Your Perfect New Zealand Holiday: 7 Days on a South Island Road Trip
Date: 12 September 2024Embark on a week-long South Island road trip that will give you a true taste of what a New Zealand holiday is all about. From the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Queenstown to Doubtful Sound’s natural and serene beauty, this itinerary packs in the best of the best. So, grab your Maui motorhome, hit the open road, and get ready to explore some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
Day 1: Queenstown
Morning: Touch down in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, and pick up your home away from home from Maui Frankton, only a short walk from Queenstown Airport. Now you’re ready to roll!
Afternoon: Head into Queenstown’s CBD to kick off your adventure. Hop into a heart-pounding jetboat ride, departing from the centre of town, and glide up the Kawarau River. It’s a quintessential Queenstown experience—speed, spins, and stunning Otago scenery all wrapped into one unforgettable ride.
Evening: Wind down after the thrills and find a campground that suits your first night in the motorhome. Maybe park up somewhere with a view, crack open a bottle of local wine, and toast to an unforgettable adventure beginning.
Day 2: Te Anau
Morning: Say “see you soon!” to Queenstown as you hop back in your Maui motorhome and make your way down to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The drive is just over two hours, but with the stunning scenery, plenty of photo opportunities and classic New Zealand roads, you might want to leave yourself more time.
Afternoon: Once you’ve arrived and settled in, head over to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for a magical underground adventure. Not simply a cave encounter, you’ll cruise across Lake Te Anau to a secret spot beneath the Murchison Mountains. Here an expert nature guide will take you through the impressive caves before you drift through a galaxy of twinkling glowworms—it's like being transported to another world.
Evening: Spend the night in Te Anau, resting up for the next leg of your New Zealand holiday.
Day 3: Doubtful Sound
Morning: Today’s adventure takes you into the deepest depths of Fiordland but involves almost no self-driving! Start your day by travelling the short distance from Te Anau to Manapouri, where you’ll begin your journey to the remote and untouched Pātea Doubtful Sound. Relax at the Waiau Street Café with a barista coffee and cabinet treat before your cruise across Lake Manapouri. On the other side of the lake, you’ll be taken across the wild and forested Wilmot Pass, before reaching Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound.
Day: Board the RealNZ Wilderness Cruise and prepare to be awed by the sheer scale and stillness of this place. With its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the ‘sound of silence’, Doubtful Sound is a must-do on any South Island road trip for a real taste of untouched New Zealand Wilderness.
Evening: Return to Te Anau for a cozy night in your motorhome.
Day 4: Milford Sound
Morning: Another day, another fiord! This time, you’re off to the world-famous Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It’s more of a drive from Te Anau, but the journey along the renowned Milford Road amongst Fiordland’s wilderness is an experience to tick off in itself. Learn how to get to Milford Sound with our handy guide here.
Day: Hop on a RealNZ Milford Sound Day Cruise and soak in the iconic views that have made this place a symbol of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and if you’re lucky, even a rare Fiordland penguin.
Evening: After a day filled with jaw-dropping sights, head back to Te Anau for your final night in this peaceful town.
Day 5: Stewart Island
Morning: Rise early and drive to Bluff, about 2.25 hrs from Te Anau. From there, catch the 9:45am short ferry crossing to Stewart Island—New Zealand’s third island and a hidden gem, dominated by the Rakiura National Park.
Day: Once you’ve arrived in Oban, Stewart Island’s settlement, head back out to sea and embark on the Ulva Island Explorer. Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary, part of Rakiura National Park and just off the coast of Stewart Island. A short wander through its forest and beaches will show off its birdsong, native inhabitants and lush plant life. It really is a nature lover’s paradise.
Afternoon: After your tour, take the 3:30 PM ferry back to Bluff. Spend the night nearby or take a short drive over to the coastal Riverton and Colac Bay to explore more campsites.
Day 6: Queenstown
Morning: It’s time to head back to where it all began. Drive back to Queenstown at your own pace, taking in the sights along the way.
Afternoon: Once back in Queenstown, you’ve got the afternoon to relax. Take a stroll around town, do some last-minute shopping, or simply unwind by the lake. Your New Zealand holiday is almost over, so soak up every moment.
Evening: Spend the final evening on a serene cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. A lake cruise, gourmet dinner, and an entertaining farm show all rolled into one, this reservation is one of the best seats in the house and you’re surrounded by breathtaking lakeside and mountain views to top it all off. The perfect end to your final day on this South Island road trip.
Day 7: Farewell, South Island
Morning: All good things must come to an end. Return your camper to Frankton and bid farewell. But don’t worry—the South Island’s unforgettable landscapes, personality and activities will be calling you back before you know it.
This 7-day South Island road trip is the perfect way to experience the magic of a New Zealand holiday. From the thrill of Queenstown to the tranquillity of Fiordland, every day brings something new and unforgettable. So, what are you waiting for? The road is calling, and adventure awaits!
