Driving in the South Island

Have a piece of Aotearoa all to yourself by exploring the country by road. Every view is something remarkable when winding through mountain passes and sailing down remote coastal highways, with virtually endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Each road leads to a new and exciting world and let the choice be yours on where to go and how to get there, from self-driving adventures in campervans to iconic drives through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Driving in Campervans on the West Coast:

The West Coast of the South Island is a paradise for campervan enthusiasts, with its rugged coastline and remote areas of lush wilderness. Driving along the Great Coast Road, which stretches from Westport to Greymouth, offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, with plenty of opportunities to pull over and take in the scenery. Campervans provide the ultimate freedom to explore the region at your own pace. It’s also super easy to find camping sites and freedom camping spots all along the coast.

One of the highlights of driving on the West Coast is the common encounter with one-lane bridges, which feature greatly on the region’s rural roads. These narrow bridges span rivers and streams, providing access to remote communities and hidden valleys. Navigating these bridges requires patience and courtesy, as drivers take turns to cross and give way to oncoming traffic. While it may take some getting used to, these bridges can add to the sense of adventure on the West Coast as you venture through such remote areas.        

Driving Past Scenic Lakes on the West Coast:

As you journey south along the West Coast, you’ll come across some of New Zealand’s most scenic lakes. Lake Ianthe, Lake Mapourika, and Lake Moeraki are just a few to name that you may pass. You may even want to pull up for a spot of fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The mirror-like reflections of the mountains and forests in the still waters of these lakes will make it feel like you’ve stepped into a breathtaking photograph.

Vintage Cars Crossing Arthur’s Pass:

Crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass is a bucket-list experience for many visitors to the South Island. This scenic mountain pass features glorious peaks and gorges, lines of beech forest, and views at every turn to leave you stunned. Navigating these narrow roads of Arthur’s Pass, you may encounter vintage cars also making their careful way across the alpine landscape. These classic vehicles will add a touch of nostalgia to the journey if you have the joy of spotting one on your travels.

Tree-Clad Milford Road:

The journey to Milford Sound is one of the most iconic drives in New Zealand, and for good reason. The Milford Road winds its way through the heart of Fiordland National Park, a wonderland of rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls. The road is flanked by beech trees, their branches draped in moss and ferns, creating a magical tunnel of greenery. This will add to the feeling that you’re not just travelling to your next destination, but to another world. Along the way, it’s a good idea to schedule some stops at scenic viewpoints, hiking trails (if you’ve left enough time in your journey), and opportunities to spot native wildlife, including kea and takahe.

The Eglinton Valley to Milford Sound:

As you approach Milford Sound, the landscape opens up into the expanse of the Eglinton Valley. The valley stretches for miles, with vast views of the surrounding peaks. Driving through the Eglinton Valley is a key feature of driving the Milford Road, with golden tussock grass in starkly beautiful contrast with the dark hills lined with Beech trees. This is a great area to stop for a photo or just to soak in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park.

Driving Over the Crown Range:

The Crown Range Road is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, traversing the mountains between Queenstown and Wanaka. As you ascend to the summit of the Crown Range in your vehicle, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with Lake Wakatipu greeting you in the distance. The road is narrow and steep in places, with hairpin bends and sheer drop-offs making your journey all the more exciting. But the breathtaking views from the top make it all worthwhile, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the landscapes that define the South Island.

Safe Driving Tips

When driving a rental car in the South Island of New Zealand as a tourist, there are several important things to remember to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Drive on the Left: In New Zealand, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re from a country where driving is on the right, it may take some time to adjust. Always remember to stay on the left side of the road and yield to oncoming traffic when necessary.

Observe Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced in New Zealand and exceeding them can result in fines or penalties. Be sure to adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas, school zones, and on winding or narrow roads.

Follow Road Signs: Pay attention to road signs and markings, including speed limit signs, traffic signals, and directional signs. Road signs in New Zealand use standard international symbols, but it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with common road signs before setting out on your journey.

Stay Alert: New Zealand’s roads can be winding, narrow, and in some cases, challenging to navigate. Always stay alert and focused while driving, especially in rural areas where road conditions may vary. Watch out for wildlife, pedestrians, and cyclists, particularly on rural roads and in areas with dense vegetation.

Take Breaks: Driving long distances in unfamiliar terrain can be tiring, so be sure to take regular breaks to rest and stretch your legs. Many scenic rest areas and picnic spots are located along New Zealand’s highways and byways, providing chances to make the most of your journey and take in more locations.

Plan Your Route: Before setting out on your journey, plan your route carefully and familiarise yourself with the roads you’ll be traveling on. Use a GPS device or map to navigate and consider downloading offline maps or using a navigation app on your smartphone in case of limited connectivity.

Drive Safely in Rural Areas: Many of New Zealand’s most scenic destinations are located in remote rural areas, where road conditions may be less than ideal. Exercise caution when driving on gravel roads, and be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain, fog, and high winds.

Use Pull-Off Areas: When driving slower than the posted speed limit, use pull-off areas or designated passing lanes to allow faster-moving traffic to pass safely. Be courteous to other drivers and respect their right to travel at their own pace.

Know Emergency Numbers: In case of an emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Keep your cell phone charged and accessible while driving and be prepared to provide your location and details of the situation to emergency responders.

By keeping these tips in mind and driving responsibly, you can enjoy a safe and memorable New Zealand road trip. Make sure you savour the journey as you explore this beautiful corner of the world.

So, whether you’re looking to satiate your adventurous spirit or simply take some time out for yourself? Find yourself on the roads of the South Island of New Zealand. Every mile of road offers a completely different experience to the last. Whether travelling by car or caravan, there is no shortage of routes to keep you from wanting to come back again and again, with a new vista to behold each time and another hidden gem to tick off your list.