Is this the best New Zealand South Island self-drive itinerary? - Part two

Welcome back to part two of our South Island self drive itinerary. I am going to be vain enough to say that our full South Island and North Island itinerary for New Zealand was damn-near perfect.

Did we manage to do everything we wanted? Haha, no! We didn't, but that means we get to go back one day and yes I have already planned the itinerary. Surprise Sam! Your "Type A Planning" wife has got it all sorted already!

So no, we didn't cover everything, but we were very happy with everything we did manage to do. So, let's crack on with the second part.

Oh, and if you haven't read Part 1, you can find it here.

Day 6 – Haast To Franz Josef

Date: Saturday 1st February

Distance: 145 km

Drive Time: 2 hrs

Camping: Rainforest Retreat

We set off from Haast for another gorgeous drive up the wild West Coast, where every turn seemed to reveal another jaw-dropping view. First stop: Ship Creek. A rugged, windswept stretch of sand scattered with driftwood and as wild as can be . The waves crashed hard against the shore, and the whole place had this haunting beauty that made it feel like we’d stumbled onto the edge of the world. There is also a looped walk inland you can take which we really enjoyed, looking at the beautiful trees and plants that New Zealand has to offer that you just won't see anywhere else.

We carried on up to Bruce Bay where stopped for a coffee at the Bruce Bay Coffee Cart (exceptional coffee) and I threw all caution to the wind (for my lactose intolerance) and bought one of the best cheese scones I have ever had in my life. Zero regrets!

From there, we kept going to Fox Glacier, where we laced up our boots for the Fox Glacier Walk. It's an easy 6km walk, the trail wound through dense, mossy forest before opening out to reveal the incredible sight of the glacier itself, a shimmering, icy giant nestled between dramatic cliffs. It’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Afterwards we drove the short distance over to Franz Josef and parked up at Rainforest Retreat, our home for the night. We made a walk into town and stopped by the West Coast Wildlife Centre which was a lovely change of pace. It was home to two Rowi kiwi, and learning about the conservation efforts for these little nocturnal legends was both fascinating and heart-warming. We saw two babies who had been rescued, incredibly cute but also such weird creatures! It’s a great stop if you want to understand a bit more about the wild side of New Zealand beyond the scenery, and the conservation efforts to protect both the kiwi's as well as their country.

Be sure to head into SnakeBite Brewery Restaurant for a drink. The craft beer scene in New Zealand is something else, and Sam loved trying some new ones. I stuck with my new obsession of alcoholic cloudy lemonade. Couldn't get enough of the stuff!

Back to the camper van we fired up the BBQ for a feast of steaks, crispy potatoes, and sesame coleslaw, paired perfectly with a beautiful New Zealand Pinot Noir from Tipping Point. Sitting outside, surrounded by rainforest, with the smell of dinner on the grill and a glass of red wine in hand, it was pure bliss.

Day 7 – Franz Josef to Murchison - also known as the day Sam jumped out of a plane from 18,000 feet

Date: Sunday 2nd February

Distance: 335km

Drive Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Camping: Riverside Holiday Park

It was a long day behind the wheel, but there was one thing on the agenda that made it all worthwhile.

First up: something Sam had been dreaming about for ages, a skydive. We had hoped to do it in Queenstown, but it was fully booked. Instead, he tracked down Skydive Franz, home to the highest jump in New Zealand, and booked a leap from 18,000 feet. I stayed safely on the ground, but watching him take the plunge? Absolutely epic. The adrenaline buzz was real.

Quite the look!

After his jump, still riding that high, I took over the driving and we covered a solid two hours of road.

We paused for the Tunnel Terrace Walk, a short 20-minute trek. The first tunnel was closed due to rockfalls, but the alternate path still gives a taste of these historic gold-mining tunnels. Once you pass through, the lush vegetation closes in around the track, creating a surprisingly shaded and peaceful little escape from the road.

Later, Sam swapped back to the driver’s seat and got us to Riverside Holiday Camp, a spot that perfectly captures why camping in New Zealand is so magical. Nestled right on the riverbank, we couldn’t resist a refreshing evening swim. There’s something about wild swimming here, the water, the scenery, the freedom, that feels completely unlike anywhere else. We loved every dip.

The evening wound down with a simple pasta dinner and games of Monopoly Deal and Rummikub, the perfect way to relax after a big day of adventure.

Day 8 – Murchison to the wine ... I mean Blenheim

Date: Monday 3rd February

Distance: 273 km total

Drive time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Camping: Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park

Today was mostly a travel day, but the scenery made every kilometre worthwhile, towering inland mountains and those dramatic valleys that make you stop just to stare.

We decided to do a hike Sam had mentioned, one he described as being by a lake.

Naturally, I imagined a gentle, flat stroll. Ha. Nope. Jokes on me. Never assume kids!

Turns out we were climbing a mountain. Mount Robert Circuit, all 9km (doesn't sound much) and 700 metres of elevation (also doesn't sound much). Various websites said it would take five hours. We did it in just over two. Not the toughest hike we’ve ever done, but let’s be honest, there were sections that were ridiculously steep and I was so thankful that we were going down those sections, not up!

Pro tip: start the circuit clockwise with north at the top of your map. The other way? You’ll be staring down (or should that be up) a near-vertical ascent from the very first step, and the poor souls we passed going that way looked like they were about to lose the will to live. The amount of times we were asked "is the top much further" was a little amusing.

After our sweaty mountain adventure, we headed to Blenheim. First stop was Pak'N'Save for some food. For anyone who loves a cookie, there is a brand called Cookie Time. You must buy them and try them, because they are so good! Also, they do a vegan one which doesn't taste vegan, so big old tick from me. I put about 10 in my bag to bring home with me. Second food recommendation, although technically it's a drink. L&P. You will thank me later!

After filling up on things other than cookies and L&P we checked in at Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park, our base for some serious vineyard hopping. Now, full disclosure, this campsite is… unusual. Let’s just say it’s tucked right under an overpass. Weird? Yes. Convenient? Surprisingly, yes.

We did a wash, had some dinner and slept!

Day 9 – Wine tour of Blenheim

Date: Tuesday 4th February

Camping: Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park

After a leisurely breakfast, a quick coffee, and gearing up for a day of adventure, we set off for Renwick and Blenheim, our mission: wine, wine, and more wine!

We’d booked with Wine Tours By Bike, and honestly, they exceeded every expectation. They picked us up from the campsite, transported us to the start point, and soon we were fully kitted out with bikes and helmets. The best touch? Each bike came with a bag specifically for carrying wine, a game changer. We opted for the 11:00 to 17:00 tour and managed to visit five distinct cellar doors. They provide a map to plan your route, but a little pre-trip plotting will save you time and make the day feel seamless.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the vineyards we visited:

Hanz Herzog: Truly unlike anything we’d tasted before. Bold, unique, and a bit outside your comfort zone. If you love discovering new wines, this one’s for you.

Rimapere: Classic New Zealand wines done perfectly. Their Sauvignon Blanc was so good we couldn’t resist buying a bottle.

No. 1: Sparkling wines with character, served by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable staff we met all day.

Wairau River: Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it. Gorgeous setting, gorgeous wines, a must-stop.

Forrest Wines: Our final stop was a real treat. The food was excellent, the wines delightful, and we had the pleasure of being served by Brigid, one of the owners, whose knowledge and generosity made the experience truly special.

Now, a slightly controversial opinion: if you’re a wine enthusiast like me (yup, WSET Level 1 certified and loving it), I encourage you to visit cellar doors you’ve never heard of, especially those run by families rather than massive conglomerates. Big brands make great wine, sure, but you can get that anywhere. Seek out hidden gems, taste something unique, and enjoy the personal touch of smaller, independent wineries.

Later in the afternoon, we met up with Ali and Chloe, fellow tour-goers from the UK, and spent hours chatting, laughing, and tasting wine together. One of my favourite parts of travel is meeting new people, and this afternoon was a perfect reminder of that.

As evening fell, we had a relaxing dinner to soak up all the day’s wine before an early night. Tomorrow would bring a very early start for the ferry to the North Island, so a bit of rest was well-earned.

Day 10 – Blenheim to Wellington via Picton Ferry

Date: Wednesday 5th February

Distance: ~125 km + 3.5 hr ferry

Morning: 07:45 Ferry from Picton

We were up bright and early for the ferry, driving down to Picton around 6:30 since check-in closes an hour before departure.

We went with Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries and booked a cabin, for a shower and just in case we wanted a nap. Check-in was smooth and quick, and soon we were parked on board and settling into our cabin. We didn’t end up sleeping, but the shower was a welcome touch.

Breakfast at the onboard café was a pleasant surprise, definitely a good start to the day.

As we floated past the scattered islands, the scenery was breath-taking: calm waters, moody grey skies, and that feeling of being suspended between worlds. Out in the Cook Strait, the waves picked up a little, and rounding the headland near Wellington turned the ride noticeably rougher. I’m prone to seasickness, so I was definitely feeling a touch queasy, but spotting a pod of dolphins more than made up for it. I got so excited I shouted across the restaurant, momentarily forgetting everyone else was there!

By 11:30 we docked in Wellington and drove straight into the city’s hustle and bustle, ready to dive into an afternoon of adventure.

And that’s where I’ll leave it for now, because next up was an epic Lord of the Rings-themed exploration that deserves its own story.

Final thoughts – The perfect New Zealand South Island route

Some friends of ours called the South Island “The Wow Island,” and they weren’t wrong. Words and photos alone can never capture its raw, untamed beauty. The island is elemental, almost primal, yet at the same time it radiates a quiet warmth, a sense of welcome that every inhabitant we met portrays.

A ten-day journey across New Zealand’s South Island is less a checklist of sights and more a full immersion into one of the world’s last truly untouched landscapes. Driving along roads whilst not seeing any sign of civilisation is such a rarity, and it was fascinating to experience. Towering peaks, crystalline lakes, hidden coves, and rugged coastlines unfold around every turn, each more breath-taking than the last.

Along the way, you’ll encounter locals whose generosity and kindness make every stop feel like coming home, and you’ll taste wines that could rival the very best on the planet. Whether your heart seeks adventure, stillness, or simply a moment to marvel at the artistry of nature, the South Island leaves you richer, inspired, and already yearning to return.

Helena

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