Epic Stops on a Road Trip Through New Zealand’s South Island

Photo by Ryan Rudnansky

There's no better way to see the wonders of New Zealand than a good old-fashioned road trip. Grab your buddies and your favorite playlist for an adventure around the South Island, where you’ll witness some of the most incredible natural wonders of the world! Allow yourself plenty of time for this trip, as you’ll likely want to leave the itinerary behind and simply get lost amongst the immense natural beauty of the country.

Begin in Christchurch

Photo by Chris Ford via Flickr

Start your journey through the South Island in Christchurch, a town known for its gardens, rivers and neo-gothic architecture. Though the 2011 earthquake destroyed much of the historic downtown, there remains plenty to see and do. Beaches and mountains are just outside of town, as is white water rafting, vineyards, and more. From Christchurch you’ll also have easy access to the next stop on the itinerary below…

Take Arthur’s Pass

Photo by Jocelyn Kinghorn via Flickr

The stunning national park of Arthur’s Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast, and is considered to be the most beautiful pass in the Southern Alps. Stop along the way at any of the pull-offs to grab photos of the spectacular landscape, including snow-capped peaks rising over 2,000 meters, deep valleys, and subalpine shrubland.

On the eastern side of Arthur’s Pass you’ll find wide riverbeds and beech forests. On the western side, deep gorges and rainforest lie in stark comparison. If you’re in need of a place to stay the night, Arthur’s Pass village is an adorable stop and great place to base yourself for further skiing and hiking in the area.

Explore The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes of Punakaiki

Photo By Tom Hall via Flickr

The crazy rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki began forming some 30 million years ago. The pancake structures were created when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited and overlaid by softer layers of mud and clay. The seabed was then pushed above sea level by earthquakes.

Heavy ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks while huge water spouts blast skyward through the blowholes. It only takes 20 minutes to walk the loop; there are additional hikes in the region ranging from 15 minutes to multi-day hikes, making this a suitable stop for all-levels and interests.

Climb Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier

Photo by Oliver Rich via Flickr

Keep heading south on Highway 6 and you'll arrive at the twin glaciers of Franz Joseph Glacier and Fox Glacier. Franz Joseph is a 7.5-mile long glacier that terminates just twelve miles from the ocean. You are able to hike up to the glacier on your own, but you will need a guide and special equipment in order to trek on top of the glacier itself.

Fox Glacier is slightly longer at 8.1 miles and also includes trails that take you to the base of the glacier. When you’ve had all the ice hiking you can handle, consider stopping for a night in the quaint seaside town of Okarito nearby.

Lake Wanaka

Photo by Paolo Rosa via Flickr

Set at the base of pristine peaks, the crystal-clear water of Lake Wanaka is a popular tourist destination all year long. In the winter, the surrounding mountains attract skiers from around the world. During the warm summer months, expect endless opportunities for fishing, hiking, kayaking and jet boating.

Have An Adventure In Queenstown

Photo by Mat79 via Flickr

Get your adrenaline pumping with a trip to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. It's perhaps best known as the birthplace of the bungee jump, but you'll find much more here than jumping off bridges alone. The town boasts hang gliding, speed boating through canyons, mountain biking, hiking, go-carting and more. Queenstown is also known as the area where much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, making it a popular area for avid hobbit fans.

Picnic At Mount Cook

Photo by Victor Bautista via Flickr

Officially standing at 3,724 meters tall, Mount Cook is the country’s highest mountain. The Mount Cook Village is a pleasant tourist center and base camp for the mountain. Grab a picnic lunch here to enjoy under the jagged peaks, famous for serving as the backdrop of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Marvel at Fiordland

Photo by Geee Kay via Flickr

Fiordland is easily one of the most stunning spots in New Zealand. Carved by glaciers over some 100,000 years, the landscape features cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes, pristine forests and marvelous peaks. Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site, of which the Milford Sound is the crown jewel. Milford Sound is regularly considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful fiords; the moment you first view the incredible reflections of the crystal-clear water, you won’t have any wonder why.

These are just a few of the natural wonders to experience on a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island. Depending on your time and budget, don’t hesitate to get off the beaten path and explore the island on more depth!

Have you visited New Zealand? What were the highlights for you