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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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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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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The Best of Taipei in One Day
The Best of Taipei in One Day https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IMG_4962-Taipei-101-Thumb-1.jpg 355 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gTop things to do in Taipei if you have only one day or some layover time. Chasing the spirit of Taipei by taking long walks on its streets, tasting local delicacies and roving around its fabulous night markets. The modern metropolitan city has Japanese era lanes with nice fusion of artful skyline and Taipei 101 as its tiara.
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Bruny Island Ultimate Adventures
Bruny Island Ultimate Adventures https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_2035-Thumb-1.jpg 369 200 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gExplore the list of adventures in Tasmania’s exquisitely preserved gem of south east. Things to do in Bruny island, an ecstasy exclusive for couples!! Tours to do and places to see.
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Sunset Sail-A Romantic Dinner Cruise in Singapore
Sunset Sail-A Romantic Dinner Cruise in Singapore https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_4399-thumb-1.jpg 360 240 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gA tag along for most special Singapore experiences. A dreamy date with your partner or a celebration with loved ones, sunset sail with a romantic dinner seems like a perfect idea in Singapore.
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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
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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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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Things not to miss at Sentosa
Things not to miss at Sentosa https://planetunfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_4023-thumb-1.jpg 369 246 Sheetal Khatri https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da134dacdf22a62242e7d2ead20854fbe9e6c4a353734711d72cce8cd8d7b6f6?s=96&d=blank&r=gMarvellous highlights of Sentosa that you can’t miss, an island resort off Singapore’s southern coast. Explore exciting events, Themed attractions, lush rainforest settings, soft sandy beaches and fun activities for everyone.
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