I am sure you’ve heard you need at least 2 weeks to see New Zealand, but guess what?? If you’re anything like me and don’t have that kind of PTO to burn i’ve got you! But I should warn you, this New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary is not for the faint of heart. I have managed to squeeze in all the BEST spots and even some hidden gems into the perfect 9 days in New Zealand guide.
This 9 days in New Zealand guide will cover New Zealand South Island hot spots, hidden gems and some truly incredible glamping!! AND that’s not all, i’ve added a map that is filled with all the best spots (some that are not even included in this itinerary)!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a tour or book a hotel through a link below then I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
Road tripping through New Zealand can be an unforgettable experience, and renting a car is the best way to get started quickly. The process is easy – all you need is a valid driver’s license in English. For those with licenses in other languages, an International Driving Permit (IDP) works just fine.
The cost of renting a car is relatively affordable, ranging from NZ$20/day for small cars in the low season to NZ$150/day in the high season. Be sure to double-check your credit card beforehand to ensure that you’ve got sufficient insurance coverage, and, if not, explore other options. Our American Express card did not cover the insurance, so we went with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
We rented our car through Budget, because we found it to be the best overall value, especially when trying to maximize our 9 days in New Zealand. For even more details on how to rent a car, check out this New Zealand car rental guide here.
This guide starts in Christchurch and the spots are outlined in chronological order, because I like to keep things organized here. I have included details on driving distance, duration and parking. Keep in mind that the time alloted to drive to each spot is subject to change based on when you visit. You’ll need at least 9 days in New Zealand for this journey, but don’t worry, if it’s summertime, the sun won’t leave you until 9 pm! You’ll want to start early.
*We traveled to New Zealand in mid November and managed to cover it all so don’t get discouraged if you are traveling during a busy time!
We landed in Auckland and braced ourselves for the ultimate test of patience: customs. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t a breeze. Our 2.5 hour layover between flights quickly vanished before our eyes. We found ourselves sprinting towards the gate just in the nick of time. But once we landed in Christchurch, we picked up our rental car at the airport before hitting the road. After all, we wanted to make every minute of our 9 days in New Zealand count!
Castle Hill is an especially unique and beautiful spot that is worth checking out! It’s located on New Zealand’s South Island. And fun fact, the Dalai Lama himself visited in 2002 and declared it the “Spiritual Center of the Universe.” Who could blame him? With its breathtaking landscape and awe-inspiring formations, Castle Hill is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Want to experience it for yourself? Take a stroll on a well-maintained footpath and soak up the beauty. It is located right off State Highway 73 with a parking lot and bathrooms.
By default, you will be passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park on your way to Punakaiki, but this pathway is incredibly scenic. With all the viaducts, bridges and waterfalls, it’s a true sight to behold! And, if that’s not enough to get you excited, there are plenty of places to stop along the way! We were running short on time, but if you have the time available be sure to make a pit stop at Devils Punchbowl Waterfall.
Driving along this stunning coastline was a highlight of our trip, and Pancake Rocks definitely stole the show! Pancake Rocks is a must-visit place during your New Zealand road trip, with gorgeous rock formations along the West Coast of the South Island that will leave you in awe.
You’ll find an official trail that takes you through the best viewpoints, and only takes about 30 minutes to complete although you’ll end up staying for much longer, enjoying the big waves crashing into blowholes and putting on a spectacular display!
Pancake Rocks is just minutes from the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki! You will find beach, ocean, or rainforest views in every room. However, I must warn you, dining options in the area are scarce. But don’t worry, the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki has its very own restaurant at the hotel.
Today’s itinerary is going to be truly spectacular. With some seriously picturesque blue bodies of water, a scenic drive to remember and a glamping spot that’ll take your breath away. You will want to get an early start, because there is a lot of ground to cover throughout your 9 days in New Zealand. I promise it’s going to be SO worth it!
So, we’ve all heard this one before – “Oh, you gotta see it to believe it.” But let me tell you, when it comes to Hokitika Gorge and its mind-blowing, turquoise river, that statement is 100% true!!! There’s just something about this river that will make you do a double-take. And let’s be real, the drive to get there is totally worth it!
INSIDER TIP: This is a spot that is frequented by tour buses, so if you want to beat the tour crowds you will want to get here before 10 AM.
@herjoliejourney A JAW-DROPPING NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP SPOT So, we’ve all heard this one before - “Oh, you gotta see it to believe it.” But let me tell you, when it comes to Hokitika Gorge and its mind-blowing, turquoise river, that statement is 100% true!!! New Zealand | New Zealand Road Trip | New Zealand South Island | Hokitika Gorge 📍HOKITIKA GORGE, NEW ZEALAND #visitnewzealand #newzealand #newzealandroadtrip #newzealandtravel #hokitikagorge #beautifuldestinations ♬ original sound - AjWavy
You’ll be treated to some seriously beautiful coastal scenery at Ship Creek Walks. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good spot off the tourist beaten path. There are some incredible trails here that actually take you through a magical swamp forest along side the beach!! And rumor has it you can catch some sightings of penguins and dolphins here. It was raining pretty hard when we stopped by, so this was a quick stop.
Prepare to have your mind blown by the incredible Haast Pass! This road is the ultimate jackpot of jaw-dropping scenery – think stunning mountain ranges, lakes so blue it will blow your mind, and roadside views so incredible they’ll make you want to jump out of the car (don’t do that, safety first!). Now let’s talk about what to see here, shall we!!
The water color in the Blue Pools is a visual masterpiece!! The hue is a deep, rich blue, but the transparency remains crystal clear at the same time. You absolutely can’t miss this. The trail leading up to the pools is well-taken-care-of and couldn’t be more picturesque as it takes you through some beautiful forest terrain. It’s 1.6 miles round trip.
Glamping in New Zealand is like living in a dream! You will find some of the most beautiful and unique hotels in New Zealand!! This cute geo dome property can be found on the shores of Lake Hawea and is an absolute must when visiting New Zealand!
@herjoliejourney GLAMPING IN NEW ZEALAND Glamping in New Zealand is like living in a dream! You will find some of the most beautiful and unique hotels in New Zealand!! This cute geo dome property can be found on the shores of Lake Hawea and is an absolute must when visiting New Zealand! 📍 CROSS HILL GEO DOMES #visitnewzealand #newzealand #explorenewzealand #glamping #beautifulhotels #discovernewzealand ♬ Romantique - Brigitte Bardot
You’ll be heading south to Queenstown today, one of the most popular and charming resort towns in New Zealand. Along the way, I have included a couple of cute little road trip stops that will make this day even better!
Cardrona Hotel is definitely a must-visit spot! Its rustic beauty and rich history make it a popular spot on social media. But trust me, nothing beats the experience of actually being there in person. It’s nestled between Queenstown and Wānaka just off the highway.
You’re in for a treat with its unique charm and fascinating story. Did you know that it was originally built in 1863 to serve as a place to stay for exhausted miners during the gold rush? Today, the hotel has been beautifully restored and welcomes guests passing through.
Arrowtown is a town that’s straight out of a wild-west fairytale, but without the pesky tumbleweeds and tumble-down buildings. This little gem is an actual living and breathing town with all the shops, cafes and attractions that come with it. The good luck charm of gold brought with it some seriously classy buildings that have been preserved for you to enjoy. Alongside the perfectly aligned streets and leafy vistas, Arrowtown provides a never-ending stream of photo opportunities!
Welcome to Queenstown, where the view of Lake Wakatipu is so stunning that it’s hard to tell if it’s real or just a postcard. This beautiful place is jam-packed with tourists, but that just means there are plenty of activities to keep you busy! We definitely wanted to spend more time here, but 9 days in New Zealand kept us limited on time. But don’t worry, we are going to squeeze as much as we can into our time here.
Get ready to soar to new heights in the world’s steepest cable car lift!
Once you’re up there, get ready to unleash your need for speed on the Luge – I promise you won’t be able to resist a second go (or a third… okay, maybe fourth). And when hunger strikes, indulge in some food at the Stratosfare Restaurant, all while taking in the jaw-dropping views.
INSIDER TIP: We were overwhelmed with the ticket options, and ended up going with the cheapest gondola + 3 luge combo that cost $81 NZD/PP. We thought 3 rides was more than enough, but we would have easily chosen to ride more because the luge was SO much fun!!!
Looking for a place that’s in the heart of Queenstown with everything you could possibly need? Head to the Queenstown Waterfront area. The best restaurants and shopping surround the area. And if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, check out the Queenstown Wharf Walk, where you can enjoy a flat walking trail along the waterfront from the beach to the TSS Earnslaw.
We were eager to book this tour but just didn’t have the time to squeeze it into our schedule. If you’re really interested in this tour, my suggestion would be to begin your time in Queenstown at this location and then make your next stop the gondola ride. From there, you can see what time you have left to explore downtown Queenstown.
Shotover Jet Queenstown is the only company allowed to operate in the canyons, which means that they have the exclusive privilege of showing you their remarkable beauty and awe-inspiring power. This tour will take you through the canyons, rushing down rapids and performing thrilling stunts!
Prepare to be blown away by the Onsen Retreat & Day Spa, perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning Shotover River canyon. You’ll be awestruck by the majestic alpine scenery and the thrilling views of the Shotover Jet boats zooming through the river!
This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to unwind and decompress. These cedar-lined, Japanese-style pools are filled with snow-melt water from the surrounding mountains, so you know you’re getting only the purest, most refreshing experience possible!
You may be wondering why you won’t be staying the night in Queenstown, but I have an amazing plan for day four- a stunning cruise through Milford Sound. Trust me, it’s going to be a fantastic experience and you’ll want to make sure you arrive bright and early to soak it all in!
We booked the cutest Airbnb!! It’s located on a farm and the hosts had farm fresh food waiting for us in our kitchen. It was truly some of the best food we had through-out the span of our 9 days in New Zealand!
So what’s considered the most beautiful place on earth?? Milford Sound – the shining star of the South Island and the highlight of our 9 days in New Zealand! While it can get pretty crowded, let’s be real, who can resist those jaw-dropping views of the fjord? Unclear why Milford Sound hasn’t been added as the 8th wonder of the World, but this place will leave you absolutely SPEECHLESS.
So let’s get started on everything you need to know to make the MOST of your time here!
You’re going to want to give yourself enough time on the drive to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. AND I am going to spill the tea on how to find the secret Milford Sound swing. Trust me, you’re going to want to check out this spot before crowds fill the area. Make sure to leave Te Anau by no later than 7 am.
While Milford Sound may not be marked on any information signs, it’s too difficult to locate. You’ll need to head over to the Milford Foreshore Walk, which is conveniently located just across the road from the Visitor Center. This walk is nice and flat, making it easy for anyone to traverse. In fact, you should be able to reach the swing in just a quick five-minute walk from the trailhead. Once you reach the end of the board walk, you find a gap leading out to the rocky beach. From there, just follow the worn trail along the bushes until you reach the swing.
We had the most amazing experience on the Cruise & Kayak Milford Sound tour! You’ll start with a scenic cruise along the sound and towards the end, you’ll get to visit the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory (tbh, this part of the tour was a little underwhelming). But the best part? After that, you get to enjoy up to 90 minutes of kayaking in the serene Harrison Cove. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before, no experience is necessary! It truly is one of the most serene and majestic places we’ve ever been to. We can’t recommend this tour enough!
With just 9 days in New Zealand, I had to include some of the best highlights of New Zealand’s South Island and this spot checks all the boxes! Nugget Point is home to New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse! Captain Cook even named it himself because he thought the rocks looked like gold (how cool is that?). The walk up is kind of uphill, but it’s totally worth it – even in bad weather! We almost turned back when we faced pouring rain and strong winds, but we pushed through and it was sooooooo worth it!
This New Zealand studio is considered a highly reviewed guest favorite!!! AND it’s budget friendly, so you don’t have to feel guilt about booking this one. It’s just steps away from the beach making it the perfect little beach hideaway!
If you’re looking for a destination that has a little bit of charm,beautiful beaches, and some unique wildlife attractions, then have I got the perfect spot for you – Dunedin! Located in the south of the Otago region, this city is home to the one and only castle in New Zealand (fancy, right?). But that’s not all – the Otago Peninsula has a great balance of outdoor adventures and indoor attractions, so it’s practically impossible to get bored. Trust me, you’ll want to add Dunedin to your 9 days in New Zealand itinerary.
The things is Tunnel Beach will become your new obsession!!! Why?? Because this beach has the COOLEST secret tunnel that leads you down to the most stunning beach! And let’s just say this place is giving just the cutest little Cliffs of Moher vibes.
So let’s talk about what you need to know to prepare you for this visit. The best way to get to Tunnel Beach is by car and there is a parking lot available at the head of the trail. The next and MOST important thing to know is the Tunnel beach tides; because if you are planning on walking down to the hidden beach (and I highly recommend you do), you have to visit around low tide.
Who would have thought that you can find a castle in New Zealand? But well, we did find one, and let me tell you – it was completely worth taking the extra drive to discover Larnach Castle in Dunedin! From the rich history to the incredible views, we had the best time! So, let me sprinkle some insider knowledge on you about visiting this magnificent castle:
Larnach Castle is around a 20 minute drive from Dunedin. You can actually stay on the grounds of the castle at the Camp Estate and get exclusive access to the castle during your stay. And no need to worry about purchasing tickets in advance, you can purchase upon arrival
Looking for a cozy place to get lost in nature? Look no further than Nest treehouse! High up in the treetops, you’ll have a front row seat to the stunning Hakataramea Valley. And when you need a little R&R, just hop into your private hot tub or swing on over to the panoramic sauna (yes, you read that right – PANORAMIC). With a roaring fire to keep you toasty and the stars shining above, you won’t ever want to leave this well-appointed room.
And believe me when I say this will be the most memorable stay during your 9 days in New Zealand!
If you want to know what you can expect from your stay at this enchanting tree house in New Zealand, make sure to check out my tree house guide here!
Time to squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of your cozy accommodations before hitting the trail. Get ready for a day of exploring, soaking in nature’s beauty, and if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of those whimsical lupins (this is dependent on the time of year you visit).
You’ve probably reached the point in your 9 days in New Zealand where you’re feeling just a little bit tired. I have the perfect stop for you though! Hot Tubs Omarama is like a slice of heaven nestled right in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand! Their thermal springs are so awesome, they’re chemical-free and totally pure mountain water.
You can choose from ten different private tubs and each tub comes with its own private changing room, towels and drinking water. Whether you’re treating yourself to a solo soak or bringing your crew, you’ll have plenty of options to pick from. Trust me, if you’re looking for a unique and totally pleasant experience, Hot Tubs Omarama is where it’s at!
Picture this: You’re spending 9 days in New Zealand wandering around the South Island and stumble upon the Omarama Clay Cliffs. These bad boys were formed a whopping 1 to 2 million years ago! Talk about being ancient and cool. But don’t worry, you don’t need a time machine to see them.
Once you follow the short path up to the cliffs, you can roam around. Don’t miss out on the best part – there’s a sneaky little opening that takes you to a huge, open area where the cliffs surround you. Trust me, it’s worth the extra exploring.
Honestly, it was a total accident we stumbled across these but my soul LEFT my body when I laid eyes on a field filled with lupins!!! A total bucket list sight. Most tourists think Lake Tekapo is the only spot to find lupins in New Zealand, but I’m about to spill some major tea:
The river bed next to Clay Cliffs is where you can find FIELDS of Lupins. This will require wading through some water so make sure to come prepared with some water shoes
Get ready for a truly enchanting experience! Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking destination.
The town is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, making it a magnificent place to explore. This charming town is situated near Mt. Cook National Park and can be reached via the Queenstown to Christchurch main road. Known for its stargazing, you’ll want marvel at the clear skies while you’re there. And if you find yourself here November – January you may be lucky enough to catch some lupin sightings.
I think I found the best views of Lake Tekapo at this New Zealand Airbnb. This airbnb has nearly 600 reviews and books out MONTHS in advance for a reason. It’s located directly across from Lake Tekapo and will take you 2 minutes (if that) to walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd!! So this is one reservation you are going to want to make early!!
You do not want to miss Mount Cook National Park, it’s home to New Zealand’s tallest peak standing at 12,218 feet. The park is also home to numerous glaciers. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of massive ice formations and stunning blue glacial pools.
And here’s the thing, whoever said that sunshine brings happiness has never visited Aoraki/Mount Cook! This place is so stunning that even on a cold, rainy day, it’ll leave you in awe.
We ran into bad weather on the day of our visit, but hey, who needs comfort when you have breathtaking glaciers and New Zealand’s highest mountain to marvel at? Just a heads up though, this park only sees 30 cloud-free days a year, so if you’re lucky enough to get one of those days, count your blessings!
If you’re looking for a hike that is equal parts beautiful and Instagram-worthy, the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park is the way to go. It’s the most photographed area in the park! Trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
The 6.2 mile trail is a piece of cake, no need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy this one. And the reward at the end? Gorgeous views of Hooker Lake! Plan for at least 3 hours because, let’s be real, you’ll want to stop and snap plenty of photos along the way.
Halfway between Fairlie and Lake Tekapo lies a charming historic village called Burkes Pass.
And you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a lovely little shop filled with American retro-collectibles. Three Creeks shop is surrounded by classic cars and a groovy 1950s service station. It’s a world where you can sip on the finest coffee and scout out vintage artwork, furniture, and crafts. And if you’re lucky, you might score some funky giftware and wooden furniture too.
Ready to satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than Fairlie Bakehouse! If you’re visiting this part of New Zealand, you have to pop in and try their famous meat pies. And if you’re a fan of supporting local businesses, you’ll love that Fairlie Bakehouse prides themselves on sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
The culinary mastermind behind these delectable treats is Franz Lieber, whose love for cooking has been honed over four decades as an internationally trained chef. I highly recommend trying as many as you can or at least picking up a few you can snack on for the remainder of your 9 days in New Zealand.!
Nothing could have prepared me for how cute this hotel was!! Step inside the charming Vicarage Accommodation in the heart of Geraldine. With six meticulously decorated guest rooms, featuring super comfy super-king beds and luxurious ensuites, it’s filled with charm!!! And while you’re here take a leisurely stroll to the cafe directly behind this property. All of the food is so delicious. And while you’re in Geraldine take a stroll around this picturesque town. Consider this the perfect spot to relax before ending your 9 days in New Zealand.
As soon as you leave Geraldine behind make your way to Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa. Located just an hour outside of Christchurch, Opuke isn’t your average soak-and-chill destination. Arriving guests will be transported to an oasis in a beautiful facility and experience something new with incredible solar powered pools.
You will have plenty of thermal pools to choose from, but I am going to let you in on a little secret…the Discovery pools are incredible!!! Want to know why?? This pool is no ordinary pool, there is a lazy river that takes you inside an actual STARLIT GROTTO!!! AND IT.IS.MAGICAL.
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing experience, check out the tranquility pools. These pools are specifically designed for grown-ups, so you can enjoy a serene environment. To top it all off, the day spa offers tailored treatments like facials, Hot Stone Massages, Reflexology, and a range of signature treatments.
Looking for a charming spot to visit within just an hour and twenty minutes’ drive from Christchurch? Look no further than Akaroa! Often overlooked on speedy road trips, especially when you only have 9 days in New Zealand. This beautiful town is filled with charm. You’ll find the cutest pastel buildings, rich history, delicious eats, and some beautiful oceanside scenery. Plus, as Aotearoa’s only French settlement, it exudes that certain je ne sais quoi.
*unpopular opinion, but we personally LOVED Akaroa more than Christchurch so if you’re limited on time I would carve out more time to see this beautiful part of New Zealand*
There is a lovely family-run farm in Akaroa where you can book the sweetest little tour to feed and pet the most fuzzy alpacas!! This was a total highlight of our 9 days in New Zealand! Shamarra farms likes to keep it exclusive, allowing only a few lucky visitors to pop in for a 1 hour tour per day. This helps to avoid putting alpacas in a space of distress. Plus, with the extra attention, you’ll learn all there is to know about these adorable animals. And you may even catch a sighting of their canine host who likes to hang out with guests.
Brace yourself for an enchanting experience! The Observatory Hotel gives off the cutest little Hogwarts vibes. And the thing is, this hotel is no ordinary one. Sitting inside a beautifully restored old university, the entrance is located at the bottom of the observatory tower, talk about a grand entrance! As you step inside, let your eyes wander upwards towards the old astronomy tower. Who knew taking a step into history could be this amazing?!
We couldn’t believe how quickly our 9 days in New Zealand came to an end!! We caught a flight from Christchurch to Auckland, and sadly were left with no time to explore Auckland before our flight back to the states. If you do find yourself with time available, I would definitely try to squeeze a visit here.
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