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!
Options for 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.
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
Deciding on an Itinerary
One thing I always tell people is to keep your schedule flexible. The best part about this loop is that it works perfectly in either direction, so you can play it by ear!
For our trip, we decided to high-tail it over to Hokitika first. The weather forecast was looking a bit dicey for the West Coast later in the week, and there was no way we were missing out on our beach time. As it turned out, the detour was a win—driving up into the hills over the Lewis Pass, the kids were treated to their very first snowfall experience! It was pure magic.
If you’re wondering where to squeeze in an extra day, I’d definitely suggest adding it to either Hokitika or Hanmer Springs. We spent two nights in Hanmer and it was the perfect pace for us.
Alternatively, if you’ve got a spare night at the start or end of your loop, do yourself a favor and head out to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. It’s just a short drive from Christchurch and honestly became one of our favorite spots of the whole journey. There really is so much to choose from!
Renting a Campervan in New Zealand
Aside from picking your route, choosing your wheels is probably the biggest decision you’ll make for your road trip. Trust us, it can make or break the vibe!
For our one-week adventure, we rented a 6-berth campervan through Britz. We timed it just at the start of the spring school holidays, which worked out perfectly. Not only did the weather play ball, but we managed to snag some great “shoulder season” specials that kept the budget in check.
If you’re looking to hire a campervan in NZ, these are the main players to check out:
- Britz & Maui: Great for larger, reliable motorhomes (Maui is the more “premium” version).
- Apollo & Mighty: Solid mid-range options for families.
- Jucy & Spaceship Rentals: Ideal for couples or solo travellers looking for smaller, nimble van conversions.
There are heaps of other local rental companies too, so it’s definitely worth shopping around and doing a bit of research before you hit “book.”
Where to Start and End?
In the South Island, Christchurch and Queenstown are your main hubs for pick-up and drop-off. You might find a few smaller outfits operating out of Nelson, but for the most choice, stick to the big two.
Because our One Week South Island Itinerary is designed as a loop, it makes things super easy. You can pick up and drop off your rental right in Christchurch, which is the South Island’s largest airport and usually has the best flight connections.
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. 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.
- 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: Arthurs Pass
- 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. Plus arriving from Christchurch in under four hours makes 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
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 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.
- 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 South Island
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
- 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. *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.
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, South Island
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 & 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!
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.
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.
Have you been on a South Island Road trip? What else would you add to a one week South Island New Zealand itinerary?
Read More From Travel in New Zealand
- Wairere Falls Track: North Islands Tallest Waterfall.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track In Wanaka.
- The Hooker Valley Track, South Island.
- One Week South Island Campervan Itinerary.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell, Bay Of Islands.
- 10 Day North Island Itinerary.
- Epic 7-, 14- Or 21- Day New Zealand Itinerary.
Travel Planning for New Zealand & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before further planning your one week South Island New Zealand itinerary!