Content > Grandpas Guide to Driving in South Island

Good day my kiddos! Gramps Ben here, again, who is ready to share with you about driving through scenic locations South Island, New Zealand.  *chuckling*

 

South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand yet is less populous. It is bordered by Coo Strait in the north, by the Tasman Sea in the west, and by the Pacific Ocean in the south and east. The South Island is influenced by a temperate climate and has a territorial land area of about 151, 215 square kilometers.

 

The South Island or the “mainland” has an area which is 33% larger than the North Island but, only 24% of New Zealand’s 4.3 million inhabitants live in the South Island.

 

South Island has a lot of scenic treasures to be discovered.  Take the roads in the coastal area, go around South Island, and witness the extravagant beauty that our Mother Nature is giving us. The 440 kilometer journey will sure be worth it.

 

We need a car.

Let us first look for a car that will absolutely last in our 440-or-so kilometer trip around the beautiful South Island. Vroomvroomvroom.com.au offers easy and fast booking to car rentals. It will help you book a car that will not stretch your allotted budget.

 

A very long road trip.

 

1. Southern Scenic Route

Let’s start the road trip around the Southern Scenic Route.

 

Starting at Milford Sound, the southern scenic route connects Fiorland to the beauty of the Southland and Otago coasts. Discover the majestic beauty of the rough Fiordland Mountains and the rocky southern coast.

 

See the New Zealand native plants growing next to the water’s edge or have a stroll along the white sandy beaches where you can enjoy serenity and solitude. Tread through the colorful coastal fishing villages and seaside settlements. You can stay for the night, meet the local people and experience what they call “southern hospitality.”

 

You will also see some of the most amazing coastal landscape and rural settings in New Zealand. Be enchanted by how amazingly distinct the beauty of the different landscapes ― from rolling green pastures and native New Zealand forest, to the wild southern coastline and looming mountains.

 

The route includes the sacred ground of “Poipoitahi” or the Milford Sound where the “patupaiarehe” or the fairy people lived. Be mesmerized by the Mitre Peak and the beauty of the remote fiords.

 

Try to venture off the main highway and see the hidden lakes on the southern tip of Te Wahi Pounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Explore the settlements in the area and capture your imagination with the magnificent seascape. You’ll pass through Riverton, a charming historic fishing town and holiday spot where you can check out the shells and stones along the beach or take a swim in the safe cove.

 

Have a stop over in Invercargill and explore Southland's only city. See the Victorian architecture and be enthralled by the warmth of the “southern hospitality”.

 

From here, you can either take a small plane across Foveaux Straight to Stewart Island or depart from Bluff, which is 27 kilometers from Invercargill, on a charter boat service.

 

In leaving Invercargill, you will see some of the most abundant farmland in New Zealand where you’ll be entering Catlins, an area where native forest meets the waters edge. It is a place of hidden natural treasures such as waterfalls and river valleys, rocky coastal bays, inlets and estuaries where the Pacific Ocean embraces the land. The area is also abundant of wildlife such as seals and penguins. During low tide, you will be able to witness the 160 million-year-old fossilized forest, which is really cool.

 

Driving further will bring you to the hills of South Otago which is an area steeped in history. Early colonial architecture is a feature of many buildings in this area.

 

The Lake Waihola and the charming seaside villages of Taieri Mouth and Brighton, indicates the turning point of travel towards the coast. Take a rest and enjoy strolling along the deserted beaches with soft white sand and climb over the rocks and watch the waves crash into the shore. 

 

Depending on the direction of your travel, Dunedin marks the beginning or the end of your tour of the Southern Scenic Route. But in this case, it marks the end of our tour.

 

Dunedin is a bustling university city, celebrated for its architecture, galleries, theatres and museums. It offers a blend of natural attractions, culture, recreation and entertainment ― you’ll feel the vibrant street life in this city! ― that will make your trip a very exalting and superb experience.

 

2. Queen Charlotte Drive

Hoping for another exciting drive, Queen Charlotte Drive is another perfect adventure.

 

Head west out of Picton towards the town of Havelock and drive through the Queen Charlotte Drive.

 

Queen Charlotte Drive is found spectacularly along the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. It cuts across the base of the peninsula that separates the waterway from Pelorus Sound. The Drive then drops onto a small coastal plain before coming back to Havelock.

 

Beyond Havelock, the road passes through forested river valleys and over several ranges before it circles the eastern side of Tasman Bay and reaches Nelson.

 

You can start the drive from the inter-island ferry terminal in Picton by turning right after leaving the parking lot. Road signs are also available.

 

Cullen Point marks the end of the drive. It is also a good vantage point to watch the inland end of the Pelorous Sound.

 

3. Motueka Valley

See the Motueka Valley alongside the Motueka River.

 

To the West Coast from Motueka, turn south into Highway 61 at the Rothmans Clock Tower in Motueka, then follow the sign to Murchison. The road that you’ll pass through, snakes along the Monteka Valley and see a green valley pressing really close alongside the river.

 

Next you’ll pass through the town of Tapawera. Turn south on the State Highway 6 at Kohatu and continue to the West Coast.

 

Wow, that was surely a long trip.

 

Well, Grandpa is kinda tired now. Let’s us all get some rest. I hope you all had a wonderful time in the road trip.