3 week New Zealand's South Island Itinerary
New Zealand’s South Island has so much to offer, beauty, nature, adventure and so much more! We felt we could have spend months exploring this breath-taking island.
Since there are so many way to explore, we kept this Itinerary just under three weeks to give you a little wiggle room, depending on what love to do and have suggested a few adds on we wished we’d included.
This itinerary is packed will of campsites, food and coffee recommendations and what we think is the best route to get the most out your time in the south island. We even added a couple points where you could extent if you have a little more time.
Our route at a glance
Week 1: mountains & lakes
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mount Cook → Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound
Week 2: glaciers & fjords
Queenstown → Glenorchy → Wanaka → Makarora
Week 3: coasts, bays & chill days
Fox Glacier → West Coast towns → Nelson Lakes → Abel Tasman → Havelock → Christchurch/ on to the North Island
Possible add on days
Arthurs Pass, Queenstown adrenalin seeking, Milford South Multi Day
Week 1: Christchurch → Milford Sounds
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch! Our top tips for getting started:
1. Customs is straightforward but they did check our boots as we’d been hiking in the UK recently (biosecurity is serious here) so if you’ve been walking we’d suggest giving your gear a scrub before your fly!
2. It was a rainy welcome for us but given the jet-lag we didn’t mind, just make sure your jackets are easily accessible when you pack!
3. We got the bus from the airport to the city center, which was really easy but just make sure you bring cash for the bus.
4. Book somewhere to stay for your first night, especially if you’re flying a long was like us:
Stay: Jailhouse Accommodation
This quirky and budget-friendly stay was perfect for your first night and kicks off the trip with something memorable – sleeping in a historic jail turned hostel! The rooms are small (literally cell sizes) but there is also lots of communal space. It’s only a short walk away from the centre where you’ll find lots of places to walk around, food and coffee.
Day 2: Van pick up + drive to Lake Tekapo
Pick up your campervan! We went with Spaceships – they made the process really easy and the van was great for the entire trip. Also make sure to stock up on supplies. We loved Pack & Save, helping to keep the cost low.
Drive: Start the drive towards Lake Tekapo. Allow for 3-4 hours, but if you’re feeling jet-lagged don’t push it. Take it slow and have regular breaks.
Campsite: Mackenzie Waitaki RV Camping – Free, quiet, and peaceful. This area is one of the best stargazing spots in the world!
Day 3: Lake Tekapo + Mount Cook
Visit: Make and early stop to the Church of the Good Shepherd nearby. It’s right by a beautiful lake (iconic photo stop).
Hike: Hooker Valley Track – warm up your hiking legs with this easy, 3-hour return hike with stunning of views of Mount Cook, New Zealand highest peak.
Campsite: Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping. Try to get there early as it fills up fast, but it is so worth it. One of the most stunning campsite we stayed at.
Day 4: Drive to Queenstown and explore
Drive: Get an early start an drive via the Lindis Pass down to Queenstown (highway 8). This is one of New Zeeland’s most picturesque drives, so lots of scenic stops along with long drive.
Visit: Make some time to explore Queenstown, it has so much to offer! If you less into hiking this would be a great place to stick around and explore more. Our suggestions for an afternoon:
Eat: Fergburger (100% worth the hype)
Drinks: Perky’s Floating Bar. You can bring in food so get your fergburger to go, have it here with a cold beer and enjoy the view across Lake Wakatipu.
Visit: Queenstown Gardens.
Campsite: QBox Motorhome Park – Paid, central with showers & laundry. We would recommend booking a campsite in advance for Queenstown as a lot were full.
Day 5: Ben Lomond Day Hike
Hike: Challenging hike with major views – allow 6–8 hours return. Bring water, snacks, and layers — this is a leg burner, but the summit moment is epic.
late afternoon, start your drive down south of the lake. Worth stopping at Lake Avenue for a great view across the water at the start of the drive.
Campsite: Kingston Lakeside reserve
Day 6 – Te Anau to Milford Sound
Drive down to Te Anau and stopped for coffee and lunch. Here are our recommendations:
Cafe: Lakefront Cafe – There are also toilets and showers facilities next door at the public restroom. Cafe: Sandfly Cafe
Drive into Fiordland National Park Campsite: Deer Flat DOC – Budget-friendly and tucked into magical forest and lake swimming
Day 7 – Milford Sound + Henry Creek Swim
Morning:
- Milford track
- 🏊♂️ Evening dip at Henry Creek – unexpectedly refreshing
Week 2: Glenorchy → Wanaka
Rugged trails, alpine towns, and glacier-fed lakes – this week was a highlight reel of mountain moments.
Day 8 – Queenstown → Glenorchy Drive
- 🚗 One of NZ’s most scenic drives (45 mins)
- 📍 Mirror Lakes and epic photo stops along Lake Wakatipu
Day 9 – Routeburn Track Day Hike
- 🥾 Hike the Routeburn Track (start from Glenorchy side)
- 🌿 Lush beech forest, dramatic cliffs, swing bridges — truly cinematic
🎒 Do a return hike to Routeburn Falls Hut if you only have one day.
Day 10 – Glenorchy → Arrowtown → Wanaka
- 🥐 Breakfast: Arrowtown – charming, gold rush vibes
- 🧊 Wanaka lakefront walk (we skipped Roys Peak and didn’t regret it)
- ⛺ Campsite: Wanaka Lakefront Area – several options, freedom camping possible
Day 11 – Wanaka → Makarora
- 🚗 Relaxed drive with minimal agenda (1–1.5 hrs)
- 🏞️ Scenic stops at Blue Pools and Lake Hawea
- ⛺ Campsite: Wonderland Lodge – Paid, warm showers + mountain views