Self Driving South Island: Things Not to Miss
Home to the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s South Island is capable of more than stealing your hearts with its divine panoramas. The South Island encapsulates such diversity of intact nature that is best explored leisurely, ideally in a few months. Don’t worry if you don’t have that much time, you can still discover the best of this wonderland sightseeing the below extra ordinary places.
South Island
Allow yourself at least 10-15 days if you wish to explore best segments of South Island. We recommend the below road trip route and itinerary starting from Christchurch to northernmost edges of South Island then descending via West Coast to finally discover the Heartland wilderness. It took us 13 days to finish the loop without any hikes or camping due to cold weather. Also, accessing some spots in winter is challenging, yet we managed getting around countless incredible vistas, with no multitude factor as cherry on top.
Here’s a list of top things to see and do in South Island along with extras and our top picks from the trip.
South Island Itinerary inspiration for Two Weeks
Day 1: Christchurch and Akaora
Day 1: Christchurch and Akaora https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_3629-When-he-hugged-me-back-3-1-1024x833.jpg 1024 833 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThings to see and do in Christchurch CBD and Akaora region. Day drive itinerary, recommended dining and stay.
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Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim
Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4285-Kaikoura-Point-Kean-Fur-Seal-Us-1-1024x648.jpg 1024 648 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gHidden Gems on Kaikoura Coast on a day drive from Chrishchurch to Blenheim. Watch fur seals and native birds in their natural habitat. Things to do in Blenheim.
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Day 3: Road-Tripping Marlborough Sounds-Havelock-Nelson
Day 3: Road-Tripping Marlborough Sounds-Havelock-Nelson https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_4417-Queen-charolette-track-lookout-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gBeautiful places to visit in Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Drive and amazing spots between Havelock to Nelson.
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Day 4&5: Golden Bay & Abel Tasman Retreats
Day 4&5: Golden Bay & Abel Tasman Retreats https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_4830-Wharariki-for-post-sk-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gWonderful places to see in Golden Bay and Abel Tasman, a two day (self drive) plan to explore some amazing spots. Travel, guide, tips and unique things to do.
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Day 6: Explore Murchison, Punakaiki Coast & Hokitika
Day 6: Explore Murchison, Punakaiki Coast & Hokitika https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_5431-Pancake-rocks-with-birds-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAmazing places to see around Murchison, Buller Gorge, Punakaiki Coast and Hokitika. Full Day drive itinerary, ideas and tips.
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Day 7: West Coast & Haast Pass Gems-Hokitika to Wanaka Self Drive
Day 7: West Coast & Haast Pass Gems-Hokitika to Wanaka Self Drive https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5691-Glaciers-before-haast-thumb-1-1024x802.jpg 1024 802 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gDay drive route to discover the West Coast charms of NZ, from Hokitika to Wanaka via Haast Pass. Things to do, tips and itinerary.
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Day 8: The Soothing Highlights of Wanaka
Day 8: The Soothing Highlights of Wanaka https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_6321-Wanaka-Tranquility-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gPlaces to see in Wanaka. Its exquisite lakesides to mystic nature walks and snowy ski-fields, the city and its mouth watering cuisine makes Wanaka a winter paradise.
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Day 9: Incredible Places to Visit Around Wanaka and Queenstown
Day 9: Incredible Places to Visit Around Wanaka and Queenstown https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_7226-glenorchy-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA day drive route to discover hidden gems of Crown Range, Arrowtown, Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy and Queenstown. Recommended food and stay.
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Day 10: Otago Peninsula & Dunedin City
Day 10: Otago Peninsula & Dunedin City https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_7802-Dunedin-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gScenic drive from Queenstown to Dunedin discovering Otago Peninsula and the only castle of New Zealand.
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Day 11: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki & Tekapo
Day 11: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki & Tekapo https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_8456-Lake-pukaki-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gDay drive from Dunedin to Lake Tekapo, some ‘must see’ lookouts on the way, surreal surrounds of Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, Things to do, where to dine & stay.
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Day 12: Travel Guide for Mount Cook National Park
Day 12: Travel Guide for Mount Cook National Park https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_8680-Tasman-glacier-lake-instask-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gFull Travel Guide for activities and things to do in Mount Cook National Park. The Most beautiful tracks, hikes, food and stay options of the region.
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Day 13: The Magical Land of Edoras
Day 13: The Magical Land of Edoras https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_9076-Edoras-SKMK-1-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThe Magical Land of Edoras is full of scenic surprises, self drive tips, useful info, things to see & do in Hakatere park. Mount Sunday & Potts River tracks.
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Australia
Australia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CANON_Canon-EOS-80D_6027328-6082671_099-HDR-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gBrowse around some useful information about taking road trips in different regions of Western Australia, Melbourne & Tasmania ultimate travel guides and customised itineraries with lots of pictures in the articles shared here.
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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cambodia
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cambodia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3373-thumb-2.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThings to know before planning a trip to Cambodia. The best temples to visit. Best time to visit, places to see, where to stay, cost aspects etc.
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A day trip to 12 Apostles
A day trip to 12 Apostles https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CANON_Canon-EOS-80D_10061312-10118083_165-Thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAvoid crowds and save time on an ideal self drive day trip route to the Great Ocean Road. Exploring 12 Apostles and the best lookouts in the southern region of Australian continent.
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An Offbeat Road Trip in Taiwan
An Offbeat Road Trip in Taiwan https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_7023-Sanxiantai-pebble-beach-n-bridge-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAn ideal 10 day road trip itinerary to explore Taiwan’s modern cities, forests, lakes and several mountainous terrains along with hidden gems of dramatic eastern shorelines.
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Siem Reap Beyond Temples
Siem Reap Beyond Temples https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1896-Thumb-1.jpg 369 286 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gWhat to do next after abounding temple experience in Siem Reap? Here is a handful of places to explore beyond temples to make most of your Cambodian trip.
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Making Most of Road Trips Every Time
Making Most of Road Trips Every Time https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_1124-Post-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast
Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_5109-Yangmingshan-NP-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA day drive itinerary to explore some marvellous features of Yangmingshan National Park along with some iconic coastal landscapes in the northern tip of Taiwan.
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Ten best temples to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Ten best temples to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3560-Thumb-4.jpg 369 387 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gOut of many gorgeous ancient temples in Siem Reap, it is confusing to find the most unique ones to visit. Here is a list of ten best temples to include in your itinerary.
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All you need to know about Hobart, Tasmania
All you need to know about Hobart, Tasmania https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2336-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gTourism has been boosted over the decades in Hobart. The city is now renowned for its captivating history, striking streams, gravelly mountains, bold art, dynamic cuisines and affluence of natural marvels.
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