Hokitika to Queenstown Road Trip

Day 1: Hokitika to Franz Josef

Beginning in the coastal town of Hokitika, the beautiful views will amaze you upon arrival. With a Thrifty branch at Hokitika Airport, once you’ve grabbed your luggage, your rental car will be ready and waiting for your adventure across the South Island. Fuel your day with breakfast by the water’s edge. The Hoki Boatshed Cafe is a local favourite with a cosy vibe and wholesome food options. After a little morning exploration around Hokitika - don’t forget to check out the Craft Gallery, the ‘old fashioned lolly shop’ and the beach - it’s time to set off on your first stop towards Queenstown. Drive south for about 1.5 - 2 hours, roll the windows down and play your favourite tunes along the way. Once you arrive in Waiau / Franz Josef, you’ll see the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps surrounding the town, as well as the 10-kilometre-long glacier that the town is known for and named after. The most popular way to get up close to the famed glacier is on a guided heli hike or ice climb. Keep in mind, that this isn’t for the faint of heart! Bring along warm clothing and sunglasses and prepare for icy terrain. If you’re up to the challenge, a visit to the glacier is a bucket-list-worthy experience, offering stunning views and a thrilling adventure like no other. If you opt not to hike the glacier, don't worry! There are plenty of viewpoints and lookouts around town that give you astonishing views of the icy landmark. 

Day 2: Franz Josef to Wānaka

After a whirlwind day in Waiau, it’s time to hit the road and head towards Wānaka. Pop by the local convenience store to grab a coffee and some snacks for your road trip before departing and say goodbye to the scenic mountain views. Break up the 3 - 4 hour drive in your rental car with a stop at Te Kopi Kopiko O Te Waka / Fox Glacier viewpoint, about half an hour from Franz Josef, where you’ll get panoramic views of the icy blue landscape. Keen to stretch your legs? The Te Ara Kai Raumati / Lake Matheson track is also nearby, offering visitors a gentle walk around the lake with forest and mountain backdrops. After your drive to Wānaka, settle in at your accommodation and grab some lunch at Big Fig on the lakefront. If you’re craving another thrill, Wānaka has epic activities on offer, like skydiving and canyoning, to quench your thirst for adventure. The skydiving options available give you unbeatable views of the area’s stunning lakes, mountains and rivers from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet high. The beginner, intermediate and advanced canyon adventures are a great alternative if aerial activities aren’t your thing  - but pack a swimsuit!

Day 3: Wānaka to Queenstown

Before you farewell Wānaka, stroll the township and discover local haunts like the National Transport and Toy Museum and the Wānaka Lavender Farm. From here, Queenstown is just an hour's drive away! Once you’ve arrived in the country’s adventure capital, the opportunities for fun, exciting and unique experiences are endless. Embark on a journey through the Shotover Canyons with a ride on a jet boat, a tummy-sinking drop on the world’s number 1 canyon swing, race your travel buddies down the exhilarating Luge track, or see live kiwi at the Kiwi Park. Whichever way you choose to spend your time in Queenstown, make the most of your time in Aotearoa / New Zealand’s number one adventure destination. As the sun begins to set, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Queenstown’s top restaurants. Flame Bar and Grill is a steak restaurant nestled on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, Blue Kanu offers Pacifica and Asian-style cuisine, while Public Kitchen and Bar serves up traditional NZ dishes. If you’re looking to keep the night going after dinner, there are a ton of bars and pubs in the city centre, offering a taste of local nightlife. Always remember to assign a designated driver when indulging in alcohol on your road trip.

Day 4: In and Around Queenstown

Once you’ve explored Queenstown, head on a scenic drive to the town of Glenorchy - about 45 minutes away. Spend your last day on the South Island hand-feeding a range of friendly animals at the Glenorchy Animal Experience, strolling the Lagoon Boardwalk for moments of reflection and insta-worthy photos, or admiring the view from Isengard Lookout - because you can’t holiday to the South Island without visiting at least one Lord Of The Rings filming locations. Head to Glenorchy Hotel for a gourmet dining experience and try out some of the region’s acclaimed wines or beers before driving back to Queenstown. Always appoint a designated driver when drinking alcohol during your holiday. As your epic journey across the South Island comes to an end, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lakefront and watch the sunset on the horizon as you bid farewell to Queenstown.

From thrilling activities to delicious eats, a road trip from Hokitika to Tāhuna offers the best adventure among dramatic landscapes on the South Island.