15 Day South Island Adventure

Pick up your motorhome and head straight for the Southern Alps. Cross the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo—famed for its milky-blue glacial waters and stargazing opportunities. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and unwind beneath the night sky. 

Wind your way through Mackenzie Country and over the hills to Dunedin. This heritage city blends Scottish charm with wildlife encounters and street art. A stop at Moeraki Boulders makes a perfect photo op along the way. 

Spend the day exploring at leisure—stroll the Otago Peninsula, visit Larnach Castle, or seek out yellow-eyed penguins and albatross. Dunedin’s urban edge meets rugged nature at every turn. 

Cross inland into Fiordland’s lake-dotted landscapes. Arrive in Te Anau, the peaceful gateway to Milford Sound. Stroll the lakefront, stock up on supplies, and settle in for the next two nights. 

Drive the breathtaking Milford Road to board your Milford Sound cruise. Waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and lush rainforest surround you. Return to Te Anau in time for dinner and lakeside reflection. 

Follow Lake Wakatipu’s winding edge into Queenstown. This alpine resort town is all energy and elegance—ride the Skyline Gondola, dine by the lake, or take a wine tasting tour nearby. 

Adventure or indulgence—it’s your call. Choose jet boating on the Shotover, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or a relaxed day at the spa. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Queenstown. 

Cross the iconic Crown Range and descend into the laid-back beauty of Wanaka. With its famous tree, lakefront cafes, and mountain backdrop, this is your moment to slow down and breathe in the scenery. 

A dramatic shift in landscape awaits as you travel over the Haast Pass. Waterfalls, blue pools, and dense rainforest line your path to the West Coast. Arrive in Franz Josef, where glaciers flow down into jungle. 

A full day to explore glacier country. Take a helicopter snow landing, soak in hot pools, or walk to the glacier terminal face. Franz Josef offers a rare and powerful mix of alpine wilderness and rainforest. 

Journey north along the rugged coastline. Stop at Lake Matheson for postcard reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook, then continue to Hokitika—famous for greenstone (pounamu), artisan galleries, and its wild West Coast sunsets. 

Cross the Lewis Pass into alpine country once again. Arrive in Hanmer Springs to relax in steaming thermal pools beneath the mountains—an ideal recharge after days on the road. 

Cruise back toward Christchurch through wine country. Consider a stop in Waipara for a winery lunch or stretch your legs in Amberley. Return to the city for your final two nights and a gentle landing. 

Spend the day exploring Christchurch’s renaissance—ride the historic tram, stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or visit the Riverside Market for fresh local flavours. 

Drop off your motorhome and reflect on the epic loop you’ve just completed—mountains, glaciers, fjords, and endless skies in just over two unforgettable weeks.