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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Holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia
Holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_4001-Thumb-1.jpg 369 250 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
A Luxurious stay in Pulau Bintan, Indonesia
A Luxurious stay in Pulau Bintan, Indonesia https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FullSizeRender-2-thumb-2.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gSecret getaway just a boat ride away from Singapore. Spend a dreamy, luxurious stay in Pulau Bintan. Ideal for couples and honeymooners.
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Mole Creek Caves, Fossil Bluff and The Nut
Mole Creek Caves, Fossil Bluff and The Nut https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0973-Post-1.jpg 860 573 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThe longer route comes with more diversity of places to see. Our self drive from Launceston to Stanley and then Queenstown features some unique spots of Western Tasmania.
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Amazing Lookouts between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake
Amazing Lookouts between Taipei and Sun Moon Lake https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_5345-lavender-thumb-1.jpg 369 245 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gThe Sun Moon Lake in the heart of Taiwan is only a short drive, but why miss some stunning spots on the way. A lot of tourists visiting Taiwan rush towards Sun Moon Lake directly from Taipei leaving out these marvellous jewels on the western slice of Taiwan.
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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
Things to do in Launceston
Things to do in Launceston https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0261-Thumb-1.jpg 368 278 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gMeet seahorses and penguins. Amazing things to do in Tamar Valley & Beauty point in Launceston, Tasmania. Well-known for Tamar Valley region, its vineyards and Cataract George, on-foot trails, carved gardens and a chairlift. It is another vibrant hub for food and wine, nature and ethos.
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A Guide to Traverse Taroko National Park Self Driving
A Guide to Traverse Taroko National Park Self Driving https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_7459-taroko-near-baiyang2-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA day drive itinerary/route for Taroko National Park. Top spots and trails to see near Zhongbu cross island highway. Witness the divine-blue stream amid splendour of massive marble cliffs blotched with tropical greenery and pagodas nested in green forests.
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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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Escape Tour in Coron Palawan
Escape Tour in Coron Palawan https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DJI_0072-Us-malacapuya-post-1-1024x576.jpg 1024 576 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gAn Escape tour in Coron Palawan is ideal for couples and honeymooners as it takes you to explore three exotic destinations surrounding Coron island.
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