The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most scenic visuals in the world, including impressive snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and impeccable national parks. So what’s the best way to see it all on a budget, factoring in accommodation and activities? Let’s have a look.
Take the scenic route: Filled with stunning scenery, a South Island road trip is the best way to check out nature at its finest. The great thing about this? Nature is free. Explore to your heart's content and save money at the same time.
Rent an economy car: Rent an economy car that is not only cheaper in price but also fuel efficient. Figure out your daily budget for a car and see how many days you can afford.
Get insurance: Yes, it's an upfront cost, but the price to fix your vehicle if anything happens will be a lot more.
Swap activities for exploring: Places such as Queenstown / Tāhuna are known for their array of activities including bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing, and white water rafting, however, these can be expensive. We recommend picking one or two you really want to try, then swap the rest for exploring nature instead.
Food and drinks: When in Christchurch / Ōtautahi, stock up on essentials. Some places on your road trip including Mount Cook / Aoraki and the Fiordlands don't have many cheap places to eat, so ensure you bring your own food. You can cook at campsites, parks, and rest stops along the way.
Recommended South Island Road Trip Itinerary
Day One: Explore the Stunning City of Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Highlights:
Christchurch Farmers Market
Brighton Pier
Botanic Gardens
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Riccarton House and Bush
Where to stay:
Camping: North South Holiday Park and South Brighton Motor Camp
Hostel: YHA Christchurch Backpackers and Around the World Backpackers
Day Two: Experience Lake Takapō’s Purple Lupin Flowers and Hot Springs
Highlights:
Takapō Springs
Purple Lupin Flowers
Lake Takapō
Star gazing
Nature
Where to stay:
Camping: Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park and Freedom Camping on Hayman Road
Hostel: Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Hostel
Day Three: Discover Mount Cook / Aoraki, and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Highlights:
Lake Pūkaki — aqua lake
Glaciers
Peter's Lookout
Hooker Valley track
Franz Josef Glacier
Where to stay:
Camping: Glentanner Holiday Park Mount Cook, White Horse Hill Campsite, and Mount Cook National Park
Hostel: YHA Aoraki Mount Cook Backpackers and Fox Glacier Inn & Pod Hostel
Day Four: Stop In at the Remarkables, Lake Hayes, and the Holyford Walking Track
Highlights:
Bob’s Cove
The Remarkables
Holyford Walking Track
Skippers Canyon
Lake Hayes
Where to stay:
Camping: Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park
Hostel: Nomads Queenstown Hostel, YHA Queenstown Lakefront, and Tahuna Pod Hostel
Day Five: Explore the Stunning Fiordland National Park
Highlights:
Milford Sound
The Chasm
Glow worm cave in Te Anau
Mount Aspiring National Park
Lake Te Anau
Where to stay:
Camping: Gunns Camp, Walker Creek Campsite, Brod Bay Campsite
Hostel: YHA Te Anau Backpackers and Milford Sounds Lodge
