South Island East Explorer: 7 Day Scenic Journey

Coast, Alps and Fiordland Journey

Beginning in Waitohi – Picton, the journey follows the coastline south through the vineyards of Blenheim before reaching the dramatic cliffs and marine-rich waters of Kaikōura, where mountains rise sharply from the sea.

From the coast the route turns inland toward the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, known for its natural hot pools and surrounding mountain landscapes, before continuing to Ōtautahi – Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.

A short detour leads to the harbour town of Akaroa, where French heritage, sheltered bays and volcanic hills create one of the region’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.

From here the journey climbs into the wide open spaces of the Mackenzie Basin, where the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki sit beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

The route then crosses into the alpine lakes and valleys of Wānaka and the Cardrona Valley, before arriving in Tāhuna – Queenstown, where mountains meet the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

During your stay in Queenstown, the adventure continues deeper into the south with a spectacular day journey to Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, where waterfalls, sheer cliffs and ancient fiords reveal the dramatic scale of Fiordland.

It’s a journey that blends coastline, alpine landscapes and iconic South Island scenery, offering a balanced route for travellers who want to experience both the eastern coast and the southern mountains without rushing the journey.

Journey Snapshot

• Start: Picton
• Finish: Christchurch
• Route Style: Scenic loop journey
• Travel Pace: Balanced with varied terrain
• Approx Distance: ~1,200–1,500 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

• Sheltered sounds and coastal inlets
• Golden beaches and clear bays around Abel Tasman National Park
• Rainforest and rugged West Coast scenery
• Remote towns and river valleys
• A dramatic alpine crossing via Arthur’s Pass
• Ever-changing landscapes across a compact loop

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

What’s Included in this 7-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

You can think of it as:

“Your complete road trip plan.”

Price

$29.99 NZD

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

Optional Add-On Town Guides

If you’d like deeper insight into places along the journey, you can add Local Explorer Guides.

These short guides include:

• hidden spots locals love
• practical travel tips
• local cafés
• beaches and short walks

Available Top of the South Loop add-ons may include:

• Te Tauihu o te Waka – Marlborough Sounds
• Kaikōura
• Takapō – Lake Tekapo
• Wānaka
• Tāhuna – Queenstown
• Piopiotahi – Milford Sound
• Ōtautahi – Christchurch

Price: $4.99 NZD

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