The Google Maps route that we took for the trip heading south. (Google Maps, 2019)

This will be a small summary of my route that I took with a friend, by car in the South Island, with some hostels, destinations and driving route recommendations. I will include photos and links where appropriate. I traveled in New Zealand for around 1.5 months, however, I did a road trip with a friend in the South Island for a section of the journey. It was a great tour and we ended up doing so much, we took it chilled and only had maybe 2 or 3 really tough and long driving days. I did not have a camper so I will not be recommending lots of campsites or Department of Conservation Sites, though we did end up setting up tents at a few locations. Outlined in the below are the places we went to and numbered according to their chronological order, hopefully, you can draw from this route some inspiration or ideas for your own South Island trip in New Zealand.

The Ferry from Wellington to Picton — Shaunventures

1. Picton — Nelson — Murchison

After taking the Bluebridge ferry from Wellington to Picton we drove for a few hours on Highway 6 to Nelson, where we purchased supplies, Nelson is a really nice town, great coffee. An additional couple of hours of driving along the Highway 6 took us to Murchison where we stayed at a lovely little homestay style backpackers hostel called “The Lazy Cow Accommodation”, could not recommend more, as the style of the hostel was great, they had a kitchen and clean tidy rooms. The hosts were English and really made the stay lovely. Not much to do in Murchison but a nice stop off with a few bars and restaurants and good selection at the supermarket over the road for cooking dinner.

Lake Rotoiti — Shaunventures

2. Murchison — Lake Rotoiti — Cape Fowlwind — Reefton

Driving over from Murchison we wanted to explore Lake Rotoiti, which lies back on Highway 6 and goes onto the 63 slightly south. We walked around the lake some, before backtracking our way over to Murchison for some lunch at “Zen’s Cafe”, a must eat if you are traveling through Murchison. From here we then started again towards Cape Fowlwind, which was the longest part of driving for the day, along the Highway 6 most of the way. We spent a few hours on the beach and rock front at Cape Fowlwind before stopping for dinner in Westport, had some great local fish at a restaurant called “Denniston Dog Cafe and Bar”, some good local beer too. We started back up again for the last leg of the day, over to “The Old Breadshop Backpackers” hostel. The most basic hostel I stayed at, but definitely the one with the most character and appeal. It had everything you needed, kitchen, common room, great showers, slightly quirky design and mismatched everything but lovely and well cleaned. I would definitely stay here again, especially for the price.

River to Lake Daniels — Shaunventures

3. Reefton — Lake Daniels — Waipara

My initial plans were to follow the Highway 6 from Cape Fowlwind the day before, however, we were unable to follow this route because it had been closed due to the road being damaged. This meant I couldn’t visit the Fox or Franz Glaciers. Instead, I cut inland and visited Lake Daniels, which was beautiful on the day I visited. It broke up the long drive along the Highway 7 from Reefton, provided some well-needed exercise and some great photo opportunities with the lake’s wooden jetty. The drive took me further south to Waipara, a very small town with not many amenities it must be said. We stayed at “Waipara Sleepers” a very unique set of accommodation, that has utilized old train carriages that were used mostly for transporting goods from my understanding, and have been converted into very nice little bedrooms. I would definitely recommend a stay here if not just for the novelty of it, the prices were fairly reasonable for a 2 bedroom too. We took a short drive after I arrived for some grub at “The Old Leithfield Hotel” a public house that really was a ‘for locals’ destination. We tucked into some hearty local fish and chips while getting some funny looks from everyone drinking on a Friday night. Totally a recommend, despite the atmosphere the food and beer selection was very good.

Godley Head — Shaunventures

4. Waipara — Christchurch

The drive from Waipara to Christchurch is short, which was nice, giving us a bit more time to explore the city and specifically the Summit Road and Godley Head Park. You couldn’t ask for a better introduction to the town by road as you can look over the whole city from this viewpoint, as well as over the bright blue bays. We were fortunate enough to meet with some friends in Christchurch and they took me to “Burgers & Beers Inc.” a rough and ready (but excellent) burger bar in the centre of town.

Me and my boulder at Castle Hill — Shaunventures

5. Christchurch — Castle Hill

From Christchurch, you are able to take a trip out to the outdoor boulder climbing mecca called Castle Hill. Formed from a combination of tectonic shifts and earthquakes the unique boulders sit on a sloped valley basin. Taking the Highway 73 over to the boulders, via the “Smileys YHA”, I mention them because we rented our bouldering mats from here for a very reasonable rate and they were very accommodating on the return time (which we missed). A great day bouldering, though we had friends show us around (with their route book), it would be possible to get a guide to take you around I am sure.

The Wanaka Tree — Shaunventures

6. Castle Hill — Lake Tekapo — Lake Wanaka

From Castle Hill, there was a long drive via the Highway 8/8A, through Lake Tekapo which is worth a quick stop, and onto Lake Wanaka. Tekapo is very touristy, however, there is a lovely little church there which makes for a nice relaxing stop to look across the bay. Staying at the “Flying Kiwi Backpackers”, which had free parking, not much else to say, it was a pleasant stay.

Roy’s Peak in the cloud — Shaunventures

7. Lake Wanaka — Roy’s Peak — Queenstown

In Wanaka, there is a great spot for breakfast near the hostel called “Urban Grind” which set us me for the day. Hiking Roy’s Peak was very rewarding and easy to do from Wanaka, after a quick stop off at the Wanaka Tree we hiked for around 3 hours, hopefully, you get a better view than we did inside the clouds (pictured above). Within the same day, we also did the 2-hour drive via the Highway 6, over to Queenstown where we spent a few days.

The beautiful mountains next to the sounds — Shaunventures

8. Queenstown

Though we spent a few days in Queenstown, the highlight for sure was a loop flight that we booked with “Air Milford Flights”, it was so amazing to see the mountains and sounds from the aircraft. To round this off I would 100% recommend a flight like this, it really isn't matched by any hikes or cablecar views you can get around the area. Must also give an honorable mention to our amazing accommodation at “Adventure Queenstown” which was one of the best-equipped hostels we stayed at, with free activities each evening and a kitchen that was not only good but fun to cook with others in. I must also recommend “Fergburger”, a popular destination for an unhealthy snack, however, if you call in advance you are able to just go and pick up, instead of stand in-line with all of the other tourists.