A trip to the south-island of New Zealand will be a satisfying one, especially if you choose to rent a motorhome hire and see as much as possible. Christchurch should, most definitely, be on your itinerary, but there are other places that you will want to see as well.
New Zealand’s north and south-island are both beautiful destinations, but we have a soft spot for the south island which is home to some of the best cities in the country.
To help you plan for a south-island road trip, following is a guide on what you should see, where to go, things to do, and how to make the best of your trip to Christchurch.
The Ideal Road Trip
The ideal road trip in New Zealand’s south-island would potentially start off at Christchurch. You want to get some of the best experiences “out of the way” and Christchurch is sure to be a place that you will love.
What to do in Christchurch
Christchurch is a unique and picturesque city that offers plenty in the way of both nature and things to do. You can tour the city on a bicycle or see it from a helicopter. While in this city, you should also take the time to learn about Maori culture and visit the gourmet restaurants in the area. More importantly, make sure that you take some time to visit the beaches, such as Sumner Beach or Tumbledown Bay.
While spending some days in Christchurch, consider take a quick detour over to Akaroa, where you can enjoy a unique experience of history, culture, harbour tours, and best of all, gourmet food.
After you have had your fill of Christchurch and its beauty, head on to an even more enticing destination, Lake Tekapo.
Flickr-Bernard Spragg
What to do and see in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is, without question, one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Whether you visit in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, you will always be blessed with amazing views. From the crystalline alpine water to the nearby glaciers, and of course, the Russel Lupines (in the spring!), this place is full of opportunity for social-media worthy photographs.
But, that’s not all that you came for, right? Lake Tekapo is also a great destination for a romantic getaway. Whether you rent lodgings or arrive in your motorhome hire, spending some time near the lake is what honeymoon dreams are made of.
If you want to enjoy some heart-pumping exercise, you can go hiking on local walking trails or even go mountain biking on the tracks near the lake. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Once you’ve had enough of this picturesque location, head on over to Wanaka.
What to do in Wanaka
As you can imagine, Wanaka is just as beautiful as anywhere else in New Zealand. It’s full of gorgeous scenery of mountains, the lake, and will provide you with plenty to explore. Whether you trek the area or go kayaking on the lake, staying in Wanaka for a day or two will provide you with plenty to see and do.
When you’re finished with your Wanaka exploration, head on over to Queenstown.