Experience a diverse cross-section of the South Island — from coastal marine life to alpine peaks and glacial lakes, ending in the adventure capital of Tāhuna – Queenstown.
This one-way road trip starts in Waitohi – Picton and weaves through the East Coast and Southern Alps. It’s ideal for travellers who want to mix well-known highlights with quiet nature stops and charming towns. With options to slow down or extend to Piopiotahi – Milford Sound, it’s one of the most rewarding road journeys in Aotearoa.
👉 Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF Itinerary here
🗺️ Quick Overview
- Duration: 8–10 days
- Start Point: Waitohi – Picton
- End Point: Tāhuna – Queenstown
- Best Time: October to April
- Total Drive Time: Approx. 19–22 hours (excluding Milford Sound)
- Highlights: Kaikōura marine life, thermal springs, alpine lakes, Aoraki views, Queenstown adventures
🌊 Day 1: Picton → Kaikōura
Follow the coastline south with views of both sea and snow-capped peaks.
What to Do:
- Stop at Ohau Point to spot seals
- Optional: Whale Watch Kaikōura or Albatross Encounter
- Walk the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway (2–3 hrs return)
Experience Kaikōura’s world-renowned marine wildlife — click here to explore whale watching and dolphin encounter tours.
Where to Stay:
- Kaikōura TOP 10
- DOC Puhi Puhi Campsite (basic and scenic)
💦 Day 2: Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs
Head inland to soak in thermal waters surrounded by forested hills.
What to Do:
- Soak in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
- Short walks: Forest Amble or Conical Hill Track
- Treat yourself to a massage or spa
Relax in the soothing thermal waters of Hanmer Springs — click here to explore spa packages and adventure tour options.
Where to Stay:
- Hanmer Springs TOP 10
- Alpine Adventure Holiday Park
🏙️ Day 3: Hanmer Springs → Christchurch
Continue south through wine country and farmland into Ōtautahi – Christchurch.
What to Do:
- Walk the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Check out the Riverside Market
- Optional punting on the Avon River
Discover the vibrant city of Ōtautahi – Christchurch — click here to explore top-rated tours, from historic tram rides to breathtaking alpine adventures
Where to Stay:
- North South Holiday Park
- Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park
🏔️ Day 4: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
Start your alpine leg with a drive through the Mackenzie Basin to Takapō – Lake Tekapo.
What to Do:
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Soak in Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
- Stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve
Experience the magic of Lake Tekapo — click here to explore stargazing tours, scenic 4WD adventures, and more
Where to Stay:
- Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
- DOC Lake McGregor Campsite (basic)
🗻 Day 5: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mount Cook Village
A short but stunning drive into the heart of the Southern Alps.
What to Do:
- Hike the Hooker Valley Track (3 hrs return)
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Scenic picnic at Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
Explore the majestic landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook — click here to discover scenic hikes, glacier adventures, and stargazing experiences.
Where to Stay:
- White Horse Hill Campground (DOC)
- Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge (for car travellers)
🌄 Day 6: Aoraki → Wānaka
Drive south through Twizel and over Lindis Pass to reach the lakeside town of Wānaka.
What to Do:
- Visit That Wānaka Tree
- Short walk: Mount Iron Track
- Lakeside wine at Rippon Vineyard
Experience the best of Wānaka — from scenic hikes to adrenaline-pumping adventures — click here to explore top-rated tours and activities.
Where to Stay:
- Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Lake Outlet Holiday Park
🚠 Day 7: Wānaka → Queenstown
Today’s drive includes scenic highlights like Cardrona Valley and Crown Range Road.
What to Do:
- Stop at the Cardrona Hotel
- Enjoy views from Crown Range Summit
- Arrive in Queenstown – adventure awaits!
Experience the adventure capital of Aotearoa in Tāhuna – Queenstown — click here to browse tours, activities, and adrenaline-packed experiences.
Where to Stay:
- Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
- Driftaway Queenstown
🎉 Day 8: Explore Queenstown
Spend the day exploring at your own pace or trying a new activity.
What to Do:
- Walk the Queenstown Gardens
- Try the Gondola and Luge
- Relax by Lake Wakatipu with local fish and chips
🌊 Optional Extension (2 Nights): Piopiotahi – Milford Sound
Queenstown → Te Anau (2 hrs), then Milford Sound (2.5 hrs)
What to Do:
- Cruise the Milford Sound Fiord
- Walk the Lake Marian Track or Key Summit
- Stay overnight in Te Anau or at Milford Lodge
Cruise through the stunning beauty of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound — click here to explore tour and cruise options
Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
🌿Looking for more travel inspiration?
- Read about the Best Times to Visit Aotearoa – New Zealand
- Improve your cultural connection by Mastering Māori Pronunciation
- Have a laugh with our fun Kiwi Slang Guide
- Explore 10 Enchanting Landscapes you won’t want to miss
🎒 What to Pack
- Layered clothing for alpine and coastal weather
- Swimsuit and towel for hot pools
- Insect repellent (especially near lakes and bush)
- Camera or smartphone
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Warm hat/gloves for nights (even in summer)
💡 Local Travel Tips
- Book Hanmer Springs and Aoraki stays in advance during peak season
- Watch fuel levels between Lake Tekapo and Wānaka
- Dark Sky Reserve = no streetlights — bring a torch
- Always check alpine weather and drive conditions
- DOC campsites are scenic but basic — come prepared
🍽️ Must-Try Local Flavours
- Kaikōura: Crayfish from Nins Bin
- Hanmer Springs: Craft beer at Monteith’s Brewery Bar
- Tekapo: Salmon sashimi at Lake Tekapo Tavern
- Wānaka: Local lamb at Bistro Gentil
- Queenstown: Dessert from Cookie Time Bar or burgers at Fergburger
📌 Need to Know
- Snow chains may be required in shoulder seasons
- Park considerately at popular freedom camp spots
- Cell coverage is patchy between Tekapo and Aoraki
- Use public dump stations (find via CamperMate or Rankers app)
- Respect sacred sites – follow signage and local guidance
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
- 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
- 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
Whakaarotia tāu e wawata ai koe ki tōna taumata tika
Pursue that to which you aspire to, to new heights