12-Day South Island Roadtrip: Christchurch to Queenstown via the Catlins
Road tripping is by far the absolute best way to experience the South Island of New Zealand. While the iconic alpine passes and turquoise lakes get a lot of love, heading south off the beaten track down the wild coastal stretches of the Catlins delivers a classic Kiwi campervan journey like no other. From windswept rugged coastlines to hidden waterfalls and likely seal encounters, this 12-day self-drive route from Christchurch to Queenstown takes you through the very best of Te Wai Pounamu. Buckle up, pack your layers, and get ready for the ultimate South Island campervan itinerary.
The Ultimate 12-Day Christchurch to Queenstown Itinerary
Pick up your Parker Campers van in Christchurch and set off across the Canterbury plains toward Mackenzie Country. As you climb into the high country, the dramatic turquoise waters of Lake Tekapō will welcome you.
What to do:
Mt John Summit Drive: Take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the basin’s vivid glacial lakes. Enjoy a coffee at the Astro Café at the top. It’s possible to walk to the summit, but we recommend driving and strolling along the trails at the top. Note, the road is private so there’s an $8 fee to enter.
Stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve: Lake Tekapō sits in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Book an evening tour at Mt John Observatory or soak in the hot pools under a blanket of southern stars.
Day 2: Lake Tekapō to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
Drive along the edge of Lake Pūkaki—with Aoraki / Mt Cook looming dramatically on the horizon—into the heart of New Zealand’s highest national park.
What to do:
Hooker Valley Track: One of New Zealand’s greatest short walks, this 10km return walk featuring three swing bridges, glacial rivers, and stunning alpine vistas, ending at an iceberg-filled lake right under Aoraki.
Sealy Tarns Track: Known as the 'stairway to heaven,' this steep track climbs 2,200 steps up to freshwater tarns for expansive views of the valley. It’s a leg burner, and will take you 3-4 hours, so be sure to allot enough time.
Leave the mountains behind as you trace the Waitaki River valley toward the East Coast.
What to do:
Lake Benmore: Stop off at Lake Benmore for a quick stretch, picnic, or walk along the dam to view the pristine hydro-lakes.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony: Arrive in Oamaru by late afternoon. Head down to the harbor at dusk to watch the world’s smallest penguins—Kororā (Little Blue Penguins)—waddle up the shore after a long day fishing at sea.
Enjoy a Belgian brew at Craftworks: a nano, Belgian-style brewery that makes beers on-site, by hand, in the heritage precinct.
Spend the morning exploring Oamaru’s charming coastal heritage before heading south along the Pacific coast toward Dunedin.
What to do:
Oamaru Heritage Precinct & Steampunk HQ: Stroll through Victorian limestone streets packed with artisan shops, then dive into the retro-futuristic world of Steampunk HQ.
Royal Albatross Colony (Harington Point): Drive along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Harington Point—the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world.
Before leaving Dunedin, check out one of coastal Otago’s most spectacular geology features, then enter the wild, untamed region known as The Catlins.
What to do:
Tunnel Beach: Take a short, steep walk down a hand-carved rock tunnel to a secluded beach framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs and sea arches.
Nugget Point Lighthouse: Arrive at Kaka Point and walk out to Tokata (Nugget Point Lighthouse). Watching the waves crash over the wave-carved rock islets from the lighthouse cliff is an unforgettable sight.
Wake up early for an East Coast sunrise before driving deep into coastal rainforests and chasing hidden waterfalls.
What to do:
Sunrise at Kaka Point: Catch the golden light breaking over the ocean from the headland.
Purakaunui Falls: Take a short 20-minute bush walk to one of New Zealand’s most photographed, multi-tiered waterfalls.
Cathedral Caves: Check the tide times carefully (accessible only 2 hours either side of low tide!) to walk through these massive, 30-metre-high sea caves carved into the cliffs.
McLean Falls: A stunning 40-minute return walk through lush podocarp forest to a cascading 22-metre waterfall tucked inside the Catlins Conservation Park.
Pro Tip: Got an extra couple of days up your sleeve? Catch the ferry across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Stewart Island / Rakiura for wild kiwi spotting, pristine coastline, and native bird sanctuaries!
Day 8: Invercargill to Te Anau
Drive Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Campsite Suggestion: Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park or Fiordland National Park Lodge
Head northwest into Fiordland territory via the scenic Southern Scenic Route.
What to do:
Gemstone Beach: Stop at Orepuki to forage along Gemstone Beach, famous for washed-up garnets, sapphires, and colorful jasper stones.
Clifden Limestone Caves: Bring a sturdy torch/headlamp and good shoes to explore these natural limestone cave systems (take extra care in wet weather!).
Te Anau Glowworm Caves: Take an evening boat cruise across Lake Te Anau to enter underground limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of glowing glowworms.
Day 9: Te Anau – Day Trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Drive Time: 4 hours return (excluding cruise and stops)
Drive the world-famous Milford Road (Highway 94), one of the most scenic alpine drives on earth, through glacier-carved valleys and roaring rivers into Milford Sound.
What to do:
Milford Road Scenic Stops: Stop at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel, and the Chasm along the way.
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise: Board a boat cruise to glide past towering peak walls, Mitre Peak, and pull directly underneath gushing waterfalls like Stirling Falls. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Day 10: Te Anau to Wānaka
Drive Time: 3 hours (if you didn’t camp in Milford)
Drive New Zealand’s highest paved main road—the Crown Range Road—stopping for stunning views across the Wakatipu Basin before dropping into Queenstown.
What to do:
Historic Arrowtown: Take a detour through Arrowtown to wander the historic gold-mining precinct, grab a pie from the Arrowtown Bakery, and stroll along the Arrow River.
Queenstown Essentials: Walk along the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, grab an iconic Fergburger, or ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak for epic luge rides and lake views.
Day 12: Queenstown
Drive Time: Varies (Local driving)
Spend your final day soaking up the excitement of New Zealand’s adventure capital before returning your campervan.
What to do:
Choose Your Adventure: Go jet boating through the Shotover Canyons, try bungy jumping at the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge (the birthplace of commercial bungy), or embark on a peaceful local walk along Bob's Cove.
Winery Tasting: Unwind in the nearby Gibbston Valley region, world-renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir.
Ready to Hit the Road?
There’s no better way to explore the South Island’s hidden corners than behind the wheel of a fully equipped campervan.
