How To Spend Epic 2 Weeks On The South Island of New Zealand Hiking, And Taking Photos

Are you an avid hiker? Do you like to take beautiful photos? If you’re going to travel around New Zealand for a couple of weeks then this day-by-day road trip itinerary, covering the South Island will be your best guide!

What type of traveler is this New Zealand itinerary perfect for?

This itinerary is designed for short-term visitors to New Zealand who like me love landscape photography and being outdoors.

It’s been optimized in the best way possible to cut the time spent in the car to a minimum in favour of spending time taking photos and hiking in the mountains. It includes all of my favorite photo spots and treks on the South Island. 

Of course, this is not a complete list of things to do and see in New Zealand! For that, you will need way more time than just two weeks, but I understand that not everyone can allow themselves to take long holidays and travel for an extensive amount of time. 

Why should you stick to the South Island if you only have two weeks?

My big advice is: if you do only have two weeks then focus on the South Island. I promise you that it won’t disappoint you. Trying to see both islands in two weeks whilst doable, it’s rather ambitious.

Even though New Zealand isn’t a big country and the distances may seem small, the roads here are curvy, and mountainous and speed limits are often very restrictive.

The distance that would normally take you 2 hours to complete on a highway can easily take twice as much time in New Zealand, not including the many photo breaks you will take, because around every corner there is a view worth stopping for.

What’s the best way to travel around New Zealand?

A private helicopter of course! Unfortunately for us mere mortals, this type of transport is way out of our budget! 

For self-drive opportunities for traveling around the South Island here is what I recommend:

Option 1: hire a compact car and stay in hotels or hostels

With the ban on freedom camping and the boom of campervan travel, traveling in a motorhome doesn’t give the freedom, that it used to. Hence renting a small, gas-friendly vehicle and staying in hostels, apartments or hotels is, in my opinion, a better option nowadays.

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to find the perfect car for your road trip check Discover Cars – a top-rated car search engine with a huge database of car rental companies at competitive prices.

I use them personally and always appreciate their great customer service. 

Option 2: rent a campervan you can live out of and stay at campsites

IMPORTANT: After the fleet size reductions caused by the pandemic, the choices of motorhomes are limited, and book out quickly! Don’t miss out!

The great side to travelling in a motorhome or small camper is that it takes away the check-in and check-out process, which you will have to go through a few times when staying in hotels. It’s also a cheaper accommodation option for group travellers.

Check the Motorhome Republic a search engine that compiles all camper van rental companies in New Zealand. It’s way easier than checking each and every one separately.

There are a few things you should know before deciding on traveling in a campervan in New Zealand, so make sure to jump to my other post to learn more. 

This itinerary is completely free and the best one you will find on the internet! If you find it useful, it would mean the world to me if you use the affiliate links provided in the text when you book hotels, rental cars, motorhomes or activities.

If you do, I will get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you!

Many thanks! -Marta

New Zealand’s South Island Road Trip Overview

• APPROXIMATE KILOMETER COUNT: 2000 (ca. 1250 miles)
• PORT OF ENTRY AND EXIST: Christchurch International Airport
• TOWNS VISITED: Tekapo, Mount Cook village, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Franz Josef, Arthur’s Pass village
• NATIONAL PARKS VISITED: Mount Cook National, Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Arthur’s Pass National Park
• REGIONS VISITED: Canterbury, Otago, Southland, West Coast

This road trip itinerary goes in a loop. You will start traveling in Christchurch – South Island’s biggest city and main airport hub.

You will then follow it clockwise visiting some of the most beautiful places on the South Island including Mount Cook National Park, Fiordland National Park, West Coast glaciers, and Arthur’s Pass National Park, just to name a few.

TIP: Since this itinerary goes in a loop it can also begin and finish in Queenstown, or be done counterclockwise (refer to the map below)

Two-week South Island hiking road trip itinerary: interactive map

Below you can find the map for this itinerary. Press the top left button to switch on different layers. The map showcases many popular photography spots on the South Island, as well as the trailhead for many hikes.

Day 1: Drive from Christchurch to Tekapo

Distance from Christchurch to Tekapo: 230 km / 140 miles / 3 hours 

If you are arriving by air then chances are Christchurch International Airport will probably be the cheapest, and most convenient, airport to fly into.

Christchurch is the main and biggest city on the South Island, but cities are not the reason you came to New Zealand. You’re here for nature and you’re here for the adventure.  

Now you’ve finally picked up your car you’re ready to hit the road! If you opted for traveling in a campervan make sure to stock your food supplies in Christchurch before starting your journey. The prices here will definitely be more competitive than those in the little towns, which you will be passing, where there is usually just one supermarket.

Your first stop is Tekapo. The 3-hour drive from Christchurch to Tekapo is a beautiful way to be introduced to New Zealand’s countryside.

Day 1 – Evening: stargazing in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo belongs to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest of its kind in the World! What does that mean? Stargazing is pretty special around here.

Now, stargazing isn’t as simple as looking up at the sky at night. For best results schedule it for the new moon, find out where the core of the milky way is visible, research the night cloud cover and most importantly dress up warm, to be able to withstand the nighttime temperatures in the mountains. Apps like, for example, Photo Pills are great for that! 

You can also book an immersive stargazing tour, where science and native Maori astronomy are brought together.

Day 2 – Morning: Lake Tekapo

Option 1: Check out the Church of the Good Shepherd

Within walking distance of the town center, the Church of the Good Shepherd is a very photogenic beautiful little chapel situated close to the shore of the lake. 

It has become a very sought-after location by astrophotographers, which probably has something to do with the previously mentioned fact that Tekapo is a dark sky reserve.

Be warned though, it’s very popular, in fact, it’s one of the most popular photography spots on the South Island. If you want to get a good spot arrive early and be prepared to wait for your perfect shot. Be respectful too, after all, it is a house of worship.

Option 2: Drive up to Mount John Observatory

A 15-minute uphill drive further along State Highway 8 out of town leads you toward Mount John Observatory, located on the top of a mountain.

Complete with an awesome Astro cafe and the best view of Lake Tekapo that you can get, the drive up is definitely worth it. Just make sure you feel comfortable driving along narrow and steep roads. The windy road that leads to the top is not for the fainthearted.  

Option 3: Lupin Flowers along the shoreline

Technically Lupin flowers are just weeds that have spread around the island like a disease creating danger to native species of plants.

With that said no one can deny that Lupin flowers in bloom create fantastic scenery, where everything turns into a beautiful shade of pink and purple.

They can be found all over the place from the shoreline of Lake Tekapo, along the roadside to Mount Cook, and all around the surrounding meadows.    

Unfortunately, this isn’t a year-round phenomenon, they are only in bloom for around 6 weeks from the end of November until the start of the new year.

Day 2 – Afternoon: drive to Mount Cook

Distance from Tekapo to Mount Cook: 105 km / 65 miles / 70 minutes

Located within one hour drive from Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park named after the highest mountain in the country will quickly become your favorite place on your road trip around New Zealand. It did to me!

The scenic drive which hugs the shoreline of the crystal blue Lake Pukaki is one of the most beautiful drives on the South Island and Mount Cook National Park is one of the best hiking areas on the South Island.   

Day 3: Mueller Hut hike

This challenging full-day hike takes you to one of the most famous backcountry huts in New Zealand. The whole track, which starts at the White Horse Hill car park, takes around 6-8 hours to complete. 

You can also stay overnight in the famous Mueller alpine hut. Bookings are essential during the summer months (mid-November to April) and can be done online with DOC (NZ’s Department of Conservation).

For more info go to my detailed Mueller hut hike guide.

Day 4 – Morning: Hooker Valley hike

This relatively flat 10 kilometres round trip hike, has some of the most scenic views in the whole park. It’s also the busiest hike in Mount Cook, so I would recommend leaving very early to enjoy the path without the crowds.

From the White Horse Hill parking lot, the route travels all the way through the Hooker Valley eventually ending up at the Hooker Valley Glacial Lake.

Here icebergs can be seen carving off the glacier and floating all the way down to near the shoreline. A beautiful scene and one of my favourite day hikes on New Zealand’s South Island.

Always make sure to check for any warnings or track closures before you set off. You can find the necessary information on the Department of Conservation website.

Day 4 – option 2: Book a scenic flight 

Mount Cook National Park is one of the best places to do a scenic flight. With many glaciers overhanging the steep mountain cliffs and the insanely blue glacial lakes it is the scenery that you won’t be able to forget. 

See my first-timer’s guide to Mount Cook National Park for more info. 

Alternative accommodation on nights 2 & 3 in Twizel

TIP: Accommodation in Mount Cook is really scarce so book as far ahead as you can! If you didn’t make it in time and everything is fully booked already, the next biggest town is Twizel, where there are a lot more accommodation options.

Day 4-Afternoon: Drive to Wanaka

Distance from Mount Cook to Wanaka: 210 km / 130 miles / 2,5 hours

On the way south from Mount Cook and after 2.5 hours on some of the best roads in the country, including the famous Lindis Pass, you’ll eventually arrive in Wanaka.

Thanks to being located in the heart of the Southern Alps near Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is blessed with some of the most incredible scenery.

Day 5: Day hike around Wanaka

Option 1: Roys Peak

The hike up to Roys Peak is a special one and it’s probably one of the most recognizable views in the whole of NZ (apart from That Wanaka Tree but I’ll get to that soon).

The 16 km track starts from a small car park 6km away from Wanaka down Mount Aspiring Road.

Make sure you take water because this hike is 100% exposed (no shade) so on a sunny day it gets sweaty. At an average pace, it should take you around 5-6 hours to return.

Did you know that there are actually two very similar viewpoints on the mountain? The one on the Roys Peak Track and one taken on Coromandel Peak (photo above) on the same mountain.

It’s worth noting that the second one is only accessible by helicopter. 

Option 2: Isthmus Peak

Day 6: Mount Aspiring National Park & Wanaka’s top photo spots

Option 1: Rocky Mountain Track

The Rocky Mountain Track offers spectacular views over Lake Wanaka, completely unlike the views from the summit of Roys Peak. The track also encircles Diamond Lake and it is only a 7km (2-3hour) return.

The surrounding bluffs are very popular with rock climbers too. Rocky Mountain is an awesome spot if you want to catch a sunrise from the top of a mountain but don’t want to hike for too long.

Option 2: Rob Roy Glacier Track

This 10 km and 3-4 hour return hike located in the Matukituki valley in the Mount Aspiring National park is a great opportunity to visit yet another one of New Zealand’s many glaciers.

The hike starts at the Raspberry Creek car park, the starting point of many other popular hikes in Wanaka including the Mount Aspiring Hut, the Cascade Saddle and Liverpool hut hikes.

Best places to photograph in Wanaka

That Wanaka Tree 

Some love it some hate it, but it is undoubtedly a spot that lures thousands of photographers each year. That famous lone tree is truly photogenic but again be warned.

Its huge popularity does attract quite a crowd. Getting it is really easy. Just walk along the lake shore from the town center towards Mount Roy. Alternatively, park your car at Stoney Creek Car Park.

Glendhu Bay and Bremner Bay  

Both are within a short drive from the town center. One to the East and one to the West. On still days with very little wind both bays offer beautiful reflecting mountains.

I have a separate post on the best photography spots around Wanaka. Make sure to check it out. 

Top adventure activities in Wanaka

Wanaka is also a great adventure hub with many exciting outdoor activities at your disposal. If you want to take a break from hiking then consider participating in one of my favourite activities which I included below.

Day 7 – Morning: Drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound

Distance from Wanaka to Milford Sound: 343 km / 143 miles / 4.5 hours

Next on the itinerary is the journey to Milford Sound. Don’t worry we aren’t missing out on Queenstown, which you will pass on the way to Milford Sound. We are just breaking up the journey.

It makes more sense to go to Milford Sound first and then come back to Queenstown before you head over to Glacier Country, which is on the itinerary after Queenstown. This divides the driving time pretty evenly. 

Alternatively, you can stay in Queenstown and book yourself onto a day trip journey to Milford Sound and let someone else take you there! This is a great option if you are looking to shorten this itinerary.

I covered this choice in a separate post dedicated to Milford Sound. 

Wanaka to Milford Sound driving experience

Now from Wanaka to Milford Sound, via Queenstown, I recommend driving over the more scenic Crown Range Road. If you are travelling, in the winter season, check the weather conditions first and carry snow chains! 

Once you pass Queenstown you will drive towards Te Anau through a beautiful stretch of road called the Devil’s staircase along the Remarkables Mountain Range. Make sure to keep your eyes on the road though! This is a very windy part of the journey.

If you thought the drive can’t get any better, you are up for a surprise. The best is yet to come. The Te Anau – Milford Sound road is full of amazing views. Plan a stop at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and Gertrude Valley lookouts.

On day 7 I highly recommend leaving Wanaka as early as possible. Even though the driving time on google says 4.5 hours, one can easily spend the whole day when driving on this road.

IMPORTANT: The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound does close some days during the winter due to snowfall. If you are travelling in New Zealand during the winter time, always check the weather conditions with DOC first before setting off. Sometimes snow chains are also required. Make sure your rental vehicle is equipped with them before you hit the road!

Day 7 – Afternoon: Scenic Cruise around Milford Sound

A must-do whilst you’re here is a cruise around the Fjords. There are few companies running the cruises offering similar services at a similar price with Southern Discoveries being the top choice for many. 

Alternatively to the afternoon cruise, you can splurge on an overnight cruise, which will ultimately combine the overnight experience in Milford Sound with the cruise, plus a few extras on top, including an amazing experience on board a luxurious vessel.

No matter what you decide on, always bring a raincoat with you even if it’s perfectly sunny outside as all of the boat drivers like to get up close to the waterfalls! With that said, don’t expect it to be sunny. Fiordland National Park is the rainiest part of New Zealand.

Day 8 Morning: hike along the Milford Road

On the way back to Te Anau hike either the Gertrude Saddle (6 hours, pictured above) or Lake Marian (3 hours), two of my favourite day hikes on the South Island of New Zealand. 

You can also hike to the Key Summit (3-4 hours) which is a part of the multiday Routeburn trek. This part is often done on its own as a day hike. 

Day 8 – Afternoon: drive to Queenstown

Distance from Milford Sound to Queenstown: 288 km / 179 miles / 3.5 hours  

Queenstown is only a 2-hour drive from Te Anau or a 3.5-hour drive if you’re lucky enough to stay in Milford Sound.

If you have a couple of extra days to spend in New Zealand, do consider adding Te Anau to your itinerary. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and there are other Fjords you can visit whilst staying here, including a day trip to Doubtful Sound.

Unfortunately, you’re going to have to do this beautiful road twice as there’s only one way in and one way out of Milford Sound. How unlucky! 🙂

Day 9 – Morning: day trip to Glenorchy

On the second day consider driving the road to Glenorchy, another little town nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and only 46 kilometres or 29 miles away from Queenstown. I have driven this road countless times when I lived in Queenstown and it still remains one of my favourite drives in New Zealand.

Whilst it takes only 45 minutes to get there, there are a few stops along the way you shouldn’t miss, including:

• Moke Lake
• Bob’s Cove
• Wilson Bay
• Bennet’s Bluff
• Glenorchy Jetty
• Paradise road (past Glenorchy)

All stops are very well marked. Count at least a couple of hours for the drive and another few to see Glenorchy itself.

Guided tours to Glenorchy

Since you have done quite a bit of driving in the past couple of days, maybe it’s time to take a break and let someone else take over the steering wheel. There are daily guided tours to Glenorchy leaving from Queenstown.

That way you don’t have to worry about taking the wrong turn. Just relax and take in the scenery. My favourite one from the ones below is the Canoe, Jet Boat, and Paradise road combo, which let us experience the best of the area.

Day 10 – Morning: hike around Queenstown

One thing you can’t miss when visiting Queenstown is seeing the beautiful colours of Lake Wakatipu from above.

There are a few hikes in Queenstown which will allow that: Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill and Cecil Peak. Head to my other article for a full list of top day hikes around Queenstown.

Day 10: Afternoon – adventure activity

There is a reason why Queenstown has been known to some as the adventure capital of the World. I can’t think of any other place where you can Bungy jump, skydive, jet boat and go rafting on the same day.

Part of my job when working in Queenstown involved booking tourists into the adventure activities and because I had to know the product I was selling, I got to experience almost every activity on offer! Here are my top summer activities in Queenstown.

Day 11 – Morning: drive from Queenstown to Glacier Country

Distance from Queenstown to Franz Josef: 350 km / 217 miles / 5 hours 

Unfortunately, the time has come when you need to leave Queenstown. I hope you made the most of your stay! But hey, you’re off on the road again on another adventure.

The drive out of Queenstown towards the glaciers goes back through Wanaka, so if you went via the Crown Range road on the way down then drive through Cromwell on the way back up and vice versa. 

It does take around 5 hours to drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef village over the beautiful Haast Pass, but break up the drive with a stop at the blue pools. It’s a short walk in Mount Aspiring National Park, around one hour past Wanaka.

Day 11 – Afternoon: visit some photo-worthy spots in Glacier Country

Day 12 – Morning: hike around Franz Josef 

Option 1: Helicopter flight and glacier hike

Once you’re in glacier country you’ll find it very quiet compared to Queenstown but that isn’t a bad thing it’ll just give you time to relax and wind down. 

Just kidding! BOOK A HELICOPTER RIDE AND HIKE ON THAT GLACIER! 

Ice trekking still remains one of the coolest things I’ve ever done though, so if you’ve got some money to spare go glacier hiking in New Zealand.

You will be taken up on the glacier by a helicopter and guided through crevasses. The experience isn’t exactly cheap, but you won’t regret it.

Option 2: Fox and Franz Josef glacier viewpoints

Apart from doing that awesome heli hike, you can also hike through both Fox and Franz Josef Valleys to the foot of the Glaciers. Both of them are 20 min drive apart.

Unfortunately, the viewpoints at the end of the hikes aren’t keeping up with the speed at which both glaciers are receding, due to climate change.

The walk to Fox Glacier is a 2.6km (return) one-hour stroll and the hike to Franz Josef is a 5.4km (return) which should take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remember to obey all signs. Glaciers are dangerous and you don’t want to die over that Instagram shot, right?

Option 3: Alex Knob hike

If you are after something more challenging and want to see the Franz Josef Glacier without spending a few hundred dollars, check out the Alex Knob hike. 

This 6-8 hour return hike will take you through New Zealand’s native rainforest to the summit with panoramic views over the glacier (see photo above). 

Day 12 – Afternoon : drive to Arthur’s Pass National Park

Distance from Franz Josef to Arthur’s Pass Village: 230 km / 143 miles / 3 hours

Now that your journey is coming to an end you can start to relax and take time to heal your probably tired and aching body. Just kidding! Let’s go hiking again! When are you going to get a chance to do this again?

After leaving Franz Josef head North along Highway 6 and take the 73 Highway inland toward the northern section of the southern alps. Arthurs pass village should take you around 3 hours to reach.

TIP: Accommodation in Arthur’s Pass village is very scarce so book as far ahead as you can!

Places to stop along the way to Arthur’s Pass NP

Hokitika

If you’re going to stop anywhere along the way, the coastal town of Hokitika is your best bet. The fish and chips are always best on the coast too!

This little town is famous for manufacturing Pounamu. Pounamu is a nephrite jade hand carved into jewellery. It is highly treasured in the Maori culture and often sourced locally. 

Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge is a good spot to break up the journey, stretch your legs and take in some views.

Day 13 – Morning: hike in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Arthurs pass is the divide between the west coast glaciers and the east coast beaches. High up in the mountains there’s plenty of hiking to be done. 

Option 1: Bealey Spur Track

A moderate (5-hour return) hike which stays mainly within the bush line is a lovely day out exploring the forest.

The views do get better but not right until the very end, where it comes out just below a ridgeline and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and of the Waimakariri River.

The Bealey Spur track starts 14km south of Arthurs Pass village at the end of Cloudesley road.

Option 2: Avalanche Peak 

A difficult all-day hike that takes 6-8 hours to complete. The views are so good from the summit though that this is the most popular hike in Arthur’s Pass. The Avalanche Peak track starts in the centre of the village.

About 10 minutes into the track you’ll get spectacular views of the southern foot of the crowfoot glacier and the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, the highest waterfall in New Zealand (Well apart from some waterfalls in Milford Sound but they aren’t permanent so don’t count).   

Day 13 – Afternoon: check out the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall

The waterfall is a short drive away from the center of the village northbound on the 73. The walk itself doesn’t take long (around an hour) and is very well maintained, but it does include a series of steps.

The 131-meter-high waterfall is very impressive and definitely photo-worthy.

Day 14 – Drive to Christchurch

Distance from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch: 142 km / 88 miles / 2 hours 

That’s a wrap! I hope you will have lots of fun following this hiking itinerary around the South Island of New Zealand. Make sure to leave me some feedback in the comment if you followed this plan. I am always keen on improving this site as much as possible. The same goes for any questions you may have! Just leave a comment below and I will answer personally!

Where to stop along the way from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch?

Lake Pearson

It lies just outside the boundary of Arthur’s Pass NP but you will pass it nevertheless when driving back to Christchurch. It’s super easy to reach, as it is just next to the main road. Best time to see it is during autumn (April) when the trees growing along the shoreline turn yellow. 

Castle Hill  

Another spot that you will pass on your way back to Christchurch is Castle Hill. Made famous thanks to the Lord Of The Rings franchise.

Imagine hundreds of massive limestone boulders scattered on the green tussock hills, New Zealand is so famous for. It’s a great stop for stretching your longs and an easy walk with beautiful views surrounding the place. 

How to shorten this two week itinerary to 12 or 10 days?

If you don’t have two weeks here is a few ideas how to shorten this road

1. Instead of driving to Milford Sound from Wanaka, head straight for Queenstown. You can then book a day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back
2. Stay one day shorter in Wanaka
3. Cut one-weekGlacier Country and Arthur’s Pass out of the itinerary and finish your road trip in Queenstown. That’s the route I cover in my one-week itinerary around New Zealand’s South Island. one-week

How to extend this two-week road trip?

1. As mentioned previously in the article, I think it’s totally worth it to add two nights in Te Anau. You can easily do another cruise around the Fjords, for example Doubtful Sound, or another hike.
2. Consider backpacking one of New Zealand’s great walks. Kepler Track, Milford Track or Routeburn Track. Either of them can easily be incorporated into the plan.

Travel resources for your New Zealand road trip

For your bookings I highly recommend  

• Booking.com for hotels and hostels
• Discover Cars for finding the best deals on car rentals 
• Motorhome Republic for finding the best deals on campervan and motorhome rental
• Get Your Guide – the ultimate booking engine for tours & activities around the World 

Tips for your New Zealand holiday planning

1. If you are traveling within the peak season December through March I highly recommend booking your accommodation and car/camper as far in advance as you can. It’s a busy time! 
2. If you are traveling in the winter months from the end of June – the beginning of September then make sure your accommodation in Queenstown and Wanaka is booked in advance. Those are ski season months and both of those places are famous and busy ski towns.
3. To check roads and hiking trail conditions, especially in the winter months, go to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation website. 
4. Get the CamperMate travel app for finding the best campsites on the island. 

I hope you will fall in love with New Zealand just as much as I did. If you have questions, write them in the comments and I promise I’ll respond! Don’t forget to like or share this with friends who might find it useful. Happy and safe travels! 

More New Zealand Travel Resources

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