South Island, NZ - Your 2-Week Itinerary
Awe and wonder.
That’s the beauty of the South Island of New Zealand. Here you’ll find breath-taking mountains, crystal blue lakes and majestic fjords. Not only is it one of the best spots to stargaze and see the Milky Way, but it’s also a place you can explore landscapes featured in the iconic Lord of the Rings movies! Delicious food, thrill-seeking activities, boundless hiking opportunities and many more that NZ has to offer, let your summer in wonder begin!
The South of New Zealand offers an abundance of captivating sights and activities that even two weeks may not feel sufficient to explore all! Nonetheless, this guide aims to showcase some of the region's most remarkable highlights.
View of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
QUEENSTOWN - 3 days (recommended)
Your adventure starts here! Queenstown is a prime tourist hub in the South, offering a plethora of exciting experiences. Discover charming cafe spots for breakfast, catch the gondola up to the Skyline (alternatively you can hike your way up) and enjoy a thrilling ride down the luge. As the sun sets, take a stroll by the lake before queuing up for some scrumptious and hearty burgers at the renowned Fergburger. And for the dessert lovers, indulge in delectable gelato at Mrs Ferg located just next door!
During our stay, we enjoyed the comfort of the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (check out my review here), but there are numerous other beautiful places to stay that overlook the majestic mountains surrounding beautiful Lake Waktatipu.
To kickstart your journey, make sure to rent a car or campervan and stock up on food for the next few days of the road trip at the local grocer, Woolworths. Now you’re all set for an unforgettable New Zealand adventure!
DAY TRIP TO ARROWTOWN/GLENORCHY
Just a 20 min drive from Queenstown, you will arrive to a small, quaint, historic gold-mining town worth visiting! Take some decadent fudge to go at the Remarkables Sweet Shop and delight in some famous sticky buns at Provisions Arrowtown cafe.
Another town worth visiting is Glenorchy, located 45 mins from Queenstown, known to be featured in the Lord of the Rings! You’ll also find the insta-famous red shed and snow-capped mountains with crystal clear waters. Enjoy pastries and coffee at Glenorchy cafe or head to the pub! The local pubs throughout the South offer quality food, and the friendly locals add to the experience.
You can easily explore Arrowtown and Glenorchy in half a day, with plenty of opportunities along the way to pull over on the side of the road and soak in the views (where permitted)! We opted to dedicate a full day to visit both towns before returning to Queenstown at sunset.
day trip to fjordland national park (milford sounds/te anau)
There are many sights to see and things to do at the Fjordland National Park, but the most popular visit is the Milford Sounds tour. For a more enjoyable experience, I suggest taking a 2 hour boat tour in the late afternoon with fewer crowds (we booked through bookme.co.nz). This tour highlights the majestic fjords, mesmerising waterfalls (some you go right under), plus a chance to spot wildlife!
Since it’s a 4 hour journey, be sure to fill up your tank and pack plenty of snacks for the trip. Alternatively you can opt for a scenic bus drive, which can be booked alongside your boat tour.
Before the long journey to Milford, take a break at Te Anau (1 hour 40 minutes from Queenstown). Here you’ll find a local pub, restaurants, a gas station, supermarket and possibly some food trucks. You can choose an overnight stay here, or if you have a campervan, there are campsites just 40 mins away from Milford.
If you have extra time before or after the tour, it is worth making pit stops at
Mirror Lake
Lake Gunn loop
Erlington Valley
The Chasm
Lake Marion Falls
Last day at QUEENSTOWN - thrill-seeking activities or unwind
The last day of Queenstown can be an opportunity to unwind and revisit the town. Treat yourself to a must-try New Zealand savory pie, whether it's the classic meat pie or a delicious steak and cheese - Fergbaker or The Bakery are great places to try this culinary delight..
For a truly relaxing experience, unwind at the Onsen hot pools and bask in the panoramic views of the Shotover river canyon. Remember to book in advance, as slots fill up quickly.
If you’re a thrill-seeker at heart, then Queenstown has an array of world-first adrenaline activities to offer. From bungee jumping and canyon swinging to mountain biking and jet boating, these experiences are sure to leave an unforgettable mark on your journey!
