Roadtripping around New Zealand’s South Island is the kind of experience that will have you pinching yourself. And that’s coming from someone who has done their fair share of travel over the years.
Nothing quite prepared me for the breathtaking, postcard-esque scenes between Queenstown and Mount Cook. There are plenty of choices when it comes to routes and places to stop. Read on for a breakdown of the best itinerary if you’re doing this trip for the first time.
What You Need Know Before You Start an NZ Roadtrip
There are a couple of things you need to know before getting into any NZ roadtrip.
First, the distances down under are shorter than you’d expect – it’s not actually that big of a country! But, the drives take longer than Google Maps says. Not because of traffic, but because you’ll stop every 10 minutes to take photos.
On that note, you’ll quickly get oversaturated with the country’s natural beauty, so it’s important to build in some quiet time. Many visitors find that dabbling in a bit of gaming is a good way of recharging. To get started with this, check out some online casinos NZ reviews, then sign up for the platform you like the most. You don’t want to be driving all day.
This itinerary covers about a week’s worth of driving through the South Island’s most scenic spots. I’ve kept the daily drives manageable so you’re not just staring at a windshield the whole trip.
Queenstown: Your Starting Point
Most people looking to roadtrip around the South Island fly into Queenstown. It’s as busy and touristy as the country gets, but still makes for a great base.
While you’re there, take the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for the best views of the town and the Remarkables mountain range. Or, if you’re feeling spritely, the Queenstown Hill Track takes about two hours round trip and has excellent views of the whole area.
For food, Fergburger is the obvious choice with their world-famous, enormous burgers. But if you can’t hack the lines, there are plenty of good spots along Searle Lane and the waterfront.
Glenorchy: Short & Beautiful
From Queenstown to Glenorchy is only about 45 minutes, but the road along Lake Wakatipu is awesome. We’re talking cliffs that plunge into the water – best viewed first thing in the morning when the lake is still.
Glenorchy itself is tiny. If the weather is clear, the views of Mount Earnslaw are unreal. You can do a jet boat ride up the Dart River or just have a coffee at the general store and soak it in.
This is a there-and-back drive, so you’ll return to Queenstown the same way.
Wanaka: Slowly Does It
Leaving Queenstown for real this time, the drive to Wanaka takes about an hour via the Crown Range Road. This is a steep, winding mountain pass with incredible views at the top.
Wanaka is Queenstown’s quieter, more laid-back cousin. The town wraps around its namesake lake which is – unsurprisingly – absolutely beautiful. Here, you’ll find yourself doing many of the same things: lakefront coffees, nice meals with views, plenty of hikes.
The best outing is the Roy’s Peak track. It’s famous for good reason, though it’s a pretty challenging six hour trek. For something easier, the Waterfall Creek walk near Mount Aspiring Road is much shorter and still beautiful.
Lake Tekapo via Lindis Pass: Out of This World
Lake Tekapo is a three-hour drive from Wanaka, and on the way you’ll go through Lindis Pass on State Highway 8. This is a destination in and of itself, with out-of-this-world terrain that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Mars.
The pass itself is about an hour of driving, with plenty of good spots to stop along the way and take it all in. Head to the New Zealand Department of Conservation for specific stop locations, though, the Lindis Pass Scenic Reserve is a must for its views.
Once you arrive at Lake Tekapo, make sure to walk along the lake edge to the Church of the Good Shepherd. It’s a tiny stone church right on the waterfront that’s become one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings.
Down these ways, the big draw is the night sky. Lake Tekapo sits inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest in the world. If you get a clear night, the star-gazing is absolutely insane. You can book a tour at the Mt John Observatory or just walk outside and look up.
Mount Cook National Park: Alpine Views Without the Climb
From Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook Village is about an hour’s drive. The road follows the edge of Lake Pukaki, yet another beautiful southern lake. Keep your eyes peeled as you’ll be able to spy Mount Cook for the first time across the lake on a clear day.
Once you’re in the village, the Hooker Valley Track is the walk to do. It’s about three hours return, mostly flat, and crosses three swing bridges before ending at a glacial lake with icebergs floating in it and Mount Cook towering overhead.
Milford Sound: An Optional Cherry on Top
From here, some visitors head on to Fox or Frans Joseph Glacier, or loop back down to Queenstown and hit Milford Sound.
If you choose the latter, it’s a big day (four hours each way). You’ll pass through the Eglinton Valley, past Mirror Lakes, through the Homer Tunnel, and then down into the fjord. There’s little in the way of civilization, but it’s worth the effort, particularly if you get onto one of the famous Milford Sound boat cruises.
