The perfect South Island two week itinerary (New Zealand)
In this article I share my favorite South Island two week itinerary. I have described an itinerary for two weeks, which you can of course extend with free time and extra days. You can customize the tour below to your liking. This itinerary comes from my e-book New Zealand for beginners. Are you also going to New Zealand for the first time? Then this e-book really is something for you!
New Zealand for beginners
Are you planning to go on a trip to New Zealand for the first time? Excellent, as there is a big chance that you will enjoy this amazing country as much as I do.
In my e-book New Zealand for beginners you will find everything you want to know about your first journey to and in New Zealand. I was once a beginner myself, in 2002 to be precise. Since then I have travelled to New Zealand five more times and spent more than a year exploring.
Between 2001 and 2017 I worked for various travel organizations. Providing concrete, practical tips is my job and is based on years of experience. I’ve been a full time travel writer since 2017.
View and order the e-book here.
Day 1. Arrival in Picton
Since most people will be traveling straight on after their arrival, it is nice to take a free afternoon in Picton. Go for a walk towards The Snout or enjoy the relaxed life around the lively harbour.
Overnight suggestion: AAA Marlin Motel
Day 2. Drive to Nelson
Take the Queen Charlotte Drive to Nelson, the drive is truly beautiful. The Marlborough Sounds have turquoise waters and the mountains are covered in ferns.
Overnight suggestion: Palazzo Motor Lodge
Day 3. Visit Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park, named after a Dutch explorer, is known for its golden beaches and bright blue bays. You can go hiking, take a water taxi or go kayaking.
Overnight suggestion: Palazzo Motor Lodge
Day 4. To Punakaiki
Drive along the west coast to Punakaiki and Paparoa National Park. Visit the Pancake Rocks and watch the sunset from the beach.
Overnight suggestion: Punakaiki Tree Houses
Day 5. To Fox and Franz Josef
A beautiful drive along the west coast (also called wet coast) is on the program. An ultimate road trip over winding roads and through beautiful, rugged nature.
Overnight suggestion: Fox Glacier Lodge
Day 6. Free day in Westland National Park
Visit Lake Matheson (Reflection Lake), Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Take a helicopter tour or a glacier walk.
Overnight suggestion: Fox Glacier Lodge
Day 7. Drive to Wanaka
Another beautiful ride today, to Wanaka this time. Via the Haast Pass and the shores of Lake Hawea you arrive in one of the fastest growing villages of New Zealand.
Overnight suggestion: Alpine View Lodge
Day 8. Morning in Wanaka, afternoon drive to Queenstown
After a free morning in Wanaka, drive along the Crown Range Road to Queenstown, a beautiful mountain route (note: not all campers are allowed).
Overnight suggestion: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Day 9. Free day for Mount Aspiring NP
Stay in Queenstown for an exciting outdoor activity or drive towards Glenorchy and the borders of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Overnight suggestion: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Day 10. To Te Anau
Drive to Te Anau on the border of Fiordland National Park. The drive is not long so there is plenty of time to spend some free time in Te Anau or Queenstown.
Overnight suggestion: Alpine View Motel
Day 11. Free day in Fiordland National Park
Take a road trip along the Milford Road to Milford Sound or opt for a boat tour through Doubtful Sound.
Overnight suggestion: Alpine View Motel
Day 12. Long drive to Mount Cook
A long but beautiful drive to Twizel and Mount Cook. The route over Lindis Pass is beautiful, you have now arrived in the dry part of the South Island.
Overnight suggestion: Aoraki Court Motel
Day 13. Free day in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
A free day to explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Visit the Hooker Valley, take a helicopter flight and search for icebergs in Tasman Lake.
Overnight suggestion: Aoraki Court Motel
Day 14. Drive to Christchurch
Say goodbye to the mountains and drive to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. Stop in charming Geraldine and spend your afternoon in the lively Christchurch.
Overnight suggestions: Sudima Airport Hotel
Conclusion and disclaimer
This perfect South Island two week itinerary comes from my e-book New Zealand for beginners. Are you planning to go on vacation to New Zealand for the first time? Good choice, because chances are you’ll love this country as much as I do.
In my e-book New Zealand for Beginners, you’ll find everything you want to know about your first time to New Zealand.
Once I was a beginner myself. In 2002 to be exact. Since then, I traveled to New Zealand four more times and spent more than a year there.
Between 2001 and 2017, I worked at several travel companies. So providing concrete, practical tips is my profession and is based on years of experience.
Furthermore, in the e-book you will find a nice mix of my own experiences and things I wish I had known myself when I first traveled in New Zealand in 2002.
You can view and order the book here.
My North Island one week itinerary can be found here.
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