3 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary

3 weeks in the South Island of New Zealand is blissful, pure and simple. Combine the dynamite landscapes of the Southern Alps, with lush wine growing areas, wild coastlines and sweet towns, and it’s a winning destination. This South Island itinerary takes in the biggest attractions, but also leaves time for meandering, hikes, special detours and chilling – enjoy!

Three Weeks in New Zealand’s South Island

Marlborough Sounds + Wine Tasting – 2 days

If you are seeing all of New Zealand, you may’ve just come off a road trip around the North Island (or will be heading that way), so I am starting the road trip from Picton, where the ferry arrives. If not Picton, you may be flying into Christchurch. If this is the case, pick up the road trip from there and head north to Marlborough to start the adventure!

Picton is the gateway to the South Island, and is a good jumping off point for this 3 week adventure.

Try to arrive into Picton in the morning, so that you can take the 1pm afternoon mail delivery boat around the Queen Charlotte Sound. This vital lifeline to those living remotely in the Marlborough Sounds has morphed into an amazing cruise route! Leaving early afternoon and returning early evening, the cruises run Mon-Sat all year round.

Wine Tastings are a must when in Marlborough (if you drink, that is). When it comes to wine tastings, I believe in going on a tour, as it provides a designated sober driver (the tour guide), and lots of local insight. Getting door to door service to your hotel is a great benefit too. Try this half-day guided, half-day self-guided tour of Marlborough wineries.

If you don’t fancy a tour, just stay within biking distance of some vineyards, and take yourself on a self-guided cycle tour of the cellar doors!

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – base yourselves for 1-2 nights in Blenheim or Renwick, right near all the wineries. Hotel recommendations include the Olde Mill House B&B in Renwick, or the Antares Homestay near the Wairau River.

Alternative activities in this area

• Visit the Picton Harbour View / Victoria Domain, or hike out to Queen Charlotte View along Snout Track.
• Drive out to Anakiwa, and hike some of the Queen Charlotte Track for amazing Sounds views.
• Visit EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre – see native marine life, including tuatara, stingrays, and little blue penguins.

Nelson Or Lake Rotoiti + Punakaiki – 1 Day

Set off early to enjoy one of two routes to Punakaiki. If you want a gorgeous small city experience with great eateries and a sweet position on Tasman Bay, then head to Nelson. Enjoy sea views from the Boat Shed Cafe, or combine lunch and some culture at the Suter Art Gallery in the centre of town. This route is 370kms and about 5.5 hours of driving.

If you want to soak in the beauty of nature, drive via Lake Rotoiti – the view from the pier is an instagram famous spot. Grab a pie and some hot chips from a local dairy and picnic at this tranquil lake. This route is 290kms / 4.5 hours of driving.

Both routes continue on down through the Buller Gorge, where the Buller River winds its way to the west coast. The aim is to get near to Punakaiki for a morning visit to the ‘pancake rocks’.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – choose a motel anywhere between Westport and Punakaiki – such as the Palm Court Motel in Westport, or the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki. These are close by the rocks for your morning visit.

Things to do along this road trip route

• Take a walk along the Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk – learn about NZ’s railway history and walk through old tunnels and over old railway bridges – 1-2hrs.
• Visit the Buller Gorge Adventure Park – which includes the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge, ziplines and boat rides along the river.
• If you’re staying near Westport, visit Pounamu Pathway – Museum of Kawatiri – to learn more about greenstone and the traditions of the West Coast.

TIP: It’s important not to underestimate the distances in New Zealand – the single lane winding roads are tough going.

If you are short on time and need to slim down your road trip or driving distances, skip the Nelson / Punakaiki / Lewis Pass / Hanmer Springs leg, and go directly from Marlborough to Kaikoura. You can detour to Punakaiki from your second West coast section after Arthur’s Pass.

Lewis Pass + Hanmer Springs – 1 Day

Start your day at Punakaiki pancake rocks. This gorgeous walk out onto a peninsula of incredible rock formations is the nesting area of terns and other sea birds. The loop is well laid out and has lots of viewpoints and signage. There are bridges and lots of steps, so for those with limited mobility, please keep this in mind.

We visited during nesting season, and the baby terns were an absolute delight!

Now, it’s time to head inland from Greymouth, over Lewis Pass to the east side of the South Island. Through little towns like Reefton, and the winding roads through the northern parts of the NZ Alps.

You will overnight in Hanmer Springs – where the rejuvenating thermal hot springs have created a community of spa hotels and holiday parks. Soak in the healing pools or just take in the gorgeous mountain views.

Fun fact: My entire life, I could’ve sworn it was HAMner Springs not HANmer Springs. So, consider my adult mind blown!

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – Hanmer Springs is home to so many great lodgings – from the upmarket Braemar Lodge And Spa, to the family-friendly Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel.

Kaikoura + Christchurch + Akaroa – 3 Days

A visit to the South Island isn’t complete without a whale-watching tour from Kaikoura. Make sure you book in advance, especially in summer, as the tours do fill up.

Head to the coast from Hanmer Springs and be sure to arrive early to be shuttled to your whale watching tour. The carpark is nice and large, and there are overflow areas, but it’s always good to arrive with plenty of time.

I have done whale-watching all over the world and Kaikoura delivered above and beyond my expectations. We saw a sperm whale, a pod of endangered Hector’s Dolphins, albatrosses, and lots of seals – it was extraordinary!

TIP: Don’t miss a small detour to the seal colony just north of Kaikoura, at the Ohau Point Lookout. It’s a great way to see resting or nursing NZ fur seals on the mainland.

Christchurch

Drive the 2.5 hours from Kaikoura to Christchurch and settle in for a couple of days. Christchurch was ravaged by an earthquake in 2011, and there are still whole areas where remediation hasn’t happened, and whole neighbourhoods ruined and abandoned because of the extensive damage. Many friends lost homes and loved ones, and it truly reshaped the city.

The rejuvenation of the city meant lots of new buildings and lots of renovations to old buildings – which can breathe new life into a place. Here are some things to do while in Christchurch:

• Wander Riverside Market – Take a wander around the CBD and to this market – packed with local produce, baked goods, seafood, and coffee.
• Tram ride – take a tram ride on one of Christchurch’s historic trams – they are both cute and practical transport!
• Punt or kayak on the Avon River – Drift through the city by classic Edwardian punt.
• Day trip to Lyttelton – A creative harbour town about 20 minutes away, known for quirky cafés, shops, a popular Saturday farmers’ market, and historic character.

Akaroa

Don’t miss a day trip (or overnight visit) to Akaroa. This is actually my preferred place to stay (with a day trip to Christchurch), because it is so unbelievably beautiful. Enjoy a little slice of France on the remnants of an extinct volcano – a.k.a the Banks Peninsula.

An early French restocking settlement for whalers, Akaroa has a quaint mix of French culture and Aotearoa beauty.

• Don’t miss a visit to the Akaroa Museum, to learn more about the area.
• Take a boat trip to view dolphins (but please don’t do the swim with dolphins tours!) or kayaking tour.
• Grab some food and a gin & tonic at Tini Bar and Restaurant – which has incredible views out over Akaroa Beach.
• Enjoy a drive along the Summit Road, for incredible views out to Akaroa Harbour.

Arthur’s Pass + Hokitika – 1 Day

It’s time for one of New Zealand’s most famous drives – State Highway 73 across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass.

One of only three roads that cross the range, the route from Christchurch is about 150kms and takes around 2-3 hours to drive, although most people stop along the way to enjoy the scenery. Landscapes shift from farmland and river plains to steep mountain terrain, with waterfalls, rock formations, and dramatic valleys appearing as you climb higher. 

Highlights include the Otira Viaduct, a 440-metre engineering feat built to bypass avalanche-prone roads. 

The TranzAlpine train also takes this route, so if you want to enjoy a break from driving, you could do this trip by train (and pick up a new hire car from Greymouth on the West Coast).

Settle in to Hokitika, and enjoy this cute little town. It’s a quintessential Kiwi town, with perfect grids of 1/4 acre sections, bungalows, and historic buildings downtown. Tuck into some fish and chips from Hokitika Townchip, or dine at Thatcher & Small. Don’t miss a visit to the National Kiwi Centre if you have time too.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – Stay at the Heritage Highway Motel – a cute roadside motel with spacious rooms and parking. Like most NZ motels, units come with kitchens!

Glacier Views + Haast Pass + Wanaka / Lake Hāwea – 2 days

The West Coast is a wild place. Almost rainforest-like in its atmosphere – wet, lush and beautiful. Nikau palms line the coast, the beaches and hillsides, making it feel a little like Hawaii sometimes. It has been raining every single time I’ve driven down the west coast, I hear it does get sunshine sometimes, but I’m yet to see it for myself. Come prepared with a raincoat or umbrella!

Your first stop, as you head south along the west coast, is the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. There are hikes up to view points from both the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park, and Fox Glacier (south side walk and Fox Glacier Road up to Fox Glacier Valley Walk). As the glaciers recede, it becomes harder to see them, and the clouds do like to roll on in!

If you can afford it, and the weather is in your favour, a helicopter ride over the glaciers is a thrilling way to see the Alps!

The alternative, is to drive to Fox Glacier Viewpoint / Te Kopikopiko O Te Waka, where they have placed a giant symbolic waka (canoe) pointing up towards the glaciers. The distance means that, on a sunny day, you can see up into the mountains, and see the ice of the glaciers peeking through.

It was cloudy and raining on our last visit, so we saw nothing!

Climb slowly over the Haast Pass, enjoy forest with Tuis and other native birds, and a gorgeously scenic Haast River Valley. If it’s hot, stop off at the Blue Pools off the Makarora River for an easy hike and some swimming in the turquoise water! You’ll hit Lake Wanaka shortly after this and enjoy some stunning lake views.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – Stop in Wānaka or Lake Hāwea for a couple of nights for some much needed R&R after your long drive. Choose Wanaka if you want a lively town with lots to do and a bit of a buzz – the Wanaka View Motel is downtown and lakeside, perfect for enjoying the vibe. Choose Lake Hawea if you want some true relaxing down time – we stayed at the Hāwea Hotel and it was blissfully relaxing in their Lake View Rooms. Or choose a holiday home, such as Hāwea Lakehouse, for more flexibility.

Things to do around Wanaka and Lake Hawea

• Cycle or walk the lakefront trails – The Wānaka area features an extensive network of walking and biking paths that follow the lakeshore and rivers.
• Lavender Farm – visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm for gorgeous instagram-worthy shots.
• Kayak on Lake Wanaka – A gentle kayak on the lake is a wonderful way to see the area. See the famed Wanaka Tree from the water, or walk around the lake to visit.
• Extreme Sports – Jet boats, skydiving, ziplines – take your pick!
• Hike Roys Peak – One of the most iconic walks in the region, this steady but demanding climb rewards you with sweeping views over Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and the surrounding valleys, making it a favourite for sunrise and sunset hikers. 

Arrowtown + Queenstown + Glenorchy – 2 Days

After a couple of days of chill time, it’s time to head through Cardrona, and over the Crown Range, to Queenstown.

A visit to Arrowtown and Queenstown is, arguably, a must-do on your 3 week South Island tour. From the historic gold rush boom town of Arrowtown, to the busy tourist mecca of Queenstown, there is so much to do in this area.

Here are just some of the things you should do while in the area:

• Arrowtown – Arrowtown is a small historic settlement near Queenstown that grew out of the Otago gold rush of the 1860s. Today it retains much of its heritage charm, with preserved cottages and tree-lined streets that hint at its mining past. Enjoy a wander, some lunch, and a glimpse of life in boom-town NZ.
• Glenorchy – The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of my favourites in the whole country. The drive there, which hugs the lake for roughly 45 minutes, is beyond beautiful. About 45 km from Queenstown at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a small lakeside township surrounded by mountain scenery, hiking trails and adventure.
• Ride the Skyline Gondola – It’s one of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable cars, taking people up to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables (mountain range), with activities at the top.
• Try bungy jumping – Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping – launched in 1988, it remains a major draw for thrill-seekers wanting to leap from bridges or platforms above dramatic river gorges. 
• Take a high-speed jet boat ride – These tours skim across rivers and lakes, whipping through narrow rocky canyons and sharp turns for a classic adrenaline experience associated with the region.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION – Hotels here are very expensive, far more than other parts of the country. We stayed at the Alexis Motel & Apartments, which was a lovely walk around the lake away from the centre of town, and had a handy carpark.

Te Anau + Milford Sound – 2 days

If there is one detour I really must firmly recommend you make time for, it is a trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound, followed by a boat trip out into the sounds. The drive is remarkable – so pack a picnic and do it!

Do an overnight boat trip in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound (from Manapouri) to break up the journey, or use Te Anau as your base, as it has good motels and amenities.

TIP: If you have driver’s fatigue, you can shorten your trip at this juncture, by heading directly to Dunedin. Or by stopping for a few days longer in Queenstown prior to moving on to Te Anau. Bluff and Stewart Island is a summertime activity, and seasonal based on weather and wildlife. While it is a special side quest, this is a busy road trip, so you can cut a corner here if you need to.

Bluff + Stewart Island – 2 Days

A two-day visit to Bluff and Stewart Island (Rakiura) is a fabulous mix of remote scenery and rare wildlife. Ferries depart daily from Bluff for the roughly one-hour crossing to Oban, the island’s main settlement and gateway to its wilderness. 

Spend your days on Stewart Island exploring coastal walks or simply soaking up the slower pace. Then join a guided kiwi spotting tour after dusk – these torch-lit walks are led by expert guides. While spotting kiwis in the wild isn’t easy, it’s worth joining a tour for the chance!

ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDATION – Stay at Greenvale Bed and Breakfast for a beautiful view over Halfmoon Bay.

Catlins + Dunedin – 2 Days

It’s time to scoot around the far south-eastern edge of NZ’s South Island, via the Catlins Forest Park and Nugget Point Lighthouse for wild coastlines that will blow the cobwebs away.

If lighthouses aren’t your thing, head straight to Dunedin, there’s lots to keep you occupied here:

• Visit the Royal Albatross Centre – Home to the only mainland albatross colony in the world, the Otago peninsula offers unique views and educational opportunities.
• Visit Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle, set on the peninsula, Larnach Castle is known for its Victorian interiors, landscaped gardens, and sweeping harbour views.
• Walk Baldwin Street – Officially recognised as the world’s steepest residential street, it’s a quick, quirky stop and a classic Dunedin photo opportunity.
• Discover Dunedin Railway Station – A striking Flemish Renaissance–style building, a highly photographed landmark in the South Island [see pic below].
• Visit Toitū Otago Settlers Museum – An interactive museum covering the region’s Māori heritage and European settlement history.

MOTEL RECOMMENDATION – We stayed at the Dunedin Motel and Villas or , which were convenient to walk into downtown Dunedin, but were quiet and had parking. For something even more central, and more up-market, try the lush Chamberson Hotel.

Moeraki Boulders + Lake Tekapo + Mount Aoraki – 2 days

The last 3 days of this epic 3-week road trip around the South Island are jam-packed with stunning scenery and famous mountains and lakes – saving the best for last? Maybe!

Leave Dunedin and stay on the coast long enough to visit the aliens-like Moeraki Boulders. These spherical rocks litter the beach like ancient dinosaur eggs – a quirky and fun pitstop on your way back to the mountains.

Climb back into the mountains via Omarama and Twizel to Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. The turquoise of these mountain lakes is enchanting. We stayed at a self-catering cottage in Lake Tekapo, with views of the lake, and easy access to the Mount Cook / Aoraki National Park.

Things to do around Lake Tekapo / Mount Aoraki:

• Church of the Good Shepherd – Iconic photo spot with lupins, the lake and mountains as backdrop.
• Tekapo Hot Springs – Relax in hot pools with mountain views.
• Mount John Observatory / Dark Sky Reserve – Stargazing tours at night.
• Helicopter or Scenic Flights or Tours – Explore surrounding mountains and glaciers from above.
• Hooker Valley Track – Popular 3-hour walk with stunning views, swing bridges, and glacier lake.
• Tasman Glacier Track – Short walk to the terminal lake and icebergs.
• Mount Cook Village – Visitor centre, cafes, and accommodation.

TIP: If you only have 2 weeks to explore the South Island of New Zealand, follow the southern leg of this 1-month NZ road trip guide!

** Drive back to Christchurch to return hire car on Day 21 **

How to spend 3 Weeks in the South Island of New Zealand

I hope this guide has given you some ideas about how to plan your time in the South Island of New Zealand. Within this guide, there are lots of opportunities to alter the drive times and down times, by skipping certain stops or shortening some.

If you have any questions to help you hone your own road trip around Aotearoa, please let me know! And read on for 80 of the best things to do in NZ – for more tips on my homeland!

If you love the idea of travelling to New Zealand,
Why not enjoy 3 weeks in the North Island too?

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.