3 Month South Island Itinerary

This month combines the relaxed vibes of the top of the South Island with the raw, untamed beauty of the West Coast.

Week 1: Marlborough & Nelson Tasman

Picton (1 night): Arrive on the afternoon ferry. Settle in, stroll the picturesque waterfront, and visit the EcoWorld Aquarium if time allows. A gentle start.
Blenheim (2 nights): A short drive from Picton. Spend a day (or two) cycling or touring the world-famous Marlborough wineries.
Nelson (3 nights): Enjoy one of New Zealand’s sunniest cities. Use this as a base to explore:
- Abel Tasman National Park: Take a water taxi, hike a section of the Coastal Track, and go kayaking.
- Golden Bay: Day trip to the quirky town of Takaka, see the stunning Te Waikoropupū Springs, and walk to the dramatic archways of Wharariki Beach.

Week 2: The Wild West Coast Begins

Drive to the West Coast via the Buller Gorge (1 night near Westport): A stunningly scenic drive. Stop at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony.
Punakaiki (2 nights): Home to the incredible Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Explore the short walks and caves in Paparoa National Park.
Hokitika (2 nights): A charming coastal town. Visit the brilliant turquoise Hokitika Gorge, see glow worms at the dell, and watch local pounamu (greenstone) carvers.

Week 3: Glaciers & Southern Lakes Approach

Franz Josef / Fox Glacier (3 nights):
- Use one town as your base for both glaciers.
- Key Activity: Book a heli-hike to walk on the glacier (highly weather-dependent).
- Essential Walks: Do the valley walks to the terminal faces of both glaciers and the reflective Lake Matheson walk.
Drive to Haast & Lake Hawea (2 nights): The drive south is an attraction in itself, passing through dense rainforest. Stop at Knights Point and Ship Creek. Lake Hawea offers a peaceful, stunning alternative to Wanaka.

Week 4: Wanaka & Queenstown Arrival

Wānaka (3 nights): A beautiful lakeside town. Challenge yourself with the Roy’s Peak hike or enjoy the more moderate Mt Iron. Relax by the lake and see the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
Queenstown (4 nights): The adventure capital! Use this first stint for the big-ticket activities.
- Adventure: Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating.
- Scenery & Food: Take the gondola for breathtaking views, indulge in a Fergburger, and explore the vibrant town.
- Day Trip: Visit the charming historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown.

This month is dedicated to the dramatic fiords, epic hikes, and the remote southern landscapes.

Week 5: Fiordland National Park

Drive to Te Anau (3 nights): The gateway to Fiordland. Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. This is your base for exploring the sounds.
Milford Sound Day: Drive the incredible Milford Road (allow 4-5 hours with stops for Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, etc.). A scenic cruise is a must-do; an overnight cruise is a unforgettable upgrade.
Doubtful Sound Day: A more remote and serene experience. Requires a coach and boat transfer but is well worth it for the sense of isolation.

Week 6: The Great Walks & The Deep South

Multi-Day Hike Option: If you have a booking, this is the time for the Milford, Kepler, or Routeburn Track (3-4 days).
No Hike Option: Explore more of Te Anau, do the Key Summit hike, or begin your journey into the Catlins.
The Catlins (3 nights): A region of wild, rugged coastal beauty and wildlife.
- Highlights: Nugget Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls, Cathedral Caves (tide dependent), and Curio Bay (petrified forest and yellow-eyed penguins).

Week 7: Stewart Island / Rakiura

Bluff / Invercargill (1 night): A practical stop to resupply. Visit Stirling Point in Bluff, the symbolic “end of the road.”
Stewart Island / Rakiura (3 nights): Take the ferry or flight from Bluff. A paradise for birdwatchers and hikers. Do the Rakiura Track (a 3-day Great Walk) or take a guided tour to see kiwis in the wild.

Week 8: Scenic Return to Queenstown

Return to Queenstown (3 nights): Drive back from the south. This gives you a chance to revisit a favourite spot, do activities you missed, or simply relax by Lake Wakatipu after your southern adventures.

The final month takes you through the stunning alpine heart of the island and up the scenic Pacific Coast back to your starting point.

Week 9: Aoraki/Mt. Cook & Lake Tekapo

Drive from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village (2 nights): The drive via Twizel is breathtaking. Hike the Hooker Valley Track – one of NZ’s best day walks. The stargazing here is phenomenal.
Drive to Lake Tekapo (2 nights): Famous for its stunning turquoise colour. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. At night, take a stargazing tour at the Mt. John Observatory (a Dark Sky Reserve).

Week 10: Waitaki Valley & Victorian Oamaru

Drive to Oamaru via the Waitaki Valley (2 nights): A scenic and historical detour. Stop to see the Māori rock drawings at Takiroa and the spherical Moeraki Boulders.
Oamaru (2 nights): Explore the beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct and the quirky Steampunk HQ. At dusk, visit the Blue Penguin Colony to see the world’s smallest penguins come ashore.

Week 11: Whale Watching in Kaikōura

Drive to Kaikōura (3 nights): A long but scenic drive up the coast. The main event here is a whale watching tour (by boat or plane). Also, consider the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway and maybe even swim with seals.

Week 12: Banks Peninsula & Finale back to Picton

Akaroa (2 nights): Drive to this charming French-influenced harbour town on Banks Peninsula. Take a harbour cruise to see the rare Hector’s dolphins.
Return to Picton (1 night): A relaxed drive from Akaroa through the Marlborough countryside brings you full circle. Drop off your rental vehicle and depart from Picton, or take the Interislander ferry back to Wellington.