After two unforgettable trips to New Zealand—one month with my family and another three months travelling both islands by campervan with a friend—I’ve refined the perfect one-month South Island itinerary. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning the ultimate road trip, this route includes all the must-see destinations, incredible hikes and hidden gems.
Should you only visit New Zealand’s South Island?
Both islands in New Zealand are amazing, and if you are planning a one month trip to the whole of New Zealand, click here. However, if you only have one month to explore this amazing country many people choose to just spend it only in the South Island. There are many reasons as to why this is the case:
Firstly, doing a week or so in the North Island involves a lot of extra travelling, especially if you then have to get the ferry over to the South Island. Doing only the South Island means you fly into, and out of, Christchurch, saving time and money on travel.
I would also argue that in terms of landscapes, the South Island on its own displays the best New Zealand has to offer. Except for volcanic and geothermic terrains, you can see everything you could want to in the South Island, including snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, glaciers and deep fjords. If you are heading to New Zealand for hiking, climbing and adrenaline activities, then the South Island is definitely the right choice.
This Itinerary:
This travel plan assumes that you are using your own vehicle to travel (a rented car or camper van). There are other ways of visiting New Zealand, say by bus or train, but driving yourself is the most efficient way.
It is designed to help you make the most of 31 days, covering as many highlights in the South Island as possible. Be prepared though: it includes around 2,876 km (1,787 miles) of driving—nearly 25-30 hours behind the wheel—and a fast-paced schedule.
I have written the month’s schedule as though this trip to South Island is your only visit to New Zealand. Therefore, it starts and ends in Christchurch. However, if you were coming from the North Island then this itinerary will still very much work for you. The ferry will drop you in Picton and you can drive north through Marlborough Sounds (day 4) and start this itinerary there instead.
Day 1-2 Christchurch:
Fly into Christchurch International Airport to begin your New Zealand adventure. This is the biggest city on the South Island and the second-biggest city in the entire country. Over these first two days, pick up your rented car/campervan to get a feel for it.
Christchurch is a great city, but I wouldn’t spend too long here because there are so many more amazing things to see! If you aren’t too jet lagged from a long journey and want to do some exploring, these are my top recommendations for things to do here:
- Explore the Botanical Gardens
- Take a trip on the tram
- Ride the Christchurch gondola
- Do a tour of the local street art
Day 2-4: Kaikōura
Drive Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Drive Length: 180km/112 miles
Camping spots: Donegal Pub ($20 for 2 adults), Jimmy Archers Beach (free*), South End Railway Station (free*)
*Make sure to check Kaikōura’s freedom camping rules, as they are stricter than other areas in New Zealand.
If you are a wildlife lover then you are going to really enjoy your time here. Kaikōura is widely renowned as being one of the best places in the world to see sperm whales. Tours run daily all year round and chances of seeing one of these majestic creatures is high. Tours are run by Whale Watch Kaikōura, and there is also a chance of seeing dolphins and a wide range of coastal birds, as well as other species of whales.
Kaikōura is also home to a New Zealand fur seal colony which is made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals which you can observe from only a few metres away.
There are also some beautiful coastal walks, great shops to explore in the town, and some interesting history to learn. For a full guide of what to do here, click this link.
Day 4-6: Malborough Sounds
Drive Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes
Drive Length: 128km/80 miles
Camping Spots: Cowshed Bay Camping Area ($15 per person), Havelock Holiday Park (NZ$24 per person)
Explore Marlborough Sounds by driving from Blenheim through to Nelson. This begins on the iconic drive known as the Queen Charlotte Drive through to Havelock and then you can continue round to Nelson. Although it is only 2 hours long, there are so many amazing stops on the way and you can easily spend 2 days here. Here are my top recommendations:
- Look for weka birds
- Walk parts of the Queen Charlotte Track
- Swim at Ngakuta bay
- Admire the view from the scenic lookouts
Day 6-8: Abel Tasman National Park
Drive Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Drive Length: 152km/94 miles
Camping Spots: Wharariki Beach Holiday Park ($45 for 2), Motupipi Car Park (free)
The Abel Tasman National Park is well-known for its stunning coastal scenery, clear waters, golden sand beaches and lush native bush. It is the most popular of all New Zealand’s national parks, drawing huge amounts of visitors each year.
Annoyingly, when I visited the weather was not great, but I still really enjoyed my time here. Wharariki beach was absolutely breathtaking, and we spent about an hour there recreating the windows lockscreen! Sadly, this was also the location of the biggest calamity of our trip – when we drove through flood waters on the way back from the beach, flooding our engine and having to spend a night on the side of the track. Luckily the next day 2 kind men jump-started our engine and everything was okay, but beware driving this road after heavy rain!
These are my top recommendations:
- Wharariki Beach
- Split Apple Rock
- Walk parts of the 60km-long coastal track which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
- Farewell Spit
- Go kayaking
- Spot a sea lion
Day 8-10: Punakaiki and Arthurs Pass National Park
Drive Duration: 6 hours 35 minutes
Drive Length: 468km/291 miles
Camping Spots: Lake Pearson campsite (NZ$15 per person), Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite (NZ$18 per person)
It is a long drive from the North of Abel Tasman through to Arthur’s Pass, so Punakaiki is the perfect stop-over point. While you’re here, I would recommend visiting the unique Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. They were formed 30 million years ago from compressed layers of dead marine creatures and plants on the seabed. Tectonic activity then lifted these beds, and over millennia, rain and seawater eroded the softer layers faster than the hard ones, creating these unique, stacked rocks.
After your quick break here, drive the rest of the way to Arthur’s Pass National Park which is a must-visit location. This small, alpine town is surrounded by stunning mountains with great scenery and walks.
It is one of my favourite places in New Zealand as it is home to the world’s only alpine parrot, the Kea. This inquisitive bird is sadly endangered, with only an estimated 7,000 left in the wild. There are a few different places to see them in Arthur’s Pass, including the Otira Viaduct lookout and Arthur’s Pass Store & Cafe.
Here are the top things to do here:
- Walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall
- Spot a Kea
- Do parts of the Arthur’s Pass walking track
- Swim in Lake Pearson
- Visit Castle Rocks
- Walk through a cave at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
For a more comprehensive list, have a look at this blog.
Day 10-11: Hokitika
Drive Duration: 1 hour 21 minutes
Drive Length: 99km/62 miles
Camping Spots: Hokitika Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels ($57 for 2 adults)
Hokitika is a lovely little town and a great first stop on the West Coast. One day is the perfect amount of time to spend here, I have a full blog post with a complete guide, but below is a list of the main things to do.
Even if you only stop briefly, I would highly recommend visiting the National Kiwi Sanctuary Centre and Aquarium if you haven’t managed to see a wild Kiwi anywhere else on your travels across New Zealand. There are only approximately 68,000 to 70,000 kiwis remaining in the wild. Unmanaged populations continue to decline by about 2% every year due to invasive predators like stoats and dogs. They are completely unique and in the sanctuary you can observe their 2 resident kiwis, as well as many other animals endemic to New Zealand.
- Visit the National Kiwi Sanctuary Centre and Aquarium
- Explore the driftwood beach and Hokitika sign
- Wander The Town & Visit The Art Street
- Explore Hokitika Gorge
Day 12-14: Franz Josef
Drive Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes
Drive Length: 134km/83 miles
Camping spots: Franz Josef Campervan Park (NZ$25 per person), Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park (NZ$27 per person)
Franz Josef is a small town with epic views and a 12km long glacier. There are tons of amazing walks to do around here, cool cafes and shops in town, and Fox Glacier is only a short drive away. The Robert Point Track is an amazing walk, and was one of my top 8 hikes I did over my time in New Zealand.
Main things to do:
- Walk the Robert Point Track (read my full guide to this hike here)
- Franz Josef Glacier walk
- Sentinel Rock walkway
- Explore the township
- Walk the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway
Day 14-15: Jackson Bay/ Haast
Drive Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Drive Length: 177km/110 miles
Camping Spots: Haast Lodge and Motor Park Accommodation (NZ$30 each)
This is somewhere you probably won’t see on many other New Zealand itineraries and is an absolute hidden gem. Jackson Bay is a tiny place, with no shops other than one seafood restaurant (The Craypot) on the beachfront. It is a 2 hour drive from Franz Josef to Haast, and then a further 30 minutes to Jackson Bay. We drove straight to Jackson Bay then returned to Haast to camp for the night.
The highlight of our time here was Neil’s beach. The beach itself is gorgeous, but its main attraction is its abundance of Hector Dolphins which have a nursery offshore. They were so inquisitive and confident and swam among us for over an hour. This was one of my most memorable experiences from my time in New Zealand. My friend and I saw no one else on the beach at all during our 2 hour visit.
Day 15-18: Wanaka
Drive Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
Drive Length: 140km/87 miles
Camping Spots: Albert Town Campsite (NZ$12 per adult)
The Haast Pass between Haast and Wanaka is one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. I did this drive over a whole day so I could stop at all the amazing places along the way. Here were my highlights:
- Roaring Billy Falls
- Thunder Creek Falls
- Fantail Falls
- Haast Pass Lookout
- Blue Pools
- Wilson Creek Chasm
There are then 2 full days left to explore everything Wanaka has to offer. Wanaka is one of my favourite places in New Zealand, and my absolute top town. It is located on the shore of Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. I would absolutely recommend doing the Roy’s Peak hike, it is extremely popular for a reason, and the views from the summit were just breathtaking. This blog details all the best things to do here, but this list has a quick rundown:
- Roy’s Peak Hike (click here for a full guide to this amazing walk)
- Visit the famous Wanaka tree
- Go kayaking or paddle boarding
- Eat at the Wanaka Food Truck Park
- Relax on the lake front
Day 18-21: Queenstown
Drive Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Drive Length: 68km/42 miles
Camping Spots: Lakeview car park (free), Boundary Street car park (free), Queenstown Events Centre (free), Glenorchy Domain car park (free)
Known as the ‘adventure capital of the world’ you can get up to all sorts of fun here with skydiving, bungee jumps, zip lining and so much more.
Even if those activities don’t appeal to you, there’s still plenty to keep you busy. I’d highly recommend spending two days exploring Queenstown and its surroundings, then setting aside your third day for a trip to Glenorchy. This spot completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of the highlights of my entire trip. If you’re curious as to why, I’ve shared more in my Queenstown blog. In the meantime, here are my top recommendations for making the most of your time in this amazing town:
- Try the famous Ferg Burger
- Walk the Queenstown Hill Track or take the gondola up
- Play Disc Golf
- Take the paddle steamer around the lake
- Walk around the Queenstown Gardens
- Relax by Lake Wakatipu
- Visit the historic Arrow Town
- Visit Glenorchy
Day 21-23: Fiordland National Park
Drive Duration: 2 hours, 1 hour 45 minutes
Drive Length: 171km/106 miles, then 118km/73 miles
Campsites: Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park (NZ$34 per person), Cascade Creek campsite (NZ$18 per person)
Te Anau is the closest town to Milford Sound and is a great place to stop for a night before doing a cruise.
Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord and a cruise on it is one of the most highly-anticipated activities for many people exploring New Zealand. Over 700,000 people visit per year, making it one of the country’s top attractions. The towering cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and abundance of wildlife creates a truly astounding environment.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound only takes 1 hour 45 minutes, but there are some amazing places to stop on the way. Depending on the time of your tour, you can either do the stops on the way there or way back.
I made a Complete Milford Sound Guide with everything you need to know, including different cruise options, prices, all the stops to do along the way, the best weather conditions, and much more.
Day 23-25: The Catlins
Drive Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes, then 1 hour 20 minutes
Drive Length: 198km/123 miles, then 88km/55 miles
Campsites: Fortrose Township (free), Waikawa Recreation Reserve (free), Catlins Inn (NZ$10 per person)
The Catlins is another place that a lot of people miss on their South Island adventure and isn’t included in many other New Zealand itineraries, but for me it is an absolute must-visit. The area is known for its wild weather, native forests and dramatic coastlines.
It has amazing wildlife such as fur seals, sea lions, and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated spots in New Zealand, and I definitely think it should make your itinerary. Drive east from Fortrose to Owaka and stop at these incredible places on the way:
- Waipapa Point
- Slope Point – the most southern point of New Zealand
- Curio Bay
- McLean Falls
- Cathedral Caves
- Surat Bay
- Nugget Point
Read this blog for a full guide to The Catlins.
Day 25-26: Dunedin
Drive Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Drive Length: 110km/68 miles
Campsites: Brighton Domain Campgorund (free), Baird Hills Park (free), Ocean View Recreational Reserve (free)
Head to Dunedin with a stop in between to visit the Moeraki Boulders. This is one of those things that (in my opinion) does not live up to the hype but, for a quick stop with low expectations, it’s quite fun.
Dunedin is a fun city with plenty to do in a day. It would also be a good place to relax if you are starting to feel a little burnt out! But if you do fancy some activities, these are my top recommendations:
- Walk up the world’s steepest street – Baldwin Street
- Visit Taiaroa Head – the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross
- Walk around the botanical gardens
- Explore the Otago Museum
Day 27-29: Mount Cook National Park
Drive Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes
Drive Length: 316km/196 miles
Campsites: White Horse Hill campground (NZ$20 per person), Glentanner Holiday park (NZ$34 per person), Lake Pukaki campground (free)
This is one of the most exciting locations in this South Island itinerary. It is a long drive up the east coast from Dunedin, and then across the country almost all the way back to the west coast to get to Mount Cook, but I promise it is worth it. This is one of the most magnificent drives in the country. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres and is a premier destination for mountaineering, hiking, and amazing views. Even if you are not an avid hiker, the scenery is stunning and there are lots of shorter, easy walks to do here too.
I would highly recommend driving to Lake Pukaki on the first day and spending the night there. It is one of the best free camping spots ever and the view of Mount Cook across the lake is insane. The next morning drive into the National Park and spend 2 days doing these things:
- The Hooker Valley Track
- Kea Point walk
- Sealy Tarns Hike
- Explore Mount Cook Village
- Star Gaze
Day 29-30: Lake Tekapo
Drive Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Drive Length: 103km/64 miles
Campsites: Mackenzie Waitaki RV Campsite (free), Lakes Edge Holiday Park (NZ$32 per person)
A short drive to one of the prettiest lakes in New Zealand, and a great place to stop between Mount Cook and Christchurch. It is renowned for its intense turquoise-blue lake, stunning mountain backdrop, and exceptional stargazing. Here are the best things to do here in one day:
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Go stargazing
- November-December: admire the lupin bloom
- Relax at Tekapo Springs
Day 30-31: Christchurch
Drive Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
Drive Length: 226km/140 miles
Suddenly, after an amazing month exploring everything the South Island has to offer, you are back where you started! This is the time to pack up your rental car/camper van and leave New Zealand :(.
Thank you so much for reading this New Zealand South Island Itinerary! I hope it has helped you plan your own adventure to this amazing country.
Please like this post and comment if you have any questions at all.
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