South Island inc Stewart Island Explorer: 14 Day Journey

The Complete Southern Journey

Beginning in Ōtautahi – Christchurch, the journey travels south along the island’s eastern coastline through historic towns and wildlife-rich regions including Timaru, Oamaru and Ōtepoti – Dunedin, before reaching the southernmost communities of Murihiku – Southland.

From Bluff, the adventure extends further south with a crossing to Rakiura – Stewart Island, where native forest, quiet bays and abundant wildlife create one of the most remote and peaceful landscapes in Aotearoa – New Zealand.

Returning to the mainland, the route turns west toward Fiordland, where the journey continues through Te Anau and the dramatic landscapes of Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders.

From Fiordland the road climbs north through the alpine lakes and valleys of Tāhuna – Queenstown and Wānaka, before crossing into the wide open landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin, where the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo sit beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

The journey then travels across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, descending into the rugged coastline and rainforest landscapes of Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast, passing Greymouth and Punakaiki before reaching the golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park.

The final stage of the journey follows the northern coastline through Marlborough and Kaikōura, before returning inland through Hanmer Springs to complete the loop back in Christchurch.

It’s a journey that reveals the South Island in full — from remote islands and wild southern coastlines to alpine lakes, ancient forests and the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps.

Journey Snapshot

• Start: Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Finish: Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Route Style: Grand South Island loop journey
• Travel Pace: Balanced with longer scenic travel days
• Approx Distance: ~2,700–3,000 km
• Best Suited For: Campervans and self-drive travellers

Who This Journey Is For

This journey is ideal if you:

• Prefer real experiences over rushed itineraries
• Want a journey that feels grounded and authentic
• Travel by campervan or self-drive
• Enjoy flexibility without needing to plan every detail

You’ll Experience

• Historic coastal towns and wildlife encounters along the Otago and Southland coastline
• Remote island landscapes and native wildlife on Rakiura – Stewart Island
• Towering cliffs and waterfalls in Piopiotahi – Milford Sound
• Alpine lakes and mountain scenery around Queenstown, Wānaka and the Mackenzie Basin
• Rainforest valleys and rugged shoreline along the West Coast
• Golden beaches and coastal walking tracks in Abel Tasman National Park
• Dramatic coastal scenery and marine life along the Kaikōura coast

“This is a journey you move through — not just a guide you read.”

What’s Included in this 14-Day Explorer Guide

• Full day-by-day itineraries
• Scenic stops along the route
• What to do in each location
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• Sunrise and sunset locations
• Hiking trails
• Scenic drives
• Free and paid activities
• Hidden spots worth discovering
• Tohu Travel Tips drawn from real travel experience
• Extended experiences and additional stops
• Pacing strategy for longer journeys
• Booking and budgeting guidance
• Seasonal travel advice
• Weather and road planning tips

Price

$45.99 NZD

Instant PDF download
One-time purchase
Yours to keep and use anytime while planning your trip

Optional Add-On Town Guides

If you want to explore specific places in more depth, you can add individual town guides to your journey.

Available South Island Highlights add-ons may include:

• Ōtautahi – Christchurch
• Te Tauihu o te Waka – Marlborough
• Te Tai Poutini – West Coast
• Tāhuna – Queenstown
• Murihiku – Southland
• Piopiotahi – Milford Sound
• Motupōhue – Bluff
• Rakiura – Stewart Island
• Wānaka
• Takapō – Lake Tekapo

Price: $4.99 NZD

Now that you’ve chosen your itinerary, the next step is securing the right campervan for the journey.