Ultimate South Island New Zealand Road Trip for Budget Travelers: 7-10 Day Itinerary
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Are you a budget-conscious backpacker, a solo female traveler, or simply a young adventurer craving the scenic wonders of New Zealand without breaking the bank? Look no further!
Embark on an epic 7-10 day road trip through the picturesque South Island, where every right or left turn unveils a breathtaking landscape and unforgettable experiences. Whether you prefer the comforts of hostels or the freedom of camping in a van, this itinerary caters to your preferences while keeping your wallet happy.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Mode of Travel
Your journey begins with a crucial decision: renting a car for flexibility and convenience or opting for a camper van to immerse yourself in nature. Both options have their perks, from cozy hostels to free camping sites scattered across New Zealand's stunning landscapes. While my expertise lies in car rentals, rest assured, this itinerary works for people who choose van camping.
If you choose to rent a car, make sure to compare prices and pick what size and model is best. I found an affordable car with great service here.
Me and my cutie rental whip
The pros of renting a car are as follows:
If you aren’t a camping enthusiast, this allows for plumbing and proper beds each night inside.
The pros of renting a van are the overall cost may be less as you don’t have to pay for hotels or hostels. AND you are more flexible as you don’t need to book freedom camping spots out in advance like you do hostels or hotels.
Rent a car here ⬇️
Duration: Customize Your Adventure
With a flexible timeframe of 7-10 days, you can tailor your expedition to suit your schedule and interests. I found 10 days to be the sweet spot, but if time is of the essence, a 7-day whirlwind tour is equally epic. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong in extending your stay for a month-long odyssey to delve deeper into South Island's natural treasures.
Cost of the Trip
Look, I’m not gonna lie and tell you this was a completely affordable trip. There is a reason many of the travelers who do this tend to be older and have more money to spend. I’d say you can do it on a budget though if you focus on making your own meals in either your van or hostel kitchen. The activities are also expensive so you have to be selective over what you really want to do and what isn’t worth it for your budget. I spent around 2000 AUD (Thats $1300 USD). You can definitely do it for more or less than I did.
The Itinerary: South Island Stops for Epic Adventure
This can be done starting in Queenstown or Christchurch by flying into wither airport. This itinerary goes from Queenstown to Christchurch but you can do it either way depending on the flight prices.
1. Queenstown: Day 1-2
Kickstart your escapade in Queenstown, a haven for adrenaline junkies (and wine lovers). Spend your first day on the iconic gondola and make sure to buy a package ticket with the luge! While the activity may seem to be catered to children, I loved it as a 25 year old adult who loves to beat people to the finish line!
Finish the day with a cruise along the lake. You can also opt for a speed boat if you are into that, but I enjoyed a more leisurely cruise called the Million dollar Cruise that lasts 90 minutes and included and joke ridden captain (Shout out the captain Wayne, you’re a legend!)
On day two, if you’re up for it you can unleash your inner thrill-seeker with bungee jumping or skydiving.
Or if you’re like me and have no interest of jumping off of a bridge… you can indulge in the wine of the region and go on a day long wine tour.
I went on a wine tour with Altitude Wine Tours which was amazing, it started at 10 with a pickup in Queenstown and included 5 stops and wine tasting at each winery. I learned a lot about wine and the region, it was amazing!
Enjoying wine and a view!
Where to stay in Queenstown?
Adventure Q2 Hostel was fantastic!
2. Te Anau/Milford Sound: Day 3-4
Embark on a scenic drive to Te Anau, the scenery is truly incredible the whole way! You will see loads of sheep and mountains and realize the New Zealand does have way more sheep than people.
In Te Anau I recomment walking along the lake and enjoying the views, and if weather allows for a dip in the lake that would be lovely!
Where to Stay in Te Anau?
We stayed in Lakefront Backpackers in Te Anau which was a very nice hostel.
The next morning you drive 2 hours to Milford Sound for a cruise in the Sound with epic views of the glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. I recommend Mitre Peak Cruises as they have smaller boats that are less croded that can go closer to the waterfalls. It was also a very comfortable boat to ride in for two hours.
The Milford Sound is a highlight of the whole trip! Its truly the prettiest place I’ve ever been, and well worth the driving time.
After our cruise, we returned for another evening in Te Anau, but if you are on a shorter timeline then you could leave straight from Milford Sound to the next stop in Wanaka!
3. Wanaka: Day 5-6
Drive to Wanaka and enjoy a few stops on the way! I’d recommend a detour to Glenorchy for a delightful lunch and views of an old rail stop. Go to Mrs Woolly’s General Store (get the sundae!!).
We walked to #thatwanakatree which is a bit of instagram vs reality but a lovely walk either way.
In Wanaka, hikers are spoiled for choice with several great trails. While the renowned Rob Roy Glacier Track was unfortunately closed due to ongoing bridge construction, we considered tackling Roy's Peak. However, recent rainfall had left the trail quite muddy. Instead, we opted for the Diamond Lake trail, which caters to various fitness levels. This trail offers options: an easy stroll around Diamond Lake, a moderate trek with views of Lake Wanaka, and a more challenging hike up Rocky Mountain (not recommended after recent rainfall).
Wanaka is a charming town bustling with boutique shops and inviting eateries. For a nourishing meal, I recommend Big Fig Wanaka, especially if you're craving some fresh vegetables after your travels have maybe left you with scurvy.
4. Mt Cook: Day 7-8
Head towards Mt Cook, where snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys await.
Where to stay in Mt. Cook?
We checked into Haka Hostel Lodge, a comfortable hostel featuring a sauna and spacious kitchen. While we opted for a two-night stay to fully enjoy the area, you can certainly make it a one-night stopover.
The highlight of Mount Cook is the Hooker Valley Track—a scenic 10-kilometer hike that takes you across three suspension bridges over a glacial river, culminating in a breathtaking view of Mount Cook. Keep in mind that this popular track can get crowded, so I recommend starting early or going later in the day to avoid the crowds. The spectacular views, especially with snowy mountain peaks, make the trek well worth the effort.
If time is tight, consider doing just a one-night stay and heading to Tekapo after the Hooker Valley hike.
5. Tekapo: Day 9
Head to Tekapo, known for its stunning lake and mesmerizing stargazing opportunities.
Where to stay in Tekapo?
We stayed at Haka House Hostel which was lovely.
Take a leisurely stroll by the lake before indulging in dinner at one for the restaurants. We ate at 25 Degrees which is a burger restaurant right next to the hostel.
We went to the hot pools in Tekapo for stargazing. It was expensive and you could probably stargaze without it, but we enjoyed the experience for sure.
6. Christchurch: Day 10
You’ll finish your journey in Christchurch (or start it as this whole itinerary works backwards as well)! Christchurch is a smaller city feels a bit empty for a tragic reason, that an earthquake in 2011 that damaged many buildings and many lives were lost. I recommend you go to the Riverside market for any meal of the day and head to the Botanic Gardens to go punting in the river.
Where to stay in Christchurch?
Haka House Hostel was a great location and good facilities.
And bid farewell to the South Island's enchanting landscapes before departing on your onward journey from the Christchurch Airport!
All the NZ Resources Here:
Book your car, accommodation, activities here ⬇️
General Tips: Enhancing Your Experience
Optimize your itinerary by adjusting the length of your stay in each location to suit your preferences.
Stock up on supplies in Wanaka before heading to Mt Cook, as dining options are limited.
Customize your Queenstown experience based on your interests, whether it's adventure sports or leisurely exploration.
Consider starting your journey in Christchurch and following the itinerary in reverse for a unique perspective.
Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Island's pristine landscapes, where every moment is a testament to nature. Whether you're chasing adrenaline-fueled thrills or seeking solace in serene surroundings, this budget-friendly road trip promises an immersive experience that will linger in your memories for years to come. Get ready to hit the open road and discover the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's South Island!
