If you’re dreaming of an epic New Zealand escape filled with turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, untamed coastlines, world-class hikes and adrenaline-charged adventures, this 14-day South Island itinerary delivers the lot. Designed for travellers seeking a blend of nature, culture and thrill, it covers all the heavy-hitters—from Punakaiki’s iconic Pancake Rocks to the mighty glaciers of the West Coast, the alpine hubs of Wānaka and Queenstown, the wild beauty of Milford Sound, and the star-laden skies of Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

This itinerary is crafted to maximise your time and tick off some of the South Island’s most unforgettable experiences. With detailed daily highlights, spectacular stops, and practical tips along the way, it’s the perfect guide for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike!

Getting there

This itinerary begins with a scenic sailing from Wellington to Picton — an iconic journey with the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry across the Cook Strait that leads you straight into the serene, forest-lined inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. After collecting your rental car at Picton Ferry Terminal, your road trip officially kicks off. Over the next two weeks, you’ll loop through the northern coast, down the wild West Coast, into the heart of the Southern Alps, and across the Canterbury Plains, ending in Christchurch — a city that’s convenient for dropping off your hire car and catching your flight home.

Your South Island adventure begins with the 8.15am ferry from Wellington, a scenic journey across the Cook Strait, arriving in Picton by late morning. After picking up your rental car and enjoying lunch in the harbourfront village, head off towards Nelson via the magnificent Queen Charlotte Drive.

This winding route threads along hidden coves and sparkling bays framed by lush native bush—one of the most photogenic drives in the country. Stop in Havelock, the green-lipped mussel capital of New Zealand, for a quick wander or a seafood tasting before reaching Nelson.

Once in Nelson, settle into your accommodation before heading out for a beachside sunset. Kaiteriteri Beach rewards those willing to make the one-hour drive with its golden sand and calm waters, while Tahunanui Beach offers a relaxed sunset stroll just minutes from the city centre.

Today is all about one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal national parks. The Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk experience lets you explore its golden beaches, sculpted granite headlands and lush native bush at a comfortable pace. Cruise past secluded coves, watch for dolphins and seals, then hop off for a gentle walk through the park’s famed coastal tracks. Whether you stroll for 30 minutes or challenge a longer section, you’ll encounter postcard-worthy viewpoints at every turn. Return to Nelson in the evening for a well-earned rest.

In the morning, before leaving town, drop into the Nelson Classic Car Museum — a treasure trove of over 150 impeccably restored vintage and classic cars. From retro beauties to rare collector pieces, it’s a nostalgic stop even non-car enthusiasts enjoy! Your journey then continues west as the scenery shifts from sunny vineyards to dense rainforest and rugged coastline. The drive to Punakaiki takes you through the rugged northern West Coast, where dramatic limestone cliffs and tangled rainforest welcome you. Late afternoon is the perfect time to explore the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. These layered limestone formations resemble stacks of pancakes, and when the tide and swell are just right, blowholes erupt with surprising force. Check into your accommodation in Punakaiki or Greymouth and unwind after a big day on the road.

The next morning, travel south towards Franz Josef Glacier, one of the country’s most accessible glacial valleys. Begin at the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park and walk the easy Franz Josef Valley Track, followed by the short uphill Sentinel Rock Walk for sweeping alpine and glacier views. Continue onward to Fox Glacier Viewpoint, a scenic, wheelchair-friendly lookout with cultural interpretation panels and an optional 10-minute forest walk. After checking into your accommodation in Fox Glacier village, head out just before sunset for the magical Minnehaha Track, where the forest glows with thousands of tiny glowworms after dark.

The following morning is dedicated to one of the South Island’s signature adventure experiences—a glacier heli-hike. Check in with your tour operator and enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride over icefalls and crevasses before stepping onto the glacier itself for a guided walk through ice caves and frozen formations. After your return flight, enjoy lunch at a local café and wind down with a relaxing soak at the Glacier Hot Pools.

On Day 6, check out and begin the spectacular drive through Haast Pass, one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine routes. The journey to Wānaka is filled with postcard-worthy stops, including Roaring Billy Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, Diana Falls, Fantail Falls, and the famous Blue Pools. As the mountains give way to open valleys, enjoy stunning vistas over Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, including lookouts at The Neck and Albert Town. Arrive in Wānaka by early evening, settle into your accommodation, and finish your day with a sunset session at the iconic That Wānaka Tree before heading to dinner and calling it a night.

For more detail on West Coast experiences, continue exploring our guide: 👉 West Coast NZ South Island Road Trip: Punakaiki to Wānaka.

West Coast NZ South Island Road Trip:
Punakaiki to Wānaka

Depart Wānaka for Queenstown via the spectacular Crown Range Road, the country’s highest sealed highway and one of the most scenic drives in the South Island. Your first stop is Bradrona, the famous and delightfully quirky bra fence that began as a small roadside gesture and has since grown into a vibrant landmark raising funds and awareness for breast cancer support.

Continue climbing towards the Crown Range Summit, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the Wānaka Basin, rugged alpine ridgelines, and the winding road far below—an ideal place to pause for photographs and to appreciate just how high you’ve climbed.

As the descent begins, pull into Wright Lookout, a panoramic vantage point overlooking the Arrowtown valley, rolling hills and the dramatic switchbacks that make this drive so iconic.

Just a little further along, make time for the Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout, one of the most impressive viewpoints on the drive. Perched high above the valley, this stop offers sweeping vistas across rugged mountain ranges, tussock-covered slopes and winding alpine roads stretching far below. It’s an ideal place to pause, stretch your legs and truly appreciate the scale and beauty of New Zealand’s highest sealed road before continuing the descent.

The scenery continues to unfold as you approach Arrow Junction Lookout Point, a gateway to historic Arrowtown and the final leg into Queenstown.

Arrive in Queenstown for lunch — Fergburger is practically a rite of passage here, famed for its generous portions and inventive combinations. Just be aware that queues often stretch out the door, with wait times reaching 1–1.5 hours during peak periods, so plan your visit accordingly.

Spend the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of the lakeside CBD. With bustling streets, boutique shops, craft breweries and adventure outfitters around every corner, it’s the perfect place to unwind before diving into Queenstown’s many activities.

Kickstart the day with the Nevis Bungy, one of the world’s highest and most exhilarating bungy jumps.

Suspended 134 metres above the rugged Nevis Valley, the experience begins with a 40-minute 4WD journey from Queenstown CBD into remote backcountry terrain before you’re escorted across a swaying cable car to the jump pod hanging dramatically above the canyon.

Once harnessed in, you’ll step to the edge with nothing but vast open space beneath your feet. The moment you leap, the 8.5-second freefall feels like time slows—an electrifying plunge surrounded by sheer cliff faces, deep river gorges and raw Central Otago wilderness. The rebound launches you back into the air before gently lowering you to the ground, adrenaline pumping and legs shaking. It’s a heart-racing, once-in-a-lifetime challenge that rewards you with unmatched views of the Nevis Valley and a sense of achievement that stays with you long after the jump!

Afterwards, drive to Te Anau via the spectacular Devil’s Staircase section of Lake Wakatipu. Stop at lakeside lookouts for dramatic mountain-meets-water scenery before checking into your hotel and resting ahead of tomorrow’s big adventure.

Today’s drive is filled with breathtaking landscapes. Stop at Eglinton Valley for sweeping meadows framed by towering peaks, and at Mirror Lakes where still waters reflect the surrounding mountains perfectly, before arriving at Milford Sound. Once at Milford Sound, your 2-hour cruise takes you deep into the fiord, gliding beneath sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and mist-covered peaks. After the cruise, return to Te Anau with stops at The Chasm and Monkey Creek, where dramatic river gorges and icy-blue waters demand photo stops.

For an in-depth breakdown of Milford Sound, including weather tips, cruise check-in, road conditions, and essential safety advice, refer to our full guide: 👉 Milford Sound Day Trip: Experience Fiordland’s Most Iconic Drive and Cruise Adventure.

Milford Sound Day Trip: Experience
Fiordland’s Most Iconic Drive and Cruise Adventure

The journey today brings a shift from fiords to high country beauty! Make a quick and quirky stop at the Cromwell Fruit Sculpture, a larger-than-life roadside landmark celebrating the region’s rich horticultural heritage. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, it’s a fun photo opportunity and a light-hearted introduction to Central Otago’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most productive fruit-growing regions.

From Cromwell, the drive climbs steadily into the dramatic Lindis Pass, where the landscape transforms into wide-open tussock country and rolling, golden hills. One of the South Island’s most striking alpine routes, the pass offers sweeping views, braided valleys and a sense of remote high-country beauty that feels worlds away from the fiords left behind.

Arrive in Lake Tekapo and head straight for the lakefront to see the vibrant lupin blooms (seasonal) and the historic Church of the Good Shepherd. Sunset over Lake Tekapo is one of the most serene moments of the entire trip!

This morning’s drive into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is packed with jaw-dropping stops. Begin at Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint), where the classic turquoise sweep of Lake Pukaki leads your eye straight to Aoraki/Mount Cook sitting perfectly centred on the horizon.

Continue along the lakeshore to admire different vantage points of the water’s vivid colour, especially on a clear day when the Southern Alps reflect across its surface. As you approach Glentanner Lookout, the peaks grow taller and more imposing, giving you an early taste of the alpine scenery that defines the national park.

Further along at Mount Cook & Tasman River Lookout, the landscape opens to reveal views of the Tasman River threading its way through the wide, braided valley, a signature South Island vista that hints at the glacial forces shaping this entire region.

Afterwards, walk the Hooker Valley Track in the afternoon—one of New Zealand’s best day walks. This easy trail crosses swing bridges, skirts boardwalks, and ends at Hooker Lake, where icebergs float beneath the mighty peak of Aoraki. On the way, enjoy a packed lunch with a world-class view!

For a complete guide to the walk including parking, difficulty, photo spots and seasonal tips, refer to our dedicated post: 👉 Hooker Valley Track: Ultimate guide to New Zealand’s most scenic Mount Cook walk.

Hooker Valley Track: Ultimate guide
to New Zealand’s most scenic Mount Cook walk

After the walk, make your way back to Tekapo for a well-earned rest and dinner in town. Once you’ve settled in for the evening, wrap up your night with an unforgettable stargazing experience at the Dark Sky Project. Set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve — one of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth — the centre offers guided experiences that bring the southern night sky to life and a spectacular view of Aurora Australis if timing is right! Whether you join an outdoor telescope session or delve into their indoor astronomical storytelling, it’s a magical way to end the day beneath a sky filled with stars, planets, and the rich glow of the Milky Way.

Arrive in Christchurch mid-morning and spend the rest of the day at the International Antarctic Centre.

Experience what life is like at the bottom of the world as you step into an Antarctic storm room, complete with icy winds and temperatures that mimic real polar conditions. Hop aboard a Hägglund vehicle for a bumpy, fun ride over simulated Antarctic terrain, showcasing the type of transport used on the continent. Inside the centre, learn all about Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife — from penguins to hardy marine mammals — and discover how international research stations operate in one of Earth’s most challenging environments.

Grab your tickets for the International Antarctic Centre via the link below:

Check into your hotel and spend the evening strolling Christchurch’s charming streets, riverside walkways and laneways lined with food and art.

Dedicate today entirely to one of the world’s most remarkable train journeys: the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Departing from Christchurch, the train winds its way across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps, offering passengers uninterrupted views of braided rivers, dramatic gorges, lush alpine valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The panoramic carriages ensure every moment is picture-perfect, whether gazing at the Waimakariri River gorges, the tunnels through the mountains, or the dense beech forests of Arthur’s Pass. The full-day return journey to Greymouth and back allows you to relax and absorb the scenery without the rush of a typical tour.

Once back in Christchurch, spend the evening unwinding, reflecting on a day spent experiencing one of New Zealand’s most iconic and breathtaking rail adventures.

Start your final morning with a peaceful punting ride along the Avon River, drifting beneath willow-lined bridges and past historic architecture while your guide propels the flat-bottomed boat.

Reserve your spot for punting on the Avon via the link below:

From there, hop on the Christchurch Tram to explore the city at your own pace, with easy stops at some of the city’s must-see attractions. Key stops include:

• Cathedral Square: Iconic hub of street performers, markets, and Christchurch’s evolving cathedral.
• New Regent Street: Famous for its Art Deco pastel buildings, indie boutiques, and vibrant cafés.
• Canterbury Museum & Botanic Gardens: Museums of culture and natural history, gardens and riverside hikes.
• Victoria Square: Tranquil riverside retreat with memorials and public art.
• Quake City: An interactive exhibition telling the powerful story of Christchurch’s earthquakes and the city’s extraordinary recovery. Through multimedia displays, artefacts, and personal accounts, Quake City immerses visitors in the resilience, ingenuity, and hope that defines modern Christchurch.

Book your tram tickets in advance via the link below:

Once your sightseeing is complete, head to the airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight home — bringing to a close an unforgettable two-week journey across New Zealand’s South Island.

This 14-day South Island itinerary captures the very best of New Zealand’s natural beauty—glaciers, alpine lakes, lush forests, spectacular coastal formations and world-renowned fiords—all blended with iconic experiences such as heli-hiking, stargazing and one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventures, brilliant photography spots or peaceful landscapes, this journey showcases the South Island at its most mesmerising. It’s a trip you’ll carry with you long after the final sunset!

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