The Best Places to Visit on a South Island Road Trip

Prepare to wander wide-eyed and discover new beauties on a road trip around New Zealand/Aotearoa’s South Island. Known as Te Waipounamu in Māori, South Island is a landscape brimming with picturesque valleys, lakes, mountains and glaciers—all of which are easily accessible from the road. To start your travels, pick up your rental car from any of the convenient Thrifty locations around the South Island, including one at Hokitika Airport, where you can begin your adventure. Then, all you need to do is strap on your seat belts, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Discover Paradise at Hokitika Gorge

A hidden gem nestled into the West Coast of the South Island, the town of Hokitika is an unmissable stop on your road tripping adventures. Bursting with history, the Cool Little Town (as it’s known by the locals), is a great spot to start your journey of exploration of Te Waipounamu. With heritage buildings and art galleries, as well as some insane wilderness experiences, this Cool Little Town delivers the best of both worlds to adventure-hunting travellers. And that’s not all! The worst-hidden secret of the town is almost too gorgeous to be believed—you’ll have to visit it for yourself. Only a thirty-minute drive from the centre of Hokitika town is the famous Hokitika Gorge. With a stunning slice of rainforest that surrounds the pristine turquoise waters of the gorge, this is the kind of road trip destination that you don’t want to forget your camera for. You can take a dip in the cool waters or bring a picnic to its shores, or even explore the surrounding wilderness on any of the walking tracks. Whatever you do, make sure to remember to pick your jaw up off the floor before you leave!

Embrace Adventure at Abel Tasman National Park

Head on up to the northern coast of South Island and discover New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman. But don’t be fooled by the size; big things come in small packages! Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect stop on your road tripping adventures to sit back, relax and appreciate one of the most peaceful beaches the South Island has to offer. A coastal paradise that divides the clear aqua of the sea and the lush green of the bush with the whitest sands you’ve ever seen, this national park is great for exploring both on foot and on water. Visitors can access the park from the towns of Mārahau and Kaiteriteri in the South, and from there you can park your car and jump on a water taxi to do some sightseeing from the boat. With the calm waters and picturesque views of the ocean and its enveloping landscape, kayaking is also a great activity to try when you visit Abel Tasman. Guided tours run from Marahau, Kaiteriteri and Golden Bay, and are the best way to experience the park and discover all the secrets that only the local experts know.

Marvel at Nelson Lakes National Park

Only a two-hour drive south from Abel Tasman National Park sits a landscape of rugged mountain peaks and unmissable glacial lakes. Nelson Lakes National Park is a great destination for the middle of your road trip, breaking up the coastal cities and towns with a slice of inland glory. The beginning of the great Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes has everything from stunning views to birdwatching, and is perfect for anyone wanting a taste of the most delicious South Island experience. St Arnaud is a cute town to stop in for a bite to eat or to stay the night, and acts as the entrance to the national park. From there, park your car and stretch those legs, because beauty awaits. Bring a picnic to indulge in once-in-a-lifetime views from the lake’s shores, and when you’re after a place to rest your legs, find a spot down the end of the pier to gaze out onto the beautiful landscapes that Nelson Lakes presents you.

Stumble upon Street Art in Christchurch

A road trip around the South Island isn’t complete without a stop in one of New Zealand’s most beloved cities. A great opportunity to explore some of the incredible local arts and culture that New Zealand is known for, Christchurch has a variety of galleries, theatres, restaurants and sightseeing adventures on offer. Jump aboard the Christchurch Tram and hear about the history of the city from the expert guides. Whilst the tram is perfect for learning more about Christchurch, it’s also a great way to travel through the city if you’ve left your rental car at your accommodation. But don’t just stop at the heritage buildings and historic monuments, because Christchurch is a city brimming with contemporary creative expression of life in New Zealand. Wander around the city and discover the plethora of street art and murals that make the city come alive. The perfect combination of the rich history of this Kiwi city and the modern cultures that make it what it is today, Christchurch is a great last stop for your road trip. What’s more, there are two handy Thrifty locations in Christchurch, Downtown and at the Airport, so dropping off your car at the end of your trip is super easy.

Wander through the South Island and marvel at these amazing experiences available in New Zealand on a trip that will have you reconnecting with nature and discovering new experiences.