Our South Island Adventure: A Road Trip Through New Zealand
New Zealand Road Trip: From Marlborough to Queenstown
The best way to see New Zealand is to drive. Whether you hire a car or a campervan, the scenic roads are some of the most beautiful in the world.
We’ve driven both Auckland to Queenstown and Christchurch southwards, and each route offers unforgettable views.
To cross from the North to South Island, you’ll need to take the Wellington to Picton ferry across the Cook Strait (about 3 hours). Food and drinks are available on board, and the last 30 minutes of the trip are particularly spectacular.
Travel note: you cannot take your hire car across on the ferry.
Marlborough Sounds | Wine Country
Once you arrive in Picton, you can either:
Drive along the coast through the Marlborough Sounds towards Nelson (a stunning journey), or
Head directly south to Blenheim and explore the famous wineries.
Why visit Blenheim and Marlborough?
World-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
Scenic vineyards surrounded by rolling hills
Easy day trips into Nelson or along the Sounds
If you head west, stop at Lake Rotoroa — a glassy alpine lake with a fern forest and mountain backdrop.
The West Coast Drive
Driving down the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a highlight in itself.
Punakaiki And Hokitika
Punakaiki: Home of the famous Pancake Rocks
Hokitika: Walk the stunning Hokitika Gorge
Glaciers
Franz Josef Glacier: Walk right up to the glacier and stay overnight in the alpine-style town. Don’t miss the hot spring baths.
Fox Glacier: A quieter but equally beautiful alternative.
The West Coast
Head south-west to Punakaiki where you can see the famous Pancake Rocks. Continue south to Hokitika and go for a walk across Hokitika Gorge. You may want to stop and stay overnight at Franz Joseph Glacier, where you can walk up to the glacier itself. This small town offers alpine style pubs and restaurants and their famous hot springs baths, nearby is Fox Glacier
Haast Pass And Wanaka
The next stage of the drive is one of our favourites — through the Haast Pass.
Lush native forests and dramatic gorges
Views of Mount Aspiring (take an unsealed road for a closer look)
Turquoise waters of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hāwea
Wanaka itself is an upmarket town with a relaxed vibe, boutique shops, and lakeside dining.
Arrowtown: A Historic Gold Rush Village
Only a short drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a charming gold rush settlement.
Best time to visit: Autumn, when the surrounding trees turn golden and red.
Things to do in Arrowtown:
Walk the historic gold mining trails
Browse local boutiques and galleries
Enjoy cosy cafés and pubs
Stay overnight in heritage-style accommodation
Queenstown: Adventure Capital of New Zealand
Queenstown is buzzing year-round with visitors who come for both summer and winter activities. Nestled by a lake with a mountain backdrop, it’s as beautiful as it is lively.
Top things to do in Queenstown:
Eat at the famous Fergburger (be prepared to queue)
Take the Gondola or cable car to the Skyline for incredible views
Hike the Ben Lomond Track (about 3 hours each way, steep in parts)
Ride the Luge for a fun downhill adventure
Take a day trip to Glenorchy, filming site for Lord of the Rings
Head further south to the breathtaking Milford Sound for a cruise
Lakes Tekapo And Pukaki
On the return journey north, drive past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.
Why visit?
Striking turquoise, mineral-rich glacial waters
Stunning views with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop
Fresh local smoked salmon at Lake Tekapo
Also worth visiting: Hanmer Springs, famous for its natural hot pools and a perfect stop during the cooler months.
Where to Stay on a New Zealand Road Trip
Accommodation options vary depending on where you stop:
Hotels and cabins in larger towns
Boutique B&Bs in smaller villages
Luxury homes for rent in Queenstown and Wanaka
One of our favourites: Villa Bel Lago in Franktown (next to Queenstown), just outside Queenstown. With panoramic lake views, it’s an incredible stay.
Another great resource is Book a Batch, a local accommodation site similar to Airbnb, offering unique stays in scenic locations.
Final Thoughts
Driving through New Zealand is the best way to experience its natural beauty — from wineries in Marlborough to glaciers on the West Coast, from historic Arrowtown to adventure-filled Queenstown. With so many unforgettable stops along the way, it’s a journey we recommend to everyone.
