New Zealand South Island Road Trip: How to spend 8 days exploring the best of the South Island

Written By Jess M

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

An Overview of the 8-Day South Island Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable New Zealand road trip starting in the adventure capital of Queenstown. This journey takes you through the serene beauty of Te Anau, the iconic Milford Sound, the charming town of Wanaka, and the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Cook and Twizel before concluding back in Queenstown.

While New Zealand’s well-established tourism industry offers plenty of bus tours and shuttles between destinations, hiring a car is the ultimate way to experience the South Island. With your own vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to create your schedule, avoid crowded tour buses, and uncover hidden gems that tour groups often miss.

Trip Highlights by Day:

  • Day 1–3: Te Anau and Milford Sound

  • Day 3–6: Queenstown

  • Day 6–8: Wanaka, Mount Cook, and Twizel

The South Island Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s the detailed day-by-day breakdown for this 8-day adventure, including tips on where to sleep, eat, and explore.

Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

~ 171km | 2 to 2.5 hours

Flying in from Melbourne, we landed in Queenstown at 10 am. We decided that our South Island trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Milford Sound - a bucket list destination for all travellers, so we jumped into our AVIS Hyundai Kona and drove 2 hours to Te Anau. Most people on their South Island adventure will base themselves in Queenstown and jump on one of the many buses that make the daily journey to Milford. Whilst this is a perfect option for anyone short on time, we wanted to explore one of the smaller towns in the South Lands.

 

Te Anau is a hidden gem, perfect for escaping the crowds and discovering lesser-known areas. Nestled halfway between Queenstown and Milford Sound, it makes for an ideal base to explore Milford and Doubtful Sound.

This picturesque town, often overlooked as just a rest stop for bus tours, is home to the starting points of two of New Zealand’s Great Walks and offers a tranquil setting to recharge before heading deeper into your journey.

Car Hire Tips:

Starting your adventure at Queenstown Airport gives you access to various car rental providers. Renting a car lets you hit the road immediately and skip the hassle of buses or Uber into town. Here are some trusted providers to consider:

Although most rental companies charge an airport premium, the convenience of picking up your car directly at the airport often outweighs the added cost. New Zealanders drive on the left, so make sure you’re familiar with the road rules before you set off! The traffic in Queenstown can get a little chaotic but once you’re out of town you’ll find wide-open roads and very few cars. We’d recommend purchasing travel insurance to ensure you’re covered before you arrive, just in case you find yourself in a pickle.

Where to stay in Te Anau

Despite being a relatively small town, Te Anau is home to a wide range of accommodation options including campgrounds, hotels and locally owned and operated Airbnbs.

Budget Accommodation

Mid Range Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation

Day 2: Exploring Te Anau

~ 50km | 40 to 1hr (Activity dependant)

Start your day in Te Anau with a visit to Milford Road Merchant, where you’ll find what might be the best coffee in New Zealand. This charming general store serves not only delicious coffee but also stocks a range of local gifts, products and breakfast options.

Things to Do in Te Anau

  • After your caffeine fix, adventurous hikers can hop aboard the Kepler Track Water Taxi, which departs from Te Anau. This will take you to the start of a hike up Mount Luxmore, featuring a challenging 1,200-meter elevation gain. This full-day hike is best suited for serious hikers and is recommended during the spring and summer months. Highly recommend using All Trails to plan your route.

  • If you’re looking for something more relaxed or family-friendly, take a 20-minute drive to the Lake Mistletoe Walking Track. This easy 1.3-kilometre circuit winds through tranquil forest trails to the serene Lake Mistletoe—a great option for all ages.

  • The highlight of our Te Anau adventure was a guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, operated by Real NZ. The experience began with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, offering breathtaking views before you step into an underground world of wonder. After a short 15-minute walk through a labyrinth of swirling whirlpools and underground waterfalls, you’ll board a boat to glide under a glittering canopy of glowworms. The tour concludes at the education centre, where you’ll learn more about these fascinating creatures, it was truly a magical experience! There are multiple departures throughout the day, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your itinerary. Tickets are priced at $135 NZD for adults and $65 NZD (December 24 Prices) for children under 15, making it a worthwhile adventure for the whole family.

    Book your ticket with Real NZ here.

Where to eat in Te Anau

Day 3: Milford Sound

~ 250km | 4 to 5 hours

Without a doubt, Milford Sound, located deep within the Fiordland National Park, is a destination that should be on everyone’s New Zealand Itinerary. Milford is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world filled with endless snowcapped mountain peaks, waterfalls and shimmering lakes.

Getting to Milford Sound from Te Anau

  • Milford Sound is a stunning 117 km drive from Te Anau, taking anywhere from 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic and how many photo stops you make (you will stop at least five times). The route is dotted with jaw-dropping lookout points, so do yourself a favour and tack on an extra 30 minutes to soak in the epic scenery. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is more than just a drive; it’s part of the adventure.

  • When you arrive, parking at the Milford Sound Carpark is limited and pricey, with fees of $10NZD per hour (December 2024 Prices). There is one free parking option located here at the Deepwater Basin Car Park. This park is a peaceful 20-minute walk from the Visitor Centre and fills up quickly, so if you want to avoid paying for parking, aim to arrive before 9:30 am.

The best things to do in Milford Sound

  • The best thing to do in Milford Sound is take a day cruise around the fiord. The standard option lasts approximately 2 hours and takes you on a journey through the entire fiord. You’ll cruise under the towering cliffs, past countless waterfalls and if you’re lucky you’ll spot dolphins, seals and penguins.

    The three main cruise operators are:

    • Real NZ: Multiple iconic vessel options that enable you to tailor your cruising experience.

    • Southern Discoveries: Large spacious vessels with multilingual cruising experiences. Our cruise was with Southern Discoveries, and we couldn’t fault them!

    • Mitre Peak Cruises: Small group tours on custom boats get you closer to the waterfalls than any other operator.

    All cruises start at $127NZD per person for adults and $70NZD for children. (December 2024 Prices).

    If you’re after a cheaper alternative, all the cruise operators offer deals on Viator. The tour buses tend to arrive around 12 pm so I recommend booking a cruise that departs before 11:30 am.

  • Post-cruise and on your journey back to Te Anau, there are plenty of hiking options in the region:

    • Milford Sound Foreshore Walk - A 30-minute scenic and accessible walk that starts near the Milford Sound Carpark and takes you through the forest along the foreshore.

    • Milford Sound Lookout Track: A 30-minute loop track that leads to a lookout point from which you can view the Fiord and Milford township.

    • Key Summit Track: This intermediate hike forms part of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, The Routeburn Track. It’s a 6.8km out-and-back trail that takes approximately 3 hours. The starting point here is a 32km drive from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal so a car is a must.

    • Lake Gunn Nature Walk: On the way back to Te Anau, Lake Gunn Nature Walk is an easy 45-minute loop that winds through the beech forest that lines Lake Gunn. The trail is well-maintained and completely flat so it’s perfect for all ages.

Day 4: Queenstown

~ 170km | 2 to 2.5 hours

Having explored the best of Te Anau and Milford Sound, it’s time to return to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and surrounded by alpine ranges, Queenstown is a perfect mix of adrenaline activities, cultural experiences and touches of luxury.

On your way back to Queenstown, stop for coffee and home-baked pastries at the gorgeous Sprig and Thistle Caravan, located at 6 Princhester Road, The Key. All the pastries are hand-made with locally sourced ingredients, and the coffee which is beyond delicious is supplied by New Zealand-based Higher Ground Coffee Roasters.

Queenstown Parking Tip: Parking in Queenstown can be a bit tricky during peak seasons, not to mention that it’s fairly pricey. If your accommodation isn’t within walking distance of the central area, drive over to the Queenstown Gardens Carpark, where you’ll find free four-hour parking. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to town from there, making it a great way to save some cash.

After checking into your accommodation and grabbing some lunch, why not kick off your Queenstown adventure with one of New Zealand’s most iconic activities: the Shotover Jet?

This thrilling 25-minute jet boat ride takes you deep into the breathtaking Shotover River Canyons. The custom-built boats, driven by highly skilled skippers, hit speeds of up to 90 km/h as they twist, turn, and pull off exhilarating spins down the river. After multiple raving reviews from friends, we went in with high hopes, but this experience blew us away and became a highlight of our trip!

What you need to know:

  • If you don’t have a car, there’s a complimentary shuttle from the Station Building in Queenstown. Otherwise, it’s just a 10-minute drive, with plenty of onsite parking available.

  • Tickets are $169 NZD for adults and $95 NZD for children, with family packages available to help save a bit of cash (December 2024 Prices).

  • Recommendation: Leave behind anything that could fall off; trust us on this (we said goodbye to a hat during one of the spins!).

Where to stay in Queenstown:

Budget Accommodation

Mid Range Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation

Day 5: Queenstown

Kick off your day with some of the best coffee in Queenstown, or your favourite drink, from Life’s a Grind Espresso Coffee Van, conveniently parked outside the Super Liquor on Stanley Street. With your caffeine fix sorted, you’ll be fueled up and ready for a day of adventure and relaxation. Queenstown has endless ways to fill your time, and the activities below are just a few ideas to add to your itinerary!

Things to do in Queenstown:

Adrenaline Activities

Other Queenstown Activities

  • Wander through the Saturday Queenstown Market in Earnslaw Park

  • Play Frisbee Golf in the Queenstown Gardens

  • Go relax in the Onsen Hot Pools that overlook the Shotover River Canyon

  • Stroll through the Queenstown Gardens

  • Hire an e-bike and cycle between wineries with Around the Basin

After a jam-packed day of adventures and activities, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to food options. Queenstown is truly a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from world-famous burgers to fine dining with stunning lake views.

Where to eat in Queenstown:

  • Ferg Burger - A true Queenstown Institution where you can get relatively affordable burgers. It is always incredibly busy but don’t be deterred by the line as it moves quickly.

  • Ferg Baker - A sister restaurant of Ferg Burger. Highly recommend any of the pies and pastries for a savoury or sweet afternoon treat.

  • Caribe Latin Kitchen - A small, casual Mexican spot that features tacos, burritos and authentic antojitos.

  • Fogo Brazilian BBQ - All-you-can-eat South American BBQ. Download First Table to grab an even cheaper deal.

  • Patagonia - Centrally located chocolate, desserts and ice creams which are perfect for a hot day.

  • Odd saint - A popular brunch spot with plenty of breakfast and lunch options.

  • Margo’s - Another popular Mexican spot with amazing happy hour deals, it’s somewhat pricey so make sure you try and find a deal on

Day 6: A day trip to Arrowtown

~. 40km | 40 minutes

Located only 25 minutes from Queenstown is the historic and incredibly charming Arrowtown. Arrowtown, established in 1862 as a gold mining town resides on the banks of the Arrow River and has an abundance of walking trails, cute cafes, quality restaurant options and lifestyle shops.

Located just 25 minutes from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a historic gem brimming with charm.

This little town, established in 1862 as a gold mining hub, sits along the banks of the Arrow River. With its abundance of walking trails, cozy cafés, fantastic restaurants, and boutique lifestyle shops, Arrowtown is the perfect location for any day trip.

How to spend a day in Arrowtown:

  • Start your day with the best coffee in town at Crib. This pop-up coffee shop serves up amazing brews and delicious bakery treats straight out of a bedroom window. The baristas are super friendly, and the short walk off the main strip is totally worth it.

  • Another great alternative for coffee is Wolf Coffee Roasters. This small-batch speciality coffee roaster is located on the main street so expect a wait because it can get super busy.

  • Once you’ve picked up your beverage of choice, walk on down to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This historic village, dating back to the 1860s, features partially restored buildings and five reconstructed huts that offer a glimpse into the challenging lives of the early Chinese gold miners.

  • If you’re feeling active, hit up the Arrow River Trail. This 4.2km loop winds through peaceful woodlands and even passes a waterfall. It’s an easy one-hour walk, perfect for soaking up the natural beauty of the area.

  • If shopping is more your style there a plenty of boutiques to explore. Stop in at the Royalburn Farm Shop for local produce and small goods, wander into Angel Divine for luxury fashion and homewares, and finally Remarkable Sweet Shop for some local sweets or homemade fudge.

  • If you have a few hours to spare head down a laneway to Dorothy Browns, a boutique cinema, bookstore, and gin bar all rolled into one. Or, for a more casual vibe, grab a hearty pub meal at The Fork and Tap before making your way back to Queenstown to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 7: From Queenstown to Twizel via Wanaka

~ 211km | 3 to 3.5 hours

After exploring the beauty of Queenstown and the surrounding area, it’s time to hit the road to the Canterbury Region of the South Island. First stop of the day: Wanaka, just a scenic 70km drive from Queenstown.

Wanaka is a touristy resort town that sits on the southern end of Lake Wanaka. Known locally for having something for everyone no matter the season. It’s a haven for summer and winter adventure activities with endless things to do. If your schedule allows, I’d recommend adding a few extra days to your itinerary to explore the area.

Unfortunately, on this trip, we couldn’t carve out the extra time to stay longer in Wanaka but it has managed to secure a spot on our must visit list in the future.

Things to do in Wanaka

Once you arrive in Wanaka, kick off your day with breakfast at Curbside Coffee and Bagels. We picked up the Halloumi Bagel, the Salmon Bagel, and the Breakfast Bagel and let me tell you, they were all delicious and well worth the stop!

  • If you’ve got time to spare and are up for a challenge, don’t miss Roy’s Peak, one of New Zealand’s most iconic hiking trails. This 16km out-and-back trail takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on your fitness level. It’s a steep and gruelling climb to the top but the views are well worth the effort.

  • For something a bit less strenuous, check out the Mount Iron Track, a 4.5-kilometer loop just outside Wanaka. For a more gradual climb, I recommend tackling the loop clockwise. If you venture anti-clockwise you’ll be faced with a much steeper and much less scenic climb to the top. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

  • If cycling is more your thing, Wanaka won’t disappoint. There are plenty of bike hire shops in town, and one of the most popular trails is the Wanaka to Glendhu Bay Track. This 30-kilometer return journey takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete, offering gorgeous lakeside views along the way.

After spending a few hours exploring Wanaka, it’s time to hit the road again, this time heading to Twizel. Just two hours north of Wanaka, Twizel is a small but perfectly located town that serves as the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most incredible wonders.

Where to stay in Twizel:

Day 8: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

~ 133km | 1.5 to 2 hours

Start your day with a coffee from Mint Folk & Co. and pick up some snacks from one of the two Four Square Supermarkets in Twizel. Once you’re stocked up, it’s a one-hour drive along the banks of Lake Pukaki to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Township. You can stop anywhere along the road to snap some photos and enjoy the view of the glacier-fed lake.

When you arrive in the township, head straight on down to the White Horse Hill Campground where you’ll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. The parking here is limited and fills up quickly so aim to arrive before 9:30 am or after 2 pm to secure a spot close to the start of the track.

The Hooker Valley Track is an incredible 10km out-and-back trail that winds through the Hooker Valley, across multiple swing bridges and ends at the Hooker Lake. It’s a relatively flat and accessible trail that is a must-do activity in the region.

The area has limited lunch options and most have limited opening hours, so make sure you plan ahead. The Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe and Bar in the Hermitage Hotel has a variety of options to satisfy any post-hike cravings.

In the afternoon, head on over to the Tasman Glacier View Track. This short 1-hour return trail leads up to the Tasman Lake, from which you’ll have an amazing view of the Tasman Glacier. The Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand, stretching an incredibly 23.5 km.

For those after a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the Glacier up close, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopter offer incredible Glacier tours. We opted for the Glacier Highlights Tour, which had us soaring around Mount Cook, over glacier lakes, and landing on the Tasman Glacier. The experience lasted about 45 minutes, with 15 minutes on the Glacier itself, where we were able to walk around, make snow angels and have a snowball fight surrounded by the most stunning mountain ranges. At $629 NZD (December 2024 Prices), it’s not an affordable activity but in our opinion, it was worth every cent.

After a magical day exploring the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, it’s time to head back to Twizel for the final night of this itinerary. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies, head on down to the Lake Pukaki Viewing Spot where you’ll have a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Our South Island adventure wrapped up the next day with an early morning 2.5-hour drive back to Queenstown to catch a flight to Auckland. But no rule that says that your road trip has to end here! Whether you choose to explore more of Queenstown or take a detour to another stunning part of New Zealand, there’s always more to discover. The road trip adventure is yours to continue!

Jess M