South Island Road Trips

Discover New Zealand your way

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Discover New Zealand your way

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South Island Road Trips

Explore the South Island by choosing one of our self-drive itineraries. The South Island is renowned for its spectacular mountains, lakes, and glaciers. We believe a road trip is the best way to see all the South Island has to offer. Take your time and enjoy exploring highlights including the adrenaline capital Queenstown, the wild West Coast or soaking in the sun in Golden Bay. All our itineraries outline the must-do activities, places to visit, accommodation and food recommendations.

With over 30 years’ experience in the car rental market, we pride ourselves on sharing local knowledge and advice with local and international customers to ensure they have the best experience exploring Aotearoa.

Franz Josef Glacier

Top 5 Glacier Tours and Walks in New Zealand

A visit to a glacier is a must-do while you are on a road trip around New Zealand. New Zealand is home to over 3,000 glaciers, the majority of which are mostly located on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps on the South Island. They are natural wonders which will leave you speechless. To help you choose which glacier to visit first, we have selected 5 stunning glaciers that are accessible to all.

Decorated Christmas tree on a beach

The Top 5 Ways to Spend Your Kiwi Christmas

Travelling around New Zealand over the Christmas Period? We have highlighted our top 5 ways to spend your Kiwi Christmas Day.

Orange sunset with small island

The Most Gram Worthy Places in New Zealand

While we can't help you with moody captions, our guide showcases the top photo spots to visit on your New Zealand road trip from north to south.

Whale doing backflip in the ocean

A Look at New Zealand’s Native Wildlife

New Zealand is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. In this guide, we provide an insight into some of New Zealand’s native species and where they live in New Zealand.

Hot pools at night with candles overlooking mountains

Discover New Zealand’s Best Hot Pools on Your Next Road Trip

New Zealand is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. One experience you must not miss is a soak in the hot pools scattered across the country, offering relaxation and rejuvenation.

Our Insider’s Guide to Te Anau

Te Anau, located in New Zealand’s South Island is a must-visit hotspot. As the gateway to Fiordland, this charming town has lots to explore.

Our Insider’s Guide to Kaikoura

Situated between the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean on New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura boasts magnificent views and epic adventures for all.

Our Insider’s Guide to Wanaka

Wanka is a hot spot not only for Kiwis on their holidays but for travellers too! To ensure you hit all the hot spots, we’ve created an insider’s guide to Wanaka.

Picton

Our Insider’s Guide to Picton

We have created an Insider’s Guide to Picton, a charming coastal town nestled at the top of the South Island. With its stunning waterfront, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, Picton offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Queenstown aerial view at night with mountains

A Thrillseeker's Guide to Queenstown

Heading to Queenstown soon? Constantly after your next fix of adrenaline? We’ve put together our top 9 spots to get your heart pumping while you’re visiting the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Arrowtown

Autumn in New Zealand: Best Places to Visit

Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to explore New Zealand. The landscape transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours, it must be seen to be believed!

Couple walking on grass verge of a gravel road

Our Complete Guide to Christchurch

Christchurch is the heart of New Zealand’s South Island and has so much to offer. To help you plan your visit to Christchurch, we have created a comprehensive guide to give you the best accommodation, activities, dining and travel options.

Two mode campervans parked on a snowy mountain at night

Do you really need Snow Chains?

Getting ready for your trip to the cold shores of New Zealand this winter? Unsure if all those Lord of the Rings snowstorms are a reality? We’re here to put you and your snow chain concerns at ease.

Road Trip: Queenstown 7-Day Itinerary

We have put the ultimate Queenstown itinerary together for you. From adventure sports and outdoor activities to fine dining and luxury accommodations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Mt Cook Village Road

Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown 14 Day Itinerary

A road trip from Auckland to Queenstown is one of the best ways to explore New Zealand. The itinerary can be completed in 14 days or extended, or you can start it reverse!

View of Queenstown NZ, Outdoor Adventure Capital

Queenstown Road Trip 4-5 Day Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Queenstown? This road trip itinerary is here to help you plan the ultimate Queenstown adventure.

View of Queenstown, New Zealand

Road Trip: Christchurch to Queenstown 7-Day Itinerary

A road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown is a fantastic way to discover the highlights of the South Island.

Christchurch settlement nested in hills

Road Trip Highlights from Christchurch to Akaroa

Find road trip highlights, attractions, things to do & what to see when travelling from Christchurch to Akaroa via the Banks Peninsula.

Snow covered mountains with frozen water

Top South Island Road Trips

We have created South Island Road Trip itineraries for you to follow, whether you have a few days or weeks available to explore.

Landscape view of Picton harbour

Road Trip: Picton to Christchurch via Nelson and Golden Bay 7-Day Itinerary

A road trip from Picton to Christchurch via Nelson and Golden Bay will be a drive you will never forget. Taking a longer way, you will be treated to magical views, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful national parks.

Man on hiking track in snow tipped mountains

Road Trip: Christchurch to Greymouth (Returning via Arthur’s Pass) 3-Day Itinerary

This return loop from Christchurch to Greymouth can be completed in 3 days or extended to a longer trip if you have the time.

Storm clouds brewing over Canterbury mountain range

An Insider's Guide to Canterbury

We have created the ultimate guide for you showcasing the best things to do in Canterbury!

Action shot of person skiing down a mountain

8 Unmissable Ski Slopes

With dozens of ski slopes across the country, you’re spoilt for choice the snow season. To help you choose, we've compiled a list of our favorite ski slopes that offer breathtaking views, thrilling runs, and family-friendly activities.

Wooden stairs leading down to beach

Unmissable New Zealand Beaches

With thousands of kilometres of coast, it’s going to be hard to see every beach in New Zealand, but we’ve put together a list of the highlights, so you don’t miss out!

Man standing by NZ snow-capped Mount Taranaki and lake

Our Top 5 New Zealand Getaway Hotspots

Need a break from the big city, or running away to New Zealand for the summer? We’ve got the insider track on some amazing getaway locations so you can take a break and relax in style.

Purple flowers in front of a wooden pergola

New Zealand's Finest Botanical Gardens

New Zealand is home to the finest botanical gardens. We have handpicked our top 6 gardens to visit while you road trip around New Zealand.

Aerial shot of a calm blue ocean along a peninsula

Nelson to Christchurch walking the Abel Tasman National Park

Nelson to Christchurch walking the Abel Tasman National Park – 5 days

Person doing a headstand in the grass at the beach

Road Trip: Picton to Christchurch via Kaikoura, 3-Day Itinerary

This short trip from Picton to Christchurch via Kaikoura will give you a wonderful insight of what the South Island has to offer.