A 3-Week Adventure Exploring New Zealand's South Island: An A to Z Itinerary

3-Week Itinerary for Exploring New Zealand's South Island

This journey will take you on a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand's South Island (excluding the southeast region). We flew into Queenstown, an unforgettable experience! You can also start your adventure from Christchurch or take a ferry from the North Island.

Days 1-2: Queenstown

We began and ended our trip in Queenstown, renowned for its stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and delicious cuisine. It's the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. Consider renting a campervan or a car from the airport and stock up on groceries before leaving the city.

Where to Stay

To save on costs, opt for accommodations near Lake Wakatipu or slightly outside the city. We stayed at Driftaway Queenstown, which features beautiful lakeside cabins. Prior to this, we rented a vehicle at the Holiday Inn Express in the city center.

Day 3: Glenorchy

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu is one of the most scenic routes we've experienced on the South Island. Be sure to stop at some breathtaking viewpoints along the way, especially at Bennett's Bluff. The drive takes about an hour.

Glenorchy is a charming little town with picturesque houses and the Glenorchy Wharf & Viewpoint, along with lovely walking paths by the lagoon. Don’t miss out on dining at Casa Jaguar (Mexican cuisine) and enjoying excellent coffee at Akin.

Activities Nearby

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider joining a High Country Horses tour or trekking along the Routeburn Track.

Days 4-5: Te Anau and Milford or Doubtful Sound

The direct drive from Glenorchy to Milford takes about 5 hours, so we made a stop in Te Anau, a cozy lakeside town with beautiful lakeside walks and plenty of delicious food options. This is also the starting point for excursions in Doubtful Sound—one of the highlights of the trip!

Driving time: Glenorchy → Te Anau: 3 hours; Te Anau → Milford: 2 hours (one way). On the fifth day, drive to Milford or Doubtful Sound for a cruise amidst towering cliffs and countless waterfalls. The scenery here is truly unbelievable!

Comparing Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound

• Milford Sound: Famous and impressive.
• Doubtful Sound: Quieter and more pristine.

We took an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, which was the highlight of our New Zealand adventure. Be sure to book your tour in advance.

Days 6-8: Wānaka (via Arrowtown)

We drove to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown for lunch, then returned to the stunning landscapes surrounding Wānaka. Passing through Queenstown again, don’t forget to stock up on more groceries here.

Driving time: Te Anau → Arrowtown: 2 hours; Arrowtown → Wānaka: 1 hour. In Wānaka, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails in the mountains, glacier views, swimming spots by the lake, and relaxing hot tubs.

Activities to Try

• Trekking to Rob Roy Glacier.
• Climbing Roy’s Peak (unfortunately closed in November when we visited).

Where to Stay

Choose lakeside apartments, boutique hostels, or hotels outside the city for more affordable options. We stayed at Glendhu Bay Campsite, which had beautiful cabins right by the lake.

Day 9: Franz Josef (via Haast & Fox Glacier)

This route (Wānaka → Haast Pass → Haast → Fox Glacier → Franz Josef) takes you alongside rivers and numerous waterfalls, such as Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, and Thunder Creek Falls. Upon reaching the West Coast, the scenery becomes lush and tropical due to the increased rainfall on this side of the South Island. Driving time: Wānaka → Franz Josef: 3.5–4 hours (without stops).

Activities in Franz Josef

Fox Glacier is a small town with just a few cafes and accommodations. You can walk around Lake Matheson and have lunch at Matheson Café. Franz Josef is famous for being home to some of the most accessible glaciers in the world!

You can admire the glacier from a helicopter, but reservations are necessary. We didn’t go for this option as we arrived too late to book and felt uncomfortable with the natural scenery. You can also view the glacier from the Robert’s Point Track or book a guided tour to explore the glacier.

Day 10: West Coast (Punakaiki + Westport)

The drive from Franz Josef to Westport (4.5 hours) is one of the wildest and least developed areas of the South Island. It’s a fantastic place to see rugged coastlines and stunning views! If you have extra time, consider staying an additional night in this area as there’s so much to explore, including:

• Hokitika Gorge
• Robin’s Lookout
• Irimahuwhero Lookout
• Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track
• Cape Foulwind Lighthouse and seal colony

Where to Stay

At the end of the day, you can spend the night in Westport or near Carters Beach. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture in the area.

Days 11-12: Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman left the deepest impression on us during our South Island journey due to its unique scenery of golden beaches and turquoise waters. Abel Tasman is famous for its coastal walks.

We booked a tour with Aqua Taxi from Marahau to Anchorage in the park. Driving time from Westport to Mārahau: 3.3 hours, with many steep sections. We recommend filling up your gas tank before setting out, as driving in the mountains can deplete fuel, and gas stations are quite rare.

On the way, we stopped at Zen’s Kitchen in Murchison—a delightful dining spot!

Where to Stay in Abel Tasman

We stayed at The Barn Cabins & Camp in Mārahau, just 4 minutes from the start of the trekking path. This was one of our favorite places in New Zealand—they even have a mini outdoor cinema!

Article reference and edit from source: Salt in Our Hair