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
🎒 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 Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
- 🚐 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
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.
Whakaarotia tāu e wawata ai koe ki tōna taumata tika
Pursue that to which you aspire to, to new heights