Essential Tips for Planning Your South Island Road Trip

A Comprehensive Guide

A South Island, New Zealand road trip promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a breakdown of advice covering car rentals, accommodation, packing, driving regulations, and activities:

Car Rentals:

• Vehicle Choice:
  • Consider a 4WD if you plan on exploring remote areas or during winter.
  • For flexibility, a campervan or motorhome offers accommodation and transportation in one. Popular rental companies include Jucy, Maui, and Britz.
  • If your plan is to stay in hotels and motels, a standard car will be fine.
• Booking:
  • Book in advance, especially during peak season (December-February).
  • Compare prices from various rental companies.
  • Check insurance coverage and understand the terms and conditions.
• Driving Conditions:
  • New Zealand roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Accommodation:

• Variety:
  • The South Island offers a range of accommodation, from hotels and motels to campsites and holiday parks.
  • Consider staying in unique accommodations like farm stays or bed and breakfasts.
• Booking:
  • Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations like Queenstown and Franz Josef.
  • If you’re campervanning, research campsites and holiday parks along your route.
• Location:
  • Think about how long you will be in each location, and try to find lodging that is close to the activities you wish to engage in.

Packing:

• Layers:
  • New Zealand’s weather can change rapidly, so pack layers of clothing.
  • Include waterproof and windproof jackets.
• Essentials:
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Insect repellent.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • A good camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Campervan/Camping:
  • If camping, bring sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and any other camping essentials.

Driving Regulations:

• Left-Hand Driving:
  • Remember to drive on the left side of the road.
• Speed Limits:
  • Speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h).
  • Be aware of speed limit changes, especially in rural areas.
• Road Conditions:
  • Be prepared for winding roads, one-lane bridges, and gravel roads.
  • Allow plenty of time for travel, as driving times can be longer than expected.
• Driving Safety:
  • Take breaks regularly. New Zealand roads can be tiring.
  • Be aware of stock crossing roads, especially in rural areas.
  • Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s road rules before you travel.

Activities:

• Natural Wonders:
  • Visit Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for breathtaking fiord scenery.
  • Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for hiking and stunning mountain views.
  • See the glaciers on the West Coast, such as Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
  • Lake Tekapo for it’s amazing night sky’s.
• Adventure Activities:
  • Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating.
  • Go hiking and kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park.
• Wildlife Encounters:
  • Go whale watching in Kaikoura.
  • See penguins and seals in Dunedin and the Catlins.
• Scenic Drives:
  • The West Coast road is known for its dramatic coastal scenery.
  • The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is very beautiful.
• Other Activities:
  • Wine tasting in the Central Otago region.
  • Exploring the city of Christchurch.

Key Tips:

• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary based on weather conditions.
• Time: Allow plenty of time to explore the South Island. It’s larger than many people realize.
• Respect the Environment: New Zealand is known for its pristine environment. Practice responsible tourism.
• Stay connected: consider purchasing a local sim card, or making sure your phone has international roaming.