An Itinerary: 2 Weeks in South Island | New Zealand
New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in Maori, is a beautiful country many of my friends and acquaintances have on their bucket lists.
Having spent two years in New Zealand on a Working Holiday visa, I’ve earned myself a fair share of envy, disbelief, curiosity and questions about where to go in New Zealand from those around me planning their itineraries.
Two years of travelling and working from the northernmost Cape Reinga to the southernmost Bluff (not including Stewart Island) should make me fairly qualified to craft a reasonable itinerary.
Now that I’m back working in Singapore with limited annual leaves to strategize and mull over, here’s how the strategist in me would plan a 2-week trip in The Land of the Long White Clouds (translation of Aotearoa) for my fellow time-strapped comrades.
I was in New Zealand from 2020 to 2022. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!
Rambles you can skip
I am lucky to spend two years in New Zealand during the pandemic. As COVID-19 plunged the world into uncertainty with mass lockdowns, depressing news and restrictive policies, I came unscathed and largely oblivious.
As the country closed itself from the rest of the world, I picked up several jobs I could never do in Singapore, like caring for calves, picking cherries and tending to hops used in beer-making.
I worked, I saved, and I explored!
I bungy from Kawarau in Queenstown, did multi-day hikes like Kepler Track near Te Anau, climbed to my highest summit in New Zealand at Taranaki, and abseiled into the spectacular Waitomo Caves for glowworms.
I travelled more than the locals I met.
But all those were two years in the making.
If one has only two weeks, how would the plan go?
The South Island
This itinerary focuses only on the South Island.
Think back on the brochures of travel agencies and the images of other websites you’ve seen. I bet they are images of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, milky blue rivers and maybe of people trekking in these landscapes.
Two weeks or 14 days is the optimum time to explore the South Island. Including North Island is too ambitious for a 2 weeks plan. You’d spend most of the time travelling on the road instead of exploring or enjoying.
The South Island is 151,215 km², constituting 56% of New Zealand, and the 12th largest island in the world.
It is known as Te Waipounamu in Maori. Pounamu is the Maori term for greenstone, notably the nephrite jade. Wai refers to water. Thus the name can be loosely translated as The Water (Place) of Greenstone.
Interested to learn more about Maori? There’s a Te-Aka Maori Dictionary and Te-Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand to help you immerse yourself in the culture of this land.
Despite the landmass, the South Island is less populated than the North Island, and only 1.2 million live in the South. Auckland alone sees 1.6 million inhabitants!
The South Island has four large urban centres – Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and Nelson.
Christchurch is like the capital of the South Island. It has an international airport and daily direct flights from Singapore. Dunedin, about 4 hours south of Christchurch, has a large student population due to the esteemed University of Otago. Invercargill is the southernmost city and capital of Southland which encompasses Te Anau and Milford Sounds. Nelson, my favourite sunny city, is in the northern part of the South Island.
Travelling from one urban city to another takes hours of driving.
Queenstown, the home of bungy and capital for adventure sports, is over 480 km from Christchurch!
Hopefully, you’ve got the gist of distance and time needed to travel from one place to another in the south. A car is indispensable. Travelling via their public bus system is doable but will take up a lot of your time.
Now let’s get on to the meat of the post – ✨My Two Weeks Itinerary✨!
More about the administrative matters and tips after the itinerary!
My Two Weeks Itinerary
This 2-week itinerary assumes you are already in Christchurch on the morning of Day 1.
Depending on your interest, there are three sections to shift around within the course of 2-weeks:
- The Bulk (8/9 days): Includes the popular tourist places of Tekapo, Mt Cook, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Te Anau (Milford Sound). You could spend all 14 days in this section doing full-day trips or activities in the various towns.
- The East Coast (5/6 days): Includes Dunedin and routes back to Christchurch, where you’d enjoy sights of seals, penguins, strange rock formations and beautiful waterfalls.
- The West Coast (5/6 days): Includes Franz Josef. This route cuts across the South Island from Christchurch to the West Coast. You’d enjoy glaciers, visit the place of jade and enjoy a different mountainscape.
Day 1: Christchurch → Tekapo
Upon arrival at Christchurch airport in the morning, pick up a rental car from the airport and begin your slow drive to Tekapo.
There are few stops between the scenic drive from Christchurch to Tekapo on State Highway 1 and 8.
SH 1 has dairy farms flanked on both sides. Be careful here as this busy highway has big milk trucks and postal carriers.
You’d pass by towns Rakaia, Ashburton, and Geraldine. I used to work around Ashburton as a calf rearer.
Stop by Fairlie and enjoy the delicious pies at Fairlie Bakehouse. I’ve tried all their pies, and my favourites are their steak pie, pork belly pie and bacon and salmon pie.
From Fairlie, it’s a short 42 km or 30-minute drive to Tekapo. In between Fairlie and Tekapo, stop by the Three Creeks in Brukes Pass and marvel at the shops’ retro collection, including vintage vehicles, antiques and tin signs.
Arrive at Tekapo to catch the sunset from the lake at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Depending on the season of your arrival, the lakeside might be flooded with colourful lupins.
Tekapo lies within the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see stars. Sign up for an informative stargazing experience at Lake Tekapo, or hike up to Mt John Observatory for a better view of the celestial display.
Distance: 230 km
Total drive time: 3 hours
Accommodation in Tekapo
Haka House, previously known as Tekapo YHA, has dorms and budget twin or double rooms. I’ve stayed at the hostel several times whenever I pass by Tekapo. The hostel is close to the church and has a giant window in the lounge room overlooking the lake.
Most lodgings in Tekapo are cottages, container blocks or small houses. Skyrim Lodge has one of the highest reviews and is centrally located with a fully-equipped kitchenette.
Galaxy Boutique Hotel, a 5-star hotel by Lake Tekapo, offers rooms with lake views and a skylight to glimpse the celestial sky. Past patrons commented on their delicious breakfast.
Day 2: Tekapo → Aoraki/ Mt Cook
Enjoy the morning at Tekapo hiking to Mt John (1,031 m) for panoramic views of the vicinity or around the lake to soak in the sight and sound of the water.
Once done with Tekapo, stretch out the hour-long drive to Mt Cook.
This stretch is one of the most photogenic routes as the SH 80 to Mt Cook faces the mountains as one drive beside milky blue Lake Pukaki. Take your time to relish the sight. You might even encounter people parked by the roadside taking photos in the middle of the road!
Spend the remaining day trekking into Hooker Valley. The hike is on easy terrain over boardwalks and swing bridges. It is a 10 km return via the same route, taking about 3 hours, and ends at Hooker Lake, which may be speckled with icebergs. Spot Mt Cook from afar on a clear day!
If you’re up for another hike, the Tasman Lake Viewpoint trek is a 2.6 km hour return hike.
Distance: 96 km
Total drive time: 1 hour
Accommodation in Mt Cook
Lodging in Aoraki Mt Cook is fairly limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Haka House, previously known as Mt Cook YHA, provides dorm rooms for solo or budget travellers ranging from 3 to 10 beds per room. A comfy stay for me when we descended from our 2D1N trek to Mueller Hut.
Aoraki Alpine Lodge has large window panes in their lobby for an unobstructed view of the mountains!
The Hermitage, which guarantees views of Mt Cook for almost all its rooms, is the premium hotel in the village. Imagine huddling by the window in winter, watching the sun rise or set behind the mountains in your cosy warm room.
If there are no rooms at Mt Cook Village and you don’t want to camp at White Horse Hill Campground, check if the cabins or dorm beds of Glentanner Park Centre are still available.
Day 3: Aoraki/ Mt Cook → Wanaka
Start the day early and return on the same highway SH 80 beside Lake Pukaki to SH 8.
Stop by High Country Salmon for delicious sashimi and their poke bowl.
Pass through Omarama and turn into the Clay Cliffs, where a scene of the cringy Disney real-life adaptation of Mulan was shot.
You’d soon find yourself 970 m above sea level at Lindis Pass. All hills look the same here – brown in summer, and white in winter. Take heed when descending and pay attention to the speed limits. Use the passing bay for traffic behind you, as some drivers can be impatient.
Visit Wanaka Lavender Farm along the way before easing into the lakefront. Summer is the best time to enjoy their lavender in full bloom! Have a scoop of their lavender-infused ice cream if they’re in season.
Walk by Lake Wanaka for the lonesome Wanaka Tree to wind down for the day.
Or, if you are still fit for a hike, climb Roy’s Peak, a 6-hour 16 km return trek, to catch the sunset from a vantage point.
You could do it early the next morning for sunrise! Remember to bring a head torch!
Distance: 220 km
Total drive time: 3 hours
Accommodation in Wanaka
Haka House, previously known as Wanaka YHA, and Adventure Wanaka are the only two hostels in the town with dorm rooms and budget twin or double beds. I stayed at Adventure Wanaka in 2020, and it kept us warm and cosy in winter as we waited for our turn to skydive.
For more privacy or a view of Lake Wanaka, check out the highly reviewed Altamont Lodge, and the deluxe rooms of Marina Terrace Apartments.
Day 4: Wanaka → Queenstown
There are two ways to travel between Wanaka and Queenstown – the hour-long shortcut over the Crown Range Road, or the long and tedious hour-and-a-half usual route through Cromwell.
Roy’s Peak may be over-subscribed from the numerous Instagram posts. Be there early to beat the queue, or skip the peak and head to Isthmus Peak (16 km, 6 hours) instead.
Wanaka is perfect for skydiving! Decide if you’d like to skydive in Wanaka or Queenstown. The activity takes half a day.
The Crown Range Road becomes very busy during winter as snow junkies congregate. Then again, you’d need to equip your car with snow chains as the road is often covered in snow and ice in winter. It reaches an altitude of 1,121 m, which brings its own challenges.
Hop over to the Cardrona Bra Fence and Cardrona Hotel for some photos.
If time permits, stop by at postcard-perfect Arrowtown before you wind down into the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.
Distance: 69 km
Total drive time: 1 hour
Accommodation in Queenstown
I’ve stayed in numerous hostels while in Queenstown and written a post to document my experience. Note that the article was written in 2020 and may not reflect the current state of the hostels. Some of them have budget twin or double rooms.
- Adventure Queenstown was where I first stayed in Dec 2019. I liked the ambience and crowd then and met several new friends. Their beds tend to be on the softer side.
- Adventure Q2 is their sister hostel.
- Absoloot was the next hostel I moved into after 3 nights in Adventure. I liked their dorms – beds were just nice and hard – and stayed again with friends while on another road trip.
- LyLo Queenstown, previously known as Jucy Queenstown, was the last hostel I stayed in Dec 2019 before moving to Christchurch. I like their pods which has a screen for privacy.
- Haka House, previously known as Queenstown Lakefront YHA, is another good hostel that I chanced upon when visiting friends staying there but did not stay there myself.
There are plenty of hotels in Queenstown. Some recommended examples with good reviews include Mi-Pad overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, global hotel chain The Hilton, and quirky ones like The Dairy Private Hotel.
Day 5 – 6: Queenstown
There’s plenty to do in Queenstown!
You could bungy jump from Kawarau Bridge, whitewater raft at Shotover River, swing through the Nevis Canyon, skydive if you haven’t done so in Wanaka, or hike Ben Lomond.
Or just lounging from a hot tub overlooking the mountains, followed by a drink at the minus 5 ice bar for an Antarctic experience. Not sure if one will fall sick from such an exposure! 😈
Queenstown has a wildlife sanctuary with kiwi birds that’s worth checking out since seeing one in the wild takes loads of luck.
I suggest spending two days in Queenstown for paid activities, hikes or day trips to Arrowtown (if you haven’t done so) or Glenorchy.
The drive to Glenorchy is beautiful, and there are a couple of hikes in this picturesque town. While in Glenorchy, I rode a horse through the terrain where iconic films like Lord of The Rings, Hobbit and Narnia were shot.
Don’t forget to stuff yourself silly with the humongous Ferg Burgers! I’ve tried all their burgers and love the Southern Swine with pineapple slices. The Devil Burger around the corner serves delicious noms. I recommend their Blue Devil, which has blue cheese poached pear within!
Distance to and from Glenorchy: 90 km
Total drive time: 1.5 hours
Day 7: Queenstown → Te Anau
After a fulfilling 2 days in Queenstown, it is time for a slow drive to Te Anau.
Pack your sandwiches/ lunch, as you would want to pull over and stop somewhere for a scenic picnic!
Enjoy the rest of the day at Te Anau with a guided cave tour to see the famous glow worms or a relaxing evening stroll by the lake. Rest early, as the following day will be packed!
Distance: 170 km
Total drive time: 2 hours
Accommodation in Te Anau
Te Anau has a backpacker with affordable dorm beds or private cabins for solo or budget-conscious travellers. It is also conveniently situated near the lake and a short walk to the town centre.
Elsewhere, if you’re looking for self-contained units with cooking facilities, check out the Lakefront Lodge – as its name suggests, by the lake with views.
Anchorage Motel Apartment also features self-contained units with an additional private hot tub to soak in chilly Te Anau.
Day 8: Te Anau <> Milford Sound
Book your Milford Sound tour in advance! Go with a smaller boat if possible, but these can be snapped up real quick, so plan ahead.
The route from Te Anau to Milford Sound is peppered with several beautiful hikes:
- Milford Sound Lookout Trail. An easy 400 m return trek that takes around 20 mins.
- Key Summit Track. A part of the 3D2N Routeburn Track from The Divide covering 6.8 km return and 3 hours.
- Gertrude Saddle. A moderately challenging 7 km return trail that takes about 5 hours.
- Lake Marian Track. A moderately challenging 6 km return trail to a beautiful alpine lake. Takes about 3 hours.
If you have enough of driving long distances, you could take a day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound, or fly to Milford Sound from Queenstown through the breathtaking snow-capped Southern Alps.
Te Anau is also the gateway to the lesser-known Doubtful Sound. I took an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and found this sound less crowded and quieter than Milford. We were fed well for the expedition.
Distance: 118 km
Total drive time: 3 hours
Day 9: Te Anau
I’d set Day 9 as a buffer day, which you could move as an extra day in Wanaka, Queenstown or Christchurch to do hikes or day activities.
But if you are a keen and reasonably fit hiker, there’s a gem of a hike near the town.
The Kepler Track is a 4D3N circuitous Great Walk. After completing the multi-day track in 2020, I could attest that the views I saw on my first day of reaching Luxmore Hut were some of the most arresting sights. Granted, you may not see the mountains painted in golden hues, but the visages atop were spectacular! We were also harassed by a few cheeky keas – the native alpine parrots of New Zealand.
You could climb to Luxmore Hut as a long return day trip from Te Anau. Start as early as possible as it can take 10 hours for the 28 km trek. Since this trek returns in the same way to the carpark, you could always turn around and call it a day whenever you’re tired.
Otherwise, walking to Brod Bay through the beech forest along the shores of Lake Te Anau (5.6 km), or from Rainbow Reach Shelter to Moturau Hut (6 km) from the other direction are excellent and less tedious hikes.
Day 10: Te Anau → Bluff
Take this day slow as you drive from Te Anau to the southernmost town of New Zealand.
Stop by Invercargill, one of the largest cities on the South Island. Recognised as New Zealand’s ‘Classic Motoring Capital’, Invercargill has an impressive collection of vintage vehicles.
You could spend the night at Invercargill, or swing by to Bluff and slurp their delicious oysters!
Snap a photo with the signpost at Stirling Point and feel the southern breeze bellowing from Antarctica.
Bluff has a ferry service to Stewart Island or Rakiura, a haven of brown kiwis. While I did not see any during my 3D2N trek in the Great Walk The Rakiura Track, I hear them every night! Remember that buffer day, Day 9? You could dedicate that day to Stewart Island and hike from their principal settlement, Oban.
Distance: 180 km
Total drive time: 2.5 hours
Accommodation in Bluff/ Invercargill
Accommodation is limited in Bluff. I remember staying in a homestay in 2020 in preparation for our multi-day trek at Stewart Island.
Of the handful of hotels in Bluff, Land’s End stands out as a comfortable lodging by the coast with sea views and walking distance to Stirling Point.
The Southern city of Invercargill has more options, including backpackers, posh hotels and serviced apartments.
Southern Comfort offers dorm beds and budget twin and double rooms for the budget-conscious.
The Langlands, conveniently situated in the city centre, feature exquisite rooms containing a bathtub and, according to past patrons, delicious coffee.
Quest, just one road from The Langlands, is a spacious serviced apartment with cooking facilities. A value-for-money accommodation located in the heart of the city.
Day 11: Bluff → Dunedin via the Catlins
The road trip from Bluff to Dunedin is my favourite in New Zealand.
It passes through several stunning waterfalls, a coastal cave, a fossilised forest, and the most photogenic lighthouse in the South Island. See if you’re lucky to spot the rare yellow-eyed penguins!
Enjoy the evening in Dunedin soaking up the glittery nightscape from Octagon after a satisfying meal at Velvet Burger.
Distance: 240 km
Total drive time: 3 hours
Accommodation in Dunedin
There are two backpackers in Dunedin for budget travellers – On Top Backpackers and Uptown Backpackers. Both are centrally located around the Octagon. They have bunk beds and basic double or twin rooms.
If you’d like more comfort, The Scenic Hotel near the Octagon is the more affordable hotel option, perfect for couples.
And if it’s something memorable that you’re looking for on your vacation or honeymoon, check out the boutique hotel Ebb Dunedin for its beautifully styled rooms and furnishing.
How about staying by the beach at St Clair and catching the sunrise from the coast of New Zealand?
Or within the grounds of New Zealand’s only castle at Larnach Lodge, with unlimited access to the castle and its gardens and panoramic views of Otago Harbour and the peninsula!
Day 12: Dunedin
Strike a pose on the steepest street in the world, take a stroll along St Clair’s Beach, wander into the tunnel to a secluded rocky shore at Tunnel Beach, stream through Dunedin’s plentiful museums, and people-watch while sipping your coffee in a cosy cafe.
If that day coincides with a Saturday, shop for artisanal products and sandwiches at their Farmer’s Market by the iconic Railway Station.
You could also tour the world’s only mainland albatross colony, or visit the only castle in New Zealand.
Day 13: Dunedin → Christchurch
The eastern coast of South Island between Dunedin and Christchurch has as many attractions as from Invercargill to Dunedin.
Start your day early and be prepared to be mesmerised by the giant alien balls of Moeraki, sample some cheese, and time travel through the Victorian Precinct of Oamaru, and spot the endemic blue penguins at Timaru.
We’re back on SH 1 to Christchurch, where we started 13 days ago from Christchurch airport. Time to wind down and enjoy the remaining sights of the biggest city on the South Island before departure.
Distance: 360 km
Total drive time: 4.5 hours
Accommodation in Christchurch
Budget solos or couples may find comfort staying at Hotel Give, conveniently located next to the Botanical Gardens and Canterbury Museum. Spend a night at Urbanz at the heart of Christchurch City. For those who have just reached Christchurch via flight, LyLo next to the airport is your immediate respite.
And if you’d like to pamper yourself in a luxurious stay, check out the posh Sudima, elegant Mayfair, or the immaculately designed 5-star historical Observatory Hotel that everyone who stayed remarked as absolutely beautiful.
Day 14: Christchurch
If you still have a morning left in Christchurch, visit the Botanic Gardens and adjacent museum at the very least.
Or if you’d like to do one last round of shopping for New Zealand’s local produce like honey and cheese, hop over to Riccarton Ground House on Saturday, or 165 Racecourse Road on Sunday for their Farmer’s Markets.
Akaroa is a town located on an ancient volcano next to Christchurch. Home to endemic dolphins, an alpaca farm and stunning coastal views, Akaroa can be a fun day trip from Christchurch, if you have an extra day.
An Alternative: The West Coast
The 2-week itinerary I proposed above covers The Bulk and The East Coast.
If you’d like to heli-hike the glaciers or explore the birthplace of Pounamu, you could turn to the West Coast from Wanaka, or cut across the Alps from Christchurch to Hokitika via Arthur’s Pass.
I propose a 5-day road trip from Christchurch to Wanaka, covering The West Coast. Following this, the itinerary continues from Wanaka to cover The Bulk – Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Tekapo and back to Christchurch.
Day 1-2: Christchurch → Arthur’s Pass
Ease into your rental car and take the slow drive up to the pass. Along the way, enjoy a pie at Sheffield Pies store, visit the strange boulders at Castle Hill and the mouth of a cave at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. Spend the rest of the day trekking to Devil’s Punchbowl or watch the naughty keas.
The second day could be spent hiking to Avalanche Peak, a full-day return hike, or a buffer day to dedicate somewhere else on your itinerary.
Distance: 140 km
Total drive time: 2 hours
Accommodation in Arthur’s Pass
Lodging is limited in Arthur’s Pass.
If you’re keen to do hikes there, stay at the pass at the reasonably priced Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel, or The Nook, a cabin facing the mountains with a nice bathtub, comfy bed, games and TV.
Day 3: Arthur’s Pass → Hokitika
Wind down to sea level and exit SH 73 to SH 6 of the West Coast.
An hour’s drive north from Kumara Junction leads to the famous Pancake rocks, blowholes and caverns of Punakaiki. It’s another hour’s drive retracing the same route to Hokitika. Stop by Greymouth for lunch and sample beer at Monteith’s Brewery. Sober up before continuing the drive south to Hokitika.
Visit the jade jewellery shops and museum in Hokitika and take a photo with the Hokitika driftwood sign.
Drive another 30 mins south to visit the milky blue waters of Hokitika Gorge. Buffer an hour for the return trek.
Distance: 100 km (without Punakaiki, 60 km from Kumara Junction)
Total drive time: 2 hours
Accommodation in Hokitika
Small town Hokitika, famous for its pounamu, does not have a quality budget backpacker. Hokitika Pioneer Hotel is one of the budget options with reasonably good reviews located slightly away from the town centre. It has single bedrooms and budget doubles or twins.
Treat yourself to the cosy rooms of The Beachfront Hotel on the coast of Hokitika overlooking the sea or the unique boutique aparthotel of the converted old Hokitika Fire Station.
Day 4: Hokitika → Franz Josef/ Fox
Continue south to the settlement by Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Notice the changing landscape as you drive. The straight road by the coast flanked with tall trees and a gloomy sky reminded me of Jurassic Park.
If you’re staying at Franz Josef, spend the remaining afternoon trekking at the 4 km return Douglas Walk, the 6 km return Canavans Knob Walk or the 1.7 km return Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre and learn about the native creatures residing on the West Coast like the rare kiwi bird.
If you choose to stay at the settlement by Fox Glacier, about 30 mins south of Franz Josef, you could hike around the 4.4 km loop of mirror-like Lake Matherson, the 6.4 km return walkway to view Fox Glacier or the 8 km return track to picturesque Lake Gault.
Distance: 138 km
Total drive time: 2 hours
Accommodation in Franz Josef/ Fox
There are plenty of premium lodgings in Franz Josef and Fox owing to their locations to the glaciers.
Check out Haka House and Glow Worm at Franz Josef for their budget dorms and rooms. The Wild Kea Lodge offers reasonably priced rooms for couples and their rooms. The lodge has recently been renovated and is highly reviewed by past patrons!
And if you’re a big group, check out the holiday houses of Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef. It is a series of self-contained units with brilliant vibes surrounded by mountains and forests. They have dorms for budget solo travellers, and their double ensuite is reasonably priced with modern amenities.
Fox Glacier Village is comparatively smaller but has dorms and budget doubles at the Ivorytowers Accommodation.
Elsewhere, check out the hospitable and beautifully decorated cosy studio of Fox Glacier Lodge. They have bigger rooms with jacuzzi or terraces depending on your preference!
And if you’d like to stay with a local in a B&B homestay, Ropatinis B&B is the choice for you with spectacular views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Past patrons remarked about their beautiful breakfast and helpful host.
Day 5/6: Franz Josef/ Fox → Wanaka
While on the West Coast, do a glacier heli-hike. Only three glaciers in New Zealand are open for glacier hikes – Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman. Two are found on the West Coast!
Book your glacier heli-hiking experience at Franz Josef or Fox early as it is a very popular activity in New Zealand. I enjoyed mine at Fox Glacier.
You could also sign up for a full-day ice climbing activity at either glacier or skydive from Franz Josef!
Depending on the activity you’ve signed up for, stay another night at Franz Josef or Fox or drive the 4 hours to Wanaka, stopping by at several scenic spots for photos or breaks like the Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and a museum in Haast.
There’s an advanced 10 km return hike beyond Fantails Falls to Brewster Hut and Brewster Glacier in the mountains.
Distance: 290 km
Total drive time: 4 hours
An Alternative 2: 10 Days
If you cannot pull out 14 days for this itinerary, do away with the East or West Coast and dedicate your time to just The Bulk. Spread it over 10 days and you’d still enjoy most of the South Island.
Or, you could have an open-jaw flight beginning in Queenstown and ending at Christchurch. Pick a window seat to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps if you’re flying in Queenstown. I did that for my flight to New Zealand in Dec 2019.
Getting to the South Island
Most international airlines flying into New Zealand land in Auckland. Discounting Australia and Fiji, there are direct non-stop flights from Singapore, Japan, China and Malaysia!
Transit from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch in the South Island.
I landed in Queenstown, transiting to Auckland from Singapore in Dec 2019 for my Working Holiday.
Christchurch has a daily non-stop flight from Singapore, arriving in the morning, but prices may err on the expensive side. The upside is you save yourself some time from transiting!
The budget option to reach New Zealand is likely flying into Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, then transiting to Christchurch or Queenstown. There are backbreaking budget flights from Singapore to those three airports.
Air New Zealand (code: ANZ or NZ) dressed in black and white is the country’s national carrier. It is also a member of Star Alliance, so you may be on the carriers of other airlines like Singapore Airlines (SIA) during your travel.
Check for your most favourable flights here with Skyscanner.
Administrative Matters
Visa
Passport holders of most countries can visit New Zealand without a visa but have to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Most who can apply for NZeTA, including Singaporeans, could remain in New Zealand for tourist purposes for up to 3 months at a time. UK citizens are entitled to up to 6 months at a time.
NZeTA is valid for 2 years, and you can visit again on the same NZeTA for up to 6 months within any 12 months.
It costs NZ$ 52 as of Sep 2024 if applied through their mobile app, and NZ$ 58 if done online. Allow 72 hours for processing.
Data/ wifi/ SIM
You need data to search the map, book your accommodation (if you have not done so in advance), and look for eateries.
Order an esim for immediate convenience, or purchase a sim card from a local telco at the airport for NZ$ 2 and charge it with their monthly plans through their mobile apps.
Most establishments have wifi but speed may be lacking. Some older accommodation in New Zealand charges wifi.
Tip: Save a section of Google Maps on your phone for offline usage, or download Maps.me.
Money
I’ve only transacted in cash in New Zealand in the first month of my Working Holiday experience, relying on their local bank card for contactless payment for the rest of my stay.
Most establishments – petrol stations, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants – allow card payments. Some vendors in Farmers’ Markets or small shops accept cash only.
Transport
A car is indispensable for efficient travel in New Zealand. Rent a car from the airport – renting one from Christchurch tends to be cheaper than Queenstown.
You could also rent a campervan from Christchurch or Queenstown. I’ve experienced a 5-day campervan trip in the Northland with the operator Jucy. Jucy is one of the more pocket-friendly campers in New Zealand, though their colour scheme can be gaudy. They sometimes have discounts of up to 20% for campers.
Check for the nearest petrol stations or the cheapest petrol prices via the app Gaspy. The app CamperMate is a good addition to looking for campsites and carparks.
Drive with care in New Zealand! Spread the drive with someone or schedule more breaks. Many accidents have occurred on the roads of New Zealand, especially those frequented by tourists. People have been seriously injured or even dead due to poor judgement, reckless driving, and driver fatigue.
Finally, if you cannot drive, you could still tour around New Zealand from one town to another via their Intercity buses.
Cities like Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown/ Arrowtown have their network of city buses, but the trade-off is the wait.
Best Time to visit the South Island
The best time is subjective and depends on what you’d like to do or see on the South Island.
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to what we are familiar with. They celebrate Christmas in summer!
Summer. December – February is the peak travel period in New Zealand as locals go on long Christmas and New Year breaks and daylight hours are long. The sun can be up at 5 AM and set after 9 PM, leaving one plenty of time to hike and plan their activities. With that prices are definitely more expensive. Days are comfortably warm.
Autumn. March – May is the transition period towards winter. Leaves are painted in orange hues and hiking in the mountains can be a treat. The weather becomes unpredictable during transition months, so you may have strong winds and rains closer to winter.
Winter. June – August is cold and gloomy with shorter daylight hours. But that does not deter the snow junkies from having a powder day on the ski slopes of Cardrona, Coronet Peak or Treble Cone in Queenstown/ Wanaka. Roads and hiking tracks may be closed or hazardous due to snow and ice. But the mountains capped with white tops are especially mesmerising. Drive and trek with more care during this season.
Spring. September – November is the transition period towards summer. Flowers start sprouting from barren trees and the hills turn green and colourful again till late summer. Cherry blossoms bloom in Queenstown and Christchurch in September, while lupin flowers grace the barren patches surrounding Lake Tekapo from November to January. As with autumn, the weather can be unpredictable with sudden gales and freak snow.
Conclusion/ Rambles
Two weeks is passable to capture most of the scenic sights in New Zealand, mainly the South Island. Choose the seasons that interest you and roam the heart-breakingly beautiful countryside.
While on the South Island, hiking or outdoor activity is highly recommended to enjoy the hills and mountains. Keep yourself fit for the long drives and hikes. The best sights are usually linked to slightly longer or more challenging treks.
Shorten the 2-week to 10 days by focusing your time in The Bulk – Tekapo, Mt Cook, Queenstown and Wanaka. Stay alert and well rested, fed and hydrated during the drives! If you’re the co-driver, entertain the driver. Book your accommodations and activities early if in summer, or if the places are small.
Enjoy New Zealand!
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