Lake Hawea and Mountains, South Island, New Zealand

Travel Planner

New Zealand South Island 2 Weeks Itinerary

This two-week New Zealand South Island itinerary covers the region’s top highlights and a few off-the-beaten-path stops without feeling rushed. Expect around 2,500 kilometers of driving, with dramatic scenery including mountains, glaciers, fjords, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and more—ideal for first-time visitors wanting the best of the South Island.

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New Zealand South Island 2 Weeks

With the New Zealand South Island two week itinerary you’ll get enough time to see all the highlights and enjoy the major activities without feeling rushed. This route covers the essential South Island experiences plus a few off-beaten-path stops. You’ll drive roughly 2,500 kilometers total. Average 200-250 kilometers per day. Plenty of time for stops along the way.

New Zealand South Island – Why Visit?

The South Island wins for dramatic landscapes. Mountains, glaciers, fjords. It’s what you picture when you imagine New Zealand. If you only have 2 weeks for travel first-timers usually choose the South Island. The scenery truly justifies the flight halfway around the world. 3 or 4 weeks gets you both, but to really enjoy your trip and not feel exhausted you are better off spending adequate time in fewer places. And, hey you can always return for the North Island later.

Plan the journey

Day-by-day itinerary

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Land in Christchurch. Pick up your rental car. Spend the rest of the day exploring the rebuilt city center. The Christchurch rebuild transformed the city. New container mall. Innovative architecture. Better than pre-earthquake honestly. For those returning to Christchurch it is bittersweet. I spent my university years at Canterbury University in Christchurch. I also lived there for years. So returning post earthquakes was a joy and a sadness. Great to see the new infrastructure and city center. Sad because every landmark I associated with Christchurch was gone.

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    New Regent Street: Stroll down this colorful pedestrian strip for shopping, views of pastel-colored…

    New Regent Street: Stroll down this colorful pedestrian strip for shopping, views of pastel-colored architecture, cafes, and to catch a ride on the heritage Christchurch Tram.

    New Regent Street Precinct, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand

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    Cardboard Cathedral opened in August 2013 to replace Christchurch Cathedral, the symbol of Christchurch…

    Cardboard Cathedral opened in August 2013 to replace Christchurch Cathedral, the symbol of Christchurch City, which was damaged by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. It is a cathedral that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, built using containers for the exterior walls and cardboard for the interior. You will be surprised to see the unique structure inside the cathedral made of cardboard.

    Cardboard Cathedral Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand

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    Christchurch Botanic Garden is well loved in Christchurch. Also known as the Garden City,…

    Christchurch Botanic Garden is well loved in Christchurch. Also known as the Garden City, Christchurch is an Anglophile settlement of well-tended gardens and tree-lined streets. Its crowning jewel is the 52-acre (21-hectare) Christchurch Botanic Gardens, attractively set within Hagley Park alongside the winding Avon River.

    Christchurch Botanic Gardens Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand

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    Christchurch Arts Center is a center for arts, culture, education, creativity and entrepreneurship. The…

    Christchurch Arts Center is a center for arts, culture, education, creativity and entrepreneurship. The buildings were built in the Gothic Revival style. It is a national landmark and taonga with 21 of the 23 buildings included in the New Zealand Heritage List. Create precious memories with the magnificent architecture.

    Arts Centre, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand

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    Port Hills & Gondola: Ride the Christchurch Gondola up to the Port Hills for…

    Port Hills & Gondola: Ride the Christchurch Gondola up to the Port Hills for sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains, the Pacific Ocean, and Lyttelton Harbor.

    Christchurch Gondola Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch, New Zealand

New Zealand South Island Day Tours

If your are self driving you may wish to participate in day tours rather than having to navigate everything entirely on your own.  Here are a few of our favorites.

New Zealand South Island Favorites

Lesser Known but worth checking out

For Something Completely Different – And Amazing!