The best way to spend 2 weeks in South Island, New Zealand

Few countries in the world can be split in two with such neat precision as New Zealand. Though both the North Island and South Island offer travellers a beautiful coastline and luscious green countryside to explore, there are many differences between the two areas. 

The North is best known for its hot springs and sandy beaches with the South being known for its spellbinding fjords and snow-capped mountains. While adventures await visitors on both islands, two weeks in South Island reveals some of the best sites, scenery and landmarks New Zealand has to offer. September Withers looks at the best things to see during a two-week stay...

Kick off your tour in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, which is brimming with beautiful parks, green outdoor spaces and a vibrant street art scene.

You may remember the devastating earthquake that caused widespread damage and fatalities in 2011: today the city has been rejuvenated. Cathedral Square, however, is a poignant reminder of the natural disaster with the ruins of the old church and the award-winning transitional Cardboard Cathedral now one of the most recognized buildings in the heart of the city. 

Moments away, at the nearby Antigua Boat Sheds, boats are available to hire for a sail on the River Avon, with a café serving delicious picnic hampers to be enjoyed on the banks of the river. In the late afternoon, the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is a great place to travel to, as it is just two hours away by car. 

The friendly Austin Heights B&B is a popular choice for accommodation, offering fantastic views of the mountains and ocean.

Rise with the sun and head out onto the water. Whale Watch Kaikoura offer one of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine experiences: groups will see giant sperm whales making a splash, dolphins leaping through the waters and even fur seals lolling across beaches.

What better way to spend a morning than by tasting New Zealand’s most famous wine variety, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, at Wairau River Wines, where the wines are produced and sourced exclusively from the family estate vineyards. If you’re hungry, dig into lunch at the restaurant on site before continuing to Picton (the South Island terminus for ferries). 

Water-taxis can transport travellers from here to the delightful waterfront Mahana Lodge beside the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds. This delightful region is an intricate tracery of pretty bays, sheltered inlets and hidden coves rich in wildlife, walking routes and unsurpassed views.

After breakfast, take a water-taxi back to Picton and drive the winding, delightful Queen Charlotte Drive, passing lookout points above the town as well as picnic and swimming areas, before arriving at laid-back Nelson: one of New Zealand’s sunniest cities. 

The Trailways Hotel makes for a great base if you’re in need of a place to stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, which is famous for its good weather, wine, seafood, art and national parks. Follow the Maitai River Walkway to visit the Suter Art Gallery, which is one of New Zealand’s oldest galleries showcasing paintings and ceramics. 

That evening, fall in love with Nelson over dinner. The iconic Boat Shed Café is a lovely place for a meal as it offers panoramic sunset views over the sea.

The Abel Tasman National Park is the country’s smallest national park boasting pristine beaches, sandy estuaries, crystal-clear waters and a magical-looking forest. 

If you’re keen to experience Abel Tasman on a tour, Wilsons Abel Tasman will meet you bright and early at Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the park. The tour starts with a cruise, before dropping you off for a breathtaking hike along the park’s magnificent Coast Track.

The day ends with a cruise back to Kaiteriteri. From here, it’s worth heading back to Nelson for a peaceful night’s rest before another day of adventure begins.

For a morning coffee hit, Kush Coffee on Church St is an easygoing speciality coffee roaster, which sources beans from organic fairtrade small producers. From here, the surreal and dramatic rock formations of Pancake Rocks in Paparoa National Park are a must-see.

Explore the layered stone formations before continuing your journey to the unmissable glacier region at Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to a sweeping landscape of soaring mountains, dense green rainforest, coastal lagoons and ethereal lakes.

One of the most impressive glaciers here is the Franz Josef glacier and one of the best ways to see it is by heli-hike: fly over the glacier before experiencing a thrilling walk on the ice. 

After the adrenaline of the previous day, why not take a slower pace and enjoy an ambling drive through the temperate rainforest towards the lakeside town of Wanaka. Located at the southern end of the lake, Wanaka is one of the country’s favourite holiday spots with willow-lined shores and glorious bays. 

If you have children in tow, you’ll find head-scratching entertainment at Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World;from bizarre buildings to rooms filled with illusions and even a world-famous maze. 

In the late afternoon, find some time to treat yourself. Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka’s oldest vineyard, offers wine tasting sessions. Nearby Edgewater Hotel, is a great choice for staying overnight due to  its great restaurant and spectacular views.

It’s a scenic route to pretty Arrowtown; the most picturesque and best preserved gold-mining town in the area. It is one of the few ‘boom’ towns not to have become a ghost town or to have become overrun by modern development. 

There’s a delightful café called Provisions of Arrowtown, which serves fresh, seasonal food and delicious baked goods. 

From here, the Lake Hayes road reaches Queenstown: the gem of the South Island. Queenstown is set amid spectacular scenery and is a world centre for adventure sports. Here you’ll discover beautiful outdoor spaces such as the Queenstown Gardens and The Mall, which is a haven for foodies. A fun Queenstown experience is a ride on the Skyline Gondola, which will take you to Bob’s Peak.

Be it bungy jumping, white-water rafting, jet-boating, paragliding, sky diving or heli-biking, there’s an outdoor pursuit to suit everyone in Queenstown: the ultimate playground for adrenaline junkies.

When you’re done, rest your feet and relax with a well-deserved drink. Bardeaux is a nice bar with leather armchairs, thick rugs and vintage wine displayed in glass cases – if cocktails are to your taste, it’s a sophisticated place to visit.

The Fjordland National Park is 100 miles from Queenstown and can be experienced in a whirlwind daytrip. This remarkable location is the largest of New Zealand’s national parks and features unique flora and fauna, mirror-like fjords, towering peaks and lush forests. 

Milford Sound is a fjord that is also the park’s best-known attraction; its most famous landmark is Mitre Peak, a pyramid-shaped mountain rising 1,692m straight from the fjord itself. 

Should you be interested to experience the national park on a guided tour, Intercity NZ offer packages.

Having experienced much of Queenstown, why not set out for a tour of the sparsely populated Catlins: a scenic treasure for travelers, offering winding roads and a rugged landscape that encourages a slower pace of life. 

Call in at the petrified forest in Curio Bay, say “hi” to the cute Hector’s dolphins in Porpoise Bay and snap a picture of the iconic lighthouse at Nugget Point. 

There are a number of hotels and self-catering properties available throughout this area including Breadalbane House in Kaka Point, which offers panoramic views of the Catlins coast.

Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and is home to some of the most distinctive and architecturally diverse buildings in the country. 

Take a short walking tour of the city in the morning and discover an anomaly of interesting attractions such as the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Municipal Chambers.

In the afternoon, the Otago Peninsula is a must-visit as the area houses stunning historic buildings including New Zealand’s only castle: Larnach Castle.Sandfly Bay Recreation Reserve on Seal Point Road offers breathtaking views of the peninsula’s coastline, cliff tops and famous yellow-eyed penguins, which are best spotted in the late afternoon/early evening. 

When you’re ready, make tracks back to Dunedin for the night ahead of a trip to Oamaru the next day.

Oamaru is a wonderfully preserved town in North Otago filled with pretty treelined streets and fine historic buildings. It’s a lovely spot for lunch with many restaurants dotted through the town but our favourite is Riverstone Kitchen, on Oamaru’s outskirts, which focuses on serving food sourced from their own gardens and orchards.

Heading inland, towards Mount Cook National Park, you’ll find some of the country’s most awe-inspiring scenery; it is also New Zealand’s highest mountain and premier mountaineering destination. There are many walking routes available and we especially recommend spending an afternoon on the nearby Hooker Valley Track, which offers views of high peaks, alpine streams and glaciers. 

For a place to rest your head for the night, The Hermitage Hotel is nestled in the national park itself. 

After a lazy breakfast, it’s time to make the journey back to Christchurch. You can travel along State 
Highway 8 south, and then east along the water where you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to stop and photograph reflections of Mount Cook. 

At the southwestly point of Lake Tekapo, Mount John Observatory has the spectacularly sited Astro-Café, providing not only a selection of food and drinks but some of the world’s greatest views including the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. 

After lunch, it’s a gentle motor through Mackenzie Country, returning towards Christchurch where your unforgettable travels began just two weeks ago. 

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