Perfect 1-Week New Zealand South Island Travel Itinerary
Planning a vacation to New Zealand? Our perfect 1-week South Island itinerary will take you to all the best locations in this part of the country. Explore all must-visit places in South Island on a road trip of your life in seven days, and read our tips on the best things to do, how to get around, and where to stay.
Deep fjords, snow-capped Alps, enormous glaciers, turquoise lakes, sperm whales, yellow-eyed penguins, or golden sand beaches and lush rainforests, all this and much more can be found on South Island, New Zealand.
We lived in New Zealand in Tekapo village for almost six months working in a hotel, and then we spent several months on the road exploring the best places on South Island, and we can promise you one thing.
You are going to love South Island!
It's incredibly beautiful. Nature, mountains, and wildlife are spectacular, and we always think of how privileged we were to spend a part of our lives living in this magical part of the world.
As we've seen quite a lot from this land, both famous touristy places and some hidden gems too, we’ve decided to put together this one week South Island itinerary that will help you to discover the best places this island has to offer in only seven days on the road.
We know that one week is not a long time, but on the other hand, we know many people cannot take a long vacation, especially when we take into consideration it would be a shame entirely skip North Island.
Therefore we've created this ultimate seven day South Island itinerary which is packed to the brim with amazing destinations and must-see places.
Without further ado, let's dive into it!
DAY 1 - CHRISTCHURCH - BANKS PENINSULA - LAKE TEKAPO
Congratulations, you've made it to Christchurch, a great place to start your South Island road trip.
You can either get to Christchurch by plane, or arrive by car once you get by ferry from North Island.
There are plenty of things to do and see in and around Christchurch, and we will try to outline your first steps on the South Island.
You can start your day by visiting a local museum, and you have several choices in Christchurch.
To learn more about two strong and deadly earthquakes that hit Christchurch in September 2010 and February 2011, head to Quake City, or go to Canterbury Museum to learn more about this region, connection to Antarctica, and Maori crafts and arts.
Museums show the history, art, and culture of the country, and it's always one of the most entertaining ways to learn about the aspects and features of the new country you are about to explore.
Both of the museums are very close to Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Garden, another must-visit places in the city, that might help you to understand a little bit better why Christchurch is often called a city of gardens.
When looking for more activities to do in Christchurch, you can buy a combined ticket for a gondola, punt a vintage tram, and experience the city in a more fun way.
If you are not a museum person at all, Banks Peninsula offers beautiful landscapes, perfect scenic drives, and some nice hikes.
One of our favorite hikes on the peninsula was Mount Herbert Walkway, a 6-hour walk across grassy farmlands and rolling hills.
The views of the Diamond Harbour from the top were incredible, though this activity is quite time-consuming for the first day.
This is an activity for those of you who cannot wait to see New Zealand's beautiful nature.
In the afternoon it is time to get going again, so head directly to Lake Tekapo, a small town on the banks of the same name lake.
Follow State Highway 1 towards Ashburton, then turn onto SH 79, and drive to Fairlie, where you will turn right once again onto SH 8.
The ride from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo should take roughly 3 hours (the ride is very scenic so do not rush), and you should plan it carefully, as you have one more thing to do in Tekapo, and you don't want to arrive there too late.
After your arrival, head to the shore of the insanely blue lake and wait for the sunset.
In case you still have enough energy, there is one more activity you can enjoy after dark.
Lake Tekapo is located in the Dark Sky Reserve, which means only one thing, the conditions for stargazing in Lake Tekapo are perfect, and maybe one of the best in the world.
You can book different tours on the spot or in advance, for example you can check out this stargazing tour on Mt John Observatory. And fingers crossed for the clear skies!
When the tour is over, try to get as much sleep as possible, you have an exciting day planned tomorrow!
Where to stay in Tekapo | Budget: YHA Lake Tekapo | Mid-range: The Mackenzie Suites | Luxury: Mantra Lake Tekapo
DAY 2 - MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early, and if you didn't have time yesterday, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, the most popular attraction in the town.
Then it is time to set off. Continue on the State Highway 8 towards Twizel, along the southwest end of Lake Pukaki, turn right onto SH 80, which will take you to Mount Cook Village.
This is a beautiful scenic road that gets better with every mile, and you will have plenty of photo opportunities on the road, so drive carefully and stay safe.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, and we spent almost a week just in this area. As you are reading this post we assume you do not have that much time, but no worries, some of the best stuff can be seen in only one day!
You can choose from many activities and hikes in the area, although Hooker Valley hike along the same name river to Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake is a must.
The hike is fairly short and flat and will take you through a beautiful valley.
The end of the trail will reveal stunning views of the lake with floating icebergs reflecting the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook (3724 meters), that will blow you away.
Sealy Tarns Track is another popular hike from the village, or if you are in shape, you can hike to Mueller Hut, though it's going to be quite challenging in one day as the elevation gain is more than 1000 meters on a quite short distance.
It is even possible to sleep in Mueller Hut, for more information read our post about the hike and overnight stay at Mueller Hut.
If you are looking for a more relaxed way on how to explore Aoraki National Park, drive to the nearby Tasman Valley, which features another lake, glacier and stunning views.
You can also join a boat or kayaking tour and explore the Tasman Glacier from up close.
If you have (unlike us) deep pockets, enjoy the ultimate Aoraki Mount Cook experience, and book the scenic helicopter flight with Alpine landing.
At the end of the day, drive back on the main road, and once you arrive in Twizel or Omarama, call it a day.
Where to stay in Twizel | Budget: Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park | Mid-range: Omahau Downs | Luxury: Matuka Luxury Lodge
DAY 3 - QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and the next stop on our travel itinerary.
This small town is one of the most popular places in the entire country and recently became a must-visit place in New Zealand among backpackers thanks to the breathtaking scenery and adrenaline activities.
With a superb location right on the banks of Lake Wakatipu set against the sheer Southern Alps, Queenstown is not a city to miss for travelers and adventure seekers.
Queenstown is packed with activities ranging from bungy jumping to alpine heliskiing, while simultaneously offering activities for every type of travelers, even those who do not want to spend that much money.
All the beautiful scenery around the town is for free!
You can go golfing in the morning, visit a vineyard for lunch, take a scenic boat ride on a vintage Edwardian steamship in the afternoon, then take a gondola to Bob's peak to enjoy a scenic sunset, and finish your day with stargazing tour.
Yes, we hear you, many stuff possible doing in Queenstown are quite expensive, but we have several suggestions for budget travelers as well.
Start your day early in the morning with a walk around Lake Wakatipu, then take a scenic drive to Glenorchy and back, visit Queenstown Gardens, and later in the afternoon, hike to Bob's Peak to watch the amazing sunset over the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown.
Or check out a demanding full-day hike Ben Lomond Track, that offers even more spectacular views of the Otago Region than the Bob's Peak.
And what are the adrenaline adventures you should try in Queenstown?
Queenstown is the mecca of bungy jumping, ziplining, skydiving, paragliding, and a big swing.
Of course, that's not all, and our list can go on, and on top of that, you can go whitewater rafting, canyoning, jet boating, luging, go-karting, quad biking or enjoy a helicopter flight.
We think that you get the idea by now, so we can stop listing every single activity you can do in Queenstown.
Regardless of how you choose to spend a day in Queenstown, we can promise you one thing you won't get bored!
Except maybe your wallet will be a little bit tired at the end of the day.
You can stay overnight in Queenstown or at the end of the day, drive for an hour to Wanaka, so you will have more time to explore Wanaka surroundings and the West Coast the next day.
It's important to get as much sleep as possible, as tomorrow is going to be a very challenging day on the road.
We would also highly recommend you to add an extra day to your itinerary, so you have the chance to see the wonderful Milford Sound, but we'll talk about it in the next paragraph.
Where to stay in Wanaka | Budget: Holly's Backpackers | Mid-range: Oasis Yurt Lodge | Luxury: Wanaka Luxury Apartments
OPTIONAL DAY - MILFORD SOUND
Milford Sound is a mesmerizingly beautiful fiord in the Fiordland National Park, and one of the most spectacular New Zealand's natural attractions.
There is only one teeny-tiny problem.
Our 1-week New Zealand South Island itinerary is so packed that we couldn't find a way to include Milford Sound regardless of how hard we tried without adding an extra day.
It's just too far to drive there (286 kilometers one way, though the air distance is roughly four times shorter), and the only way to include it on the itinerary would be to pay a lot of money or skip entirely activities in Queenstown, which would be a shame.
Are we not going to see the brightest star of New Zealand's South Island? Of course not, we have a backup plan!
We'll start with the tours, and you will see at the end of this paragraph the reason behind this.
If you don't mind to splurge when traveling, you can see the best of Fiordland National Park on a scenic flight from Queenstown, which will be once in a lifetime experience.
The morning tour starts at 8 AM and takes 5 hours, so once you get back to Queenstown, you will have plenty of time in town to try some of the adventure activities.
This also means that you don't need to extend your trip for a day, unless you want to.
This is a great way to explore Fiordland, but it's quite expensive.
However, if your itinerary is more flexible, you should allocate one extra day for a trip to Milford Sound.
So far you've been driving every day for hours, and this might be a perfect excuse for you to take a break and let others do the hard work.
You might consider booking a scenic drive and cruise from Queenstown, so you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery while comfortably resting on the reclining seat of the bus.
The last option, which is also our favorite and the most epic, is to drive to Milford Sound by yourself. It's also the hardest and most time-consuming way, but we like to think the most rewarding.
We've already mentioned that the distance between Queenstown and Milford Sound is almost 300 hundred kilometers, which means, that you will spend at least 4 hours driving.
One way!
Add some photo stops, regular breaks, and you can easily spend 8-10 hours in the car. That's a lot for one driver, and for some, this might be a big reason to go with a tour instead.
Drive south to Te Anau, then turn right onto 94 SH. Follow the road, and once you arrive at the Sound, park your car there, book the cruise or simply admire the beauty of iconic Mitre Peak from the shore.
Once you are done with exploring the beauty of Milford Sound, head back to Queenstown via the same road.
You can split up driving responsibilities with your partner or others in the car if possible. And don't forget to take frequent brakes, especially on the way back!
We've outlined here all the options you have, and hopefully one of them will come useful, and you will be able to fit Milford Sound in your itinerary, even if you have just a day.
Where to stay in Queenstown | Budget: Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel | Mid-range: St James Apartments | Luxury: The Spire Hotel
DAY 4 - WANAKA - WEST COAST - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
If you decided on staying in Queenstown for the night, drive to Wanaka early in the morning.
You can walk around the lake, do some shorter hikes, and leave for the West Coast as early as possible.
The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier takes around four hours, and you will want to visit the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on the same day.
At this point, you can adjust the itinerary.
If you still couldn’t get enough of Southern Alps and don't plan on going to Abel Tasman National Park at all, you can spend the whole day in Wanaka, maybe do a few shorter hikes or the famous Rob's Peak day-hike, and then split up the West Coast trip into two days.
This way you can enjoy the best attractions along the way without feeling of being rushed. You can skip the northern tip of the island entirely and return to Christchurch via SH7 (and visit the Hanmer Springs for example).
But we are going to follow our original plan and see the best of South Island in a week including the northern tip of the island.
The epic ride from Wanaka to Westport takes 7 hours, and that is without stopping, so you can imagine we have long two days on the West Coast ahead.
Hit the road as early as you can, although Lake Wanaka is stunning, it is enough to have just a quick peek in order to have enough time for the ride and the West Coast in general.
Buy some snacks the evening before, or ask at the hotel to get a packed lunch if possible, so you don't have to waste your time by searching for restaurants along the way.
Enjoy the scenic ride along the deep blue waters of Lake Hawea and later on again lake Wanaka (once you get to the other side via the Neck).
After you pass through Makarora, you can visit Blue Pools with incredible white rocks and stunningly blue crystal clear water, or a bit further along the way, Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls.
In Haast, you will cross the same name river via the longest one-lane bridge in New Zealand, maybe take a short walk along the sandy beach to stretch your legs or walk around the wetlands briefly.
Oh, and by the way, welcome to the West Coast!
You can easily spend several days on the West Coast (it took us a week to get from Wanaka to Westport), but here are the best stops on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island you should visit on the day one of your trip in this part of the country.
First (recommended) stop on the way is the mountainous area of Fox Glacier and the famous Lake Matheson, from where you can spot the Mount Cook reflecting in the calm waters of the lake (if it's not cloudy or raining, and that's a big IF).
Less than half an hour ride from here is Franz Josef Glacier, another must-visit place on the West Coast, where you can do some really nice hikes.
It was a long day, and we would advise you to stay in Franz Josef Glacier Village overnight.
Where to stay in Franz Josef | Budget: Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge | Mid-range: Lake Matheson Motel | Luxury: Distinction Fox Glacier - Te Weheka Boutique Hotel
DAY 5 - WEST COAST - MOTUEKA
Another long day on the road awaits you.
Your goal today is to get from Franz Josef Village to Motueka, so prepare yourself for driving six and a half hours along the rugged West Coast and New Zealand's most dramatic inland scenery.
There will be many beautiful views and stops along the way, and you can't miss incredible rock formations called Pancake Rocks at the north end of the road in between Greymouth and Westport.
In other words, there are tons of small stops, viewpoints, and hikes along the way, so plan your day very carefully, as all those short stops can be very time-consuming.
If it's still good weather outside, you can visit from Westport town Cape Foulwind well-known for its breeding fur seal colony.
We experienced pouring rain when we arrived at the cape and didn't see much there, so fingers crossed.
Once you leave the West Coast, follow SH 6 going east to Kohatu, where you can turn left and continue via scenic Motueka Valley Highway to Motueka, where you can spend a night.
Where to stay in Motueka | Budget: White Elephant Backpackers | Mid-range: Kimi Ora Eco Resort | Luxury: The Waters
DAY 6 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Our destination today is the tropical paradise with golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, small creeks and canyons, mossy forests, and rugged coastline, the famous Abel Tasman National Park.
Although Motueka is known as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, you still need to drive another 17 kilometers to Marahau, where is the actual entrance to the national park.
You should easily catch the 8:30 morning tour, but there are still plenty of tours starting at 10:30, and you will find even half-day tours that start at 1 PM.
Here you can reserve Abel Tasman National Park Tour in advance.
The tour operator will usually take you to one of the popular beaches in the park by water taxi, where you can kayak or hike along the coast depending on what's included in the tour you booked.
The region around Tasman Bay is also one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, which makes it a popular destination all year round for locals and international visitors.
The sunny days are most welcome especially if it rained on your trip along the West Coast, and you can drive yourself up to an entirely different world.
In other words, Abel Tasman National Park is a must-visit place in New Zealand you are going to fall in love with at first sight.
Ultimately, head to the oldest city on the South Island, Nelson, where you should stay overnight, and get ready for the last day on the road.
This sunny town sits on the shores of the Tasman Bay set against dramatic Tasman Mountains, and we loved its positive vibes.
Where to stay in Nelson | Budget | Tasman Bay Backpackers Mid-range | Trailways Hotel Nelson Luxury | Shelbourne Villa
DAY 7 - NELSON - KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH
The seventh day is our last day on the road, and as usual, it's going to be a long one.
We will leave Nelson early in the morning via State Highway 6 while taking a last look on the incredible tide difference, and head to Blenheim.
Blenheim is famous for its wine, as its the capital of the New Zealand wine industry. If you've ever got a bottle of wine from your local store with a Marlborough sign, it was grown in this charming region.
You can make a stop at the local winery to take a tour around the vineyards, or just pop into a store and buy a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, the clear leader of the wine production in this part of New Zealand.
From Blenheim, follow the coastal State Highway 1 all the way down to Christchurch, and make one more optional stop. The ride is very scenic, so focus on driving, and make regular stops.
Less than two hours' drive from Blenheim, the world of whales aka Kaikoura is the last stop on our itinerary worth your time.
It's a small laidback town on New Zealand's east coast famous for its abundant marine wildlife, and particularly for whale watching.
But Kaikoura offers much more.
From whale watching, kayaking with seals and dolphins, albatrosses spotting, to eating out a local specialty - crayfish.
When in Kaikoura, you need to book a whale watching tour to encounter these sea giants in their natural habitat, as they move along the New Zealand coast on their journey to mate, breed, and take care of their offsprings.
Although whale watching is an all year round activity in Kaikoura, the best time to see whales here is during the winter months between June and August, when the weather is a bit cooler.
And you might be able to spot other migrating whale species such as humpback whales or blue whales.
In the afternoon, arrive in Christchurch, and if you still have any time or energy left, you can visit some popular sights in the city, you didn't get a chance exploring on the arrival day.
Where to stay in Christchurch | Budget: Jailhouse Accommodation | Mid-range: Crowne Plaza Christchurch | Luxury: The George
WHERE TO GO NEXT
The best way to continue your journey is to take a ferry and cross the Cook Strait to the North Island and resume the trip from there, in case South Island was your first stop on your itinerary.
You can plan your North Island adventure with our blog post Perfect 1-Week New Zealand North Island Travel Itinerary.
You can either board the ferry directly on the way from Nelson at Picton and leave out Kaikoura entirely from the itinerary, or if you really want to see the whales in Kaikoura, drive there, and there return to Picton on the same or the next day.
It's three and a half-hour ride from Nelson to Kaikoura, and then a 2-hour ride back to Picton.
If you want to fly home, you should at least visit Sydney in Australia for a few days on the way back.
Or look into our 4-week Australia Itinerary, that will take you to the Red Center, home to the famous Uluru and Olgas, and many other incredible places in Australia.
But this is only an option if you have more time or want to spice up your travels a bit.
IS ONE WEEK ENOUGH FOR SOUTH ISLAND?
We know it's really hard to get a two or three weeks vacation from the employer, but if you can, try to add two or three days.
We think two more days would turn this road trip into a much more enjoyable journey, and you would have extra time to explore all those fascinating places more thoroughly in a slower pace.
In one week on the South Island, you will not be able to do any of multi-day hikes, such as Queen Charlotte Track, but you will get an introduction to the beautiful scenery, and have a chance to see some of the top attractions and world-known places.
If you have more time, you should definitely check out New Zealand: The Perfect 4 Weeks Itinerary.
PLACES WE SKIPPED
Seven days on South Island is not enough to visit all the amazing places this destination has to offers, but we've tried our best, so you will see tons of fascinating places, and basically the best of South Island in the shortest time possible.
You don't have time to do any multiday treks such as Milford Track, Routeburn Track or Kepler Track, but you can do many short hikes during your travels.
We also skipped entirely the southeast coast, so no Moeraki Boulders, Caitlins Forest Park, or the South Coast.
To visit those places, you would have needed some extra days.
The same goes for Stewart Island and Rakiura Track.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING SOUTH ISLAND
You are going to need a lot of warm layers for South Island.
You should pack a waterproof jacket as it can rain anytime and the West Coast is actually the rainiest place in New Zealand.
You need a good gear, especially when camping outside, as the nights can be very cold even during the summer. Bring a good sleeping bag to stay warm at night and a down jacket for the cold evenings in the campsite.
Bug repellent and hand sanitizer are great for camping and hiking as well.
For more information, head to our article Ultimate New Zealand Packing List.
WHEN TO VISIT SOUTH ISLAND
The best time to visit South Island is in the summer, weather-wise, because temperatures are higher, and you have a much better chance to enjoy favorable conditions.
Do not forget, that summer in New Zealand lasts between December and February though.
The truth is, that weather on New Zealand's South Island is very changeable, so you should arrive well-prepared even during those months, and always have a backup plan as you can easily experience here four seasons in only one day.
When it comes to the best time to arrive according to us, we would advise you looking for flight tickets and accommodation during shoulder seasons such as November or March and April.
During this time the weather is still pretty nice, and there are not that many people traveling around.
Winter on the South Island can be pretty tough, and only experienced travelers should attempt exploring this place during June and August.
Some trails and roads might be closed because of snow, plus it also rains quite a lot.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET AROUND
Here is the most important thing to know about getting around New Zealand on a strict schedule.
You need to rent a car or campervan, as this is the only way how you can visit all the places on the itinerary in seven days.
The car gives you flexibility and freedom to travel around the South Island at your pace, and allow you to visit all the places you want to see.
You have several choices here.
Rent a small cheap car and sleep in the hotels. If you want to save on accommodation, bring a tent and stay at the campsites.
The second option you have is to rent a campervan and stay in the campsites. Although the campervans are quite expensive to rent, you don't have to stay in the hotels and you will save money on accommodation instead.
Keep in mind, that most of the campsites (even DOC sites) for not self-contained vehicles are not free, and you have to pay a small fee.
The most expensive option is to rent a big RV, but it is also the most comfortable option in case you want to experience the real road trip and sleep in the car instead of a hotel.
Regardless of your choice, we have something to say now.
You will spend in the car a lot of time, and in seven days you will cover long distances between destinations each day.
Plus you will hike, kayak, walk and do other demanding activities. Make sure you get enough sleep.
To avoid driver fatigue, share the driving if possible, and take proper and frequent breaks, and also get a good night's sleep.
And most importantly, if you are tired, pull over, and stay safe!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
