Guys, we finally made it to New Zealand! Yes, freakin' New Zealand! Our first time to the southern hemisphere where Christmas is not snowy, rather sunny. And it was every bit as amazing as we had hoped it would be.
We actually had a bet that it will be just like our beautiful British Columbia, back in Canada. And while it was somewhat true, there was so much more variety to offer in such a small country, that it did completely blow us out of the water. The South Island was particularly amazing! We saw so many natural wonders, stunning landscapes, and had some thrilling adventures during our 2 week South Island road trip.
The best time to visit NZ is during the summer (December/January) which is when we went and the weather was perfect. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful island with limited hiking, we highly recommend you read this itinerary that will take you on a journey through some of its most amazing destinations.
Day 1 - Christchurch
We began our journey in the vibrant city of Christchurch, which is known for its cultural heritage and beautiful gardens. We took a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which are home to a diverse range of exotic and native plants. For a unique dining experience, we headed to the Pink Lady Rooftop restaurant for stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Don't miss the Cardboard Cathedral, a structure made of cardboard tubes that was built after the 2011 earthquake damaged the original cathedral. One of its kind in the world. The building is an innovative example of post-disaster architecture and has become a symbol of the city's resilience.
A couple of things we couldn't get around to doing were - visit the Canterbury Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region, and take a punt ride along the tranquil Avon River for a unique perspective of the city. But we do recommend you do it if you have the time!
Day 2 - Hokitika via Arthur's Pass
We headed west towards Arthur's Pass National Park, where we witnessed the dramatic mountain landscapes and picturesque valleys. We took a scenic drive and enjoyed the stunning vistas of the snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and lush rainforests. We stopped at the Porters Pass viewpoint to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Next stop was the Castle Hill Conservation Area, which is home to unique limestone rock formations that are a favourite among rock climbers and hikers alike. These were one of the most unique places on this drive, at least for me. You might find this to be very similar location for Lord of the Rings, from when the fellowship was traveling. However, I checked, and it isn't the same spot. Just looks exactly the same!
After reaching Hokitika, we ran into hundreds of young people having drinks on the street and partying, since it was Christmas eve! We chilled out for the evening and enjoyed walking on the Hokitika beach and taking a customary picture in front of the Hokitika sign!
Next day, we visited the Hokitika Gorge to see the vivid turquoise waters and rugged terrain. The way there was so quaint and beautiful. I still can't get over all the one-lane bridges in NZ, and this drive had a lot of them! When we finally reached the gorge, we saw our first (and only) Kiwi!
I did expect to see more, but surprisingly in our month and a half in NZ, that's the only one we spotted. The gorge itself is a short walk away, and the colour of the water is so gorgeous, it almost makes all the other gorges feel not-so-gorge-ous ;) This is definitely a trip everyone should make if they are in the area.
Day 3-4: Fox Glacier
After the gorge, we continued on our way to Fox Glacier. Just a few minutes before hitting Franz Josef, we took a detour to Okarito and hiked to the top for breathtaking views of the Okarito Lagoon and the surrounding mountains. The hike is short, albeit a bit steep, but so well worth it. This is something not to be missed!
In the evening, we relaxed in the outdoor Waiho hot tubs in Franz Josef and indulged in a tasty meal. Sitting in a hot tub in the rainforest, listening to the birds and tranquility is a unique experience and fun as it did get chilly in the evenings. I might have shed a tear or two for my hot tub back home :)
In Fox Glacier, we were right in time for sunset over Lake Matheson. The Lake captures stunning reflections of Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman with a golden hue on their peaks. We found ourselves suspended between reality and reverie, intoxicated by the sheer magnificence of nature. For stunning views of the Southern Alps, take the Reflection Point Trail for picture-perfect moments.
Next day, we did not want to miss the Fox Glacier Lookout and Gillespies Beach. Good spots to relax and unwind surrounded by natural beauty. We headed out for a hike on the Franz Josef South Side walk, which was beautiful in its own right. Another option you can pursue is the Minnehaha walk.
In the afternoon we couldn't resist stopping by Café Neve for delicious toasties and coffee. Toasties! This was my first time seeing the word "toasties", and it reminded me of toasted sandwiches back in India. So yummy! We really did overeat that day.
Day 5-6: Wanaka
We had a blast on our fifth day traveling to Wanaka. The drive from Fox Glacier was just breathtaking, with small towns and heavenly scenery along the way. Knights Point lookout was a highlight and should be a quick stop. But look at the rewarding views!
One of the highlights of this road trip was our visit to the Blue Pools, which is definitely a must-see natural wonder. The crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush native forest were amazing. We did the short and easy Blue Pools walking track that took us over swing bridges and through the forest to the pools. It was a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or to just take in the scenery.
We also stopped by the beautiful Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka for a picnic and visited The Neck, a narrow isthmus that separates the two lakes. The views from the top were breathtaking, with both lakes stretching out as far as the eye could see. We did a short walk to the top, and the reward was well worth it.
When we arrived in Wanaka, we were greeted by a vibrant and charming town. The restaurant scene was diverse and eclectic, with plenty of options for any palate. From upscale dining to cozy cafes and casual bars, we found something to suit our taste. We also took a stroll along the lakefront and checked out the many shops and galleries. While we just saw it from a distance, you should not miss a chance to snap a picture with #ThatWanakaTree, an iconic willow tree that grows out of the lake.
Next day before heading out, we visited the iconic Rippon Winery for a tasting. The setting of the winery is so beautiful you would never want to leave. You should make sure you have an appointment, unless you want to be turned away!
Day 7-9: Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
Next day we drove to Mount Cook via Lindis Pass and the scenery was breathtaking! We made a stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki to take in the stunning views of the turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains. We were lucky to be there in summer, so we also checked out the lupins that were all around the lakes.
One of our detours was to the Mount John Observatory, which offered us panoramic views of the region. At Mount Cook National Park, we went on a road trip to explore various hiking trails and lookout points. The Hooker Valley Track was a highlight for us as it offered stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.
To fully appreciate the park's beauty, we spent a night in the park and it was totally worth it! We spent the next night in Twizel which is the closet city as the park accommodation can get quite pricey.
Day 10-12: Dunedin and Otago Peninsula
Drive from Twizel to Dunedin and take in the scenery along the way. Make stops at lookout points and drive through Puketeraki. The Otago east coast of the South Island offers stunning landscapes and is a must-visit. Spend a couple of days in Dunedin, exploring its major attractions, including the Otago Museum, the Dunedin Railway Station, and the Larnach Castle.
A road trip to the Otago Peninsula is highly recommended, with its stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife. Take one of the two roads on the peninsula, upper or lower, and visit major attractions like the Royal Albatross Centre, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve, Natures Wonders' Lighthouse and Seal Colony Tour.
Day 12-13: Te Anau and Milford Sound
It is now time to make your way to Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning Milford Sound. On the way, make sure to stop at Mirror Lakes for picturesque reflections of the surrounding mountains. A day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is an unforgettable experience. The journey itself is a breathtaking scenic drive, with lush greenery, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls along the way.
As you approach Milford Sound, the grandeur of the natural surroundings becomes even more apparent. Once you arrive, you can embark on a cruise to explore the sound and its many wonders, including seals, dolphins, and penguins. The boat ride takes you through towering cliffs and waterfalls, and you can even witness the powerful Stirling Falls up close. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound. Overall, a day trip to Milford Sound from Te Anau is a must-do for any visitor to the South Island of New Zealand.
Day 13-14: Queenstown
Finally make your way to Queenstown, one of the most popular destinations on the South Island. The drive from Te Anau to Queenstown is approximately two and a half hours and will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.
Queenstown is often referred to as the adventure capital of New Zealand and is famous for its range of adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. However, Queenstown has much more to offer than just adventure sports.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, visit one of the many wineries in the region, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling town. Some of the top attractions in Queenstown include the Skyline Gondola, which offers stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range, and the Shotover Jet, a thrilling ride through the Shotover River canyon. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, you can also take a tour of the filming locations used in the movies.
We spent our 3rd week exploring and working from Queenstown before heading to the North Island for the rest of our NZ work-cation. Here is our exclusive Queenstown blog!
If you have the time, we recommend going to Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park during your south island road trip, unfortunately we weren't able to fit it in but I'm told its totally worth a visit. We'll definitely come back for it :)
In conclusion, the South Island of New Zealand is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves natural beauty and adventure. This itinerary will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, from the rugged coastline to the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. Whether you're looking for adventure or simply want to soak up the beauty of the region, the South Island has something for everyone!
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