Do you have 3-4 Weeks for a new zealand south island road trip? buckle up and enjoy the views!
I spent four weeks on a New Zealand South Island Road Trip. No time limit. No itinerary. Just a solo backpacker, with his pack, camera, and a tiny white Toyota Yaris rental car.
My New Zealand Roadtrip Divided into Three Loops
My journey was a little bizarre; half-way through my island expedition the country locked-down due to Covid-19. During this time, I spent two months working on a vineyard. Afterwards, I hit the road again to check out the spots I had missed pre lock-down. After four weeks of exploring, I honestly feel like I might know New Zealand’s South Island better than most locals. My three-loop journey went something like this:
Loop I: Queenstown –> Wanaka –> Lake Tekapo –> Franz Joseph –> Arthur’s Pass –> Christchurch –> Queenstown
Loop II: Queenstown –> Glenorchy –> Te Anau –> Surat Bay –> Nugget Point –> Dunedin –> Oamaru –> Mt. Aoki/Mt. Cook –> Waipara
Loop III: Waipara –> Kaikoura –> Blenheim –> Queen Charlotte Track –> Nelson –> Abel Tasman Track –> Golden Bay –> Westport –> Karamea –> Punakaiki –> Nelson Airport
you are missing out if you don’t do these 10 things on new zealand’s south island:
#1 – Just drive. Take a long and scenic road-trip and pull-over often to enjoy the views
My top three stretches of road on my New Zealand South Island road trip were as follows:
#2 – Hike Mt. Isthmus Peak Track. This may be the best 16 kilometer (10 mile) hike in the world
#3 – Hike Roy’s Peak Track. This treasure is a New Zealand right of passage. If you didn’t hike it did you really go to New Zealand?
#4 – Visit Wharariki Beach. This out of the way beach, located at the tippy-top of New Zealand’s South Island is worth the trip, and will take your breath away
Itinerary: If you are a backpacker, Stay over at Hack’n Stay for the evening. I enjoyed a tasty dinner and jalapeno-infused cider at the Mussel Inn. I highly recommend visiting Wharariki beach at low-tide & sunset, if the stars align with your timing.
#5 – Stargaze at Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo is a recognized as one of the best places in the world for stargazing
If you can time it correctly, especially if it is a new moon, sign up for a night-time stargazing experience at the Dark Sky Project.
#6 – Explore the Milford Sound. Yep, it’s touristy, but it’s still epic
Itinerary: Spend a night or two in the cute town of Te Anau, rather than taking the bus from Queenstown. If you are a backpacker, I recommend staying at the Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau one of my favorite hostels in the world. Book a ferry tour and hike with Trips and Tramps to explore the Milford Sound. (Spoiler: it’s really a fjord). Hit up Redcliff Cafe for a delicious dinner, you will have to make reservations in advance as this is a very popular spot.
#7 – Tramp (“hike”), for at least a couple of days, on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
New Zealand has ten hikes that are collectively call the Great Walks, seven of which are located on the South Island. I spent a couple of days walking along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and I certainly don’t regret my choice. On my journey I heard rave reviews regarding Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track.
#8 – Hike Mt. Aoki/Mt. Cook and sleep over at Mueller Hut
Did you know that Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two men to successfully summit Mt. Everest is a New Zealander? Prior to climbing Mt. Everest, Hillary ascended Aoraki/Mt. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. One of my favorite adventures was hiking up Mt. Aoki/Mt. Cook and then spending the evening. Make sure you reserve your spot, because the 28-bunk Mueller Hut fills up quickly!
#9 – Go Winetasting!
New Zealand is recognized for its cabernet sauvignon varietal, but it’s other wines are under-rated. I really enjoyed my wine tasting visit at Rippon Winery in Wanaka, and I stopped by a few cellar doors in Waipara. For those amateur somms out there, I recommend visiting Blenheim, New Zealand’s wine capital.
#10 – Fill up on some New Zealand meat pies
Shout out to my New Zealand friend, Liam, who recommended Farlie Bakehouse. Best meat pies in the South Pacific in my humble opinion.
