Day 1: TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth and the Journey to Franz Josef
We began our two-week New Zealand road trip in Christchurch, boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine Express. This spectacular train journey took us across the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps, and into Greymouth on the West Coast. It’s one of the most scenic train rides in the world and well worth doing.
After collecting our hire car in Greymouth, we headed south on a quiet 107-mile drive to Franz Josef. The roads were open, scenic, and wonderfully peaceful – no traffic, no stress.
We checked in at Aspen Court Franz Josef, a great spot with a self-catering studio, comfy bed and excellent facilities. It was ideal for a refreshing overnight stay. A short stroll into town for dinner and drinks rounded off our first day perfectly.
Day 2: Helicopter Glacier Landing and the Drive to Queenstown
The day started with a bucket-list experience – a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier with a landing on the ice. A big thank you to The Helicopter Line for an unforgettable adventure.
From there, we drove over 250 miles through Westland’s lush forests, past Fox Glacier and historic gold mining towns, into the dramatic Haast Pass. After skirting the shores of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, we navigated the hairpin bends into Queenstown.
We checked into a lakeside hotel for two nights, enjoyed a walk around town, and spotted the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat. Although we didn’t have time to sail, it’s a highly recommended experience for next time.
Day 3: Milford Sound Cruise with Cheeky Kiwi Travel
An early start for one of the highlights of our South Island itinerary – a full-day tour to Milford Sound. We travelled with Cheeky Kiwi Travel in a small group and made plenty of scenic stops, including Lake Wakatipu and Garston, before reaching the Fiordland National Park.
The Milford Sound cruise was absolutely breathtaking. Towering cliffs, endless waterfalls, and serene waters made this 1 hour 45 minute cruise an unforgettable experience. If you can, consider flying back to Queenstown – the drive is long but broken up nicely with photo opportunities.
After returning to Queenstown, we dined at Botswana Butchery – highly recommended for its excellent food and service.
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Dunedin via Gibbston Valley
We left Queenstown after a lakeside breakfast and headed for Dunedin via Gibbston Valley, also known as New Zealand’s wine country. Our first stop was the AJ Hackett Bungy Jump site for panoramic views, followed by a quick visit to Roaring Meg – a stunning river viewpoint.
The charming town of Clyde made for a lovely lunch break at Victoria Brewery, with friendly locals and a peaceful, almost film-set-like atmosphere. Continuing through Roxburgh, Milton and Berwick – all towns with strong Scottish roots – we arrived in Dunedin.
We stayed at the Distinction Hotel, a beautifully restored former post office. We were upgraded to a Junior Suite and opted for a quiet night in with a platter of cheese, meats, and a bottle of wine – perfect after a few full-on days.
Day 5: Larnach Castle and Exploring Dunedin
A no-driving day started with a trip to Port Chalmers, where we were met by Otago Water Taxis for a thrilling speedboat ride across the harbour to Larnach Castle. The views, both from the water and the castle grounds, were incredible. The castle itself, restored over decades, offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s colonial history.
Back in Dunedin, we visited the historic Railway Station and the sports museum, then had lunch at Albar – a Scottish-style pub serving superb tapas and a wide range of drinks.
In the afternoon, we toured Speight’s Brewery and sampled some of the best beers we’ve ever tasted. Dinner was back at our hotel in one of the old postal vaults – an atmospheric and delicious end to the day.
Day 6: Road Trip to Lake Tekapo via Moeraki Boulders
We left Dunedin behind and set off towards Lake Tekapo, making several scenic and foodie stops along the way. We picked up local cheeses at Evansdale Cheese Factory, marvelled at the natural Moeraki Boulders on the beach, and grabbed a pie from the highly recommended Fairlie Bakehouse.
Arriving in Lake Tekapo, we were greeted by one of the bluest lakes we’ve ever seen. Our accommodation overlooked the lake, with the kitchen and lounge upstairs to make the most of the view.
We wandered down to the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoyed drinks with locals at a nearby pub before returning to our apartment for a relaxed evening and, of course, a few games of cards.
Day 7: Hiking at Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Stargazing
With just a short drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, we set out for a scenic walk to Kea Point. The trail offered views of the Mueller Glacier, Mount Tasman, and the mighty Mount Cook. The weather changed constantly – sunny one minute, misty the next – but the scenery was worth every step.
We drove up to Mount John Observatory for panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin. Although we missed the observatory tour, the drive alone was an adventure.
Back at our apartment, we relaxed with a home-cooked meal. Sadly, cloud cover spoiled our stargazing hopes that night, but the view from our balcony still made it a memorable evening.
Day 8 Preview: From the Lakes to the Coast in Kaikoura
The final day of week one saw us travel from Lake Tekapo back to the coast, with a lunch stop in Christchurch before heading north to the coastal town of Kaikoura – known for its wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Stay tuned for our full Kaikoura adventures in Week Two.
Planning a New Zealand self-drive itinerary? From glacier landings to lakeside villages and dramatic coastal drives, our South Island week one adventure is packed with inspiration for your own trip. Check back soon for Week Two, where we head to the North Island via ferry and explore Rotorua, Napier, and beyond.
In the meantime, if you are looking for someone to take the stress out of planning such an unforgettable getaway, you can always give me a call on 01526707100.