New Zealand’s South Island is what travel dreams are made of—snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and skies so clear you can see the Milky Way with your bare eyes. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip, this is it.
I started my adventure by flying into Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and the perfect hub for your journey. You can absolutely base yourself here and take chartered tours or buses to surrounding areas, but I chose to stay in each location I visited—and I highly recommend it. Queenstown is stunning in every season. Think golden fall leaves, wildflower-covered trails in summer, and snow-draped peaks in winter.
Start by heading up to the Skyline Gondola, one of Queenstown’s must-dos. You can ride the gondola, hike the Tiki Trail, try out the mountain bike tracks, zipline through the treetops, or simply soak it all in with a drink at the panoramic restaurant at the summit. The views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables are breathtaking.
But no trip is complete without a journey to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. This place is beyond unreal. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs that rise from the deep blue fiord, and if it rains (which it often does), the entire landscape comes alive with temporary waterfalls. You can take a boat tour, but kayaking is another level of immersion. I recommend staying a night in or near the park if possible. While shuttles are available, doing the scenic drive yourself and fitting in a short hike makes the experience that much richer.
After returning to Queenstown, carve out time to explore the nearby treasures. Kawarau Gorge offers jaw-dropping views (and maybe a bungee jump), while Arrowtown is a charming gold rush village, especially lovely in autumn. Don’t skip a wine tasting tour through the Central Otago region—the pinot noir here is world-class.
Next, drive north to Wānaka to visit the famous, Instagram-beloved Wānaka Tree standing solo in the lake. The town itself is insanely beautiful and surrounded by more jaw-dropping alpine scenery.
But the real show is further north: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. This place took my breath away. Base yourself in Twizel or Lake Tekapo, both of which offer jaw-dropping lake views (Lake Pukaki is a personal favorite). Dip your toes into the electric blue waters, stroll through wildflowers, and when night falls, look up. This region is part of a Dark Sky Reserve, and the stargazing is out of this world—you may even catch a glimpse of the southern lights if you time it right.
This road trip can be done in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your pace, but these highlights are my absolute must-sees. From the lush waterfalls of Fiordland to the mirror-like lakes of the Mackenzie Basin, the South Island is an adventure that never stops inspiring.
