The ultimate kid friendly 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary

The ultimate kid friendly 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary

Nothing beats a South Island New Zealand Road trip. Nothing. The stunning landscapes, the diversity, the wildlife, the blue lakes, the Southern Alps – each town or city you visit will be your new favourite. New Zealand is home to nature at its finest. From exotic birds to the world-famous meat pies, from the best burgers to the delicious ice creams, from the most beautiful cities to the even stunning drives, from Salmon farms to even deer farms, New Zealand is a place like no other.

All in all, if I had to sum up New Zealand in one short sentence, I would say that you just can’t get enough of this stunning Country. This 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary is extremely kid friendly. It gives you a vast variety to see the different landscapes that the South Island is so famous for. 

One of my biggest worries while planning a trip to New Zealand was if the kids would enjoy it. They appreciate nature and beauty but for 2 weeks? I wasn’t sure. As adults, we can appreciate beauty day in and out but would the girls like it just as much? I had to make sure that we had a ton of activities or included sights that they would love and would be eager to see. This itinerary is tried and tested and one that was an absolute treat for kids just as much as it was for us, adults. 

If you are planning a trip to NZ, the first question will be – How much time do I need in NZ? How much time should I be spending on the North Island versus the South Island? How are the North and South Island different? Well, these tips will help you plan your vacation and divide your time appropriately between the two islands. 

Your next question will be if you should drive through the South Island or hop on a tour. Although this is a personal choice, I have shared all the driving tips for New Zealand here. It will help you decide which type of travel is ideal for you and your family. 

Details on the 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary

Most people arriving in the South Island will choose to fly into and out of Christchurch. This itinerary is a loop starting and ending in Christchurch. If you choose to fly into and out of Queenstown, you can easily adjust the itinerary and start your loop from Queenstown. 

If you decide to drive down from the North Island, you will arrive in Picton. You can adjust the itinerary by adding a day to drive from Picton to Christchurch or if you have an extra day, you can add a day in Kaikoura. Kaikoura is known for Whale watching and a stop here almost guarantees you sighting of the magnificent Sperm Whales through flight or a boat (more on this below if you want to add Kaikoura to your 10 day itinerary).

A quick summary of your 10 day South Island New Zealand Itinerary

New Zealand is a country where time will never be on your side. With the amount of stunning hikes, numerous blue lakes and all the activities that NZ has to offer, there is no doubt that you will fill up the time you have there very quickly. It is important to pick a few top things you want to do and see and work out an itinerary accordingly. This itinerary will help you get started. 

Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Drive distance: 285 kms
Drive time:  3.5 hrs

The ultimate kid friendly 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary
Lake Tekapo

There are two routes you can choose from to drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. The main highway is State Highway 1 and although this will save you some time, I highly recommend the second route which is the Scenic Route on Highway 77. Although your drive time is 3.5 hours, you can easily spend a day exploring the Canterbury Plains. There are so many stops you can choose to make along the way. 

The Second Route is much quieter – even during peak season. You will pass through New Zealand’s largest area of flat land – the Canterbury Plains. This drive is filled with beautiful rivers and straight roads cutting through the beautiful fields. As you start your drive, you will pass through fields of wheat and grazing pastures and this area quickly turns green and only keeps getting greener. 

As you drive along Highway 77, you will quickly be enveloped by the magnificent Southern Alps. You see mountains all around you – as far as the eye stretches and this is one of the most stunning views of South Island. 

The first stop along the way is the Rakaia Gorge. This will be your first encounter with the stunning blue water that the South Island is famous for. With glistering clear blue water, this Gorge is a great introduction of what New Zealand’s South Island encompasses. There are options to do a 3–4-hour hike along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway or simply spend an hour admiring the beauty of the Gorge. A little up the road, there is a viewpoint you can spot at as well. 

The next stop along the way is Washpen Falls in Windwhistle and is often referred to ‘a pocket of paradise where moa once roamed’. Washpen Falls is a conservation project that started 80 million years ago with a major volcanic blow. You can participate in the 2-hour adventure walk that is a great walk for kids. The walk passes through a Volcanic Canyon which is now a reserve filled with lush native bush and birdlife. 

Your next step on way to Lake Tekapo is the famous town of Geraldine where SH79 begins. This town is world famous for the Barker’s Shop. This shop was founded in the town itself and with yummy treats that the shop is so famous for, it is sure to be a favourite for kids and adults alike. 

Once you leave the town, your next stop is the Gem Alpaca Shud just outside of another town called Fairlie. I have such good things to say about the farm, the experience, and all the fun we had here. We reached after the farm closed for the day (4pm!!) but the owner was amazing and allowed the girls into the farm and gave them a private tour without even charging us for it. 

Once you leave Fairlie, you will drive into Lake Tekapo. You can either find a quite stop along the rocky shores right off the main road or drive a bit further down to where the buses stop. You will be met with turquoise blue water and watching the beautiful sunset over Lake Tekapo will easily take your heart away. Don’t miss visiting the iconic Church of Good Shepard when you are in Lake Tekapo. 

Lake Tekapo is world famous for their Dark Sky Preserve area. This town is the perfect place for star gazing and you can add a Māori cultural experience along with star gazing in Lake Tekapo. 

Stay overnight in Lake Tekapo.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook to Omarama or Twizel

Drive distance: 200 kms
Drive time: 3 hrs

10 day south island New Zealand itinerary
Lake Pukaki

Leave Lake Tekapo in the morning on SH 8 and make your way to Lake Pukaki. This lake is stunning, and you can see Mount Cook in the backdrop on a clear day. The water is glacially fed and extremely blue. 

There are options to hike from Lake Pukaki if you have time to do so. The Lake Pukaki South Island hike is a 10 kms – 3 hrs hike. Lake Pukaki Foreshore Walk is a 13 km – 4 hrs hike. Marker Bay is a 1 km – 20 mins hike and Pukaki Kettle Hole Track is 4 kms – 1 hr hike. If you are looking for a spot to take photos, you can stop at the Lake Pukaki viewpoint

Once you leave Lake Pukaki, turn right on SH 80 and drive along one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand. This drive is right along Lake Pukaki and takes you to Aoraki/Mount Cook. You will want to stop at every corner to take photos but make sure you only stop where there is a shoulder. There are a ton of viewpoints along the road where you can safely stop to take photos. 

Welcome to Aoraki/Mount Cook. This area is considered one of the rainiest areas in New Zealand and if you see Mount Cook or not will largely depend on the weather. Mount Cook National Park is one of the best places to visit on the South Island. It is home to some of the most epic viewpoints and has some of the best hiking on the South Island.

If you plan to spend an hour here or even 6, pencil in a hike for this time to see some of the best views of Mount Cook. The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular hike in this national park. It is a 10 kms hike and you will need around 3-3.5 hrs to complete it (factor in more time if you are hiking with kids)! The trail is flat with well-maintained gravel along with a boardwalk over the marshy parts making it an easy hike. 

There are three swinging bridges on this hike which gives you stunning views of Mueller Lake, Mount Sefton, and Mueller Glacier in the far distance. The first bridge will give you the best view of Mount Cook. If you plan to hike the Hooker Valley Track, try to get on the trail as early in the morning as possible. You can hike this track before exploring around Lake Pukaki (you will be driving down the same way and passing Lake Pukaki to go to Omarama or Twizel). 

Another popular hike is the Tasman River Viewpoint. This hike is an easy 1 hour walk and is 2.6 kms. If you are looking for a shorter hike, this one is for you. This hike starts from the parking lot, and it also branches off to the Blue Lakes hike. You can combine the Tasman River viewpoint and Blue Lakes hikes. Blue Lakes is 2.2 kms and a 40 mins easy hike. The Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand and is approximately 16.8 feet in length. 

If you are looking for a hike that is even shorter, consider the Bowen Bush hike. This hike is 10 mins and is suitable for everyone. This forested walk will give you a chance to hear many birds that reside there. The hike starts opposite the petrol pumps in Mount Cook Village.

When you are ready, leave Mount Cook National Park on SH 80 and make your way to a tiny town called Twizel. Twizel is home to salmon farms, and you can catch your own salmon here and have it cooked for you. This town is also bigger with more options for restaurants and accommodations than Omarama. 

If you plan to spend the night in Twizel, stop at the Ben Ohau Station or book a tour to see LOTR filming locations. 

Omarama Clay Cliffs

On way to Omarama, stop at the Clay Cliffs. This is a by-donation attraction ($5/vehicle) and lies on private property. You can walk the short distance from the parking lot and venture into the cliffs. 

If you are planning to stay in Omarama, make your way to this junction town. This town is very small and only has one grocery store, a few motels, etc. This is more of a transit town and closer to Dunedin where you will be heading out to tomorrow. 

Take the evening to relax at the Omarama Hot Tubs. If you are planning a visit to the hot tubs, make sure you book in advance! Spots fill up fairly quickly and you will be extremely lucky to find any time slots if you book on the same day.

Day 3: Twizel/Omarama to Dunedin 

Drive Distance: 230 kms
Drive time: 3 hrs

Benmore Dam

If you like taking photos, today is the day where you want to have your camera batteries fully charged. You will notice such a vast change in landscape along with the changing colour of the water. There will be times when you will wonder if you are still in New Zealand and how a few hours of drive can change the landscape so drastically. 

When you leave Omarama, you will pass through the town of Benmore where you will find the Benmore Dam. Benmore Dam is New Zealand’s largest earth-fill dam. If you drive past the dam, you will end up in a parking lot from where you can take one of the various trails for some splendid views of Benmore dam and Benmore Lake. The 3.9 kms loop takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

The Benmore Peninsula Walk is a beautiful walk-through pine and exotic forest. Although the trail is marked easy to moderate, be careful as the track is not well signposted. Stay on the main trails and enjoy the nice views from the Mount Cook and islands viewpoints. 

Right before you hit the town of Duntroon, you will come across some beautiful Māori Art along the main highway. It is a free attraction but be respectful of the space and culturally aware of what you are about to witness. 

From here on, there are many stops you can make along the way to see the Penguins or Sea Lions. This area is home to the Blue Penguin Colony which is known as the world’s smallest penguins. The best time to view penguins is at dusk or dawn before the penguins leave for the day to go fishing or after 4pm when the penguins return to land after their day out in the sea. 

Your next stop will be at the Rainbow Confectionary Factory Shop in Oamuru. It is along the highway, and you can’t miss this shop because of its bright and vibrant colours. 

You can stop along the way at Katiki Point Lighthouse to see the yellow-eyed penguins or even catch a glimpse of the sea lions playing in the area or basking in the sun. 

Follow the coastline to Moeraki or take the inner scenic road along the Bushy Beach to see the boulders. You can witness huge spherical boulders in different shapes and sizes scattered or clustered along the Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. Low tide will give you the best views of the boulders so make sure you walk along the beach and take a ton of photos near the boulders. You can stop at the snack and gift shop right at the boulders to grab a quick bite or souvenirs.

Another great scenic stop along the way of the Puketeraki lookout point. You can park your car right at the lookout and enjoy the stunning views of the Otago Peninsula. 

Finally, make your way to the beautiful coastal town of Dunedin. Once in Dunedin, your options are countless. You can take a nature and city tour, a brewery guided tour, visit the stunning Lanarch Castle or take a sightseeing wildlife tour to see the Penguins and Albatross in the Otago Peninsula. 

Day 4: Dunedin to Te Anau 

Drive Distance: 422 kms
Drive time: 6 hrs

Nugget Point Lighthouse

Take the morning to explore more of Dunedin if you haven’t had enough time to do so. Dunedin is a university town and is home to amazing restaurants, a great nightlife, and some bigger stores that you may not come across during your drive through the inner towns. 

One of the things to do in Dunedin is drive down Baldwin Street. This street is known as the steepest street in the world, and it is quite the experience. Note: If you are driving up the street, DO NOT turn right at the end of the street to make a U-turn! This street is a dead-end narrow street, and it is impossible to make a U-turn here. Rather, turn left and make a U-turn once safe if you want to drive down Baldwin Street. 

Your next stop will be Kaka Point and the Nugget Point Lighthouse. The 2km hike to the Nugget Point Lighthouse is a beautiful hike on a cliff by the water. It is safe for kids but make sure you always keep them close by. Parking is available at the start of the trail and arrive early to avoid the rush. 

Head over to the Purakaunui Falls. These Falls are a 10 mins walk from the parking lot and one of the most refreshing walks. The trail is surrounded by rainforests and streams and at the end of the trail, you will hit a viewing deck to see the beautiful Purakaunui Falls.  

Florence Hill Lookout is the next stop on your way to Te Anau. This lookout offers beautiful views of the ocean and the The Caitlins that is extremely famous in the South Island. This drive is along the SSR (Southern Scenic Route) and it is worth the different landscapes you will see on your drive today. Be ready to stop at every corner to take photos (haven’t I said this so many times already?) but make sure you stop when it is safe to do so.

Although there are many more places you can stop at in The Caitlins, time is not in your favour as you head to Te Anau for a quick stop before a spectacular day tomorrow. 

Te Anau is set on Lake Te Anau and this quaint town is the perfect base for all your Fiordland adventures. You can also take a Glowworm Cave tour that is famous in the region. 

Day 5: Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Drive Distance: 406 kms
Drive time: 5.5 hrs

The ultimate kid friendly 10 day South Island New Zealand itinerary
Mitre Peak at Milford Sound

Today is going to be one of the most spectacular days of your trip. Milford Sound is a fiord in the Southwest of New Zealand’s South Island with Fiordland National Park. The weather in this region is extremely unpredictable and if rain is on the forecast, do not let this ruin your trip. Milford Sound is magical during the rains. Thousands of temporary waterfalls carve their way down the mountains making it a truly stunning experience. 

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s best natural attraction. It is known for its rainforest, Mitre Peak and waterfalls. You may get a chance to see the stunning wildlife in the waters of the Milford Sound. Fur seals, dolphins and penguins live in and around the Milford Sounds. 

The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is approximately 2 hours. There are a few ways you can explore Milford Sound:

  1. Through a guided tour on a coach bus from Te Anau where you can sit back, relax and take in the splendid views leading into Milford Sound. This is one of THE prettiest drives on the South Island. 
  2. You can drive from Te Anau by yourself and book a cruise on a glass roof catamaran to give you the best chance to see the beautiful Milford Sound. When you drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, you will want to stop at every single place to take photos and take in the views. There are beautiful hikes along the way but be mindful of the time of the cruise and leave from Te Anau accordingly. 
  3. If you like to Kayak, this Kayak and cruise option is absolutely fantastic. There is something magical to kayak on the waters of Milford Sound. You can kayak right under the waterfalls and through the Fiords. 
  4. If you feel like splurging then consider taking a scenic flight out of Queenstown or Te Anau. Although this option is pricier, it is one you will never forget. Seeing the Fiordland National Park from a flight is a whole different experience in itself. 

NOTE: Parking is located 10-15 mins walk away from the cruise terminal. Please factor in this time if you are driving. You do not want to miss your cruise as there is no guarantee that you will get on the next one. 

After your day exploring the Milford Sounds, make your way to one of THE prettiest cities in the world – Queenstown

Day 6: Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu

This city is set on Lake Wakatipu with the magnificent Southern Alps in the background. Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of the world. You will find a wide array of things to do for kids and adrenaline packed activities in Queenstown. Ranging from bungee jumping to zip lining to biking to a ton of water activities, you can check out all that there is to do in Queenstown.

Another classic in Queenstown is the TSS Earnslaw Cruise. This cruise gives you a chance to also see Walter Peak with a gourmet BBQ. The jet boat ride is another fun adventure.

When you are in Queenstown, you need to be very picky of what you choose to do. You can quickly get overwhelmed by the number of things to do in Queenstown so choose what fits your family’s needs the best. 

Glenorchy is a must visit. 46 kms away from Queenstown, this town is known as the Lord of the Rings country. Once there, you will feel like you are on the sets of LOTR! If you wish to take a break today from all the driving you have done so far or will continue to do from tomorrow, you can take a guided half day tour to Glenorchy and Paradise or you can drive to Glenorchy by yourself.  Once there, take a photo in front of the iconic red hut. 

On way to Paradise, you can stop at the Glenorchy Animal experience. This farm is beautiful – the views and the experience is fantastic. If you are lucky, you will get to see the sheeps being sheered. Drive a bit further to get to Paradise (literally!). If you have the time, drive further towards Mt. Aspiring National Park and see the beautiful snow-capped mountains from here.

This is also the spot where Isengard from LOTR was created. The road here is gravelled and you will be crossing through shallow streams or puddles of water. Make sure your car is high enough to pass through. Those driving sedans had to turn back.

If you are looking to grab a bite in Queenstown, check out the world-famous Fergburger. Be ready to wait in the line up – it is famous for a reason ;). Right next to Fergburger is the Fergburger Bakery – a must try for those that love the meat pies that NZ is famous for! Patagonia ice cream is close by and another MUST try! The flavours and choices are endless and it’s one of the best ice creams we have ever eaten. 

Queenstown is also home to the famous Minus 5 Ice Bar. If time is on your side, this is a great place to check out and get a drink.

This ends your day in the beautiful Queenstown!

Day 7: Queenstown to Franz Joseph Glacier

Drive Distance: 353 kms
Drive time: 5 hrs

Fox Glacier

Leave Queenstown in the morning to make your way to the wild west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. You will notice a drastic change in landscape today while driving through mountains and rainforests to get to the wild west filled with rugged coastlines and glaciers. 

Once you leave Queenstown, you have the option to visit Arrowtown. Arrowtown is one of THE best things to do when you visit Queenstown. The town was extablished in 1862 during the height of the Orago gold rush. The Chinese settlement at the edge of the river continues to remain a highlight of Arrowtown. The town has it’s own charm – there are so many things to do. Get lost wandering the cute little streets of Arrowtown. 

Your next stop is Wanaka (ever heard of #thatwanakatree?). You have two options to drive on to get to Wanaka. If you are confident driver and are looking to drive on a very scenic road, drive on the Crown Range Road. It is known for its narrow twists and turns. If you are a novice driver or not confident driving on the Crown Range Road, you can take the SH6 back through Cromwell. This highway is faster as well. 

Welcome to Wanaka where you can finally get your Instagram photo with #thatwanakatree. The tree is the MOST photographed tree and is New Zealand’s most famous tree. Also known as the Wanaka Willow, it is a Willow tree located at the southern end of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region of New Zealand. Please do not climb on the tree or play any role in damaging it. 

That Wanaka Tree has been damaged on several occasions, both intentionally and unintentionally. A branch came off the tree in late 2017 due to tourists climbing it, which led to the local board installing signs discouraging the practice. There is a great playground here for kids to burn off their energy for the next leg of your drive. 

A great stop in Wanaka is Hook Wanaka. It is a Salmon farm where you can catch your own salmon, cook it and eat your fresh catch. Note the day you plan to go here. Hook Wanaka is not open every day but is a great experience. 

From Wanaka, continue on SH6. The drive has a beautiful waterfall on the way. You can stop at the Blue Pools. The blue colour of these pools depends on the weather, rains, etc. You might see irky brown water or the bright blue colour that the pools are so famous for. The hike is approximately 1.6 kms one way and takes you through a forestry area with a suspension bridge – a great walk for kids. 

You can stop at the Hass Pass LookoutFantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls on your drive further. Thunder Creek Falls are a short 2 minute walk from the parking lot and worth the stop. 

From here, a few minutes down the road is The Haast Pass Lookout. You can hike the 1km one-way hike to get some of the best views of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Once past the longest one-lane bridge in New Zealand and across the Haast River, you enter the wild west.

You can stop at the Knights Point Lookout on your way to the Fox Glacier. At this lookout point, you will realize how wild and rugged the west coast truly is. The water is wild and the Tasman Sea is beautiful. 

Fox Glacier is known for its mirror like reflections on a clear day of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime, take a scenic flight over the Fox glacier and Franz Joseph glacier. This will be an unforgettable experience and one you will remember forever. The glaciers are so magnificent and seeing them through a flight is stunning. 

You can stop at the Fox Glacier Viewpoint to get a great view of the glacier. Be aware of Kea (mountain parrots) that are abundant in the area. They like to sit on cars and chew off the rubbers. 

Your last stop for the day is the Franz Joseph Glacier. This town has many restaurants and is a great place to stop for the night. 

Day 8: Franz Joseph Glacier to Hokitika/Kaikoura

To Hokitika:

Drive Distance: 138 kms
Drive time: 2 hrs

To Kaikoura

Drive Distance: 402 kms
Drive time: 5 hrs

You have an option on day 8 to either drive to Hokitika or to Kaikoura. This choice is completely personal and one where you will need to make the call. Kaikoura is the capital for whale watching – so much so that tours offer a guarantee and refund 80% of the ticket price if you do not see a whale on their tour. 

Hokitika

You can take some more time in the morning to explore around the Franz Joseph area. Once you are ready to leave, drive up to Lake Mapourika. This lake gets it’s name from the Māori translation of “Flower of the Dawn”. The lake is the largest lake on the west coast and is fed by a number of small streams that comes from the surrounding bush clad hills. 

You can choose to take the 3 hours kayak tour on Lake Mapourika or take a scenic cruise across the lake. These gives you the best views of the lake. 

You can stop at the various lookout stops along the way or drive straight into Hokitika. It is a cool little town where you can experience heritage, nature or just be creative. 

In Hokitika, you can do the West Coast Treetop Walkway or even add in ziplining with the treetop walk. The Treetop Walkway is located 15 minutes out of Hokitika and is worth a visit. 

If you are planning to bring back souvenirs and greenstones are on the list, this is where you can purchase them from. Hokitika is home to pounamu jewelry

You can stop at the iconic Hokitika sign on the beach. The sign is famous because it is made of driftwood right on the beach.

Hokitika Gorge Walk is another great spot to stop at. This easy 15 minute walk will give you a chance to see the bright blue colour of the gorge. 

Kaikoura

After stopping at all the stops listed above, make your way towards Arthur’s Pass to cross back to the east side of the island. The alpine village of Arthur’s Pass is your hallway point going towards Christchurch and then heading north to Kaikoura. 

Arthur’s Pass is very famous. You will be climbing more than 900 metres through Arthur’s Pass National Park and it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.

An excellent stop after the Arthur’s Pass Village is the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. Two short walks lead to the cave’s entrances. The cave is 594 m long, and it takes about 1 hour to walk through the cave. The cave passage meanders and twists in pitch darkness for 594 m between the two entrances. There is a 3m waterfall at the end inlet end. 

From here, you can make your way into Kaikoura. The drive north of Christchurch is beautiful. Keep an eye out as you will see fur seals basking in the sun. 

OPTION 1: Day 9: Hokitika to Christchurch

Drive Distance: 250 kms
Drive time: 3.25 hrs

If you are leaving from Hokitika today, you will pass cut across from Arthur’s Pass. Read the above section (Kaikoura) to find out where you can stop along the way to Christchurch.

OPTION 2: Kaikoura

Kaikoura is the northern-most district within the Canterbury region. It is known for whale watching and the delicious seafood. Spend the day exploring Kaikoura and take the day as an opportunity to see whales and fur seals. 

There are many ways to watch the whales in Kaikoura. You can take a cruise or watch the magnificent whales from a flight – the choice is yours on how you would like to see them. 

Roam around downtown Kaikoura and visit the boutique souvenir shops found here. If you still haven’t had a chance to purchase any stone jewelry, this is your place! 

Day 10: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Drive Distance: 180 kms
Drive time: 2.5 hrs

If you plan to stay in Christchurch for a few days, there are many things to do in Christchurch. One of the quickest ways to see the most you can in the city is by purchasing the combo tickets for a gandola ride, a riverboat punt and a vintage tram ride

If you plan to stay in Christchurch for a few days and have time, a day trip or an overnight stay in Akaroa is a must! This is the most French town in all of New Zealand. You will be intrigued by the historic buildings, splendid harbour and the fine food available in Akaroa.

If you plan to fly out of Christchurch today, make sure you book a late afternoon or evening flight, so you have enough time to drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch. 

Final thoughts

Although this itinerary does not cover all there is to see on the South Island in New Zealand, it gives you a wide range of the must-sees. The South Island is a place like no other – there are so many beautiful regions we would have loved to see but have left for our next time there. It is important to figure out what you absolutely MUST see and then build your itinerary around it. 

Do keep in mind that actual drive times in New Zealand are quite different from Google Map times. Add quite a bit of time to Google Maps if you plan to use that to calculate distance and time. On this itinerary, we have provided the most accurate times based on our own drive times to these destinations. 

I hope you find this itinerary helpful and I hope it will give you a chance to start building and customizing your own road trip in the South Island. New Zealand is easily one of the best countries we have been to. The South Island is such a visual treat and every corner of our road trip was different and unique in its own way. People often ask us what our highlight was in the South Island and this is a question I fail to answer. There are so many splendid sights and I am glad we followed this itinerary because it really gave us a chance to see the most we could.

If you have any questions on your South Island road trip, feel free to reach out to us via the contact form on here or through Instagram. If you are looking to book your trip to New Zealand, I am a certified gold specialist to sell travel to New Zealand and can help you build the perfect itinerary and book your trip.

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