Ultimate New Zealand South Island Roadtrip 

Tripoto
26th Dec 2016

New Zealand - Aotearoa - Middle Earth. It doesn't matter what you call this beautiful country in the middle of the pacific ocean... the only thing that matters is that you know it. New Zealand is probably the most beautiful and diverse country I've ever stepped foot on and especially the South Island is just an overload of beauty. For all of you who are still dreaming about going there or are already planning their trip - let me give you a tiny insight on what you can expect. But keep in mind: There is no picture that can show how stunning New Zealand is in reality.

My South Island Roadtrip started in Christchurch so come on with me and enjoy the journey!

P.S make sure to scroll to the very bottom - i even made a little movie about this amazing trip.

Day 6
Day 1

The terrible destruction after the earthquake in 2012

Photo of Christchurch, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 2

The amazing view from the top of Mount Pleasant over Lyttelton and Lyttelton Harbour

Photo of Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 3

Lake Tekapo - I did the hike up to the top of Mount John, the way down goes along the Lake and is just beautiful.

Photo of Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 4

The absolutely stunning Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook - a must do!

Photo of Mount Cook, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

The 2-3 hour return track leads you to the glacier lake at Mount Cook - the perfect stop for a little break.

Photo of Mount Cook, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 5

Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown in the background. Officially my favorite city in New Zealand

Photo of Queenstown, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 7

While some friend did the Bungy Jump in the background I decided to go for the more secure but still a lot of fun version

Photo of Queenstown, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

The Queenstown Gondola is definitely worth a visit and if you have the time do the Luge as well. A lot of fun for every age and this stunning view is a huge bonus... obviously.

Photo of Queenstown, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 8

After the quite long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound we just went for a walk around the little village. Beautiful but A LOT OF SANDFLIES tho!!

Photo of Milford Sound, Southland, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 9

A cruise through Milford Sound - an absolute must do! It's simply one of the most mysterious places I've ever laid eyes on

Photo of Milford Sound, Southland, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 10

On our way to Dunedin we've made a little stop at the Nugget Point. If you happen to drive past you should definitely take the time to make a stop there.

Photo of Nugget Point Lighthouse, The Nuggets Road, Ahuriri Flat, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

Baldwin Street - also known as the steepest street in the world. Nice to see but I wouldn't want to live there.

Photo of Dunedin, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

Dunedin i famous for its victorian buildings - on this picture you can see the pretty train station

Photo of Dunedin, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 11

On our way to Wanaka we drove a little detour to get to the Moeraki Boulders. Those rocks are shaped like eggs and to be honest that is already it. If you drive past go and take a look at them but otherwise it's definitely not a must do.

Photo of Moeraki Boulders, Moeraki Boulders Road, Hampden, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 12

My absolute highlight of this roadtrip. I did the 12000 feet skydive in Wanaka and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Photo of Wanaka, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

Lake Wanaka and the lonely tree. One of my favorite places.

Photo of Wanaka, Otago, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 13

Even though the weather wasn't that great and it was unbelievably cold we really enjoy the walk to the glacier. If you can afford it, a helicopter flight or glacier hiking must be amazing too.

Photo of Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 12

Hokitika is known as the city with the highest rainfall in New Zealand. Therefore we were extremely lucky and celebrated this with a match of beach ball.

Photo of Hokitika, West Coast, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 15

The Pancake Rocks got there name (for obvious reasons) because of their shape. Pretty cool to see and surely worth a visit. We stopped there on our way to Nelson

Photo of Pancake Rocks, West Coast, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 16

Beach day at Rabbit Island!! Really beautiful beach and just perfect for relaxing after all that driving.

Photo of Nelson, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 17

Kajaking in Abel Tasman. Such an amazing experience and Abel Tasman is just absolutely stunning. (Day trip)

Photo of Abel-Tasman-Nationalpark, Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz

The next day was the only boring day on our raodtrip. We slept in because the last 2 weeks were pretty hard and we never before had the time to sleep longer than 8am. The rest of the day was spend eating ice cream and playing board games. Definitely not wasted tho.

Day 18

Since we knew the Apple Rock Beach from our kayaking tour already we knew it was worth a second visit. So we spend the afternoon there after we've been stand-up paddling.

Photo of Abel-Tasman-Nationalpark, Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 20

We are back in Christchurch. It was a long but beautiful drive back there from Nelson. A lot to daydream for all the Lord of the Ring fans out there (just like me). For the last evening we want out for dinner and had a last little walk around the city. - on the picture the 101 chair memorial .

Photo of Christchurch, Canterbury, Neuseeland by Isabelle Schmelz
Day 21

Day 21 was just about giving our beloved rental car back and flying back to Auckland.

I hope I was able to help and inspire you guys and maybe we see us soon in New Zealand. If you have something to add that you think is an absolute must do, just let means others know in the comments below. At least we are all here to help each other and share our experiences. Also if I was able to help you was planning your trip or if you have further question just let me know in the comments as well.

Safe travels to all of you !! x

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