New Zealand’s South Island: a storybook itinerary

Last updated on January 22, 2024

I’ve posted two huge articles with all the details of our one-month road trip in New Zealand – including our route, where we stayed, what we did, and how much it all cost – one post for the South Island and one for the North Island. It is most definitely one of the best trips we’ve ever done, a glorious immersion in the magnificence of New Zealand’s nature. It was exactly what we needed for a break from city life. If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, then do have a look at those posts, but for those of you who prefer pictures to words, here’s the storybook version, filled with New Zealand tips.

I also recommend this post by Katie at Two Wandering Soles, which has lots of money-saving tips for travelling in New Zealand.

It begins in Queenstown, New Zealand’s natural playground…

…home to a crystal-clear lake…

….and best viewed from up on high.

Queenstown is the world’s adventure capital.

Embrace it (and each other) to do the Nevis Swing (then celebrate with a trip to one of the Queenstown wineries).

A few away is the mighty Milford Sound. It’s one of the wettest places in the world.

And also one of the most beautiful, with towering waterfalls…

…and magical mists.

If you’re lucky you might see dolphins.

Stay in Te Anau for the best of Air BnB views…

… and on your journey stop at the signs for enchanting viewpoints along the way. New Zealand is the land of fairytales.

On the other side of Queenstown is Cromwell, famous for its fruit.

Pick the season’s best, from cherries to apples to plums.

And if you want to leave the beaten track, try a home exchange some place small. We went to Lauder for 10 peaceful days in a town that numbered just 16.

Wanaka is a nature lover’s dream…

…home to that famous tree…

….and the perfect place to hike.

Wake up in splendid nature…

…before heading off to the winding Haast Pass and stopping at beauty spots along the way…

…from swing bridges..

…to waterfalls…

…to dens made out of driftwood.

Gillespie’s beach is one of the most perfect places to camp. Look one way and you see the ocean…

….the other, you see Mount Cook.

In the morning, head to the handy dial to find out the names of the mountains you’ve been marvelling at…

…then wander up to Lake Matheson.

On a perfect day, the lake reflects the surrounding nature…

…to create the mirror image of Mount Cook.

It’s the kind of beauty you could stare at for days.

But even without the reflections, the lake and forest are enough to delight.

And your next stop brings even more awe, with the mighty Fox Glacier.

View it from the ground…

…or splash out and take a helicopter to the top…

…and walk on the glacier itself.

Up the coast is Hokitika, a little town…

…with perfect sunsets. There’s a hashtag #westcoastbestcoast for a reason.

Drive north for more coastal might and the peculiar pancake rocks.

The blow holes and swell pools leave no doubt of nature’s crown.

Inland you’ll pass Lake Brunner…

…en route to Arthur’s Pass, a drive of epic views.

Otherworldly sights are everyday in New Zealand, and Castle Hill proves that point.

Pass it as you drive to Akaroa, a pretty seaside town where you can swim with little dolphins…

…and be charmed by painted houses.

Earthquakes have hit Christchurch hard, but the city strives boldly on. The cardboard cathedral is an impressive feat…

…beautiful inside and out.

Up the coast is rugged Kaikoura, homes to whales, dolphins and more.

And then next you’ll hit Marlborough, the heartland of sauvingnon blanc. Ride bikes through the vineyards and fill your day with tastes in one of New Zealand’s best wine tasting regions.

Nelson is a tiny city…

…cute and filled with quirks. Don’t miss the Saturday market.

Just north is Cable Bay where life slows to snail’s pace.

Walk through the mud when the tide is low…

…or take a kayak when it rolls back in.

And finally east is Abel Tasman where more kayaks await…

…and golden sands are there to explore.

You could even sleep in a yurt

New Zealand is simply awesome in the truest sense of that word. Read our full itinerary for the South Island here, including where we stayed, all the things we did and how much it all cost. We also have a New Zealand North Island itinerary and a photo story of the North Island here. And also see this guide to places to eat in Queenstown.

Let us know if you have any more New Zealand tips. It’s always useful for other readers, plus we’d love excuses to return!