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The ultimate South Island road trip- in a camper van

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Embark on a journey like no other as we guide you through the enchanting landscapes, hidden gems and captivating experiences of a South Island road trip in New Zealand. Buckle up, hit the open road and get ready to discover the wonders that await you.

We knew New Zealand was beautiful but its raw beauty has far exceeded our expectations. The South Islands majestic landscapes offers awe and a great deal of adventure. If you were to mix the landscapes of Slovenia, Norway and Iceland all together, than that’s what you could expect New Zealand to look like. New Zealand has wowed us in so may ways. We have driven though vast snow capped mountains and across sweeping planes. Woken up to turquoise blue lakes and sparking glaciers. Cruised through fiords and hiked up mountainsides to admire the sunrise.

Here is a summary of our 10 day South Island road trip including the best way to travel around the South Island in a camper van. We also mention our favourite camping spots, the best places to visit and our cost breakdown. Along with plenty of photos and tips to make your holiday enjoyable and stress free.

Check out our New Zealand vlog below.

Best way to travel around on South Island road trip?

For the ultimate South Island road trip, consider renting a camper van. It offers cost-effectiveness, unmatched freedom and the flexibility to wake up to stunning mountainscapes while enjoying breakfast at your own pace. New Zealand offers numerous camper van options and choosing the right one can be time consuming.

We opted for the Vista 2 camper van, perfectly suited for two. It featured a spacious double bed at the rear with ample cupboard space, a bathroom with a sliding toilet for added convenience, and a versatile kitchen setup complete with a 2-cooker gas stove, cookware, and tableware. The driver and passenger chairs could swivel 180 degrees to face the dining area.

What truly set it apart were the thoughtful additions: a gas heating system for warmth and hot water, blinds on every window (including the front windscreen) for privacy, a dual battery system that allowed us to charge our camera gear while on the go and the freedom to enjoy 2-3 days of off-grid camping before needing to recharge at a campsite. Wilderness Vans stood out as the only option we found with these exceptional features.

To secure your camper van and travel New Zealands South Island the best way possible, book through Wilderness NZ HERE.

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Best travel App’s to use on a South Island road trip?

New Zealand’s unmatched natural beauty beckons camper van enthusiasts. However, finding campgrounds, particularly for ‘freedom camping,’ can be challenging. In remote, internet-free areas, navigation becomes tricky. For a worry-free South Island road trip, we’ve curated a list of top offline maps to keep you on track.

CamperMate: This app is your ultimate travel companion, offering a wealth of offline information, including maps, campsites, rest areas, amenities, holiday parks, and public toilets.

Maps.Me: Enjoy the convenience of this free app that allows you to download maps with wifi and use them offline, ensuring you’re never stranded without navigation. Easily drop pins, map routes, and access detailed information on landmarks and routes for both driving and walking.

Rankerz Camping NZ: The official New Zealand camping app, Rankerz Camping NZ, is your go-to resource for individual campsite details. It distinguishes between campsite costs, marking them in purple, and free campsites in green. Explore reviews and discover hidden gems with stunning views. Plus, you can even book campsites directly through the app. User-generated content, including photos and reviews, enhances the camping experience.

These apps are your trusty companions for a seamless and enjoyable camper van journey through Australia and New Zealand.

Pins saved on Maps.Me app

Cost breakdown of our South Island 10 day road trip (AUD)

Camper van hire – Vista 2 – 10 days @$85.00 per day = $850, Road user charges (diesel km surcharge) = $173.64

Flights – $744 AUD pp return from Perth. Flying with Qantas.

Groceries – $240 – we did an initial food Shop at Countdown in Christchurch. Thereafter we only shopped at small local supermarkets whist on the road.

Eating Out –$200 -We cooked most of our own food in the camper van but we did treat ourselves dining out with friends and having a few drinks. We also picked up some snacks along the way.

Tours – $55 pp Milford Sound tour, $110 pp Cardrona ski passes, KJet boat tour $120 pp = $570

Petrol – $380 (2300 km)

Camp sites – $232- 5 nights powered paid sites (mostly to charge equipment, re charge the vans batteries and wash clothes. 4 nights freedom camping.

Sim Cards – $48 pp ( Purchased 6GB sim cards at Christchurch airport)

Total cost of trip for 2 people- $4,229

Total cost per person (including flights) – $2,114

This is just a price break down for our trip. You can definitely do it much cheaper excluding tours, dining out and skiing. If you want to spend more you can include activities such as bungee jumping, helicopter tours and luxurious scenic tours. The most expensive activities we did were tours and skiing. But whats a trip to New Zealand without having some fun right?

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10 day South Island Road trip starts now

Day 1) Arrive in Christchurch, pick up camper van and make way to Lake Pukaki.

Upon landing in Christchurch, our South Island road trip adventure began with a seamless airport pickup arranged through Wilderness NZ, just a short 10-minute ride from the terminal. The check-in process was swift and we received a thorough van orientation. To stock up on food there is a COUNTDOWN (Woolies in Australia) just down the road from where you pick up the van. Here you will need to grab plenty of water and food for the trip.

What truly impressed us about Wilderness NZ was their food bank initiative, which reduces food waste. Travelers embarking on their South Island road trip can access free, still-edible items from this thoughtful resource. We discovered vegetables, oats, rubbish bags, tea, and coffee among the treasures.

With our cozy mobile abode settled in, our first destination was an overnight freedom camping spot near the captivating Lake Pukaki. This turquoise jewel, nestled at the foot of New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook, served as the backdrop for ‘Lake-town’ in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’ The 2.5-hour drive to Lake Pukaki was a sight to behold.

Where to stay in Lake Pukaki?

There is a freedom camp site called The Pines, that over looks Lake Pukaki. If you head down Hayman Road continue down the road past the power lines there is a more secluded camp site. This is where we stopped for there night. When we arrived It was quite dark so we couldn’t see the lake. When we woke up in the morning for sunrise we were just in awe.

Lake Pukaki for sunrise
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Lake Pukaki

Day 2) See Mount Cook & Queenstown.

Embark on an unforgettable South Island road trip with a sunrise spectacle at Lake Pukaki. The morning paints the sky in shades of pink, casting mesmerizing reflections on the tranquil waters. After a hearty breakfast, follow the road westward along Lake Pukaki, leading you to the renowned Mount Cook road. This scenic route offers continuous vistas of the lake, with ample opportunities to pull over and capture stunning photos.

Your journey continues to Tasman Lake, a proglacial wonder formed by the retreating Tasman Glacier. While many opt for boat tours among the icebergs, we chose to explore on foot, taking in the breathtaking scenery. A brief 30-minute hike along a dirt track leads you to Tasman Lake, where marbled icebergs create a captivating sight. Don’t miss a stop at Lindill Pass, where a short walk to the hilltop reveals awe-inspiring mountain views.

In total, the drive with stops lasted approximately 3.5 hours, covering a distance of around 209 kilometers.

Where to stay in Queenstown?

We spent the night at Queenstown Lake View Holiday Park. The location is brilliant only 400 meters from the town centre, the mall, lake Wakatipu and the gondola. The facilities are excellent, spacious showers and toilets, shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

The powered site cost $50 and to book your spot click HERE.

Best places to eat in Queenstown?

You can not leave Queenstown without trying the famous Ferberger. We actually ate here twice. First opening in 2000, at peak times there is a line of up to 20 people waiting. For there vegans the Tempe tofu burger is delicious.

For amazing thai food we ate at Siagon Vietnamese. The prices are reasonably priced and the meals are big. There were many vegan options here too.

To finish the night head to Bunkers Bar. The bar is decorated with old James bond photos and memorabilia. The bar housed an open wood fire giving the room a warm cosy feel. There was also an outdoor eating area also.

For breakfast check out Yonder. We really wanted to go but didn’t get a chance but the food looks amazing and it was highly recommended to us.

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The Mount cook road with Mount Cook in the back ground
Tasman Lake

Day 3) Explore Queenstown & Wanaka.

Queenstown looks like a fairytale-like town with its magical ambiance framed by the breathtaking mountains and the stunning Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is a must visit on a South Island road trip.

Our day in Queenstown was filled with exploration and this adventure hub did not disappoint. The town is brimming with adrenaline-pumping activities. To satisfy our thirst for excitement, we ventured to the boardwalk and embarked on a thrilling K Jet speed boat ride.

The one-hour ticket cost $110 per person after a $10 discount. The speed boat tour delivered an adrenaline-packed 60-minute thrill ride, coursing down Lake Wakatipu and then across to Kararua River. It featured sharp turns, exhilarating close encounters with rocks and trees, all while treating us to mesmerizing mountain vistas and stunning scenery. Queenstown truly lived up to its reputation as an adventure seeker’s paradise on our South Island road trip.

To book your K Jet boat tickets online click HERE.

Arriving in Wanaka.

Around lunch we made the drive to Wanaka. This drive is truely something else and offers incredibly scenic and breath taking views, you will feel like you have stepped into a set of Lord of the rings. The drive via Cardrona takes you up the Crown Range mountains where you can pull over at several viewpoints for amazing photo opportunities. Be sure to take the sharp corners very slow around the 7 hairpin turns.

Wanaka is a smaller town compared to Queenstown but is still very beautiful. Wanaka lake is one of the nicest lakes in the South Island. You would have seen photos from the famous Wanaka Tree.

Where to stay in Wanaka?

Wanaka Lake View holiday park is only a short 5 minute walk from Lake Wanaka and the town centre. Powered sites are about $42 a night and the facilities were good with everything you need like big bathrooms, dining room with a TV and lounge, kitchen facilities, laundry ect.

To secure your spot at Wanaka Lake View holiday park click HERE.

Where to eat in Wanaka?

For good healthy meal options eat at Big Fig Wanaka. They have a buffet style restaurant where you can fill your plate with home cooked vegetables, meat, salads and rice options. A medium sized plate will cost you $19. The restaurant has a warm and comforting feel to it and so did the food. They also have amazing variety of home cooked sweets, slices and cakes. The vegan options are incredible.

After dinner we played a game of UNO in the van with our friends before having an early night. Me and Max were preparing for the 16km hike to Roys Peak for sunrise.

Before getting on the KJet boat
View of Queenstown
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Drone shot of Lake Wakatipu

Day 4) Hike Roys Peak for sunrise & snowboarding in Cardrona. 

Staying in Wanaka was a must for our South Island road trip, primarily to experience the breathtaking Roys Peak hike at sunrise. The allure of the views over Lake Wanaka had captivated us through photos and we were determined to be at the summit before daybreak. Our day began early, departing the caravan site at 3 am.

We commenced our Roys Peak hike at 3:30 am, starting from the parking area at the base of Roys Peak Mountain. This 16 km round-trip trek typically spans between 5 to 7 hours. The trail is well-maintained and easy to traverse, albeit on a steady incline. The ascent to Roys Peak reaches a remarkable 1300 meters, making it a must-do on any South Island road trip itinerary.

Hiking Roys Peak

Our brisk pace up the trail took just 2.5 hours, ensuring we were the first to reach the summit. Our early rise was richly rewarded with a vibrant sky painted in shades of red and pink. Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking sight awaited us – snow-capped mountains glistening in the distance. The ground was slippery with snow, necessitating cautious steps. Scarves and gloves proved invaluable against the biting cold.

For the best photo spot, no need to ascend all the way to the summit. Before reaching the top, a lookout sign points the way to the right, facing the lake. This spot offers stunning photo opportunities, particularly if you climb atop a mound for a unique perspective.

Our descent was swift, taking only 1.5 hours, as we had an exciting day of skiing ahead in Cardrona, prompting us to hasten our descent on our South Island road trip.

Skiing in Cardrona.

We embarked on a day of skiing at Cardrona Ski Resort with friends, marking my first-ever skiing experience, which turned out to be more challenging than expected.

The drive from Wanaka to Cardrona takes about 40 minutes. A day pass for the ski resort was priced at $110 NZ per person, available for purchase in Queenstown through tour operators or online.

Despite the incredible fun on the slopes with our friends, I would advise against a 16km hike in the morning. Our legs were sore for the following days.

Sunrise shot top of Roys Peak
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View from there very top of Roys Peak.
Photo from first look out at Roys Peak
Skiing with our friends at Cardona

Day 5) Drive through Fiordland National Park to Lake Gunn.

Start your drive to Milford Sound early as the scenic journey takes about 4-5 hours. To break up the drive, we opted to camp near Lake Gunn. For essential supplies like fuel and water be sure to stop in Te Anau. It’s the last opportunity to stock up on necessities before the extended drive to Milford Sound.

The drive through Fiordland National Park en route to Milford Sound is arguably as awe-inspiring as the destination itself. It stands out as one of the most captivating scenic drives we’ve ever experienced, despite its short 120 km length. This drive guided us through lush valleys and forests, along winding roads, up mountains and even through a tunnel.

Be sure to stop at Eglinton Valley, which is valley is a beloved spot for photographers, offering a captivating contrast between the dark, forest-clad hillside and the shimmering golden tussock backdrop.

Within the Eglinton Valley, a mere 5-minute drive from the previous stop, lies the renowned Mirror Lakes, celebrated for their scenic reflections. A well-marked boardwalk trail through native forest, spanning about 400 meters, leads from the roadside carpark to the lakes.

Lake Gunn – The vast mountains surrounding the deep blue waters of Lake Gunn are awe-inspiring. On a sunny summers day this place is packed with families who bring down there kayaks and canoes.

Where to stay?

We opted for freedom camping at Cascade Creek Camping, a small campground near Lake Gunn. The campsite boasts two toilets for convenience. The campground borders a small creek and offers a nature walk leading to Lake Gunn.

It’s important to note that there’s no phone reception throughout the national park and sandflies and midges can be quite bothersome, so ample insect repellent is advisable. To avoid their nuisance, we tried to minimize our time outside the van after parking.

Eglinton Valley
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Sunset over Lake Gunn
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Mirror Lake
Fiordland National Park

Day 6) Marian Lake hike & Milford Sound.

We set out for an early morning hike to Lake Marian, a long-anticipated adventure. Our day began at 6 am, with a short 20-minute drive to the hike’s starting point.

The Lake Marian hike covers approximately 10 km, with a round trip taking around 3 hours. After a brief 1 km drive along Hollyford Road, we reached the parking area and commenced our hike at around 6:45 am. Along the trail, we were treated to mesmerizing sights of waterfalls, streams, lush moss-covered forests and the stunning Lake Marian.

The hike itself is quite challenging, involving the use of hands and arms to navigate over trees and rocks. It primarily ascends through the jungle, leveling out as you approach the lake. Depending on the water level, you may need to step across rocks to reach the lake’s edge.

Upon reaching the lake, we were greeted with breathtaking views. Snow-capped mountains framed Lake Marian, creating a mirror-like reflection on the water’s surface. It was a rewarding sight after the hike and we cherished this hidden gem.

We spent approximately half an hour exploring the lake’s surroundings, soaking in the scenery and capturing photographs. When the sun appeared, it cast a brilliant glow on the mountainside, providing the perfect photo opportunity during our South Island road trip.

Milford Sound

No South Island road trip is complete without a visit to Milford Sound. This awe-inspiring natural wonder was sculpted by glaciers during the ice ages and stands as one of the South Island’s prime tourist destinations. We pre-booked a boat cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises the day before. The 2-hour boat cruise through the fjords cost $55 NZ per person. To book your tour online and in advance click HERE.

The cruise through Milford Sound left us speechless. Often dubbed the 8th wonder of the world, Milford Sound’s sheer magnitude and magnificence are undeniable. We lucked out with the weather, basking in sunshine without a drop of rain – quite a rarity, considering Milford Sound’s typical rainy climate.

The boat journey spanned the 16 km expanse of fiords, extending out into the Tasman Sea. We sailed up close to the stunning Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, catching glimpses of seals and dolphins along the way.

To make the most of the cruise, secure a seat at the back right of the boat’s lower deck. This offers the freedom to move around and capture shots from various angles. If you opt for a front seat, be prepared to get wet when the boat ventures beneath the waterfalls.

Milford itself is a quaint town, boasting just one cafe and two accommodation options. Free parking is available near the boat terminal. Beyond the cruise, there are other activities to enjoy around Milford Sound. Adventurous souls might consider sea kayaking, diving, or flightseeing tours.

For the golden hour, we embarked on a leisurely walk along the city center’s boardwalk. Starting from the Milford Sound car park, this short stroll meanders through beech forest and along the sandy foreshore. What an unforgettable day in Milford Sound during our South Island road trip.

Where to stay in Milford Sound?

In Milford Sound, there’s just one camper van site available: Milford Sound Lodge. Conveniently located a mere 2-minute drive from the township, it’s nestled amidst the towering peaks of Milford Sound.

A powered site costs $60 and for those who prefer not to cook, there’s an on-site restaurant near the reception area. The lodge’s facilities are impeccably maintained and contemporary. The toilets and showers are co-located within a private room, complete with heated towel racks.

** Please note: Milford Sound Lodge does not offer a dumping station or a water refill station for camper vans.

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Lake Marian
Waterfall in Milford Sound
Milford Sound
Waterfall at Miford Sound
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Milford Sound foreshore

Day 7)  Drive to the West Coast of South Island.

We embarked on an early morning journey, departing Milford around 6:30 am. Today’s drive was a substantial 6-hour-plus stretch as we headed back to Queenstown and onward to the West Coast near Franz Josef Glacier.

Our return route to Queenstown mirrored the one we had taken earlier. The advantage of a single access road from Queenstown to Milford is that you can catch any sights you might have missed on the way in. Although we had originally planned to do the Key Summit hike on this morning, inclement weather thwarted our hiking plans.

Pops view lookout

Instead, we opted for a stop at Pops View lookout. Pops View offers panoramic vistas of the fiords and Hollyford River. We took advantage of the breathtaking scene to capture a mesmerizing time-lapse of sun rays piercing through the clouds. There’s a convenient pull-over bay right next to the lookout.

We also embarked on a brief but scenic hike called The Chasm. This 20-minute loop leads you into the lush rainforest and unveils an awe-inspiring chasm. Over time, floodwater from the Cleddau River has sculpted potholes and waterfalls in the hard rock, creating a captivating display of nature’s handiwork.

Arrowtown

Our plan was to have lunch in Arrowtown before heading to the West Coast. Located just a quick 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is an absolute must-visit destination.

The moment you arrive in Arrowtown, you’re transported back in time, and it’s immediately clear why this charming town is so popular. Nestled beneath the stunning peaks that frame the sparkling Arrow River, it exudes a delightful gold rush village ambiance.

Buckingham Street lies at the heart of Arrowtown’s history, featuring a charming procession of small-town heritage buildings that extend into a tree-lined avenue adorned with quaint miners’ cottages, local shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to leisurely explore, savor some fine dining, indulge in shopping, and immerse yourself in Arrowtown’s vibrant heritage.

Where to eat in Arrowtown?

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at a cafe called Postmasters. If you go order the felafel bowl. The presentation was incredible and the salad and felafel’s were delicious. We also enjoyed a mulled wine in the sun.

After lunch we made our way back out and onto the west side of South Island. With only a few days left we wanted to get as close to the area of Franz Josef and Arthurs Pass as we could. The drive from Milford Sound to Franz Josef was going to be a long 8 hours. We had a remaining 4.5 hours left and it was already 2 pm. We decided that driving all the way to Franz Josef was going to be to far and it would be to dark so we found on CamperMate a freedom camp site in the town of Paringa. 1.5 hours before the town of Franz Josef.

Blue Pools

The drive from Arrowtown to Paringa is only 3.5 hours and on the way we stopped off at Blue Pools. This is one of our favourite short walks with two suspension bridges and turquoise blue water.

Nestled among mature beech forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River. The water comes down from the glaciers and is an amazing turquoise colour. In summer it would be a beautiful spot to sun bake on the rocks and go for a swim. The sand flies are really bad here so make sure to bring insect repellant.

If you love streams, mountains and camping check out our road trip guide to Slovenia.

Where to stay?

From the blue pools we still had 1.5 hours to drive before reaching the camp site in Paringa. We stopped at the town of Haast to re-fill the van with fuel..

The only freedom camp site around Paringa is at the back of Salmon Farm Cafe. When you drive in follow the sign that says camping allowed. The site is only a small gravel area where only 15 spots are available.

The camp site is next to a small creek so sand flies are really bad. There are toilets there but they were locked. The camp site is mainly used as late night stopping point for travellers passing through.

Arrowtown
Blues Pool
Swinging Bridge at Blues Pool

Day 8) Franz Josef Glacier & Arthurs Pass. 

Wake up early and make your way to Franz Josef stopping in at Bruces Bay Beach along the way.

The beach was strewn with striking, marble-colored pebbles. If you venture further down, you’ll find a convenient parking area where you can stop and stroll along the black sand. It’s a unique spot where the Rimu rainforest meets the sea, offering an enjoyable beach walk.

While en route to Franz Josef, you’ll also come across Fox Glacier. However, our research indicated that Franz Josef offered a superior glacier experience with a shorter hike. The town itself is incredibly charming and makes for a great place to stay.

Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier walk offers a leisurely 1.5-hour round trip to the glacier’s base from the car park. It’s a family-friendly, easy trail that meanders past a scenic waterfall on a wide river stone path. Unfortunately, due to significant recession, you can’t get too close to the glacier’s face anymore.

Originating in the lofty Southern Alps, the Franz Josef Glacier (known as Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere) gracefully descends into the lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park. This remarkable journey spans a height drop from 3,000m above sea level to 240m, covering an 11km distance and making it one of the country’s steepest glaciers.

Hokitika Gorge

A must-visit stop on your way to Arthurs Pass is Hokitika Gorge. This stunning location features two wooden suspension bridges that offer breathtaking views of the Hokitika River’s vibrant blue-green waters as it winds through the rock-walled gorge.

Starting from the car park, take a short walk through dense forest until you reach a viewing platform. Here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Hokitika Gorge and the lush Kowhitirangi farmland beyond.

For even more picturesque views further up the gorge, cross the swing bridge, turn left at the end, and continue along the track for another 200 meters through the bush. You’ll arrive at another viewing platform with stunning vistas of the gorge upstream of the bridge.

Keep in mind that you should bring insect repellent for this adventure, as pesky bugs can be quite persistent.

Where to stay?

We wanted to freedom camp near Arthurs Pass for the night to be close to a waterfall we wanted to hike to in the morning.

The drive to Avalanche Creek shelter campsite in Arthors Pass was still another 2 hours away. We didn’t arrive at the camp site until 9pm but there were plenty of spare spots available. The site is just a gravel car park but there is a old building that has kitchen facilities. There is one toilet at the site.

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Beach at Bruces Bay
Trail to Franz Josef Glacier
Trail Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika Gorge

Day 9) Devils Punchbowl Falls then back to Christchurch.

One of the South Island’s coolest bridges is the Otira Viaduct and there’s a lookout point that offers fantastic views of the bridge and the surrounding mountains. During our visit, it was raining, and the bridge was occasionally obscured by clouds. If you’re lucky, you might spot some Kea birds which often hang out in the area, making for great photos with the bridge in the background.

The viaduct bridge was completed in 1999 and spans 440 meters, carrying State Highway 73 over a stretch of unstable land. It replaced a narrow, winding and dangerous section of road prone to avalanches, slips, and closures.

Despite the persistent rain, we didn’t let it deter us from hiking to Devils Punchbowl Falls, one of the most visited waterfalls in Arthurs Pass. We were unprepared for its stunning beauty, which was the primary reason for our visit to Arthurs Pass.

The track is a short 1-hour return walk but quite steep. Starting from the car park at the hike’s beginning, follow the wide track and cross over a bridge spanning the rushing Bealey River. The track leads you up a series of moderate stairs before leveling out and leading to a misty platform lookout. The view of the 131-meter waterfall is truly spectacular. If you wish to get closer to the falls, you can climb under the platform and follow a small track upward. The rain and mist made it challenging to take photos but we used an umbrella to shield the lens.

Drive back to Christchurch

The drive back to Christchurch takes about 2 hours. Our flight to Perth was early the next morning, so we spent our last night at a popular campsite near the Wilderness depot.

The drive from Arthurs Pass to Christchurch is flatter and mainly features farmland. You’ll pass through the world-famous Castle Hill, known for its hundreds of weathered limestone boulders emerging from the tussocky Canterbury hills. From the roadside carpark, follow a track for a 10-minute walk to the conservation area, where the rocks rise from a collection of hilltops. What’s even more astonishing is that the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here, adding to the breathtaking and picturesque scenery.

Where to stay in Christchurch?

We didn’t freedom camp for our last night instead we booked a powered site at North South Holiday park which is conveniently located close to the airport. A powered site costs only $30. Here we were able to do all our washing, re fill the van with water and dump the waste and grey water.

Kea up at Otira viaduct lookout
Highland cow
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Devils punchbowl falls

Day 10) Drop off the van and say goodbye to the South Island.

Spend the last day by exploring Christchurch. For a delicious breakfast check out the 100% plant based cafe called Portershed. The food was delicious, we shared 3 meals between Max and myself. I ordered the french toast, Max ordered a burger ( He said the vegan burger was better than any other meat burger he has had) for the 3rd meal we had avo toast. The serving size was big and the effort put into presentation was out standing. The best breakfast we have had in a long time.

Our overall experience of the South Island!

This trip has just been truely an unforgettable one. We packed in as much as we could for our South Island road trip and recommend travelling around in a camper van. With the camper van we were able to see so much and being able to watch the sunrise over mountains from our bed is something you can’t get from a hotel.

Thank you for reading our blog about our 10 day South Island road trip. We hope this blog has inspired you to visit and can help you to plan your next trip.

Want to read more about incredible road trips through Australia? Visit our Australian road trips guides on The Blue MountainsWilson’s Promontory, Great Ocean RoadWestern Australia, Tasmania and Byron Bay.

Happy travels and if you enjoyed reading our blog don’t forget to PIN it!

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