When most people talk you through their highlights of a trip around New Zealand, they’re probably talking about the South Island: adventures around Queenstown, hikes up Roy’s Peak and Ben Lomond, camping and kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. The mountainous island is vast and varied, requiring at least three weeks to explore properly. Hire a car or campervan and book essentials in advance, as top activities sell out months prior. Be prepared to tweak your route according to weather conditions.
Days one to four: Abel Tasman National Park
Base yourself in Kaiteriteri, a small seaside town at the park entrance where water taxis pick up. Hire day bags and camping kit from Ian and Kerri at The Abel Tasman Hire Company. Spend three days exploring the park: a night in Bark Bay Hut, hiking and water-taxiing, plus a kayak tour to Split Apple Rock with Kahu Kayaks. The scenery features lush forests, golden beaches, and crystal waters. Seals, shags, and little blue penguins are sighted regularly. For a luxurious break, stay at Domu Retreat, a hilltop wellness boutique run by former London couple Sabina Bronicka-Stuart and Toby Stuart. Enjoy a magnesium pool, hot tub, sauna, yoga, gourmet dining, and conversation starters.
Days four to six: Blenheim and Marlborough
Check into a garden cabin and take a self-guided tour of cellar doors with Explore Marlborough, opting for a tandem bike. Start at Cloudy Bay, the most famous winery, where 89% of visitors favour the sauvignon blanc. Visit two other wineries on the way back. For dinner, Harvest Restaurant is popular, or opt for a relaxed English pub.
Days six to eight: Kaikōura
Drive the coast road from Blenheim, stopping at fresh crayfish shacks and seal-viewing spots. Kaikōura is a pretty town with oceanfront accommodation. Book dolphin tours in advance; swim with 50 to 100 dusky dolphins with Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura. Visit The Pier Hotel for mountain views.
Days eight to ten: Christchurch
Explore the Botanical Gardens, Riverside Markets, and Cambridge, Oxford, and New Regent Streets. Visit Quake City museum. For food, try Unknown Chapter for brunch, and 5th Street, Twenty Seven Steps, Rascal, or King of Snake for dinner. Road-trip to Sumner and Scarborough beaches, and Taylor's Mistake for sunset.
Days 10 to 11: Lake Tekapo
Drive from Christchurch with stops in Geraldine and Fairlie. Lake Tekapo offers breathtaking views and stargazing. Take a Dark Sky Project experience and see the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Days 11 to 14: Wānaka
Drive via Lake Alexandrina, High Country Salmon Farm, and Lake Pukaki. Stay at Scout Lodge by Release Wānaka for luxury. Hike Diamond Lake Lookout and Roy's Peak for sunrise. Other walks include Rob Roy's Glacier.
Days 14 to 21: Queenstown
Spend the final week based in Queenstown. Fly to Milford Sound and Mount Cook with Glenorchy Air. Explore Milford Sound by cruise and hike Sealy Tarns (2,200 steps). In Queenstown, hike Ben Lomond Saddle, explore Lake Hayes, Millbrook, and Arrowtown. Try the Tiki Trail, gondola and luge, Shotover Jet, Onsen Hot Pools. Dining options include Flame, Tanoshi, Margo's, Blue Kanoe, Perky's floating bar, and Ferg Burger. For luxury, stay at Azur Lodge or Rosewood Matakauri. Drive to Glenorchy for the most scenic drive and a Dart River Adventures jet boat tour.
But no photo or phrase can do justice to landing in this magnificent country and seeing it for yourself. It’s epic in every way. MORE ABOUT New Zealand
