Top of the South Island itinerary: The ultimate road trip

ByAlexx Posted

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New Zealand’s South Island tops road trip bucket lists for travellers all over the globe, and rightly so, but the top half often gets skipped (or at least rushed through) for the big hitters down south.

But after reading this ultimate Top of the South Island itinerary, you won’t make that mistake!

As a full-time travelling Kiwi I’ve been lucky enough to explore Te Waipounamu (the South Island) extensively over the years, from whirlwind regional adventures to tracing almost the coastline over a matter of months, and hand on heart I can say that the Top of the South Island holds some of my most treasured travel memories.

Marlborough Sounds by scenic flight, insanity!

Most recently I spent two weeks travelling solo in a campervan through the five diverse regions that make up the Top of the South, covering more than 1400km through the wild West Coast, solar-powered Marlborough, super chill Nelson-Tasman, wildlife hub Kaikōura and hidden gem Hurunui. It was nothing short of magical, I seriously considered cancelling my ferry so I could live down there in my van forever.

This slice of New Zealand isn’t exactly the easiest to plan a trip around though. Driving distances are deceptive, temperamental weather can throw a spanner into your meticulously-organised itinerary, and some of the most epic adventures, foodie finds and cultural gems slip under the radar unless you know where to look.

That’s where this guide comes in.

I’ve tested the routes, timed the drives, and stopped at approximately 8495 photo spots along the way. I crammed in a ridiculous amount of activities to find the ones worth writing home about (honestly, all of them 🙃), sampled local cuisine in stunning settings, found unique stays that will upgrade your trip to core memory status, I even locked my keys in my campervan at a remote beachfront campground so that I could write about it and tell you to absolutely not do that.

Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

The result? An ultra-detailed two week Top of the South Island road trip itinerary packed with everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip that you’ll be raving about for years to come.

You’ll get a straightforward route between the highlights, activity ideas for every travel style, top-rated stays for various budgets, plus my favourite detours and pit stops. And if you’re short on time or lucky enough to be able to linger for longer, I’ve included 7-10 day options and additional side quests at the end.

Let’s get into it!

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Quick summary: Two week Top of the South Island itinerary

What is the ‘Top of the South’?

The Top of the South Island is home to some of New Zealand’s premier travel experiences, from otherworldly glacier hikes and farm-to-table dining to bucket list wildlife encounters and scenic drives that’ll have you pulling over for photos every five minutes.

It encompasses five regions:

  • Marlborough
  • Nelson-Tasman
  • West Coast
  • Hurunui
  • Kaikōura
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds

Two week Top of the South Island itinerary at a glance

This Top of the South Island itinerary will take you to all of these spectacular spots:

  • Picton & the Marlborough Sounds
  • Nelson
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Punakaiki
  • Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier
  • Hokitika
  • Hanmer Springs
  • Waipara & coastal Hurunui
  • Kaikōura
  • Blenheim

At a minimum you’d want two weeks to cover this route comfortably, and that’s still at a fast pace with 1-2 nights in most places. Three weeks would be ideal for longer stays and slower days.

EcoZip, Kaikoura

If you have more than two weeks

If you’re lucky enough to have more time up your sleeve for the Top of the South region and would rather extend the itinerary vs. slow it down, you could easily add the following stops:

  • Golden Bay
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Maruia Hot Springs

More info on those at the end of the itinerary.

If you have less than two weeks

If you need to keep your Top of the South visit to less than two weeks, your best route will totally depend on where you’re arriving/departing from and what type of trip you’re looking for.

As a rough guide, with 7-10 days you could either do a whirlwind loop trip with one stop in each region for 1-2 nights, or choose 2-3 regions for longer stays and less time on the road.

I’ve put together some realistic 7 to 10 day itinerary ideas at the bottom of the blog too.

Top of the South Island itinerary map

The ultimate Top of the South Island itinerary

Who is this itinerary for?

This two week Top of the South Island road trip itinerary is designed for self-driving travellers wanting to combine bucket list experiences, outdoor adventures and non-stop stunning scenery, with a little time for pampering and fantastic food thrown in as well.

You can tweak and tailor it to fit your travel style too, if you’re more of an active relaxer then swap out the spa time for hiking or biking trails, or oenophiles might want to extend their stay in the Waipara Valley and Marlborough wine regions and opt for shorter visits in the touristy towns.

You’ll need your own car or campervan to follow this route, many of these stops aren’t serviced regularly (or at all) by public transport. If you don’t want to rent a vehicle in New Zealand, consider booking a guided tour instead.

How long will this itinerary take?

The recommended timeframe to do this trip is 14 days, but there are options for both longer and shorter trips at the bottom of the itinerary.

The total driving distance (just point-to-point, not including activities in each place) for this loop is 1430km.

Google Maps says that’s about 19 hours of driving but drive time suggestions for New Zealand are notoriously inaccurate and often don’t account for windy roads, one lane bridges, road works, slow trucks or farm vehicles with limited safe passing areas, and the many, many photo stops you’ll want to make along the way. Add a 25% buffer to suggested drive times if you’re a confident driver on NZ roads, add 50% if this is your first time driving here.

Nelson’s Great Taste Trail

How this itinerary works

We all travel differently, so instead of giving you a strict day-by-day plan with a set number of nights and specific activities for each place, I try to keep things flexible so you can build your dream trip while staying realistic about how much you can fit in to a two week road trip.

This Top of the South Island itinerary includes:

  • The top destinations to visit across the five regions
  • Driving distance and time + worthwhile stops along each route
  • The minimum number of days I’d recommend for each place
  • The best things to do/see for different travel styles
  • Recommendations of where to stay for different budgets
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

The minimum stays across the itinerary actually add up to 11 days, but if you did the loop that quickly you’d be suuuper busy with no flexibility, and one bad weather day could throw your whole plan out the window.

Don’t do this, give yourself two weeks or choose from one of the shorter routes I’ve suggested instead.

The best thing to do is to go through the full itinerary, note down which destinations are most appealing to you and which activities are absolute non-negotiables, and extend your time in those places to fill out your trip. Too easy!

⏰ REMEMBER: The driving times I’ve listed are all from Google Maps, so remember to add a 25-50% buffer for each drive in case of road works, slow traffic, photo stops, bad weather etc.

Where this itinerary starts

I’ve started this itinerary in Picton because I always drive down and catch the Bluebridge ferry across from the North Island, but it’s a loop so if you’re flying to the South Island you could start and finish in Nelson, Blenheim or even Christchurch (and drive up to Waipara to join the route).

Picton & Marlborough Sounds

How to get there: If you’re driving around New Zealand then you can catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton (3h 30m), or if you’re arriving by plane you can fly into Blenheim Airport (25-30 minute drive to Picton, Blenheim suggestions are at the end of the itinerary).

Minimum stay in the Marlborough Sounds: 1-2 days

About Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

Picton is the gateway to the South Island for anyone arriving by ferry, but it deserves more than just a quick coffee stop before you hit the highway.

The town itself has a compact but charming waterfront hub with cosy cafes, quirky gift shops and a handful of easy-access lookouts across the water, giving you a little teaser of what’s to come. London Quay, the main street, is currently being revitalised and will be open for business by summer 2025/2026.

But the real magic is found deeper in the Marlborough Sounds, where 1500km of zigzaggy coastline hides remote lodges, secluded bays and some killer hiking, biking, kayaking and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Stay the night and you’ll have time to see the Sounds from the water or the air, stick around for two and you can squeeze in a full day adventure on the Queen Charlotte Track.

Along the Snout Track Walk

Things to do in Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

  • Get up close and personal with native birds, seals and dolphins with E-Ko Tours. They’re a locally-owned nature tour operator that runs ethical wildlife cruises, guided walks on predator-free islands and dolphin swimming in the calm waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, they even have a no seasickness guarantee.
  • Explore sheltered bays and quiet coves on a sea kayak tour with the legends at Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company, or rent your own gear and paddle at your own pace

  • Stretch your legs on a short walk near Picton town, the Snout Track has an expansive panoramic view across Queen Charlotte Sound and the Tirohanga Track takes you up through the forest to a spectacular lookout over Picton harbour and beyond
  • Try a cheese toastie from cult-favourite Toastie Lords, the ideal post- or pre-ferry comfort food. 10/10 milkshakes too.
  • If you’re staying somewhere with a beach or jetty, head outside at night to look for blue specks in the water. This is bioluminescent plankton!
  • Bioluminescence, captured with long exposure
  • Toastie Lords 10/10

Where to stay in Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

Nelson

Driving time from Picton to Nelson: I’d recommend taking the scenic route via Queen Charlotte Drive, 113km and about 2h without stops (but you will want to stop, the views are surreal!). If you have passengers who get carsick then there’s a less windy option that takes you near Blenheim instead, 139km and 1h 50m.

Where to stop along the way

  • 5 mins from the Pelorus Bridge carpark

Minimum stay in Nelson: An overnight stay is well worth it for foodies or for slower paced travellers, but if you’re prioritising outdoorsy adventures in Abel Tasman then a day trip would suffice

About Nelson

Nelson is a practical pit stop between the maze of the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman’s golden shores, and it’s the only city on this Top of the South Island itinerary. If you need any supplies from big retail stores, this is the place to find them.

It might not be as visually striking as the natural gems on either side of it, but what it lacks in drama it more than makes up for with super mellow vibes, annual sunshine hours and a stellar food scene.

Things to do in Nelson

  • Cycle part of the Great Taste Trail, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, which links wineries, breweries, orchards and cafes along a 200km loop. No need to do the whole thing, Gentle Cycling has guided or unguided day trips or multi-night adventures.
  • Grab lunch at one of the food trucks at Kirby Lane (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) or lunch/dinner at Street Food on Washington (10am-8pm Weds-Sat, 10am-2pm Sun)
  • Zoom across the forest canopy on the Skywire at Cable Bay Adventure Park, a kind of zipline/chairlift hybrid where you’re launched along a 1.6km cable at up to 100 km/h. Once you reach the end you’ll have a few seconds to enjoy the view before shooting back to the start at the same speed, backwards!
  • Explore Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, a predator-free haven with easy walking tracks through native bush home to an orchestra of birds. They run night tours to spot glowworms, tuatara and giant weta, and listen out for kiwi! They sell out though so you need to book in advance.
  • Walk up to the Centre of New Zealand, a short but steep hill track with sweeping views across Nelson and Tasman Bay
  • Taste your way around the Nelson region, there are so many eateries and drinkeries* to choose from. Victus and Little Dove are my favourite brunch spots, Pic’s Peanut Butter World has a weird and wonderful PB-themed menu, Salvito’s Pizza Bar has a perfect 5/5 on Google, and Hopgood’s is my go-to for a fancy meal.
  • If you’re a cheese fiend like me then Old Factory Corner is a must-visit, it’s home to one of the best cheese shops in the country, The Junction, and the Grape Escape café next door has the most delicious cheese scones I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot!

*I honestly thought I made this up but apparently ‘drinkery’ is actually a word?! I like it.

Where to stay in Nelson

Budget

Mid-range

rabbit island huts nelson

Luxury

Abel Tasman National Park

Driving time from Nelson to Abel Tasman NP: 35 minutes (42km) from Nelson to Motueka, 50 minutes (54km) from Nelson to Kaiteriteri

Where to stop along the way

Minimum stay in Abel Tasman National Park: 2-3 days

About Abel Tasman National Park

Every time I think about Abel Tasman NP I get “Joseph’s Coat” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat stuck in my head, the song that runs through all the colours: it was scarlet and black and ochre and peach. Why? Because the colour of the sand here is so unique here that ‘golden’ doesn’t really do it justice, it’s more of a light ochre or buff yellow.

Did I just spent 20 minutes scrolling through colour palette generators to find the *perfect* shade names? Yes.

te pukatea bay best abel tasman beach

Semantics aside, some parts of Abel Tasman genuinely feel like an optical illusion. Water so clear you can spot stingrays gliding along the seafloor, dense native bush that almost runs right into the ocean, even an ancient boulder that looks like it’s been sliced in half with an axe.

Stay for two days to give yourself time to explore by foot and by boat, any shorter and you’ll almost certainly feel short-changed.

kaiteriteri abel tasman things to do

Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park

  • Walk part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, the full 60km takes 3-4 days but you can choose from a range of semi-organised tour options with Wilsons Abel Tasman, or use the water taxis to plan your own day trip
  • Jump on a wildlife boat tour with Abel Tasman Eco Tours to spot creatures like little blue penguins, fur seals and dolphins if you’re lucky
  • Learn about Māori culture in the most photogenic setting with Waka Abel Tasman, a one of a kind cultural experience in the national park. You and your waka mates will work together to paddle around the bays while your expert guide shares pūrākau (stories), tikanga (traditions/customs) and the significance of waka in local history.
Image credit: Roady
  • See Split Apple Rock (Toka Ngawhā), it’s gotta be one of the most-photographed boulders in the country. You can park up on the road (designated parking only, look for the signs) and walk down the 10 min path to the beach, or you can kayak there on a guided tour or self-guided with a rental.
  • Head up to The Views restaurant at Kimi Ora Eco Resort for a delicious vegetarian dinner, their menu is seasonal but if the apple and pear filo dessert is available then you MUST get it!
  • Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails at the world-renowned Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
  • Grab a real fruit ice cream from Kaka Point Café and soak up the scenes at Kaiteriteri Beach, I even saw dolphins come all the way in to shore!
split apple rock from the water

Where to stay in/near Abel Tasman National Park

Kaiteriteri and Marahau are the tiny beachfront settlements that act as land and sea launchpads to the park, or Motueka is just 15 minutes closer to Nelson with a bigger range of accommodation, eateries and shops.

Budget

  • Kaiteriteri campground, how good!

Mid-range

Luxury

  • Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Kaiteriteri (9.2/10 on booking.com from 400+ reviews)
  • Ratanui Lodge, Pohara (On the Golden Bay side of the Abel Tasman NP, 9.3/10 on booking.com from 200+ reviews)
  • Split Apple Retreat, Kaiteriteri (5/5 on TripAdvisor from 200+ reviews)

Punakaiki

Driving time from Abel Tasman NP to Punakaiki: 3h 40m (270km) from Motueka to Punakaiki, add 10 minutes if you’re staying in Kaiteriteri

Where to stop along the way

  • Nelson Lakes National Park, the Lake Rotoiti jetty is the famous photo spot
  • Tauranga Bay Seal Colony (slight detour)

Minimum stay: Overnight

About Punakaiki

Welcome to the wild West Coast! This tiny coastal village is home to one of New Zealand’s most recognisable geological wonders, the Pancake Rocks.

You can actually tick off Punakaiki’s highlights in a matter of hours (unless you want to head deeper into the Paparoa National Park) but I’ve recommended an overnight stay here to break up the longggg drive between Abel Tasman and Glacier Country at the bottom of the West Coast.

Google Maps says that 470km journey will take you six hours which might seem doable in a day, but that doesn’t take into account the almost-guaranteed delays due to roadworks, slow vehicles or weather conditions that require careful driving. Stop in Punakaiki for the night (or Westport if you find better accomm options there) to make that trip safer and more enjoyable.

Things to do in Punakaiki

  • See the famous rocks, obviously! The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes track is a leisurely 1.1km loop along a well-maintained path, but you’ll want to allow extra time to watch for the huuuge sprays of water when waves hit into the caverns.
  • Travel back in time at the Paparoa Experience, a world-class interactive exhibit that brings Māori legends to life while explaining the geology and history of the land. The immersive tech they’ve used here honestly blew my mind, it’s tucked into the visitors’ centre by the Pancake Rocks walk so it’s easy to miss, but I highly recommend adding it to your trip!
  • Wander through the wild West Coast rainforests with a choice of short walks: Truman Track (15 min down to the beach), the Pororari River Track (1.5h, 7km return) or the Punakaiki-Pororari Loop (3h, 11km).
  • Pedal or paddle around the area with a rental kayak, paddle board or retro cruiser e-bike from Waka Puna
  • Take your trip to the next level (literally) with Underworld Adventures, who offer insane caving experiences just 30 minutes north of Punakaiki. Intrepid travellers will love their cave rafting trip, but if you want something a little less crazy they have a family-friendly glowworm cave tour.

Where to stay in & around Punakaiki

Budget

  • Punakaiki Beach Camp

Mid-range

Luxury

Franz Josef Glacier (or Fox Glacier)

Driving time from Punakaiki to Franz Josef: 2h 50m (217km), add 25-30 minutes to reach Fox Glacier

Where to stop along the way

  • Zip right through so you can maximise your time in Glacier Country

Minimum stay: 1-2 days

About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Glacier Country the most remote place to reach on this Top of the South adventure, so if you’re short on time it’s probably the simplest spot to cull, but if you have time to make the long drive (safely) you’ll be rewarded.

Franz Josef is the bigger township with a wider range of accommodation and solid tourist infrastructure, while Fox Glacier is 25-30 minutes further south offering easy access to Lake Matheson for sunrise. You can heli-hike or catch a scenic flight from either base, but other activities like kayaking and quad biking are only available from Franz Josef.

The weather is famously temperamental, there’s a reason they call it the wild West Coast. Even if the forecast promises all day sunshine, rough conditions can sweep over the Southern Alps and ground flights/hamper glacier hikes without much warning.

One night is the bare minimum if you’re making the effort to come all this way, but two nights gives you a bit more leeway to rebook in case your plans get mucked up.

And if you do get to experience the moody skies and heavy rainfall this region is known for, embrace it! Notice the permanently wind-swept trees growing at an angle, book an off-roading tour and let the mud fly, and we all know that hot tubs are better in the rain.

Things to do in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

  • The ultimate must-do in Glacier Country is a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier or on Fox Glacier. You’ll be kitted out in warm gear, whisked up to the glacier by helicopter and then spend a few hours navigating blue ice corridors and crevasses with an expert guide. Your jaw will be on the floor from the moment you leave the ground, it’s a splurge for sure but it lives up to the hype.
  • If that’s a bit out of your comfort zone then no stress, you can still book a scenic flight (heli or fixed wing, snow landing optional) to get the next-level views without the physical challenge. I’m desperate to do the Grand Traverse 50-minute flight on my next trip, it takes you over Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers as well as Aoraki Mount Cook, pretty decent bang for your buck as far as scenic flights go.

  • On a tight budget? Take one of the short walks to a glacier viewpoint. Track conditions change often, check here for up to date info on what’s open at the moment.
  • Experience the West Coast from the water with a kayak tour or scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika, learning about native fauna and conservation efforts as you go
  • Get muddy with a quad biking or off-road buggy tour, a fantastic all-weather option through rainforest trails and across glacial riverbeds.
  • Capture the iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman reflection in Lake Matheson. The lake loop is an easy 4.4km stroll, or there’s a 2.4km in-and-out walk to the best viewpoint if time is tight.
  • Look for the rarest kiwi, the Rowi, with Okarito Kiwi Tours. They’re the only wild kiwi tour operator in the South Island, and they’ve got an 89% success rate at viewing the national icon in its natural habitat. Tours run seasonally, generally October to March.
  • Round off your Glacier Country adventure with a relaxing private soak at Waiho Hot Tubs, your muscles will thank you

Where to stay in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Budget

Rainforest Retreat Holiday Park

Mid-range

Luxury

  • Rainforest Retreat Deluxe, Franz Josef (Cosy but fancy tree houses, feels like you’re staying in Jurassic Park 🦖 9.0/10 on booking.com from 170+ reviews)
  • Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef (8.6/10 on booking.com from 350+ reviews)
  • Magic after dark ✨
  • My Deluxe Tree Hut
  • So cosy!

Hokitika

Driving time from Glacier Country to Hokitika: 1h 50m (138km) from Franz Josef to Hokitika, add 25-30 minutes if you’re driving from Fox Glacier

Where to stop along the way

  • Lake Mahinapua for stunning reflections on a calm day

Minimum stay: Overnight

About Hokitika

Known as the West Coast’s “Cool Little Town”, Hokitika is another spot worth more than just a fuel-and-food stop, and it’s strategically placed for an overnight stay before crossing the Lewis Pass into the Hurunui region.

This seaside hub is packed with character, with eclectic souvenir shops, legendary eateries and boutique stays, and on the town’s doorstep you’ll find a range of short walks and other outdoor adventures to keep you busy.

  • Hokitika Gorge Walk

Things to do in Hokitika

  • Carve your own pounamu (greenstone) at a Bonz’n’Stonz workshop, probably the most memorable souvenir you’ll ever take home from your travels. Pounamu is more than just a stone in te ao Maori, it’s considered taonga (a treasure) which holds wairua (spirit), mana (prestige) and connects you to the land it came from, so you’ll carry your Aotearoa memories with you whenever you wear it. I did this on my most recent trip and it’s honestly impossible to put the experience into words, just incredibly humbling and grounding.

  • Walk the 2km Hokitika Gorge loop, regularly ranked amongst New Zealand’s best short walks. Swing bridges over the bluest water you’ll ever see, friendly piwakawaka (fantails) following you through the forest, and loads of viewpoints along the way.
  • Stop off at Hokitika Sandwich Company for a hearty lunch (closed Monday & Sunday)
  • Did you even go to Hokitika if you didn’t get a photo in front of the driftwood sign?!
  • Spot kiwi, tuatara and other native animals at the National Kiwi Centre
  • See glowworms (for free!) at the Glow Worm Dell just out of town
  • Stroll 20m above ground through the ancient rainforest canopy at the Treetop Walk, then race your travel buddy to the bottom of the 425m dual zipline that carries you from the 47m-tall tower back down to the start of the walk, at up to 60km/h!

Where to stay in & near Hokitika

Budget

Mid-range

  • Obsessed with geodesic domes!

Luxury

  • Host’d is a local company that looks after a growing number of beautifully-designed holiday houses and apartments in Hokitika and nearby, from boutique tiny homes to properties big enough for a family get-together. I stayed Little Sailor’s Catch, a two-bedroom beachfront bach with so many tiny details that made me fall in love with it! There were dual outdoor baths, unbelievably comfy beds, a hidden play room for little ones, even a huge desk with a proper computer monitor (omg why can’t every accomm have this). 10/10 no notes. See all their properties here >>
  • Little Sailor’s Catch

Hanmer Springs

Driving time from Hokitika to Hanmer Springs: 3h 15m (252km)

Where to stop along the way

  • Reefton, a historic gold mining town with off-beat antique shops and the award-winning Reefton Distilling Co.
  • Maruia Hot Springs for a lush geothermal soak amongst the dreamiest scenery
  • Reefton
  • maruia hot springs
    Maruia Hot Springs

Minimum stay in Hanmer Springs: 1-2 days

About Hanmer Springs

This locally-loved alpine village still flies a bit under the radar with international tourists, but if you’re a keen outdoor adventurer it’s a fantastic base for hiking, biking, skiing and thrill activities without the Queenstown price tag.

The thermal pools are the perfect come down after the adrenaline rush too, with New Zealand’s biggest hydroslide and a wide range of relaxation zones amongst lush forest landscapes.

School holidays are packed with visitors from Christchurch and beyond, visit outside of these times if you can, or book your accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out.

Things to do in Hanmer Springs

  • Soak your worries away at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, a huge complex with aquatherapy pools, sulphur pools, a lazy river, hydroslides and private hot pools if you’re after total seclusion
  • Treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at the Spa next door, you deserve it 🧖🏼‍♀️
  • Tick off some iconic Aotearoa thrills without blowing your budget. Hanmer Springs offers easy access to jetboating, bungy jumping, quad biking and white water rafting at lower prices than you’ll find in the classic tourist hubs.
  • Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and explore the backcountry on two wheels. I did part of the St James Cycle Trail to the natural hot pools at Cow Stream (sandflies galore but absolutely beautiful, intermediate with one steep advanced section) but there are lots of trails for various skill levels around the Hanmer Forest.
  • If you’re travelling with kids, the Hanmer Forest Sculpture Walk is a must. There are three options ranging from 30 minutes to 1h 30m through the forest with a bunch of wooden sculptures along the way.
  • Grab a steaming hot pie from PJ’s Pies, they have different specials each day but I rate the pork belly, chicken cranberry and Angus steak with blue cheese
  • For a fancier dining experience I looove No. 31, I’ve been twice for a three-course-meal and every single dish has been flawless
  • Make the most of being surrounded by forests and mountains with this top-rated stargazing tour

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

Waipara wine region & surrounds

Driving time from Hanmer Springs: 1h-1h 30m (70-125km) depending on where you’re heading to

Minimum stay: 1-2 days if you’re a foodie, day trip if not

About the Waipara wine region & surrounds

It’s a crime that so many travellers drive the farmland-flanked highway between Kaikōura and Christchurch without even realising what they’re passing by.

Black Estate, divine

This unassuming stretch of the Hurunui district encompasses a fair few worthy stops: the Waipara wine region, the casual country towns of Cheviot and Amberley, and a rugged coastline with black sand beaches, legendary surf spots and the chance to truly get off the beaten track.

It punches well above its weight in terms of special stays too, with secluded glass pods, geodesic domes and rustic cabins if you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep.

The suggestions I’ve mentioned below are dotted along the 70-ish kms (45 minute drive) from Amberley to Cheviot, just keep in mind that many of the glamping spots are tucked deep into the rolling hills and only accessible by unpaved farm roads, so getting there will probably take longer than Google Maps says.

  • Skyhouse at Ridgeway Farm
  • Tawanui Farm’s A-Frame Cabin

Things to do

  • Eat everythinggggg! I have too many recs for one bullet point so let me break them down for you 🙃
  • For a casual brunch I adore Little Vintage and Nor’Wester in Amberley and Number Eight Cafe in Cheviot
  • Black Estate is in my top three restaurants in the country, divine for a long lunch
  • Pegasus Bay Winery has a brilliantly-stocked mini deli with local products like cured meats, cheeses, spreads, crackers, fresh bread, pastries and loads more. You can DIY your dream picnic and then grab a bottle of wine and find a spot in the gardens to indulge, or take your treats back to your accommodation for a cosy night in.
  • There are lots of other wineries with cellar doors worth a visit, I love George’s Road Wines (book in advance), Torlesse, Terrace Edge (tastings include table olives, say no more), Greystone Wines and Waipara Springs
  • If you’d rather DIY your dinner, there are a bunch of artisan grocers dotted around the area that sell meat from local farms, small-batch condiments, craft beverages and other ingredients ready to be turned into a culinary masterpiece. Markham Street Trader in Amberley is my favourite one, they have an small selection of eclectic homewares too.
  • Georges Road Winery
  • Pegasus Bay Winery

  • Race down one of New Zealand’s unique braided rivers on a thrilling jetboat tour with Energy Jet. If you’re short on time they have a 30 minute blast with some wild spins, or for a more immersive experience they’ve got a two hour Riverside BBQ where you’ll disembark the boat at a remote river beach and enjoy some local delicacies fresh off the grill before jetting back to reality.
  • Wander through an open-air gallery at Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park, you can take your own picnic
  • Take the 21km Gore Bay Tourist Drive to reach New Zealand’s smallest village, there are only 10 permanent residents in Gore Bay! It gets busy in summer with seasonal holidayers, but the rest of the year you’ve got a pretty high chance of having the beach all to yourself
  • Stop off at the Cathedral Cliffs lookout along the way, where you can see the dramatic formation of eroded rock pillars with a toupée of trees against an ocean backdrop. Out of this world.
  • Cathedral Cliffs
  • alexx in red dress on the beach at gore bay hurunui
    Gore Bay

Where to stay in the Waipara wine region & surrounds

Budget

Mid-range

  • Hurunui Homestead B&B, Hawarden (9.8/10 on booking.com from 30+ reviews)
  • Tawanui Farm A-Frame Cabin, suuuper cute cabin far from civilisation on a working Cheviot farm with an outdoor bath. Pray for clear skies because the stargazing here is unreal, it’s completely unimpeded by natural light! (5/5 on Google from 14 reviews)
  • Tawanui Farm

  • Skyhouse at Ridgeway Farm

Luxury

  • A magical PurePod hidden amongst the countryside, an off-grid tiny home with glass walls, floor and ceiling to feel completely immersed in nature while staying warm and cosy. There are a few in the area, there’s the Korimako PurePod and Atatū PurePod both in Greta Valley plus the Greystone PurePod in Waipara.
  • Russell’s Cabins, two cabins with a shared bathroom, lounge and outdoor bath right next to Black Estate (9.3/10 on booking.com from 7 reviews)
  • Matai Peak Lodge in Hundalee is a luxuriously renovated shepherd’s hut with insane views up the Kaikōura coast, where the mountains meet the sea. This one is still on my bucket list! (4.88/5 on Airbnb from 16 reviews)
  • The dreamy PurePod

Kaikōura

Driving time from Waipara to Kaikōura: 1h 30m (123km)

Where to stop along the way

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a very busy stretch of State Highway 1 that’s mostly a single lane each way, only pull into the seal viewing areas or artwork trail stops if it’s 100% safe to do so. If traffic is heavy then it might be easier for you to drive a little further up to Peketā where you can turn around safely, then head back down to your chosen stop without having to cross the centre line.

Minimum stay: 2-3 days

About Kaikōura

To say that Kaikōura a good destination for wildlife would be a colossal understatement, it’s more like an ecological playground. You’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world with so many up-close animal encounters (and ethical ones at that) within such easy reach.

We can thank the Kaikōura Canyon for this! It’s a deep trench just off shore which pushes nutrient-rich water up to the surface, attracting an abundance of marine life from microscopic to mammoth, with seabirds always tagging along.

But these local residents are only part of Kaikōura’s magnetic pull, which is why I’d strongly recommend setting aside a few days for your adventures along this part of the coast. There’s a variety of land and sea activities on offer from sunrise to well after sunset, ocean-to-table dining that might ruin seafood for you for life, and unreal scenes at every turn.

Things to do in Kaikōura

  • Maybe I’m biased here because I suffer from a lifelong fear of whales (yes, truly 🙃), but my personal top pick in Kaikōura is swimming with dusky dolphins. Beyond magical, a strong contender for my all-time favourite travel experience in New Zealand.
gopro photo of a dusky dolphin in Kaikōura

  • Whale watching is Kaikōura’s signature experience for good reason though, with boat tours boasting an impressive 95% success rate. Sperm whales hang out here year-round, while blue whales, pilot whales, southern right whales and humpbacks pop in to say kia ora on their annual migrations.
  • For a different perspective of these majestic creatures (or if you share my irrational fear and would prefer to be at a safer distance from the world’s largest predator 👀), a Wings Over Whales scenic flight is an unforgettable way to see marine life
  • Swap a paddle for some pedals with a hands-free kayaking tour. These innovative pedal-powered vessels allow you to watch seals and seabirds without disturbing them with a splash, and take photos without worrying about dropping your camera or phone into the ocean!

  • Take a guided cultural tour with Māori Tours Kaikōura, where local storytellers share the region’s history through the lens of te ao Māori (the Māori worldview)
  • Tuck into the town’s namesake dish, fresh crayfish. Nin’s Bin is the iconic roadside crayfish stall 20 minutes north of Kaikōura, or if you want to stay in town you could check out the Craypot Kitchen & Bar or the Pier Hotel.
  • If a fresh cray is out of your budget but you still want the seafood experience, head to Cooper’s Catch to grab some takeaway fish and chips, then wander down to the beach for a sunset dinner.
  • Glide over native forest at EcoZip Kaikōura, one of the most scenic zipline locations on the planet, with mountain and ocean views from every platform
  • Marvel at the Milky Way in New Zealand’s newest Dark Sky Sanctuary. Head to the Kaikōura Lookout or Fyffe House for DIY astro photos, book a stargazing tour with Moana Skies or Kaikōura Stargazing, or even zipline under the stars with EcoZip’s world-first StarFlight experience.

Where to stay in Kaikōura

Budget

Mid-range

  • Beachfront Villa from Close to Home

Luxury

  • Clifftop Cabins genuinely took my breath away when I walked through the gate, they have an unbeatable outlook over Kaikōura township, beach and mountains. The tiny home is compact but brilliantly designed for efficient use of space, there’s a kitchenette with a microwave inside plus an outdoor kitchen with a portable cooktop so you can self-cater, and the stone bathtub on the desk (complete with a handy rack for your wine glass) absolutely steals the show.
  • Clifftop Cabins

  • girl walking down farm hill to purepod in kaikoura
    Manakau PurePod
  • purepod glass box glamping spot in kaikoura

Blenheim & the Marlborough wine region

Driving time from Kaikōura to Blenheim: 1h 35m (128km)

Where to stop along the way

  • Ohau Point seal colony to watch the young pups jumping over each other in the rock pools, I could honestly stay there for hours 🥺
  • Rākautara, home to Nin’s Bin
  • Paparoa Point, my favourite photography stop along the Cultural Artwork Trail
  • Yealands Estate Winery to drive the White Road to the panoramic lookout point (open Friday to Monday 10.30am-4pm)

Minimum stay: 1-2 days

About Blenheim

Blenheim is meteorologically-blessed, often on the podium for ‘most sunshine hours in New Zealand’, which explains why 150 wineries have set up shop in the valleys that surround it.

The world-renowned wine scene is backed up by gastronomic delights from casual eats to upscale institutions worthy of a Michelin star (if Michelin existed in New Zealand), and for non-vino-drinkers there are a couple of beer gardens and distilleries serving up locally-produced small-batch bevvies.

Alcohol aside, the unhurried pace of life here is reason enough to stay longer, with an extensive network of bike trails and gardens where solar-powered travellers can recharge.

girl holding coffee cup in front of vineyard in blenheim

Things to do in Blenheim

  • Let your tastebuds lead the way around Marlborough’s wine region. I’d highly recommend exploring on two wheels, you can book a guided ride with Explore Marlborough or rent a bike to go at your own pace, but there’s also a hop-on hop-off bus or small group tours if that’s more your style.
  • There are more than 30 cellar doors to visit, you can see a all of them + open hours here. I’ve made a decent dent in that list but my top ones are Cloudy Bay, Nautilus, Framingham (I adore their dessert wine) and Saint Clair Family Estate
  • Indulge in a long lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants, I can vouch for Allan Scott, Wither Hills and Number 11 at Wairau River

  • Stop off at Small Town Winery for varietal flights, where you can taste four different pinot noirs, sauvignon blancs, chardonnays or aromatics and try to distinguish the subtle differences in flavour. They also have the best bruschetta menu you’ll find outside of Europe, there are seven different options 😱
  • The good food doesn’t stop when the wineries close though. Arbour offers an award-winning set menu if you want to splash out on your final meal, Harvest Restaurant heroes local flavours with many ingredients from their own estate gardens, or Frank’s Oyster Bar is right in the middle of town with creative sharing plates, a fantastic wine list and divine cocktails.
  • Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WWI and WWII aircraft are displayed in uncannily lifelike dioramas. Goosebumps guaranteed.
  • If your palate leans more towards greasy goodness than fine dining, Burleigh Gourmet Pies is calling your name
  • Beer fans should head to Dodson Street Beer Garden or Boomtown Brewing, and if you prefer liqueurs or spirits then Roots Gin Shack and Elemental Distillers are worth a stop

Where to stay in Blenheim

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

  • 14th Lane Urban Hotel, a divine 5* boutique hotel in the centre of Blenheim. Decent hotels are few and far between in NZ outside of the big cities so staying here was such a treat! (9.6/10 on booking.com from 270+ reviews)
  • The 14th Lane Urban Hotel

  • The Marlborough, where you’ll find the aforementioned Harvest Restaurant (4.8/5 on Google from 70+ reviews and 10/10 on booking.com from 5 reviews)
  • The Nineteenth, an elegant two-bedroom home on a private vineyard (5/5 on Airbnb from 240+ reviews)

Back to Picton!

From Blenheim it’s just a 20-25 minute drive back to Picton if you’re catching the Cook Strait ferry back to Wellington, or if you started your Top of the South Island road trip elsewhere along this loop just head back to the top of the itinerary to continue your journey.

Add ons if you have more time

Golden Bay

Extend your time in the Tasman region by crossing over the precarious winding roads of Takaka Hill to reach Golden Bay, the very top corner of the South Island.

Spend a day hopping between the eclectic settlements dotted along the coastline. Start with an organic bakery breakfast, search for a keepsake in the artisan gift shops selling locally-crafted wares, enjoy a hearty plant-based lunch and then catch a classic film at the iconic Village Theatre, complete with intermission. What decade are we in again?

Step into a literal Windows screensaver at Wharariki Beach, see some of the clearest water ever measured at Te Waikoropupu Springs, and if you come all this way you can’t leave without doing a tour of Farewell Spit, the 34km stretch of sand that leads to the island’s northernmost tip.

If that’s pushing the time limit, go for a short but ultra-scenic flight instead.

te waikoropupu spring

Nelson Lakes National Park

If you’ve got an extra couple of days, proper hiking gear and a keen sense of adventure, dedicating some time to Nelson Lakes National Park (between Abel Tasman and the West Coast) might be the best decision you’ll make all trip.

Most drive-through visitors only stop off at Lake Rotoiti for the famous jetty photo and a glacial dip if they’re brave, but the true highlights of this region are found along the backcountry trails that lead you through tussock fields, across alpine saddles and to DOC huts with million dollar views for $10-25 a night.

sunset at nelson lakes rotoiti

Maruia Hot Springs

A geothermal experience unlike any other in New Zealand, Maruia Hot Springs is a boutique spa complex that expertly blends local history with water traditions from around the world.

The naturally-heated mineral water has been flowing here for centuries, used by local iwi to treat battle wounds long before day spas were a thing. Now you can soak in traditional Japanese onsen, participate in an aufguss sauna infusion ceremony from northern Europe, or channel your inner Wim Hof with a full body ice cold plunge.

If you can spare a few hours then book a day visit with lunch (healthy dishes that use local ingredients and actually taste delicious), or spend a night to maximise your spa time. They’ve got a campground for campervanners, cute and cosy glamping pods, or recently renovated hotel rooms in the main building.

I honestly adore this place, my heart rate drops as soon as I walk through the door, there’s just something special about it.

Options for shorter trips

The best options for a shorter 7-10 trip in the Top of the South Island will really depend on your transport options and where you’re arriving from/departing from, but here are some ideas that you can tailor to suit.

Option 1: Sunshine & wildlife loop (best suited to first-time visitors wanting the highlights)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Picton in the morning, afternoon boat tour or scenic flight over the Marlborough Sounds
  • Day 2: Drive to Abel Tasman via Nelson, visit Mapua Wharf and Riwaka River Estate on the way (set aside 4-5h total), afternoon at the beach
  • Day 3: Full day Abel Tasman for kayaking/walking/waka tour
  • Day 4: Drive to Blenheim (2.5h without stops), rent a bike and hit the cellar doors in the afternoon
  • Day 5: Drive to Kaikōura, stop off at Ohau Point to watch seals along the way (approx. 2h with seals and photo stops), head up to Kaikōura lookout for sunset, join a stargazing tour
  • Day 6: Choose one or two activities from the wildlife spotting options, outdoor adventures or cultural tours
  • Day 7: Drive back up to Picton to depart (around 2h, give yourself 2.5h if you think you’ll be distracted by more seals)

Option 2: One way West Coast highlights (ideal if you’re starting in the Top of the South but need to connect with Queenstown to drop your car and fly out)

  • Day 1: Arrive into Blenheim, Picton or Nelson, pick up a rental car, head straight to Abel Tasman
  • Day 2: Full day Abel Tasman activities
  • Day 3: Drive to Punakaiki (4h without stops) to see the Pancake Rocks and Paparoa Experience
  • Day 4: Drive to Hokitika (1h 5m) to carve your own pounamu (2-3 hours), do the Hokitika Gorge Walk
  • Day 5: Drive to Franz Josef Glacier (1h 50m without stops) in time for a 12.30pm glacier heli-hike. If this is cancelled due to weather you’ll have the full day 6 to rebook!
  • Day 6: Do the heli hike that moved, or if that went ahead spend your day quad biking, kayaking, walking around Lake Matheson or to a glacier viewpoint, and enjoying the Waiho Hot Pools
  • Day 7: Drive over the Haast Pass and then the Crown Range to reach Queenstown Airport (5h without stops) for an evening flight or overnight stop before you fly the next day

Option 2: One way East Coast highlights (same idea but the other side, perfect if you’re flying out of Christchurch)

  • Day 1: Arrive into Blenheim, Picton or Nelson, pick up a rental car and base yourself somewhere in Marlborough. Tick off a short walk around Picton or in the Sounds if you have time.
  • Day 2: Full day for Marlborough Sounds activities, stay in Blenheim
  • Day 3: Full day in the Marlborough wine region, best explored by two wheels
  • Day 4: Drive to Kaikōura with photo stops and lunch at Nin’s Bin on the way, walk the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
  • Day 5: Full day for Kaikōura adventures
  • Day 6: Time for another Kaikōura activity, head to Waipara in the evening (highly recommend a fancy stay for your last night, somewhere like Tawanui Farm or the Skyhouse)
  • Day 7: Catch sunrise at Gore Bay, spend the day hopping between Waipara’s wineries, then drive to Christchurch

Option 4: Food comes first (for those who plan their trips based on how hungry they are)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Picton, grab a Toastie for the road, drive to Blenheim (25 mins) and have a nice dinner at Harvest, Arbour or Franks Oyster Bar
  • Day 2: Full day bike rental to hit the wineries, with a long lunch at Allan Scott or Wairau River depending on which way you’re heading
  • Day 3: Drive to Nin’s Bin for an early lunch (1h 25m), continue on to Waipara Valley (1h 55m)
  • Day 4: Full day Waipara to visit the cellar doors and stock up on local groceries to DIY a platter or a BBQ for dinner
  • Day 5: Set off early for the journey to Nelson, it’s a long drive (4h 40m) but can be broken up with lunch at Maruia Hot Springs or a short walk in the Nelson Lakes region
  • Day 6: Full day cycling tour on the Great Taste Trail (or rent a bike to do it at your own pace)
  • Day 7: Drive back to Picton (2h) with a stop in Havelock half way to have some local green-lipped mussels for lunch

If you have a few days to spare then add in extra nights in the places that pique your interest the most!

I hope this Top of the South Island two week itinerary has given you everything you need to pull together your own perfect road trip.

There’s such a mammoth smorgasbord of adventures, landscapes and experiences packed into this quarter of the country, and you could easily spend two weeks in each of the five regions without running out of things to see and do, but this route takes you to the major highlights with a bit of flexibility for the side quests that suit you best.

Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the wineries, the walks, or just to avoid the well-worn tourist trifecta of Queenstown, Aoraki Mount Cook and Fiordland, you’ve chosen a region that rewards curious travellers with experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Stay flexible in case of weather changes, remember to add buffer time to those long and windy drives, and when you’ve finished your trip, swing back here and let me know your favourite stop in the comments.

Kia haumaru te haere (safe travels)!

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES

Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.

Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.

Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.

Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off

Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.

Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).

Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.

Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.

Alexx is the full-time solo traveller behind Finding Alexx, a travel blog all about helping you make the most of your time and money on the road.

She quit her desk job in 2019 and has since visited more than 60 countries across six continents, armed with a couple of cameras, a suitcase that's way too heavy, and a mission to find the best travel experiences around the globe without blowing the budget. With a background in travel marketing, she blends storytelling and strategy to bring you ultra-detailed itineraries, honest travel guides and behind-the-scenes chaos from her adventures (and misadventures).

From scuba diving with sea turtles in Borneo to train-hopping in Switzerland to solo campervanning through her home country of New Zealand, she's here to help you plan smarter and travel better.

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