Road-trip through New Zealand: A 3-week Itinerary Part 2: South Island

On to the South Island!

The South Island of New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a range of landscapes that captivate travelers from around the world. From the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the tranquil fjords of Fiordland National Park, the island is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The coastline features dramatic cliffs, golden beaches like those in Kaikōura, crystal-clear lakes like Lake Wanaka and vibrant cities like Christchurch and Queenstown. The rich Maori heritage, picturesque vineyards, and abundant wildlife makes the south island another must see for the list.

Stop 6: Marlborough, New Zealand

We ended our North Island journey in Wellington, where there is an airport for you to take a propeller plane just over the channel to South Island, New Zealand. We chose to fly into Blenheim Airport which takes you right into Marlborough, New Zealand wine country, to enjoy some wine, specifically a little Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is best known for its exceptional Sauvignon Blancs, which are the trademark of New Zealand's winemaking. The wineries here were very cute and non commercial - you could do a tasting and learn a bit more about the wine or take a glass out onto the patio and enjoy it with the beautiful views of the vines and mountains. It’s definitely worth a stop if you are a wine lover like myself or just enjoy stunning landscapes overall. 

Stop 7: Kaikōura, New Zealand

Kaikōura was just a 2 hour drive south and was personally one of my favorite stops in all of our New Zealand travels. A cute little coastal town surrounded by the mountains and water has just the most serene vibes with incredible natural beauty. We spent a few days exploring, the highlight being the whale watching tour which 100% guarantees that you will see a whale or your money back - that’s how many whales live there year round! They are drawn here by the nutrient-rich upwellings of the continental shelf. The underwater canyons provide the perfect habitat for sperm whales specifically, to hunt for their primary food source—giant squid. Kaikōura is also a popular destination for migratory humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales, making it a diverse and thriving marine ecosystem. We saw a pod of 200 dolphins, there’s plenty of areas off the coast where you can get very close to the sea lions, and it’s just an incredible place to sit back and enjoy the view. 

Stop 7: Christchurch, New Zealand

Take the train over the mountains! 

After Kaikōura, we drove down to Christchurch, where we hopped on the TranzAlpine train through to the other side of New Zealand’s South Island. We chose the train for 2 reasons: 1) Driving can be dangerous if the pass gets snow or rain and 2) it is an amazing way to see the country. The trains have huge glass windows and glass on the tops so that you can see everything, even open air viewing decks if you dare go outside with all the wind –  Each curve of the track reveals a new, breathtaking vista—torrential rivers, dense forests, and meadows dotted with sheep. The train takes about 5 hours to spit you out on the other side in Greymouth and that’s where we picked up our new car and kept driving.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings

Stop 8: Hokitika, New Zealand

A couple hours after leaving Greymouth, we arrived in Hokitika, a tiny coastal town best known for its jade. We did some hiking at the Hokitika George when we first arrived and then took a little journey into town. We found a jade carving workshop where you can meet the local artists and spend time watching them craft jade by hand. The jade here is as varied as the landscape—some pieces are dark and dense, while others are translucent. The history of the jade in this area runs deep: it’s more than just a gemstone; it’s sacred, symbolizing strength, heritage, and connection to the land.

Stop 8: Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand

About another 2 hour drive south and you’ll hit Tai Poutini National Park, home to the famous Franz Joseph glacier, Reflection Lake, waterfalls, wetlands and more. It’s definitely worth spending a couple days here enjoying all of nature and its wonder. 

 The Franz Joseph Glacier is a 12-kilometer-long glacier that descends from the Southern Alps and is unique for its accessibility—you can get up very close with guided hikes and heli-tours or just take a look from afar. The glacier is surrounded by lush rainforests and towering mountains, creating a striking contrast between the ice and the verdant landscape. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the glacier has decreased significantly in size over recent decades. 

Stop 9: Wanaka and Lake Hāwea, New Zealand

Two beautiful stops on our way from Tai Poutini National Park down to Queenstown are Lake Hāwea and Wanaka.  Lake Hāwea is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, including the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Its clear, turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding forests and rugged terrain, making it a great spot for photography and hiking.

Wanaka is a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Wanaka and is also known for its stunning natural beauty, It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back charm. I wish we had spent a full day or two there, just taking in all of its beauty and charm. It has a vibrant local scene, with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries and of course the iconic “That Wanaka Tree,” a lone willow perched in the lake, has become one of the most photographed spots in the country (pictured above).

Stop 10: Queenstown, New Zealand

We finally made it 8-9 hours down to Queenstown, where we spent 3-4 days. You could spend so much more time there, it is such a beautiful place filled with so many outdoor activities you can’t even imagine. For adrenaline junkies, it’s famous for bungee jumping, with the iconic Kawarau Bridge being its birthplace for the sport. My friend did the jump, which looked both terrifying and exhilarating. There’s also skydiving, paragliding, or a jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyon as well. We also did some amazing hiking with some of the most jaw-dropping views - Nestled in the mountains with the most pristine lakes, Queenstown to this day is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been able to experience. 

Stop 11: Milford Sound, New Zealand

We used Queenstown as our central location for travel to other magnificent natural wonders in the area. Milford Sound is a must see and only about a 4 hour drive from Queenstown. We took a boat tour out through the fiord carved by the ancient glaciers - it was raining which caused it to mist and formed a layer of light clouds making the view quite ominous. Some of the peaks were over 1,500 meters tall and its pristine beauty was just breathtaking –  its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife are something unlike anything else in the world and you just can’t skip this on the itinerary if you have the opportunity to see it. 

Stop 12: Slope Point, New Zealand

Last but not least on our road-trip was Slope Point, the southernmost tip of New Zealand. This is another absolutely beautiful bit of scenery, but very windy. The winds at Slope Point are caused by Antarctic winds that travel uninterrupted for 3,218 kilometers and are so strong that they have bent trees sideways (shown above). You can visit the sign for the exact point of the southernmost tip which gives you the distance of the equator and south pole. There’s also a beautiful lighthouse along the coast near Slope’s point that you can visit, surrounded by farmland on one side and the crystal blue water on the other. It’s definitely worth the drive and at that point, as a local told us, you’ve pretty much seen it all.