Wondering how best to utilize a short amount of time in the South Island as efficiently as possible to see a whole lot of wonders? A one week South Island New Zealand road trip is a great way to do it.
New Zealand is magical place to explore by any means (I’ll vouch for that!). But seeing it by road gives you freedom and independence to maximize and make the most of whatever time you have.
And the good news is that we have the perfect plan for a one week South Island New Zealand road trip!
Choosing where to go with 7 Days in the South Island
We chose to focus on the top half of the island to include Christchurch, the West Coast, Hanmer Springs and two different passes across the mountains.
And we stuck with the following criteria in our planning:
- No more than 4 hours driving in a day
- At least one mid-drive stop each day that would interest the kids
- A mixture of scenic sights and activities to do
- Accommodation along the way that would fit in our low cost budget
We’ve done this route twice with our kids!
It’s easy to spend months in New Zealand and not run out of things to do. However, if you haven’t got that kind of time – don’t be put off either.
We reckon a one week South Island road trip is unique, and has room to jiggle and wiggle locations and driving distances to suit.
One week South Island New Zealand itinerary
The breakdown of our one week South Island road trip is below. Click on the links to read about each specific area:
- Day 1: Christchurch
- Day 2: Christchurch to Hokitika
- Day 3: Hokitika to Westport
- Day 4: Westport to Hanmer Springs
- Day 5: Hanmer Springs
- Day 6: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
- Day 7: Christchurch
I always recommend allowing for flexibility in your schedule. And the beauty of this sweet route is that it can be done in either direction.
We choose to set off to Hokitika first as the weather forecast was closing in on the West Coast, and we didn’t want to miss out on any time at the beach. Arriving up into the hills over the Lewis Pass surprised us with the first snowfall experience for the kids!
If you are debating where to add an extra day in on this itinerary, I would recommend allotting extra time in either Hokitika or Hanmer Springs. We stayed two nights in Hanmer Springs. Or, if you have another night at the beginning or end of the trip, a visit to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula out from Christchurch was one of our favourite spots.
There’s plenty to choose from!
Renting a vehicle for a one week South Island New Zealand road trip
Itineraries aside, this is one of the biggest decisions to make for your road trip. We rented a 6-berth campervan through Britz Campervan Hire just on the cusp of the spring/school holiday season. This worked well in our favour weather-wise and also financially with season specials.
These are the main campervan hire companies in New Zealand:
There are plenty of other rental companies to choose from so it is worth shopping around and doing your research.
The two main pick-up/drop-off points for campervan hire in the South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown. Some smaller companies do offer pick up in Nelson region as well.
Note that our one week itinerary for the South Island is created as a loop. This makes it easy to pick up and drop off a rental car or campervan in Christchurch; the largest airport in the South Island.
Day 1: Christchurch – One week South Island New Zealand itinerary.
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and a great place to start for any South Island road trip, big or small.
However, theres no need to be in a hurry leaving Christchurch to hit the road. There is plenty to do in the ‘Garden City’ itself.
Things to do in Christchurch
- Play at the Margaret Mahy Playground: World famous in New Zealand, this is officially the biggest playground south of the equator! A great free outdoor activity for families with all kinds of areas to suit a range of ages. (Expert tip: We have stopped here on every visit to Christchurch!).
- Take a tram ride: Hop onboard one of Christchurch’s historic trams for a fun way to explore the city.
- Walk in the Botanic Gardens: Entry is free to Christchurch Botanic Gardens and it’s a beautiful place for a stroll.
- Stock up on supplies: Not so much on the fun-things-to-do list, but practical for road trip prep. There are several big supermarkets close to Christchurch airport with plenty of campervan parking.
Local tip: If you arrive a day earlier in Christchurch we recommend the drive to Akaroa Peninsula and the French-themed port town of Akaroa.
Where to stay in Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH: Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: 39 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch 8542
Cost: Powered site from $70
Facilities: Modern facilities but this was the most expensive campsite of our entire trip.
Day 2: Christchurch to Hokitika via Arthurs Pass
The drive on Arthurs Pass is all about nature and scenery. The pass climbs up over 900 metres above sea level, through Arthurs Pass National Park. This is the road to take between Canterbury and the West Coast. There are viaducts, bridges, waterfalls and breathtaking South Island scenery.
Things to see along the way
- Stop at the Devils Punchbowl: An impressive 131 metre waterfall not far from Arthurs Pass Village. The walk in only about 30 minutes each way and remains relatively flat.
- Walk around Castle Hill: Castle Hill Village is an alpine village along the Arthurs Pass. It is technically a high country station with distinctive rock outcrops that led early European settlers to give it the name Castle Hill. The site is beside the highway in the Waimakariri Basin, about 80 minutes from Christchurch and is free to explore.
- Experience Arthurs Pass Village: Stop for a coffee in one of the two cafes in the small village of Arthurs Pass. It really is New Zealands’ only truly alpine village!
Driving from Christchurch to Hokitika
Drive time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Distance: 248 km
Route: via State Hwy 73
Day 3: Hokitika, West Coast – One week South Island New Zealand itinerary.
Hokitika is a small town on the South Island’s West Coast. It’s history, is that of a thriving gold mining town. And arriving from Christchurch in under four hours, this is an ideal stop without driving too far in one day.
If you are wanting to add an extra night in somewhere, Hokitika doesn’t disappoint. There are beautiful, low-cost DOC campsites and a range of walks to suit families.
Things to do in Hokitika
- Hokitika Beach: A visit to Hokitika wouldn’t be complete without laying eyes on the famous Hokitika sign. The beach receives a uniquely huge amount of driftwood and so an iconic sign for the town is shaped using the washed up driftwood. Slogans for the West Coast beaches are often captioned with the phrase, “The West Coast is the Best Coast” so you definitely need to see for yourself!
- Hokitika Gorge Walk: This is one of the South Islands best short walks. At only 15 minutes each way, this is the perfect walk for families with the opportunity to experience the brilliant turquoise of the Hokitika River.
- Lake Mahinapua: Only 10 minutes south of Hokitika is the beautiful lake and reserve of Mahinapua. There is a great flat walk along the lake shore in native bush, easy for all levels of fitness. Check out our recommendations for where to stay in Hokitika, including the DOC campsite here.
Where to stay in Hokitika
HOKITIKA: Lake Mahinapua Campsite (DOC Campsite)
Location: 51B Shanghai Road, Ruatapu 7883
Getting there: 10 km south of Hokitika. Turn off SH6 into Lake Mahinapua Access Road, opposite the hotel. 300m to road end.
Cost: $6.50 – $13 pp p/night.
Facilities: Flushing toilets, cooking shelter.
About: Boat ramp, jetty, short walks in the area.
Day 4: Hokitika to Westport, West Coast
Westport is the oldest town on South Islands West Coast. The drive north between Hokitika and Westport follows the coastline and takes you right past the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Things to do in Westport (and what not to miss on the way)
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Punakaiki and the famous blowholes are a spectacular must-see on your West Coast road trip. The popular walk around the rocks in well formed and easy with kids. Don’t miss stopping here! (Note: There is plenty of campervan parking).
- Walk the Cape Foulwind Walkway: A 40 minute walk one way to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse, this passes by seal colonies on the rocks not too far below the track.
- Visit the Coaltown museum: The museum is great for kids with interactive displays depecitnig the challenges and lifestyle of being a west coast coal miner.
- Visit nearby Denniston: I recommend the 40 minute Brakehead Walk (check DOC site for more information) to a viewpoint past the first Denniston mining settlement. The walk returns via the historic mine workshop site where you can see many relics from the towns mining past.
Driving from Hokitika to Westport
Drive time: 2 hours
Distance: 137km
Route: via State Hwy 6
Where to stay in Westport
WESTPORT: Kawatiri Beach Reserve (Freedom Camping Site)
Location: End of Derby Street, Westport
Cost: Free
Facilities: Toilets, picnic area.
About: There is also a NZMCA members parking area adjacent. *Expert tip: This is one of the best free South Island camping spots we found!
Day 5: Westport to Hanmer Springs
Allotting a full day in Hanmer Springs is worth the precious added time our of your one week South Island road trip. And by now you likely need a full day to unwind and relax after covering some miles over the last week. One day is perfect to explore the delights of this little alpine style village.
Things to do in Hanmer Springs
- Relax in the thermal Hot Pools: This is what Hanmer Springs is al about! Relax and enjoy the 20+ hot pools in the complex, while surrounded by stunning native trees. And if you are lucky enough to be there when it snows (like we were), soaking in the hot pools feels truly magical!
- Walk up Conical Hill: This is a rewarding 30 minute walk up the hill over Hanmer Springs village to a lookout approx. 200m above.
- Explore the Fairy Door Walk: There are truly fairy doors along the lower dog stream track! This looks like an awesome forest walk to explore with kids (I wish we had known about it at the time!) and comes highly recommended. Let us know what you think!
- Try a brew at Monteiths Brewery Bar: Its famous in Hanmer Springs as the best watering hole in town. If you aren’t with kids then you are in luck! And if you are, then an afternoon beer and some hot chips could still be worth it!
Driving from Westport to Hanmer Springs
Drive time: 2 hr 45 mins
Distance: 214km
Route: via State Hwy 7
Where to stay in Hanmer Springs
HANMER SPRINGS: River Reserve
Location: 692 Hanmer Springs Road
Cost: Free camping area with 6-8 spaces
Facilities: Public toilets and space for 6-8 self contained vehicles to park overnight.
HANMER SPRINGS: Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: 5 Hanmer Springs Road
Cost: Powered sites from $42
Facilities: All the modern facilities of the Top 10 chain and located a short walk from the Hanmer Springs thermal hot pools.
Day 6 and 7: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
Leaving Hanmer Springs, the first part of the drive follows the beautiful Waiau River. We didn’t get far before choosing a spot to pull over for a picnic! And from there on its still beautiful, with changing scenery as you descend slowly towards the coastline. You will enjoy driving through the Wairarapa and admire the hills of vineyards and olives that characterize the region.
Things to do in Christchurch
If you didn’t have time to see much of Christchurch at the start of your trip, now is a good time catch that up.
Some fun things to do in Christchurch include:
- Walk in the Botanical Gardens
- Ride one of the iconic trams
- Explore the beautiful Hagley Park
- Visit the Canterbury Museum
- Play at Margaret Mahy Playground
- Buy some souvenirs before heading home!
Driving from Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
Drive time: 1 hr 45 mins
Distance: 134 km
Route: via State Hwy 7
Where to stay in Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH: Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: 39 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch 8542
Cost: Powered site from $70
Facilities: Modern facilities but this was the most expensive campsite of our entire trip.
Wrapping up our one week South Island New Zealand itinerary
There is a LOT to see in the South Island, and a week is not enough to see it all. It is however, a great way to trial a road trip by campervan and an easy way to get a taste of travel in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.
Read more about New Zealand
- Wairere Falls Track: North Islands tallest waterfall.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track in Wanaka with kids.
- The Hooker Valley Track: Is this New Zealand’s best family day walk?
- An epic South Island road trip: 25 campsites we can recommend.
- 5 fun things to do in Russell with kids (even if the weather changes).
Have you been on a South Island Road trip? What else would you add to a one week South Island New Zealand itinerary?
