Trip Itinerary: 10-Day New Zealand, North of the South Island Road Trip
The top of the South Island is a magical place, filled with golden sand beaches, coastal fern forests, and seal and dolphin spotting. This route, oft over-shadowed by the ever-popular South Island Itinerary, is every bit as New Zealand-y, beautiful, and inspiring. While we’d love for you to explore both trips — and beyond! — if you’re a big fan of beaches and prefer coastal sunsets and sunny days to mountain sunrises and moody mornings, this is the trip for you.
Please note that DOC, the Department of Conservation, have recently added many campsites to their online bookable system. While this means it’s easier to plan ahead and secure a spot, it’s a deviation from the ‘first come, first served’ nature New Zealand has had for so long. If you’re dead set on a campsite or are confident in your route and timings, book ahead! Here’s the link to book DOC’s campsites, huts, and lodges.
A Few Things to Note About the South Island
South Island roads are different. You’ll see these signs, sponsored by the government transport agency NZTA, dotted around the South Island - but what do they mean? These ambiguous signs are meant to keep you alert and ready for anything - as South Island roads aren’t long, flat, and wide. Expect windy, mountain roads, blind corners, and one-way bridges on major highways. New Zealanders also drive on the left side of the road. Read more about driving in New Zealand here.
Don’t speed. Unlike other countries that allow a few kilometres over the speed limit, our officers are sticklers for the posted speed. Stick to the signs, pull over when safe if there’s a line of cars behind you, and stay alert.
Be prepared. Shops, especially those in rural areas, tend to close around 5pm-6pm. Be sure to stock up on any supplies in the morning to avoid running out. Also, keep in mind that there can be long, often mountainous expanses without a petrol station or supermarket in sight. Unlike other countries, there’s no roadside coffee every few kilometres to perk you up, so pack your own.
Cell phone reception can be spotty. Download crucial maps and directions while you still have cell reception. While coverage can be good near towns, it’s a safe bet that you’ll lose coverage in the mountains or remote locations.
If a sign says no freedom camping, they mean it. Each local government has its own rule about freedom camping. Some welcome freedom campers with open arms, providing designated parking spots and facilities, while others place a blanket ban on entire towns. It can sometimes be confusing to determine where freedom-camping is allowed, so if you’re unsure stop into the local i-Site or DOC office for some guidance. Or, download the app CamperMate, which provides maps of campsites complete with pictures, useful information, and user-generated tips and comments. Read more about camping in New Zealand here and freedom camping in New Zealand here.
Weather is unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience four seasons in a day in New Zealand. When you’re packing and planning your day’s activities, check your weather app frequently to make sure your plans match up with the forecast. Be sure to bring along plenty of layers (we’re suckers for merino base layers here) and a rain jacket for those unexpected showers.
Your North of the South Island 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch to KaikOura
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Powered site: Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park
Non-powered site: West End Carpark (right in town!!)
The South Island’s biggest city has made a comeback since the 2011 earthquakes, coming alive with a vibrant hospitality scene, beautiful parks, and great beaches. Pop into Christchurch’s CBD and stretch your legs around the Botanic Gardens before heading down to the Arts Centre. Pick up some lunch and a few special provisions for your journey at the local foods store, Frances Nation Grocer, or head further into town to shop around Riverside Market. Then, hit the road.
Kaikoura’s known for its stunning mountains-to-sea landscape and marine wildlife. Whale watching and dolphin-spotting abound here and the fresh seafood is pretty out of this world. The town is often covered in a bit of sea mist, giving it an enchanting look. It’s also an epic surf spot with multiple beaches for serious shredders. If you don’t ride yourself, pick a spot and watch — you might just see a surfer ride alongside dolphins.
What do to in Kaikoura
If you’re ready for a walk, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walk is a three hour ramble that wanders through historic pa (village) and whaling sites, as well as bird and seal colonies. If you’re looking for something more challenging, try Mt Fyffe, is an eight-hour return hike with a decent climb. It offers sweeping views of the Peninsula and a bit of snow if you go at the right time of year!
Sea kayaking and whale watching are popular activities in the town and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get up close and personal with the coast. You can find many companies that offer these services right in town.
If you’re thirsty, grab a locally made beer at Emporium Brewing. They also have a mini-golf course, in case you didn’t get enough activity through the day.
Day 2: Kaikoura to Marlborough Sounds
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Powered site: Momorangi Bay Campground (glow worms!)
Non-powered site: Nikau Cove (cosy and cute)
Your drive time is short today and you’ll follow a fair bit of the coast, so feel free to pull off and jump in! Marlborough Sounds offers an abundance of beachside campsites, most lacking reception, and untouched, otherworldly bush walks. Another great spot for fresh seafood, fill up on fish and chips here.
What to do in Marlborough Sounds
You can walk or bike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, a three-five day easy hiking track that wanders through lush coastal forests and coves.
Just swim. The way the Sounds are situated means there’s plenty of hidden coves and inlets with calm waters. Enjoy the fact that you can float, instead of thrashing against waves. Hopefully it’s warm, too.
Day 3: Marlborough Sounds to MArahau
Drive time: 3 hours
Powered site: The Barn (Good vibes, right next to the start of the Abel Tasman, and walking distance to a pub with live music)
Non-powered site: Marahau Beach Camp
Before you arrive, stop off at the Mapua Wharf, a cute wharf in a little township full of bistros, a brewery, wine shop, and more. Once settled, you’ll learn Marahau is the start of one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Abel Tasman.
What to do in Marahau
Walk or kayak the Abel Tasman. The whole thing is three-five days of walking one way, but you can easily walk or kayak portions of it and take a boat taxi back to camp at the end of the day.
If you want to stay more local, kayak to Split Apple Rock. It’s about a two hour kayak from the beach and there are plenty of companies in Marahau that offer guided or self-guided tours to the famous rock.
Day 4: MArahau to Wharariki
Drive time: 2 hours
Powered site: Wharariki Holiday Park
Non-powered site: none
You’ll be driving over the Takaka Hill today, an infamous stretch of road that’s windy and nausea-inducing if you get carsick easily. It’s beautiful, and relatively short, and what’s beyond the hill is well worth driving to. Here, you’ll be spoiled with more golden sand beaches that feel untouched and tiny townships with funky feels.
What to do in Wharariki:
Explore Wharariki Beach, a stunning, golden sand beach that feels like it’s at the end of the world. It’s also the location of a very popular Windows 10 screensaver. Once you’re there, you’ll walk through a bit of farmland and coastal bush before coming out to sand dunes and sculptured cliffs. There’s plenty of seals here, too, so bring a blanket and relax in the gorgeous setting.
Walk the Farewell Spit, a rugged coastline with hikes that lead to a lighthouse.
Day 5: Wharariki to TAkaka
Drive time: 1 hour
Powered site: Takaka Camping and Cabins
Non-powered site: Canaan Downs Campsite (DOC)
Takaka is a funky township with a focus on a slower lifestyle. You’d be remiss not to stop in and check out restaurants like The Wholemeal Café or Dada Manifestó. Then find your campsite and enjoy the lush surroundings.
What to do in Takaka:
Mussel Inn will be on your drive down to Takaka and it’s not to be missed. A brewery with a stunning courtyard, you’ll be lucky if there’s live music playing that night.
Walk Harwoods Hole Track, a 1.5-hour out and back that takes you to the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand.
Wander Te Waikoropupu Springs, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. A 45-minute loop offers easy viewing platforms of the crystal clear springs.
Day 6: TAkaka to St. Arnaud
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Powered site: Kerr Bay DOC Campsite
Non-powered site: Teetotal DOC Campsite (very nice with an easy walk into town)
Today you say goodbye to the golden sand beaches and start to head inland to St. Arnaud, the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park. Lakeside strolls, backcountry hikes, and serene views abound in this oft-missed national park.
What to do in St. Arnaud:
There’s a lot of walking to do in St. Arnaud, and something for every fitness level. Check DOC’s list of hikes here.
Be sure to get a photo of looking wistfully out at Lake Rotoiti on the jetty because if you don’t, did you even go?
Day 7: St. Arnaud to Punakaiki
Drive time: 2.75 hours
Powered site: Punakaiki Beach Camp
Non-powered site: Freedom camp spot from council — McMillan Road
Back to the coast today, but this time, it’s a bit more rugged! The drive to Punakaiki is an absolute stunner, following the Buller River to reach the West Coast’s dramatic coastlines, lush forests, and rich history. If you’re in for a detour, stop into Westport and enjoy a local beer at Shortjaw Brewery and walk the Cape Foulwind Walkway.
What to do in Punakaiki:
The crown jewel of Punakaiki is Pancake Rocks, a limestone landscape with pancake-like rock formations, blowholes, and a 20-minute walk around the tops to get a good view.
Paparoa National Park is home to another Great Walk, the Paparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial, as well as plenty of other hikes with varying lengths and difficulties.
Day 8: Punakaiki to Reefton - through Greymouth
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Powered site: Reefton Domain Camp
Non-powered site: Slab Hut Creek DOC Campsite
Head back inland to Reefton, an old gold rush town with a rich history. Heritage buildings line the streets downtown and sit alongside the Inangahua River, nestled in between two mountain ranges. There’s plenty of hiking and mountain biking tracks here, with local pubs ready to fuel your belly with hearty meals after a long day of exploring.
What to do in Reefton:
Take a day trip to the ghost town of Waiuta, a former gold mining haven and walk the many tracks in the old township.
Book a tour and gin tasting at famed Reefton Distillery.
Day 9: Reefton to Mauria Springs
Drive time: 45 minutes
Unpowered site: Just treat yourself and stay at the Springs.
Finally, a day of true relaxation. You’ll drive through the Lewis Pass to reach Mauria Hot Springs, a natural hot springs, day spa, and wellness centre nestled into the mountains. They offer unpowered sites with access to their facilities and packages for massages, dining, and more. While it can feel pricey, it’s a great way to end the trip.
What to do in Mauria Springs:
Relax and luxuriate in the multiple hot pools and saunas
Day 10: Mauria Springs to Christchurch
Drive time: 2.5 hours
After your day of pampering, you’ll head back into the city to end your trip. If you’re feeling like you want to squeeze in one more stop, head to North Canterbury for a bit of wine tasting at the Boneline, which also has a 45-minute walk around the vines on-site. If that’s not enough, be sure to check out Terrace Edge Vineyard and George’s Road Wines on the same road. Souvenirs for all those back home, perhaps?
If you’re ready to book your self-contained campervan for your South Island New Zealand road trip, we want to hear from you! You can check out all of our available vans here, or get in touch so we can help you find the best van for you.
Words by Ashlyn Oswalt. Images by Julie Gursha
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