If you’re craving adventure, epic scenery, and a week exploring New Zealand’s wild heart, this South Island road trip itinerary is for you.

From Christchurch to Queenstown, this route takes you through turquoise alpine lakes, tussock-covered valleys, and up close and personal with New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook. While I honeslty don’t think it’s possible to cover every highlight of the South Island whilst also soaking up the serenity of a slow New Zealand road trip, this one-week itinerary is an unforgettable adventure (that I just did last week!), focusing on mountains, lakes, and corners of New Zealand that are road trip goals.

Where to start your South Island, New Zealand road trip? Where is the best place to book and pick up a camper van?

Most travellers will fly into Christchurch (the nearest and best international hub) and pick up a campervan or motorhome from one of the many operators with depots at the airport. Some will do a loop of the South Island and then fly out of Christchurch too, but there is an option with many of the motorhome companies to drop the vehicles off in Queenstown so that you avoid looping back, and this way you have more time on the road to enjoy.

I think having a campervan is without a doubt the best way to experience the South Island because of the freedom you have to explore at your own pace, dine wherever you find an epic view and feel like you’re seeing a lot but with the comfort of home wherever you are (no packing and repacking!).

The best place to find a camper that suits your budget and travel style is with RatPack Travel. You simply give them your dates, and they will lay out all of your options for you – free of charge! Have a look at the Maui motorhome we booked with them below.

Where to stay / can you park up anywhere in New Zealand?

This was my question before my most recent road trip! I’ve got you.

One of the biggest joys of a South Island road trip is the freedom to choose your accommodation style and the flexibility to not have everything booked and be a little spontanous.

Dotted around the South Island, you have a selection of:

• fully serviced holiday parks (think powered sites, showers, and kitchens)
• DOC campsites (small charge per head usually $12-15 NZD)
• Freedom camp spots

We combined the above. We did two powered campsites over our 7 day road trip of the South Island so that we could charge up the van, fill the water and have a good shower. But there were also some epic free camp spots we found!

If you want access to ALL my recommendations, including where we camped and freedom spots i found and saved along the way, access my New Zealand google map here.

When is the best time to plan a South Island, New Zealand road trip?

If you’re planning a South Island road trip, timing is everything; it affects not just the scenery, but also the driving conditions (therefore times too), campsite availability, and hiking opportunities.

• Summer (December–February) is the most popular: daytime highs are around 20–25°C, perfect for lakeside swims, kayaking, and you have maximum daylight hours which means ideal conditions for safely tackling longer hikes like Roys Peak or the Hooker Valley Track. Nights are mild, making campervan camping comfortable, but popular spots like Lake Tekapo, Queenstown or Wanaka can be busy.
• Autumn (March–May) is ideal if you prefer quieter roads and golden landscapes. Temperatures are slightly cooler, averaging 15–20°C, and the lakes take on a stunning turquoise-gold contrast. Roads remain mostly clear, but early mornings can be crisp, so pack layers.
• Spring (September–November) offers colourful wildflower blooms and snow-capped peaks, though some higher-alpine tracks may still have snow or mud, and roads in alpine passes can be slippery.
• Winter (June–August) is best for experienced drivers or those chasing snowy mountain landscapes. Some passes may be icy, and daytime temperatures often hover around 5–12°C, but places like Queenstown and Wanaka offer ample options to warm up in their saunas and hot pools!

Planning around daylight is key: summer gives up to 15–16 hours of light, ideal for long drives with stops at viewpoints, while winter days are shorter, so prioritise hikes and scenic stops earlier in the day. Overall, December through March is the sweet spot for a balanced South Island road trip, warm enough for lakes and hikes, yet with roads generally safe and accessible.

One Week Road Trip Itinerary for South Island, New Zealand

Day 1 – Land in Christchurch and pick up your motorhome

Arrive in Christchurch and pick up your campervan from Maui. Top tip: get to the depot early if you can. We arrived late in Christchurch and then arrived at 10 am, and we were waiting over an hour and a half as the queue was so long – losing precious road trip time!

If you have time once you’ve got your camper, spend half a day exploring the city’s revitalised centre, from wandering the Botanic Gardens, riding the iconic tram ride, taking photos at New Regent Street, to checking out the surf at Taylors Mistake Beach – there’s plenty to get you started on your road trip here!

For breakfast or brunch, head to Good Habit. YUM.

Maybe though, like us, you are keen to get on the road and knock a few kms off the route, in which case stock up the fridge at Pak’nSAVE Hornby, which is on the road you need to be on anyway. Leave Christchurch and head towards Lake Tekapo. This is probably the most ‘boring’ drive you’ll have on the South Island, but my oh my does it set you up for a surprise when the mountains kick in.

Drive time: ~2.5 hours

We stayed overnight at Fairlie Holiday Park.

Day 2 – Wake up in Fairlie and slowly drive to Lake Tekapo

Fairlie is a charming township in the Mackenzie Basin, famous for its iconic pies. There’s not much to do here, just a great stop-off if you don’t quite make it to Tekapo before your tummy rumbles and your eyes get tired on Day 1.

Start the day with a coffee and treat from Fairlie Bakehouse or Little Bean South (amazing coffee) before continuing on towards Lake Tekapo. Prepare for the epic scenes to unfold...

You’ll know when you’ve arrived to Lake Tekapo because you’ll be rustling for your cameras and stopping every 5 seconds to take another photo.

Lake Tekapo is one of the standout gems on a South Island road trip itinerary. The sheer colour of the water stops you in your tracks, and the mountains around you make even the simplest moments like washing the dishes in the van feel epic lol. Find somewhere to have your first scenic dinner and just soak it all up today.

If night falls and you are still awake, stargazing here is world-class thanks to its location inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. You can book onto a tour or just step out of your camper van and look up!

Day 3 – Enjoy Lake Tekapo

Head into town today and enjoy some of Lake Tekapo’s iconic spots and best things to do. A short walk from the village, you can visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, which is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. In late spring and early summer, the shoreline bursts with colourful lupins, turning the landscape into an iconic postcard scene.

• The Ultimate Guide to Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Late morning, take the Mt John Summit Track (half-day hike) for panoramic vistas over the Mackenzie Basin, and a cup of tea with a view at Astro Cafe.

After a day of wandering and exploring, unwind in the Tekapo Springs hot pools and either stay another night here or drive on to Lake Pukaki.

Drive time: ~1.5 hours

We stayed at the free Pine Tree campground by Lake Pukaki.

If you want access to ALL my recommendations, including where we camped and freedom spots i found and saved along the way, access my New Zealand google map here.

Day 4 – Drive into Mount Cook National Park

Drive time: ~45 minutes

Have your morning coffee, then drive along Lake Pukaki, where its vibrant turquoise water contrasts sharply with the Southern Alps. The drive itself is stunning.

If you fancy a hike today, this is an epic spot to choose from! We hiked the Hooker Valley Track (3–4 hours return), crossing swing bridges and ending at Hooker Lake with breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the South Island’s highest peak. It’s a great day hike. You could also check out a shorter walk like the Tasman Glacier View Track or just complete as much of the Hooker Valley track before turning around.

There are plenty of multi-day hike options to consider around here too, like the Mueller Hut hike!

Great spots to camp include:

• Glentanner Park Centre
• White Horse Hill Campground
• Two free camp spots on Lake Pukaki (once you drive out of the National Park)

After a day in the mountains, it’s time to head back out of Mount Cook National Park and on towards Lake Wanaka – your next destination.

Consider stopping off at NZ Alpine Lavender Farm + Fields for some lavendar infused icecream with a view (try the manuka honey flavour!) and then also High Country Salmon, where you can get the freshest Alpine salmon sushi, sashimi or manuka-glazed salmon to take with you and cook up with a view later in your itinerary! Honestly, some of the best salmon I’ve EVER had.

The Mount Cook National Park scenes are unreal, making it a highlight for any South Island road trip itinerary. Don’t miss it!

We stayed in Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park on this night, which was the perfect halfway point. Check out the hot tubs here, and be sure to stop and take photos as you drive through Lindis Pass on the next section of the drive to Lake Wanaka.

Drive time from Mt.Cook to Wanaka: ~2.5 hours

Day 5 – Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is the perfect mix of alpine adventure and lakeside calm. There is an undeniable mountain-town buzz here that feels so welcome after a few days of exploring more remote destinations.

Start with a coffee at The Coffee Shack and take a sunrise stroll along the lakeside path. For those wanting a big hike day, there are some epic tracks to take on. Consider the Roys Peak Track (16 km return, 1,200 m ascent), or Isthmus Peak, which offers quieter 360° vistas over both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. For a shorter option, the Wānaka Hill walk delivers amazing views in just a couple of hours.

• You can see my full guide to Wanaka and the best things to do in Lake Wanaka here.

If you want something more chill with no incline, take a gentle walk around the lake. It’s seriously stunning without the energy exertion that the bigger hikes demand.

Another off-the-beaten-track option is nearby Lake Hawea, where you can also walk around the lake. It’s equally beautiful but less visited than Lake Wanaka, giving you that feeling of discovering a hidden gem for the first time. A little less touristy, equally magical. Lake Hawea also has a secret sauna if you’re fancying a lake dip and spa with a view — perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring! See below!

Other things to consider as your day comes to a close in Lake Wanaka are:

• Take a photo at the famous That Wānaka Tree
• merino lamb ragu @ Francesca’s
• Grab a treat or ice cream @ Patagonia Chocolates
• Dinner @ Big Fig Wanaka
• Head to The Food Truck Park Wānaka for dinner

If you want access to ALL my recommendations, including where we camped and freedom spots i found and saved along the way, access my New Zealand google map here.

We stayed this evening at Albert Town Campground.

Day 6 – It’s time to head to Queenstown

Drive time: ~1 hour

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the South Island of New Zealand is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Next up you have of the most beautiful places in the world. I’m not joking.

If it times well en route to Queenstown, stop at the Cardrona Hotel for a beer or lunch in the gardens before soaking up the breath-taking views as you drive the Crown Range Road into Queenstown.

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the South Island. And I swear there is no place in this town that doesn’t give you a view that drops your jaw to the ground. It’s insanely stunning.

Here are some adventures to consider whilst in Queenstown. For a full guide see my best things to do in Queenstown guide here.

• Hike the Ben Lomond Track
• Explore Lake Wakatipu by Kayak or SUP
• Grab a Fergburger and eat your way around town
• Take the Skyline Gondola up for a view & Luge back down
• Queenstown Hill Time Walk or the Tiki Trail
• Jet boat rides on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers
• Relax at Queenstown Gardens or at the beach
• Paddle, swim, or picnic at Bob’s Cove or Moke Lake

We parked up at 12 Mile Delta overnight which was $15 NZD per adult.

Day 7 – Continue exploring Queenstown before camper drop-off and departure

Spend your final day exploring nearby gems and ticking off the ultimate Queenstown bucket list.

Gosh wow, 7 days goes so quickly and I feel like we only just touched the surface of what the South Island has to offer!

If you have more time on your hands and would like to extend this South Island road trip some other bucket-list destinations include:

• Whale watching in Kaikoura
• Coastal hikes and kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
• Scenic flights and adventures at Franz Josef Glacier
• Exploring the iconic fjords of Milford Sound
• Wine tasting in the Marlborough Region

But for now, it’s time to return your campervan to Queenstown Airport, or drive back up to Christchurch, completing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for the books. This South Island road trip itinerary is up there with the best, and I just know that if you follow in my footsteps, you’ll be speaking about this trip in the year to come.

Any questions? Leave me a comment. Otherwise, make sure you get the New Zealand Google map; it’s honeslty the best travel hack for New Zealand and will save you countless hours researching at home and on the road, ensuring you have all the best tips in your back pocket.

Have you been to the South Island, New Zealand?

What are the best things to do in the South Island, New Zealand? Anything you’d add to this South Island, New Zealand bucket list?

Love as always and happy adventuring… 

Mollie Bylett