The best way to get around in NZ is by car, and a budget-friendly, flexible option is to hire an affordable, easy-to-drive campervan.
Pick up your campervan in Christchurch and get straight on the road with this two-week South Island loop that takes you through the very best of Te Waipounamu.
Explore the Moeraki Boulders, spot penguins in Oamaru, kayak Milford Sound, and hike Queenstown’s peaks on this ultimate 2-week South Island road trip.
For an ultimate and comprehensive New Zealand road trip, tag this journey onto a NZ North Island campervan road trip itinerary.
Click to skip ahead:
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- Day 1: Christchurch to Oamaru
- Day 2: Oamaru to Dunedin
- Day 3: Dunedin to Te Anau
- Day 4: Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi (and back)
- Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown
- Day 6: Queenstown to Wanaka
- Day 7: Wanaka to Franz Josef
- Day 8: Franz Josef to Greymouth
- Day 9: Greymouth to Nelson
- Day 10: Nelson to Blenheim
- Day 11: Blenheim to Kaikoura
- Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch
- Book your NZ South Island road trip
- Your South Island Road Trip Questions Answered
Day 1: Christchurch to Oamaru
Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, is the perfect place to fuel up and get set ahead of your South Island road trip. The 3-hour journey to Oamaru will take you South across the Canterbury plains, and as you travel further along the East Coast, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the South Pacific Ocean.
Highlights:
- Stretch your legs in Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
- Stop at Timaru for a quick swim or to wander Caroline Bay.
- Explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct – quirky shops, Heritage Museum, and steampunk vibes.
- Visit the Blue Penguin Colony at dusk.
Camping:
- All Day Bay (near Oamaru) – Basic freedom camping spot, great for ocean views.
- Waitaki Waters Reserve – Beachside, close to Oamaru.
Penguins are best spotted in summer, but the town’s vintage charm is year-round. The cooler months can make camping a bit nippy, so check out our guide for what to pack for NZ in winter.
Day 2: Oamaru to Dunedin
One and a half hours down the coast will have you in Dunedin – the South Island’s second-largest city. The drive along the coast has magnificent views, so take plenty of pit stops!
Highlights:
- Marvel at the bizarre Moeraki Boulders along the way.
- Take a detour to Shag Point for seal spotting.
- Check out Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest!) in Dunedin.
- Tour Speight’s Brewery or stroll through Otago University.
Camping:
- Brighton Beach – A great freedom camp near Dunedin, with beach views.
- Ocean View Recreation Reserve – Another freebie close to town, coastal and peaceful.
Winter in Dunedin means cosy pubs and rich history, while summer has better wildlife action (think seals and albatross).
Day 3: Dunedin to Te Anau
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, one of the world’s most rugged and untouched forests. Milford Sound is a must if you’re in the area!
Highlights:
- Stretch your legs at Tunnel Beach for dramatic coastal cliffs.
- Take the scenic route via The Catlins – waterfalls, sea lions, and a rugged coastline.
- Arrive in Te Anau and prepare for Milford Sound.
Camping:
- Henry Creek Campsite – Basic freedom camping by the lake.
- Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park – More facilities and a good base for Milford.
Seasonal Nuance: Summer means lush greenery and easier road access; winter can bring snow and fewer crowds. Catlins can get misty any time of year—adds to the mood!
Day 4: Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi (and back)
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi was dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World by author Rudyard Kipling. The sheer mountains and cascading waterfalls will have you thinking the same thing!
Highlights:
- Epic drive to Milford Sound – waterfalls galore!
- Take a boat or kayak cruise through the Sound.
- Stop at The Chasm and Mirror Lakes en route.
Camping:
- Cascade Creek – A DOC campsite along Milford Road with a stunning mountain backdrop.
- Return to Henry Creek Campsite or a Te Anau site.
Seasonal Nuance: Summer offers longer days and clear skies; in winter, you may hit snow and road restrictions, but the landscapes are otherworldly.
Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown
You’ll want the passenger seat for this leg of the journey as the mountain views will astound you. Adventure awaits at your next destination – Queenstown
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through Kingston with views of Lake Wakatipu.
- Take a jet boat ride or go bungee jumping for a proper adrenaline rush.
- Take the Gondola and ride the luge. Enjoy breathtaking views over the town.
Camping:
- 12 Mile Delta – Stunning lakefront freedom camping just outside Queenstown.
- Moke Lake – Peaceful DOC campsite near town, great for hiking and stargazing. Check the road conditions online before going, as it can be closed in winter.
Queenstown buzzes year-round. In winter, it’s all about skiing; in summer, there’s hiking, biking, and lake swimming.
Day 6: Queenstown to Wanaka
There is plenty to do here, with several ski fields a stone’s throw from town, biking and hiking tracks, disc golf, and multiple skateparks. Alternatively, just chill at the lakefront with a coffee and enjoy the view!
Highlights:
- Scenic Crown Range drive – highest sealed road in NZ.
- Stop at Cardrona Hotel for a photo op and a pint.
For the adventurous, hike to Roy’s Peak. For the relaxed, wander to That Wanaka Tree for the obligatory photo.
Camping:
- Lake Outlet Holiday Park – Just out of town, lakeside, and a bit more peaceful.
- DOC Boundary Creek – Basic freedom camping, beautiful lakefront views.
Wanaka is a year-round destination, but it’s less frantic than Queenstown. Winter skiers swap for summer hikers and bikers.
Day 7: Wanaka to Franz Josef
Day 7 will see you driving Haast Pass: trading the arid Otago plains for the thick rainforest of the West. The imposing, glacier-cut valleys, right next to the untamed Tasman Sea, will leave a lasting impression.
Highlights:
- Visit Lake Hawea – stunning alpine lake.
- Stop at the Blue Pools for a short walk and icy dip.
- Take a helicopter ride or hike to the Glacier Viewing Platform at Franz Josef.
Camping:
- DOC Otto/Macdonald Campsite – Surrounded by bush, basic freedom camping.
- Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park – If you want a few more comforts.
Summer means accessible glacier walks; in winter, you might encounter snow, but the glacier is all the more impressive.
Day 8: Franz Josef to Greymouth
Another scenic drive, this time along the rugged West Coast. There are some amazing hikes along the way – including some hidden natural hot springs if you have the time to go exploring.
Highlights:
- Soak in the Waiho Hot Tubs before hitting the road.
- Stop at Hokitika for beach walks, jade souvenirs, and a quirky driftwood sign.
- Head to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks for impressive rock formations and blowholes.
Camping:
- DOC Greymouth Seaside Park – Freedom camping with sea views.
- Nelson Creek Campground – If you’re craving a forest spot inland.
Wet weather can hit the West Coast anytime, so bring rain gear. Summer is ideal for beach walks, while winter has moody landscapes perfect for photography.
Day 9: Greymouth to Nelson
If you didn’t go to Punakaiki/ Pancake Rocks as a day trip from Greytown, go the long way to Nelson, and stop here on your way. Otherwise, pit stop in Murchison or Reefton, and watch out for Weka!
Highlights:
- Visit Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth for a cheeky tasting.
- Head up the coast to Westport – a good surf stop if the waves are right.
- Wander Nelson’s quirky streets and hit up local galleries.
Camping:
- Cable Bay – Coastal freedom camping north of Nelson, serene with beach access.
- Tahuna Beach Holiday Park – Ideal if you want more facilities near town.
Nelson is blessed with sunshine year-round, but the surrounding mountains may have snow in winter.
Day 10: Nelson to Blenheim
As you arrive in Blenheim on this part of the trip, you’ll begin passing some of New Zealand’s top vineyards. The Marlborough region is world-famous for Sauvignon Blanc, so be sure to stop in and try a glass.
Highlights:
- Stop at Pelorus Bridge for a swim or bush walk.
- Detour to Havelock for famous green-lipped mussels.
- Explore Marlborough’s wineries near Blenheim.
Camping:
- Wairau Diversion – Free camping with a beach nearby.
- Renwick Domain – Simple site but in the heart of wine country.
Wine tasting in the summer is unbeatable, with warm days and cool sauv blancs. Winter has fewer crowds, but you’ll miss the vineyard greenery.
Day 11: Blenheim to Kaikoura
As you head south again, you’ll have the mighty Kaikoura Range towering in front of you. The mountains seem to drop right into the ocean here, and on a clear day, the backdrop is jaw-dropping.
Highlights:
- Drive along the stunning Marlborough Sounds or head straight down the coast.
- Take a Whale Watching Tour or swim with dolphins in Kaikoura.
- Feast on Fresh Crayfish from a roadside stall.
Camping:
- South Bay Reserve – Freedom camping with epic sea views.
- Kaikoura Peketa Beach – Right on the beach, perfect for freedom campers.
Seasonal Nuance: Summer is prime for marine wildlife encounters, but winter has more dramatic seascapes and fewer tourists.
Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch
Back to the big smoke of the Garden City, Christchurch is more “hustle and bustle” than anywhere else in the South Island.
Highlights:
- Stop for seals at Ohau Point just north of Kaikoura.
- Visit the Waipara Wine Region for one last vineyard stop.
- Head into Christchurch to relax at the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools or explore the Riverside Market.
Camping:
- Waikuku Beach – Quiet spot just north of Christchurch.
- Hawarden Reserve – Basic freedom camping inland.
Christchurch’s summer buzzes with festivals and street markets. Winter brings a chill, but with cosy cafes and clear mountain views, it’s worth the cold.
Book your NZ South Island road trip with Escape Rentals
While 2 weeks might not seem like long, with this NZ South Island road trip planner, you won’t feel rushed and you’ll still get to see everything the South Island/ Te Waipounamu has to offer.
With the freedom of a camper, you’ll be able to be flexible to adapt and adjust this itinerary as you go!
Book your Escape Rental camper now, and start the NZ road trip of a lifetime!
Your South Island Road Trip Questions Answered
How many days do you need to see the South Island of NZ?
2 weeks is ideal, as it gives you enough time to see a large portion of the South Island on your road trip, and it means you don’t have any long days just in the car.
How long would it take to drive around the South Island of New Zealand?
1-2 weeks would be enough time to drive a campervan around the South Island. This would give you enough time to stop off and enjoy the key locations.
What is the most scenic route in South Island, New Zealand?
Everywhere is scenic in New Zealand, but the Pass roads and State Highway 6 along the West Coast are popular scenic drives.
Is it easy to drive around South Island New Zealand?
Yes, however, it’s important to stay vigilant in winter, when conditions can become icy. Driving is the main way to get around in NZ. Check out our tips for driving on New Zealand roads.