The Perfect South Island Trip for First Time Visitors
- Jane COUTTS
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
Planning a trip to New Zealand’s South Island can feel overwhelming. There are world class mountains, lakes, glaciers, wildlife encounters and scenic roads around every corner. As a New Zealand based travel planner, I design personalised itineraries every day, and the South Island is the region that travellers fall in love with the most.
If you are dreaming of a route that blends natural beauty, easy to moderate hikes, lakeside towns, stunning fjords, wildlife, boutique wineries and peaceful landscapes, this guide will help you picture what a perfectly paced self drive or chauffeur driven journey can look like.
Why choose a self drive or chauffeur driven holiday
A self drive trip allows you to slow down, enjoy quiet viewpoints, explore small towns and take the day at your own pace. Many of my guests enjoy the freedom to stop for short walks, farmers markets, scenic photography or a glass of wine at a local vineyard.
If you prefer not to drive, a private chauffeur is an excellent option. Your driver transports you comfortably between regions while you simply enjoy the scenery. This is especially helpful for visitors who would like to sit back, relax and not worry about unfamiliar roads.
Both styles allow you to choose comfortable, well located accommodation, enjoy guided activities and avoid rushed bus tours.
Best starting points
Most travellers begin in Queenstown or Christchurch. Both cities have international links and excellent access to rental cars and private transfers.
Queenstown is ideal if you want alpine scenery, lakes, adventure and direct access to Fiordland
Christchurch suits a scenic coastal to alpine route with gentle driving days
Either works well for a loop or a one way itinerary.
Top highlights to include in a first time South Island trip
Queenstown
Surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown combines natural beauty with world class activities. You can enjoy lake cruises, scenic drives, gentle lakeside walks, wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley, ziplining, canyon swinging or relaxing at a local spa. It is also a great base for day trips to Glenorchy or Arrowtown.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a quieter, more relaxed version of Queenstown with world class scenery. Popular walks include Diamond Lake, Rocky Mountain and the lakeshore trails. There are excellent e bike paths, boutique wineries, artisan food producers and peaceful places to unwind.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
A highlight for glacier views and dramatic alpine landscapes. Favourites include Hooker Valley Track, Kea Point and Tasman Glacier Lookout. For something extra special, many travellers enjoy a scenic helicopter flight or a glacier landing. Guided hikes can also be added for those who want expert interpretation of the landscape.
The West Coast Glaciers
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier feel completely different from the rest of the South Island, with lush rainforest meeting ice. You can explore the glacier valleys, enjoy a short guided walk, or take a scenic helicopter flight with landing. The famous Lake Matheson Walk is an unforgettable sunrise or sunset experience.
Fiordland, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound
Fiordland is a must see part of any South Island itinerary. Milford Sound offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and an iconic cruise experience. Doubtful Sound is more remote, peaceful and often described as a once in a lifetime trip. Guided hikes around Te Anau, such as the Kepler Track day walk or sections of the Routeburn, are safe, spectacular and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a world class whale watching destination with sperm whales present most of the year. You can also see dolphins, seals and albatross. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a beautiful coastal route for gentle exploring. This is also home to a ziplining and great seafood.
Abel Tasman National Park
One of the most beautiful coastal parks in the country, famous for golden beaches, turquoise coves and native forest. The Abel Tasman Coast Track offers wonderful short walks and day trips where you travel by water taxi and walk between bays at your own pace. Kayaking, wildlife encounters and gentle coastal hikes make this a relaxing and scenic addition to a South Island itinerary.
Safe and scenic day hikes
New Zealand has many well formed, clearly marked tracks that suit a range of fitness levels. Some of the best options include:
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain, Wanaka
Kepler Track day section from Te Anau
Lake Matheson Walk, Fox Glacier
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Lake Tekapo Lakeshore trails
As a local planner, I match each walk to your fitness level and the weather conditions expected at the time of year.
Optional extras to elevate your journey
Many travellers enjoy adding one or two special experiences, such as:
Wine tasting or vineyard lunch in Gibbston Valley or Central Otago
E bike rides on scenic lakeside or riverside trails
Private photography tours
Wildlife encounters such as penguins, dolphins or whales
Scenic flights or helicopter landings
Guided hikes in Fiordland, Queenstown & Christchurch.
These are easy to include without making the itinerary feel rushed.
How many days do you need
For a relaxed and balanced South Island trip, a minimum of twelve to fourteen days is ideal. This allows time to explore without long driving days and gives flexibility for alpine weather.
Why book with a local NZ specialist
Popular places such as Mount Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown and Fiordland often book out months in advance. Working with a local expert ensures:
Preferred access to trusted accommodation
Routes designed to avoid unnecessary backtracking
Driving days that feel comfortable rather than tiring
Personal recommendations that match your pace and interests
Support before and during your trip
Wholesale accommodation pricing that often matches or beats online rates
Ready to plan your own South Island journey
If you would love a custom route shaped around your interests, comfort level and preferred pace, I design personalised self drive and chauffeur driven itineraries for travellers from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and beyond. Whether you want quiet drives, easy hikes, glacier views, wine tasting or a combination of the South Island’s best landscapes, I can create a trip that fits you perfectly.
At Amazing New Zealand Itineraries, we create personalised journeys that balance highlights with hidden gems, at a pace that suits you.
✨ Ready to start planning your New Zealand adventure? Then get in touch and let us help you create a holiday that’s tranquil, flexible, and full of unforgettable moments.
Jane Coutts
Travel Specialist
Amazing New Zealand Itineraries
We know New Zealand - We live here
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