NZ South Island, 9 day itinerary

Day 1: Touchdown in Christchurch

There’s nothing quite like that first deep breath of South Island air. It’s crisp, clean and slightly smug about how scenic the next week of your life is going to be. Today is an easy one: settle in, reset your body clock and enjoy Christchurch before your campervan adventure kicks off tomorrow.

Because you’re arriving from a long-haul flight (anything over eight hours) you won’t be able to collect your motorhome from DriveNow’s rental partner today. It’s a sensible safety rule, and frankly, after a flight that long you’ll barely trust yourself with a fork, let alone a vehicle. So tonight, it’s all about comfort. Check out the blog on 'What you need to know about driving in NZ'  before you set off.

Where to Stay

A great central pick is The George, a polished 4.5-star boutique hotel right beside Hagley Park. It’s stylish without trying too hard, quiet, comfortable and a short stroll from many of Christchurch’s main sights.

If you prefer something slightly more modern in design, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is another solid 4-star option right in the heart of town.

Christchurch Highlights for Your First Afternoon

Once you’ve dropped your bags and had a quick splash of water on the face to pretend you're awake, get out and explore. Christchurch is a city that’s reinvented itself with clever design, a strong arts scene and a good dose of Kiwi resilience.

Image credit: NZ Tourism, Miles Holden

A few easy sightseeing hits:

• Wander the Botanic Gardens, especially if the weather’s playing nice.
• Take a gentle roam along the Avon River; bonus points if you hop on a punting boat.
• Visit Riverside Market for local food, coffee and a people-watching warm-up.
• Check out the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, full of thoughtful exhibits and usually zero crowds.
• Stroll through Hagley Park. It’s huge, peaceful and practically on the hotel’s doorstep.
• Pop into the Cardboard Cathedral, an architectural reminder that brilliant things can come from challenging times.
• Explore the quirky Re:START areas and murals still dotted around the CBD.

Take it slow. Tomorrow the pace picks up.

🍽️ Dinner Nearby

Stick close to home and head to Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar. It’s a short walk from The George, with cosy lighting, good wine and plates that hit the spot without being overly fussy. Think local lamb, market fish, hearty sides and a menu that’s friendly even to jet-lagged decision making.

🚐 Day 2 - Campervan Pick-Up

Today’s the day you meet your trusty wheels. Whether you’ve gone for something compact and cute or a full-sized motorhome with enough room for a family of five, DriveNow has you covered. Their line-up includes all the reputable rental companies in New Zealand, so you can compare options in one spot and choose the one that feels right for your road style.

If it’s your first time driving in New Zealand, don’t skip the “First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self-drive holiday.” . It’s full of the sort of common-sense reminders you only remember after you’ve hopped a kerb.

Once your handover’s complete and your confident in your new home on wheels, it’s time to roll south.

Image credit: Tourism NZ 

🚚 Christchurch to Aoraki–Mt Cook National Park

This is one of those drives that keeps getting better with every kilometre. You’ll cross the broad Canterbury Plains before easing into the rolling foothills near Geraldine. It’s a nice spot to stretch your legs, grab a snack and remind yourself that you’re officially on holiday.

From there, glide through Fairlie (the pies here have their own fan club), then climb gently over Burkes Pass where the landscape starts dialling up the drama. Not long after, Lake Tekapo appears in its milky-turquoise glory, and you’ll realise that yes, the photos online were real.

Keep following the road toward Lake Pukaki, a glacier-fed stunner that looks photo-edited in real life. On a clear day you’ll see Aoraki/Mt Cook rising proudly at the head of the lake. That view alone is worth the drive.

Continue along the lakeshore until you reach Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, your base for the night.

⛺ Where to Stay in Your Camper

You’ve got two great camper-friendly spots:

White Horse Hill DOC Campground Right at the trailheads with clear views to the peaks. It’s simple, scenic and exactly what you came here for.

Glentanner Park Centre (just outside the village) Powered sites, hot showers, and a backdrop that basically shouts “welcome to the Alps.”

Both options suit motorhomes perfectly.

Suggested Activity: Glacier Explorers

If you’re up for something unforgettable, book the Glacier Explorers tour. You’ll get up close to 500-year-old icebergs drifting on the Tasman Terminal Lake. It’s one of only three tours like it in the world, because very few glaciers actually terminate into lakes you can safely reach by boat.

You’ll skim across the water in a specially designed vessel while staring up at towering ice cliffs and bright blue icebergs. It’s the sort of outing that makes you go quiet for a moment because nature is showing off.

🏔️ Day 3: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to Te Anau

Today is a classic South Island driving day: big skies, mountain passes and enough scenery changes to make you feel like you’ve driven through three different countries before lunch. Settle in, pop on a good playlist and enjoy the ride toward Te Anau, your base for Fiordland.

🚐 On the Road

As you roll south from Aoraki/Mt Cook:

• Pass through Twizel, where several Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed. Keep an eye out for landscapes that feel suspiciously Middle-earth-ish.
• Stop in Omarama, known for world-class gliding. Even if you don’t take to the air, the views are impressive enough from ground level.
• Climb over the Lindis Pass, one of the highest roads in the country. The golden tussock hills look like they’ve been brushed into place just for the occasion.
• Drift into Tarras, a tiny Central Otago village with boutique shops and a sweet café worth pulling over for.
• Continue to Cromwell, home to a beautifully restored historic precinct. The old buildings were moved before the valley was flooded for Lake Dunstan, and now house charming shops and cafés.
• Wind through the dramatic cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge toward Gibbston, one of New Zealand’s premium wine regions.
• Pause at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Whether you’re the one jumping or the one filming someone else doing it, it’s great entertainment.
• Approach Queenstown with the Remarkables rising on one side and Lake Wakatipu glittering on the other.
• Follow the lake south into the wide green pastures of Southland, eventually arriving in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Image credit: Tourism NZ

⛺ Where to Stay in Your Camper

Te Anau is wonderfully camper-friendly. Two easy picks:

Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park Large sites, spotless facilities and a short stroll to the lakefront. A popular choice for motorhomes.

Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park Another reliable option with powered sites, kitchens, lounges and a relaxed vibe.

Either one sets you up nicely for tomorrow’s Fiordland adventures.

💡 Suggested Activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves (RealNZ)

If you’ve still got some spark left after the drive, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a brilliant way to end the day.

You’ll start with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau aboard the luxury catamaran Luminosa. Once you reach the western shore, you’ll step into Cavern House where displays explain the geology and 12,000-year history of this underground world.

From there, follow your guide along limestone pathways past whirlpools, sculpted rock formations and an underground waterfall. The grand finale is a quiet boat ride in near-total darkness as thousands of glowworms light up the cave ceiling like a tiny galaxy.

It’s peaceful, mesmerising and a lovely contrast to the huge landscapes you drove through earlier in the day.

🚚 Day 4: Te Anau to Milford Sound (and Back Again)

Today is one of the crown jewels of any South Island road trip. The Milford Road is the kind of drive that makes you vow to never complain about traffic again. It isn’t about getting from A to B. It’s about soaking up landscapes so dramatic they practically beg for their own soundtrack.

Take it slow. Stop often. And don’t be shy about pulling over for photos — everyone else is doing the same thing.

The Drive to Milford Sound

• The road winds past mirror-flat lakes, glacier-carved valleys and mountains that look a bit too perfect to be real.
• Keep an eye out for Eglinton Valley, a sweeping scene straight out of a fantasy film.
• Wander through the lush glacier-formed meadows at the roadside stops.
• Approach the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat and a slightly surreal experience — a long, dark passage that spits you out into yet another spectacular valley.
• Arrive in the tiny Milford settlement where Mitre Peak rises from the fiord like it’s posing for postcards.

With scenery like this, it’s no surprise the world keeps calling Milford Sound one of its top natural wonders.

Image credit: Tourism NZ

🚤 Milford Sound Cruise (RealNZ – Lunch Included)

A cruise is the best way to truly experience the fiord. The RealNZ trip is relaxed, informative and gets you close enough to waterfalls that you’ll feel the spray (that’s the South Island giving you a free facial).

Expect:

• towering cliffs
• waterfalls that seem to fall forever
• rainforest clinging to near-vertical rock
• a good chance of seals, and occasional penguin or dolphin sightings

Lunch is included, and the commentary is helpful without feeling like a lecture. It’s a brilliant way to appreciate how the fiord was formed and why it still looks so untouched.

💡  Suggested Activity: Milford Sound Lunch Cruise on the Fiordland Jewel

If you’re after something a little more boutique, the Fiordland Jewel cruise is a beauty. Highlights include:

• A stylish catamaran with cosy lounges and dining booths
• Panoramic views from both the indoor saloon and outdoor decks
• A small-group experience that feels personal and calm
• Wildlife spotting with knowledgeable crew
• A chef-prepared lunch served as you glide through the fiord

It’s an especially lovely choice if you prefer a quieter, more indulgent outing.

After your cruise, you’ll simply return along the same scenic highway to Te Anau. The journey feels different on the way back — the light shifts, the mountains change mood, and you’ll likely stop for “just one more photo” about ten times.

⛺ Where Your Camper Stays Tonight

No change from last night — you’ll return to your chosen Te Anau holiday park:

• Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park, or
• Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park

Both are perfect for relaxing after a day of jaw-dropping scenery.

🚐  Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown

Today’s drive is a short and easy one, but don’t let the distance fool you — the scenery still puts on a show. After the drama of Fiordland, the landscape opens into wide tussock plains, rolling farmland and finally the deep-blue sweep of Lake Wakatipu.

On the Road

• Cruise through Mossburn, proudly known as the deer capital of New Zealand. Keep an eye out — you’ll spot paddocks full of antlered locals looking oddly regal.
• Continue through Southland’s countryside, all big skies and tidy farmland.
• As you reach Lake Wakatipu, the road begins to climb and twist along the cliffline known as the Devil’s Staircase. The views here are the kind that make you forget to blink.
• Eventually the mighty Remarkables appear on the horizon, signalling your arrival in Queenstown, the adventure hub of the country and a place where even the coffee seems slightly amped up.

Take your time settling in. Queenstown has a lively atmosphere, loads of great food and plenty of ways to stretch your legs after a few days of big drives.

Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden thl. 

💡Suggested Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

A classic Queenstown evening out, and perfect for motorhome travellers who want a special night without anything too high-adrenaline.

You’ll board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. The views from the deck are beautiful in every direction, and watching the coal-fired engine at work is oddly mesmerising.

At Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll sit down to a gourmet BBQ dinner inside the historic Colonel’s Homestead. Expect:

• beautifully cooked local meats
• fresh salads and sides
• tempting desserts or a selection of NZ cheeses

After dinner, you’ll see the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and get a chance to meet some of the resident animals. Then it’s a quiet cruise back to Queenstown under the stars, with the lights of town twinkling across the lake.

It’s relaxed, scenic and very Kiwi — a lovely contrast to the high-energy activities Queenstown is famous for.

⛺ Where to Stay in Your Camper

Queenstown books out fast, so it’s worth locking in a site early.

Two solid options:

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park Right in town, easy walk to restaurants and activities. Powered sites, showers, laundry — the works.

Creeksyde Holiday Park Another popular choice with quirky art pieces around the park, good facilities and an easy walk into town.

Both are great bases for exploring Queenstown without having to wrangle parking in the CBD.

🚐Day 6: Exploring Queenstown

Queenstown days have a way of disappearing in the best possible way. One moment you’re strolling along the lakefront, the next you’re reconsidering your life choices as someone straps you into a harness for a canyon swing. This town knows how to keep things interesting.

Your camper has a well-earned rest today while you explore on foot, by gondola or, if you’re feeling bold, by freefall.

Ways to Spend Your Day

• Start easy with a wander through the lakefront parks and gardens, soaking up those postcard views.
• Browse the weekend markets if you’re around on a Saturday or Sunday.
• Enjoy Queenstown’s al fresco dining scene or grab a lakeside drink and watch the world go by.
• Take a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.
• Ride the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak for sweeping views, and add a luge ride if you’re up for a laugh.
• Poke around Arrowtown, the nearby gold-rush village full of charm.
• If you’re chasing a thrill, the options are almost endless: bungy, zipline, canyon swing, heli-hike, rafting, skydiving — Queenstown will happily scare you silly in many different ways.

🚤 Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Canyon Ride

Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden. 

If you want a single signature adrenaline hit, Shotover Jet is hard to beat.

You’ll rocket through the Shotover River Canyons at serious speed, skimming past rugged rock walls and hanging on while your driver throws in those iconic 360-degree spins. It’s fast, it’s loud and it’s one of the most Queenstown things you can do without leaving a perfectly camper-shaped dent somewhere.

🍽️ Where to Eat Tonight

Queenstown has no shortage of great dining options, but if you want something fun, tasty and very “Queenstown”, you can’t go past Fergburger.

It’s the viral burger spot visitors line up for — and yes, the queue looks dramatic, but it moves fast. The burgers are huge, fresh and properly delicious. If you want something slightly more low-key, their bakery and gelato shops next door are also excellent.

Prefer a sit-down dinner? Try:

Blue Kanu A lively mix of Pacific and Asian flavours, fun cocktails and a warm atmosphere. It’s popular, so booking helps.

⛺ Where Your Camper Sleeps

Same as last night — no need to relocate:

• Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park, or
• Creeksyde Holiday Park

Both give you easy walking access to the lakefront, restaurants and all the action.

🚐 Day 7: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (via Wānaka)

Today’s drive is a beauty from start to finish. You’ll trade the buzz of Queenstown for alpine passes, glassy lakes, rainforest roads and finally the dramatic glacier country of the West Coast. It’s a big day behind the wheel of your camper, but it’s one of the most rewarding drives in the country — and there are plenty of spots to stretch your legs along the way.

Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden. 

🏔️ Queenstown → Wānaka (via the Crown Range)

Leaving Queenstown, you’ll climb the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand. The views spill out over the valley like someone forgot to add a horizon line. Once you descend, you’ll roll into the relaxed alpine town of Wānaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park.

Perfect spot for:

• a coffee by the lake
• stocking up on supplies
• a wander along the waterfront before hitting the road again

Wānaka → Makarora → Haast Pass

The road north hugs the shores of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hawea, both so clear and still they look like they’ve been Photoshopped. Soon you’ll reach Makarora, where the landscape starts shifting toward lush, mossy rainforest.

A must-do stop is the Blue Pools Walk — a gentle one-hour return track through native beech forest to a brilliant glacier-fed pool. The water is so pure you can count the stones on the riverbed.

From here, continue over Haast Pass and down toward the remote seaside settlement of Haast. The West Coast feels wonderfully wild, with bursts of temperate rainforest and the Tasman Sea occasionally peeking through.

Haast → Fox Glacier → Franz Josef

Heading north, the road offers glimpses of rugged beaches, misty valleys and the ever-changing silhouette of the Southern Alps. You’ll pass Fox Glacier first, then arrive in Franz Josef township, your home for the night.

This little village sits in one of the only places in the world where glaciers descend into temperate rainforest — it’s as dramatic as it sounds.

💡 Suggested Activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight

Image credit: Tourism NZ, Over the Top Helicopters. 

If you’re going to splurge somewhere on this trip, a scenic heli-flight is the place to do it.

The Twin Glacier Flight with The Helicopter Line sweeps you over both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, tracing their icy paths through ancient carved valleys. You’ll land up high to take in views of crevasses, icefalls and the sheer power of these frozen rivers from a spot few people ever stand.

It’s one of those experiences you talk about for years.

⛺ Where to Stay in Your Camper

Franz Josef has a couple of excellent holiday parks:

Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park Powered sites, hot tubs, great facilities and mountain views. A favourite among motorhome travellers.

🚚 Day 8: Franz Josef → Greymouth → Christchurch (By Road)

Today you’ll trade glacier country for the wild charm of the West Coast, then cut back across the island toward Christchurch. No trains — just a classic Kiwi road trip with rugged coastline, rainforest pockets and small towns full of character. It’s a long but very manageable driving day, and you’ll overnight near Christchurch so your camper can be returned first thing on Day 9.

Franz Josef → Whataroa → Ross → Hokitika

Leaving Franz Josef, follow the winding West Coast Highway north:

• Pass through pockets of temperate rainforest where tree ferns tower overhead and everything looks like it's been dipped in moss.
• Arrive in Whataroa, home to the rare kōtuku (white heron). From October to March, guided tours visit their nesting site at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve — one of the only places in the world you can see them up close.
• Continue to Ross, an old gold-mining settlement where you can stop at the visitor centre and try your luck panning for gold. Even finding a fleck feels like a victory.
• Roll into Hokitika, a classic West Coast town with excellent craft shops, cafés and galleries.
  • The pounamu (greenstone) here is some of the finest in the country — a meaningful souvenir if you’re keen on something special.
  • Don’t skip the beach, where the Tasman Sea crashes in dramatically and driftwood lines the shore like sculpture.

Image credit: Tourism NZ, Miles Holden. 

Hokitika → Greymouth → Christchurch

From Hokitika it’s a short hop to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast. It’s a good spot to top up fuel, grab a snack and give your legs a stretch before the inland drive.

You’ll be taking the spectacular Arthur’s Pass route east toward Christchurch. Expect:

• steep river valleys
• alpine peaks shouldering the road
• sweeping plains opening out as you descend
• countless places to pull over for photos or short walks

It’s one of the country’s most iconic driving routes and a real highlight in its own right.

⛺ Where to Stay Tonight (Near Christchurch)

Because you’ll be returning your DriveNow camper in the morning, stay somewhere close and convenient.

Two easy choices:

Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park Spacious, modern sites, great facilities and a short drive to the rental depot.

North South Holiday Park Very handy to the airport and rental returns, with powered sites and everything you need for a comfortable final night.

Both parks make your early drop-off completely stress-free.

🚚 Day 9: Return Your Camper & Head to Christchurch Airport

It’s the final morning of your South Island road trip, and today is all about an easy wind-down. After breakfast at your holiday park, make your way to the Christchurch depot to return your camper. The process is usually quick — a fuel check, a friendly once-over of the vehicle and a handback of the keys. With DriveNow’s rental partners, it’s generally smooth sailing, especially if you’ve given the camper a basic tidy.

Once that’s done, you’re free to roll over to Christchurch Airport, which is only a short drive from most depots.

💡 A Few Handy Tips for Christchurch Airport

• Arrive with time to spare. The airport is well organised, but security and bag drop can get busier in the late morning.
• Good food options. There are decent cafés on both sides of security. The coffee is solid — this is New Zealand, after all.
• Last-minute shopping. Pick up merino clothing, honey, or a final stash of Whittaker’s chocolate if you haven’t already over-committed.
• Free Wi-Fi. It’s reliable and fast enough to upload all the road trip photos you’ve been hoarding.
• Easy layout. Christchurch Airport is compact, so you won’t be hiking a marathon to your gate like at some airports.

Take a moment before boarding to look back at the last week: alpine passes, fiords, ancient forests, glaciers, wild coastlines and a campervan that loyally carried you through the lot.

This is a whistle stop tour,  if you have more time you should definitely add some extra time into the itinerary.

You’ve done the South Island proud. 🚐

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