As summer is fast approaching, partaking in a quintessential NZ road trip over the coming months is starting to feel well within our grasp. Imagine that uniquely warm feeling of the sun on your face as you drive your campervan down the scenic coastline, blasting all of your favourite tunes.
With just a little bit of planning, you can make this summer one to remember. Where would you like to stop? Whether your bucket list includes eating seafood in Kaikoura, visiting wineries in Blenheim, or exploring a castle, we have collated a list of the must-see sights in the South Island. Find out where all of the best spots are to plan the ultimate South Island road trip!
How Long Does it Take to Drive Around the South Island?
If you want to make the full trip from the top of the South Island right down to the bottom, this is 840km of driving to cover. In ideal conditions with no delays, it should take you up to 14 hours to get from the ferry at Picton all the way to the deep south at Bluff.
Of course, in practice, it will take you much longer than that to make the journey as there are plenty of unmissable sights and holiday spots along the way! Plan to take at least a week to make your trip, as there are heaps of things to see and do on your way down south. You could easily spend a couple of months making sure that you leave no stone unturned in the South Island.
Choosing Your Method of Travel
If you’re planning on zooming around and seeing everything the South Island has to offer, you might benefit from buying a campervan. Completing an NZ road trip in a car is not a bad idea, but you will have to pay for accommodation everywhere you go unless you want to sleep cramped up in the backseat.
Many people start out planning to rent a campervan. However, if you are going to go on a long trip or a few shorter ones, the cost quickly adds up. For many avid travellers, the most cost-effective option is to buy a campervan. That way, you can not only skip paying for accommodation (apart from nominal campsite fees), but you can also save money by cooking your own food. Plus, you can stop wherever the mood takes you!
Planning Your South Island Road Trip
Get Your Campervan Serviced
Before heading off on the road trip of your dreams, you will first need to get your campervan serviced. The last thing you need is for your vehicle to break down just as you hit the road – avoid this by taking it to a mechanic before you go. Ensure that they change the oil, check the tyres, and all of the necessary mechanical parts such as the engine and the brakes.
Grab the Essentials
You might think that packing the road trips essentials means having at least 2 varieties of chips plus 5 bags of lollies – but there are some even more necessary items you’ll need! Before you go on your road trip, pack a spare tyre, jumper leads, and a first aid kit. You never know what will happen along the way, and it’s best to be prepared for any scenario.
Have a Plan That Allows for Spontaneity!
It might sound like planning and spontaneity are opposites, but they can be friends, not foes! Having a loose plan allows you to book the campgrounds and activities that require reservations while still leaving your time free enough to jet off to another town at the last minute if you feel like it.
A good way to go is to book something every few days and later decide on where you’ll go in between or how long to stay at each spot for. That way, you have some structure without limiting yourself if you come across an exciting new place to stop at!
Unmissable South Island Road Trip Spots
Queenstown
Queenstown is usually tourist central, but with the hard-hitting effects of Covid, this once-busy town needs the support of New Zealanders more than ever! You can see why it’s such a popular holiday destination with fantastic skiing options across the Remarkables or at Coronet Peak.
If you’re heading there on a summer road trip, there’s still plenty of exciting activities to do in Queenstown. From visiting the sparkling opalescent waters of Lake Wakatipu to traversing one of the many local cycle trails, you’re sure to have a blast! For the hardcore adrenaline junkies, you could complete a bungee jump or even sky dive out of a plane.
Christchurch
While you may have heard of Christchurch because of the earthquakes the city has experienced, this city is full of delights for its visitors! As it is over 10 years since the quakes, Christchurch has had plenty of time to rebuild. Recent additions include the Margaret Mahy Playground, which contains fun and adventure for adults and kids alike.
You can’t miss a gondola ride up the Port Hills to get the best view of the city or a trip to the museum to marvel at ancient relics.
West Coast
Ever wished you could experience the Ice Age just for the day? Heading over to the West Coast of the South Island offers you this opportunity! Visit the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers to see ice for miles around. Take a walk along the stunning river valley to reach the foot of the Franz Josef glacier and admire the ice formations developed over centuries.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a city filled with unique and memorable heritage buildings, including its very own castle. Modelled after the city of Edinburgh in Scotland, Dunedin is reminiscent of the homeland of some of our ancestors while maintaining its own unique identity.
As it is a student town during the year, Dunedin often empties out around November as students finish their exams. If you choose to visit during the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the city at a leisurely pace, without all of the usual crowds.
South Island Road Trip Itineraries
Dunedin to Invercargill
Distance: 240 km
How Long to Allow: 3+ days
Best place to stop: The Catlins
The Catlins is one of the locals’ best-kept secrets in the South Island. You’re not likely to come across this rugged and untamed region of New Zealand unless you happen to be travelling between Invercargill and Dunedin.
To visit the Catlins, you could start from either Dunedin or Invercargill. Alternatively, make it part of a longer trip, including Queenstown as well by taking the Southern Scenic Route.
Other Must-Visit Spots: Cathedral Caves, Curio Bay, McLean Falls
The Cathedral Caves are an unmissable sight in the Catlins. It costs around $10 to visit them, but the entry fee is well worth it to see these magnificent passages formed by the sea.
f you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some dolphins, you must stop at Curio and Porpoise bays, located near Invercargill along the coast. You may also be able to spot some seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins in the same area.
When you need to stretch your legs after all of that driving, the Mclean Falls track is the ideal trek for you. It’s a short walk at just 2.1km return. Allow around 40 minutes to make the journey to and from these stunning waterfalls.
Christchurch to Greymouth
Distance: 241 km
How Long to Allow: 2 + days
Best Place to Stop: Arthur’s Pass
Take the scenic journey over the Southern Alps via Arthur’s pass to get from Christchurch to Greymouth. This road climbs upwards nearly 900 metres, and be prepared for a winding journey – not ideal for those who get carsick! However, the gorgeous scenery along the way is well worth the trip.
Arthur’s Pass Village is the ideal place to stop overnight if you want to take your time on this short drive.
Highlights: Castle Hill and Devil’s Punchbowl
One place you’ll have to stop as you make your way across Arthur’s Pass is at the unique limestone rocks of Castle Hill. It’s just a 10-minute walk to make it to these formations that are popular with rock climbers.
Another place you won’t want to bypass is Devil’s Punchbowl. This waterfall stands at 131 metres tall and is the ideal place to go for a walk and take some excellent photos. It’s just a 2km stroll to the viewing platform and back, and you won’t regret taking the chance to see the remarkable view.
Christchurch to Blenheim
Distance: 309 km
How Long to Allow: 3+ days
Best Place to Stop: Kaikoura
One reason the Christchurch to Blenheim road trip is so popular is that you can go through the seaside town of Kaikoura along the way. Kaikoura is known for its whale watching; head out on a boat to catch a glimpse of the magnificent beasts under the sea, and if you’re lucky, you might see the fluke slap the water as a whale jumps and dives back down.
Kaikoura is also a popular road trip stop because of the seal colony residing along the Peninsula Walkway close to the town. As you drive in or out of Kaikoura (depending on where you’re coming from), you will often be able to spot seals sunning themselves on the rocks. There are plenty of places along here to stop and take some snaps of the seals.
Highlights: Cathedral Cliffs, Wineries
If you’re driving from Christchurch, the first stop you’ll want to make is at the Cathedral Cliffs. These cliffs at Gore Bay are siltstone pillars, and these are a must-see on any South Island road trip.
Once you get close to Blenheim, you’ll notice the rows and rows of vines lining the road into town. There are numerous wineries in the area, so take your pick of places to stop in at and let your passengers do a wine tasting! There are also plenty of wine tours running in this region, so park up your campervan and get someone else to drive you around while you try everything the area has to offer.
Low-Interest Campervan Loans
If you are ready to take off on some epic NZ road trips but can’t afford to buy a campervan upfront, Stadium Finance has got your back! We offer campervan loans at competitive interest rates to people all over New Zealand.
Head away on your next road trip in a campervan of your own, able to take your trip at a leisurely pace without worrying about having to return the vehicle or find a motel each night! Apply online now to make your incredible South Island road trip a reality.
