How I Spent 15 Days Road Tripping Through New Zealand’s South Island
South island sojourn
New Zealand’s South Island is like nature’s Instagram filter—soaring mountains, shimmering lakes, and a food-and-wine scene so enticing, I spent months dreaming of it. Over 15 days, I chased unforgettable views, stumbled upon scenic gems, and soaked in moments that felt too good to be true. Buckle up as I relive the highlights of this epic adventure!
Day 1-2: Arrival in Christchurch
We kicked things off in Christchurch, where we checked into the Mayfair Hotel—think modern luxury meets Gatsby glam. Velvet sofas, dim lighting, and cocktails that practically sparkled made it the perfect setting to ease into our adventure. Our welcome included a personal note, gourmet treats, and a sleek room right in the heart of the city. Honestly, it felt like a royal welcome that set the tone for the fabulous days ahead.
Day 3: Arthur’s Pass to the Wild West Coast
Our journey truly began when we picked up our rental car and drove through the jaw-dropping Arthur’s Pass, where the snow-capped Southern Alps looked like they were plucked from a postcard. As we descended to the wild West Coast, the landscape unfurled like a stunning tapestry of rugged beauty. We snagged a charming beach shack just an hour before arrival—perched on the cliffs with ocean views and an outdoor tub. Talk about the perfect oasis to unwind after a long day on the road!
Day 4-5: Punakaiki and Hokitika Gorge
The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki? Total showstoppers. Those towering formations, with waves crashing through blowholes, made it feel like the ocean was performing just for us. We followed that up with a stroll across the 90m-high suspension bridge at Hokitika Gorge, where the water glowed a surreal teal blue from glacial powder fresh off the mountains. Nature truly knows how to flaunt its colours!
Day 6-7: Franz Josef’s Misty Mountains
Franz Josef rolled out the welcome mat with mist-draped peaks and a tiny log cabin that looked like it had been borrowed from a fairy tale. After a day of adventures that left us drenched, warming up with a hot shower and a hefty pour of red wine by the crackling fire felt like the universe hugging us. Seriously, it was one of those rare moments that burrow into your memory and refuse to leave. There was something magical (and ridiculously romantic) about being tucked away in the wilderness.
Day 8: Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka
The drive to Wanaka took us through Haast Pass, where waterfalls tumbled down cliffs at every bend (thank you, torrential rainfall). By the time we rolled into Wanaka, the lake was gleaming under the afternoon sun. Naturally, we snapped pics in front of the iconic ‘Wanaka Tree’ before diving into a cozy wine bar that night to sip on local reds. Cheers to that!
Days 9-10: Te Anau & the Doubtful Sound Cruise
One of the trip’s standout moments was our overnight cruise through Doubtful Sound, booked through Real NZ. Known as the wilder, more rugged and remote sibling to the famous Milford Sound, we couldn’t wait to see if it really lived up to the hype.
Stepping aboard the Fiordland Navigator, we were greeted by a luxurious interior adorned with elegant mahogany finishes—and we had our own private bathroom! Talk about an upgrade from typical cruise accommodations!
As towering cliffs rose above us and waterfalls tumbled down their rugged faces, it felt like we were sailing into a hidden realm. The deep, dark waters seemed endless, creating an atmosphere of mystery. And let’s not forget the onboard dining; every meal was a culinary masterpiece, featuring fresh local ingredients that took the experience to the next level.
Cruising through this stunning fiord made it clear that this was no ordinary cruise; it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The unspoiled wilderness around us—wild, remote, and breathtaking—invited us to disconnect and truly immerse ourselves in nature. If you’re visiting New Zealand, this journey through Doubtful Sound should top your must-do list.
Day 11-12: Queenstown’s Winter Wonderland
Snow-dusted Queenstown was nothing short of charming—a winter wonderland that looked straight out of a holiday card. We rode the gondola, marvelled at the views, indulged in local cuisine, and spent afternoons tasting wines from nearby vineyards. The cherry on top? Soaking in the Onsen Hot Pools, where steam rose from the idyllic cedar-lined pools overlooking the Shotover River. Pure bliss and the perfect way to pamper our tired tourist legs!
Day 13: Twizel’s Fairy-Tale Cabin
Twizel treated us to a log cabin that could’ve been plucked from a fairy tale—complete with an outdoor bath and a sky full of stars. We lounged under the night sky, sipping South Island Sauvignon Blanc, soaking in the magic of this place that felt like a cozy cabin in Canada. It was the ultimate way to kick back and savour the last few days of our epic trip, which we desperately didn’t want to end.
Day 14: Mount Cook’s Snowy Peaks
Mount Cook greeted us with snow-capped mountains so stunning, they could’ve been CGI. We hiked among the peaks, the crisp air sharp in our lungs, but those views? Worth every breath. We chose to stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel, where the panoramic vistas made us feel like we were living among the mountains.
Day 15: Lake Tekapo’s Serene Goodbye
We wrapped up our adventure at Lake Tekapo, where the crystal blue waters sparkled like they were auditioning for a postcard. The adorable Church of the Good Shepherd sat on the shore, providing the perfect backdrop for our grand finale. It was one last stunning view that left us pondering, “How do we turn this into a permanent vacation?”
