2 Week South Island Itinerary
(Best South Island Route)
Planning a 2-week New Zealand itinerary is one of the most common questions we receive. While New Zealand may look small on a map, distances and driving times
can be longer than expected, so 14 days is best spent focusing on one island rather
than trying to see everything.
For many travellers, the South Island offers the most dramatic landscapes, making it the most popular choice for a two-week itinerary. This route combines alpine scenery, lakes, and iconic highlights such as Milford Sound, while maintaining a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
Overview:
Best for:
Travellers with limited time wanting to focus on the South Island
Pace
Comfortable and well-paced
Style
Self-drive
Duration:
14 days / 13 nights
Why This Itinerary Works:
Focuses on one island for a better experience
Includes New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes
Maintains a realistic and enjoyable pace
Itinerary
Your New Zealand Journey
Day 1–2: Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch and take time to relax after your international flight.
Optional experiences:
Tram, Punting & Botanical Gardens
Riverside Market
Day 3: Lake Tekapo
Travel inland to Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine regions.
Optional experiences:
Church of the Good Shepherd
Stargazing
Lakeside walks
Day 4: Aoraki / Mount Cook
Continue to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
Optional experiences:
Hooker Valley Track
Tasman Glacier viewpoints
Scenic flights
Glacier Explorer Boat Trip
Day 5–6: Queenstown
Travel to Queenstown and spend two nights exploring.
Optional experiences:
Gondola and scenic dining
Wine tours in Central Otago
Lake cruises
Arrowtown visit
Day 7: Te Anau
Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Optional experiences:
Lakeside walks
Glowworm caves
Day 8: Milford Sound
Visit Milford Sound.
Options include:
Scenic cruise
Coach and cruise
Scenic flight
Day 9–10: Wanaka
Travel to Wānaka for a more relaxed lakeside experience.
Optional experiences:
Lakeside walks or longer hikes
Scenic drives
Wild Hills Safari on Private Farm
Day 11–12: West Coast
Continue along the West Coast, where the scenery changes dramatically to rainforest and rugged coastline.
Optional experiences:
Glacier valley walks
Scenic helicopter flights
Coastal drives
Day 13–14: Return to Christchurch
Travel back via Arthur’s Pass or take the TranzAlpine train.
Explore
Other popular New Zealand Itineraries
