When you want to take in the immense landscapes, incredible wildlife and outstanding views of New Zealand’s South Island, the best way to do it is on a driving holiday. Hire a rental car in any of the major cities and head off to explore all the island has to offer. While there are innumerable places to go, these suggestions are a good place to start when planning a South Island road trip.
Kick Off in Christchurch
Which way to go is the big question you’ll need to ask yourself. One of the most popular road trips from here takes you over the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass and to the remote west coast. You’ll soon leave the Canterbury Plains behind and start climbing into the mountains. Along the way, you’ll want to stop constantly to get out of the rental car and take in the views. You could do the entire 250km journey in a day, but stay overnight at the luxury Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, set on a working sheep farm. Its four Alpine Rooms are spacious and private. Lie back in the bath and take in the view of snow-capped mountains while you soak.
Leave Nelson Behind
The small city of Nelson at the northern end of the South Island overlooks Tasman Bay and is the gateway to the region known as Nelson Tasman,which includes Abel Tasman National Park. The state highway runs along the coastline, passing pretty, artistic villages and golden beaches until it gets to Riwaka. Further north is Marahau, where you’ll discover the southern entrance of the national park. From here, though, you can walk for an hour to get to Coquille Bay. Backed by native bush, this pretty beach is an ideal spot for a swim.
The road heads inland to go around the national park before heading back towards Golden Bay, which is as picturesque as it sounds. Be sure to factor in a stop at Te Waikoropupū Springs. They’re the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere and the water is so clear it’s as though you’re looking through glass to the bottom.
If you’ve got time – maybe book an overnight stay at The Bay Lodge overlooking Pohara Beach to extend your itinerary – go sea kayaking on the calm waters looking for seals and blue penguins, either in Golden Bay or along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
Discovering Beyond Dunedin
If you’re going to road trip the South Island then you might as well go big. From Dunedin that means travelling the 610km Southern Scenic Route, which will take you through the Catlins to Invercargill and into Fiordland, finishing in Queenstown. Best tackled over three or four days, it offers the finest in everything from wildlife viewing to walking.
There are reasons to pause and take in the view at almost every point in this drive, but there are some attractions you can’t miss. The first you’ll come to is Surat Bay, where rare New Zealand sea lions lounge on the sand. Don’t get too close – they’re wild animals, after all. Cathedral Caves is one of the most magnificent cave systems in the world and is only accessible during low tides. Marvel at the height of the caverns and check out the shellfish clinging to the walls waiting for the ocean to rush back. Curio Bay is a favourite among visitors. When the tide goes out, a fossilised Jurassic-era forest is revealed. If that wasn’t reason enough to visit, there’s also a hide where you can sit and watch the rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) that only live in this part of the world.
Starting Point: Invercargill
Everyone who comes to New Zealand should visit Milford Sound and one of the best ways to get there is on a road trip from Invercargill. The 270km journey travels north through the Fiordland, hemmed in by the Southern Alps and formed by the carving of glaciers.
Stop in Te Anau and see some of this outstanding landscape on a cruise or join a jetboat adventure and head up the Waiau River. The road runs along the edge of Lake Te Anau, through the Fiordland National Park and over the mountains.
There are more lakes to visit along the way, including the Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn, but one of the prettiest is Lake Marian.You’ll need to get out of your rental car though, because it’s a three-walk loop walk to get there. 
Another must-stop attraction is The Chasm, an amazing rock formation that has been created by the force of the waterfall that runs through it. It’s just before your destination: Milford Sound. After your drive, treat yourself by checking into Milford Sound Lodge, where the star attractions are the luxurious Premium Riverside Chalets, set on the edge of the Cleddau River.
When you’re ready to discover the South Island on a road trip, hire a rental car to get started.
