New Zealand’s South Island Travel Guide
New Zealand is the kind of place that makes your jaw drop on the regular. Towering mountains, dreamy blue lakes, glaciers, and winding roads that make you feel like you’re in the middle of a fantasy novel (well, you kinda are—hello, Middle Earth!). We decided to rent a caravan for our journey, which gave us the freedom to roam wherever the weather or our whims took us. That said, this ten day New Zealand South Island travel guide itinerary is totally doable by car too. Here’s a glimpse into our adventure across the South Island.
Day 1–3: Queenstown – Vibes, Views, and Velocity
We kicked off our trip in Queenstown, and the town was alive with summer energy. We wandered the bustling lakefront boardwalk, filled with weary hikers and vacationers soaking up the sunshine. A couple of beers at a lakeside bar set the tone, followed by a fantastic dinner at a steakhouse—where, by the way, all beef is grass-fed. The flavor? Unmatched.
The next day was all about hitting the local must-do’s. After some light shopping and a stellar latte from a café beside the Irish pub, we decided to brave the line at Fergburger. Don’t be intimidated—it moves fast, and that juicy, world-famous burger was absolutely worth the hype.
The weather had plans of its own (as it often does in NZ), so we raced the clouds to the gondola. The views were epic, but the real surprise hit was the luge. We tore down that hill like maniacs—equal parts silly and exhilarating. Highly recommend.
Day 4: Arrowtown & Wanaka – Laid-back Charm, Lakeside Living, and a Little Adrenaline
With our Milford Sound flight weathered out, we pivoted to Plan B: charming Arrowtown. This preserved gold rush town was like stepping into another era. We wandered through historic streets, browsed cute shops, and indulged in real fruit ice cream (cherry is a must if it’s in season). If you’re visiting in December, make sure to stroll down to the creek—fields of blooming lupine light up the riverside in a riot of pinks and purples. It’s pure magic.
Arrowtown also sits close to some fantastic wineries. We popped over to a few in nearby Gibbston Valley, sipping crisp Sauvignon Blancs and bold Pinot Noirs among the vines. It’s an easy detour that feels worlds away from the tourist buzz.
Feeling a little brave? This area is also home to the Kawarau Bridge, the site of the world’s very first commercial bungee jump. Whether you take the plunge yourself (shoutout to the adrenaline junkies) or just watch others leap off the historic bridge, it’s a piece of New Zealand adventure history you can’t miss.
From Arrowtown, we cruised on to Wanaka—and instantly fell in love. The town has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that’s completely infectious. Everyone seems to be either lounging on the lakefront beach, grabbing a pint at the local brewery, or gearing up for a hike. December weather swung wildly (80°F one day, 50°F and rain the next), but that didn’t dampen the magic.
Hiking was the name of the game. We tackled the Rob Roy Glacier Track—a relatively easy walk with a jaw-dropping side trail view of glaciers and bright turquoise rivers. For the ambitious, Roy’s Peak offers postcard-worthy views, but be warned: the climb is relentless.
Also, a special shoutout to Doughbin Bakery: their steak and cheese pies, with their buttery, croissant-like crusts, were so good we went back every single day.
Day 5: Milford Sound – By Air and Sea
We finally got our weather window and flew from Queenstown to Milford Sound—a heart-pounding flight that felt like threading the needle between jagged glaciers and troll-like mountain peaks. As we dropped into the fiord, it felt like being swallowed by the earth itself. My mouth literally hung open in awe.
Once on the water, we were surrounded by hundreds of waterfalls, cascading down cliffs like silver threads. I cannot emphasize this enough: if your budget allows, do the scenic flight and cruise combo. It’s the kind of experience that redefines what beauty means.
Day 6–7: Wine Tasting & Glacial Rainforest
Post-Milford bliss, we made our way back to Wanaka with a detour for wine tasting. Central Otago’s pinots are something special, and many of the vineyards are within biking distance—if you’re feeling adventurous.
Next, we tackled the wild West Coast to visit Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. The landscape changed drastically—from golden hills to dense, dripping rainforest in just a few hours. What we didn’t realize: it pours on this side of the island. Like, soaked-to-the-bone, can’t-see-a-glacier level of rain. So, it was a brief stop, but a wild contrast in scenery.
Day 8: Arthur’s Pass – Birds, Switchbacks, and “Montana on Steroids”
To escape the rain, we crossed the island again—this time via Arthur’s Pass. The drive was a white-knuckle rollercoaster of switchbacks (bring motion sickness meds if you’re prone). The payoff? Epic alpine views and a rare sighting of the mischievous Kea bird. Cute but destructive—don’t feed them, unless you want holes in your gear.
On the other side, we felt like we’d landed in a mountain-sized version of Yellowstone: dramatic peaks, valleys, and a landscape that constantly reinvented itself.
Day 9: Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook – Blue Lakes and Glacier Walks
Next stop: Lake Tekapo. In mid-December, it’s ringed with blooming lupine in shades of pink, purple, and lavender. Add the icy turquoise water, and you’ve got a postcard come to life. The iconic church was a bit overrun for our taste, but the natural beauty makes it worth a quick stop.
We continued on to Mt Cook, bypassing the tourist crunch by staying in nearby Glen Tanner. The views from our holiday park over Lake Pukaki with Mt Cook towering in the distance were spectacular.
We tried to hike Hooker Valley Track, but weather struck again. Instead, we explored Tasman Lake Track, and WOW. Ice-blue glacier water, melting icebergs, whipping wind—it felt otherworldly. Like the Caribbean had a snow baby.
Day 10: Twizel to Christchurch – Burgers, Beaches, and Wine
On our way out, we stopped in Twizel for a meal that left us messy and euphoric. The burgers and chili-drizzled fried chicken from a Mint Folk and Co were massive and packed with flavor. A worthy food finale.
With our adventure winding down, we made our way toward Christchurch, wrapping up the trip with a couple of nights near the beach, sipping wine, and reminiscing over the best pies and most epic landscapes we’d ever seen.
Travel Tips & Takeaways
- Driving: They drive on the left, and the roads are wild. Picture constant curves, hairpin turns, and mountain passes that go over the peaks—not through them. Take it slow and enjoy the ride.
- The Lakes: Glacial melt gives the lakes and rivers their unreal, Caribbean-blue hues. They’re shockingly clear and impossibly beautiful.
- The Mountains: Unreal. Massive. Majestic. Like something out of a fantasy—and now I understand why Tolkien’s world was brought to life here.
- The Weather: It changes fast, especially in summer. Always have a backup plan—and a raincoat.
- The Food: Meat pies are a religion. The combo of flaky pastry and savory fillings is divine. Don’t miss Fairlie Bakehouse—locals aren’t exaggerating when they say it’s the best in the country.
My Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s South Island is a dreamscape for adventurers, nature lovers, and foodies alike. Whether you’re hiking glacier valleys, flying through fiords, or just sipping a Pinot or a pint in a lakeside town—every day here feels like magic. This trip reminded us that the journey is just as stunning as the destination… especially when the journey includes twisty mountain roads, Unreal views and succulent meat pies at every turn.
