Fox Glacier
Days required: 2
The relaxed yet adventurous town of Fox Glacier offers some incredible sights and experiences for nature lovers. Whether you’re there in summer or winter, Fox Glacier is a necessary stop in your self-drive itinerary.
Things to do in Fox Glacier
- Take a heli-hike tour of Fox Glacier. After a short helicopter ride, spend an hour walking across the Glacier and learning about the area from experienced guides before taking a helicopter back into town.
- Explore Lake Matheson with its spectacular reflective views of surrounding mountains.
- Head to Gillespies Beach, about 20km from the Fox Glacier town, for a spectacular sunset.
Unmissable Fox Glacier experience: If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a Glacier A Heli Hike tour is a must! It was such a cool experience! We did this heli-hike tour and everything was top notch from the equipment to the guides.
Where to eat in Fox Glacier
At the start of the Lake Matheson walk is the Matheson Cafe, one of the most popular restaurants in the area. It offers light meals and refreshments.
Where to stay in Fox Glacier
Camping and campervan
The Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park is a great place to park the Camper van for a couple of nights while you explore Fox Glacier Village and its surrounds.
Budget backpackers and hostels
Sitting just outside Fox Glacier village on the outskirts of the National Park, IvoryTowers Backpacker Lodge is the most popular backpacker in town!
Mid-range hotels
Offering free parking, the Rainforest Motel is within walking distance to the town and restaurants and only a 10-minute drive to Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier to Greymouth
Drive time: 3 and a half hours or 256 Km
Alternative routes and stops: Detour off the coast to explore Hokikita Gorge
Days required: 1
What to expect
Witness the West Coast’s spectacular coastline and beaches as you go north on your New Zealand Self Drive South Island tour. Then, detour inland and walk to Hokikita Gorge. The beautiful milky blue river running between chalky cliff faces is a great place to stop for a few photos before returning to the coastal route and heading up towards Greymouth.
Greymouth
Days required 0-1
An old gold mining and jade collecting town, you can take some time to explore its rich heritage or continue towards the Abel Tasman National Park.
What to do in Greymouth
- Follow the Point Elizabeth Walkway, found North of Greymouth, to explore the local Rainforest and see an abundance of local bird life.
- Visit Shantytown Heritage Park, a recreated gold mining town, to get a feel for what it was like during the gold rush era on the West Coast.
Where to eat in Greymouth
Maggies Kitchen has a great value menu in a relaxed and cozy setting.
Monteiths Brewery has fantastic reviews and offers outdoor seating for the perfect summer’s day.
Where to stay in Greymouth
Camping and camper van
The Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday park is the best-ranked holiday park in the area offering fantastic facilities, beachfront views and reasonable proximity to the city.
Budget hostels and backpackers
Only a kilometre from the city’s centre, the Global Village Travellers Lodge offers free parking, WiFi and a health and wellness spa.
Mid-range Accommodation
The Alpine Rose Motel is close to everything in the area, including the sea and city and has free parking and a garden for you to enjoy.
Greymouth to Abel Tasman National Park
Drive time: 6 hours or 327km
Alternative routes and stops: Stop at Punakaiki to see Pancake Rocks and the Blowhole. If the drive is too long, stop at the Murchison Motorhome Park for the night and continue with the itinerary the next day.
Days required:1-2
What to expect
The drive from Greymouth to the town of Marahau in the Abel Tasman National Park is long, but there are a few places you can stop along the way to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Just outside Greymouth is Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole. To be honest, I wasn’t that excited about looking at more rocks, but the area was fascinating to see. There is a short walk and some cafes around so take an hour or so and enjoy the unusual view before continuing.
Abel Tasman National Park
Days required: 2-3
An incredible mix of small towns, golden beaches, untouched forest and azure sea, the Abel Tasman National Park is somewhere any nature lover could spend endless amounts of time.
What to do in Abel Tasman National Park
- Follow the Abel Tasman Track as far as you dare. This track is one of the South Island’s great walks and takes days to complete. However, simply start from the beginning in Marahau, and turn around when you’re ready. It was truly one of our favourite walks.
- Kayak on the crystal waters surrounding the National Park and head to any one of the small islands dotting the coast
Where to eat in Abel Tasman National Park
The Fat Tui is one of the most popular takeaway restaurants in Marahau with its fresh and delicious burgers.
Offering delicious fresh, locally sourced produce Hooked on Marahau is a must-try while exploring the area.
Where to stay in Abel Tasman National Park
Camping and Campervan
The Marahau Beach Camp is by the beach and only 300 meters from the centre of town.
Budget backpackers and hostels
The Barn is a great backpacker located about 1.5km from the town centre and near the start of the Abel Tasman Track and glow worm caves.
Mid-range hotels and motels
With a restaurant, garden, terrace, free parking and a beach nearby, the Abel Tasman Haven is a great little spot to rest after all that hiking!
Concluding your New Zealand self-drive itinerary South Island
Once you leave the Abel Tasman National Park, either head to Picton to catch the ferry across the North Island or drive past Nelson Lakes to Christchurch!
With this itinerary, you’ll have seen and experienced all the best wildlife experiences while having a fantastic road trip experience around the South Island.
If you’re just starting to plan, here’s how we do it
- Book your flights
- Hire your car or campervan
- Book a few night’s accommodations
- Get travel insurance. We ALWAYS use World Nomads!
You might find these posts useful
- Comparing campervan hire
- Freedom camping in New Zealand
- 10 things that really surprised us about New Zealand
This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here.
