The 9-day New Zealand South Island road trip you'll want to repeat

Ready to swap the daily grind for dramatic mountainscapes and glacial lakes? Join travel blogger Ashley Dobson who is back for her third New Zealand adventure. Ashley has spent 9 days exploring the beauty of the South Island, with an itinerary that brings her back time and time again - and not just because of the restaurant with the best garlic bread she’s ever had (more on that later).

For her most recent adventure, she started in Queenstown and set off for 9 days around the South Island. She hired an iconic Land Rover Defender through Camplify, Australia and New Zealand's largest van sharing platform, where you can hire thousands of RVs from local owners. We caught up with Ashley to get the lowdown on her adventure with Camplify and why this trip inspires her to return to New Zealand time and again. Stay tuned for the perfect roadmap for planning your 9 day South Island road trip.

There’s no shortage of stunning scenery everywhere you look in New Zealand.

Why the South Island keeps calling Ashley back

For Ashley, New Zealand's South Island holds a special, almost magnetic pull. Despite this being her third visit, she insists some places are just too beautiful to miss.

"I love the South Island. There's something about it that is just so magical... Even if I see the same thing over and over again, it's just so beautiful. You just want to keep going over and over,” she enthused.

The ease of travel also plays a part, calling the experience "kind of like a brother to Australia... it's an easier trip to do as an Australian."

Ashley was ready to roll for round three in Aotearoa!

The perfect RV to hire for your South Island road trip

For this trip, Ashley chose a different style of vehicle from her previous campervan adventures. She opted for a rugged Land Rover Defender, which she picked up in Queenstown.

"The last two times we did the South Island, we were actually in a campervan. So we wanted to do something a bit different” Ashley Shared. “The Land Rover is iconic. It's amazing. And it's

The set-up for this trip was intentionally basic, and made just for two: a comfortable queen bed in the back and a pull-out fridge and kitchen. It perfectly suited her desire for a more adventurous and remote travel style with her partner.

Basic, but perfect for adventure.

"I need a bed. I need cooking supplies. I need four-wheel drive aspect and good tires. That's it" Ashley recounted. “Very very basic, but it's so cool.”

Hiring their RV through Camplify was so easy. As Ashley said, “the whole process stress-free. So smooth, so easy. There was no issues at all... The meeting, the communication with the owner of the car, he was on top of everything.”

Navigating the wild weather of New Zealand’s West Coast

“New Zealand, it's still so beautiful when it's wet. It was really fun, but just be prepared.”

Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t bring out the best weather for Ashley during her trip, with heavy rains showering them almost the whole way through the road trip. Her advice? “Just embrace it… Just have fun with it. You should still go on the hikes.”

“As a photographer, it's a bit difficult because, sometimes you just can't bring the camera out, but that's okay. You just enjoy it. “

Hire Land Rover Defender on Camplify, and start your adventure today.

Be prepared for any type of weather:

Her top tip for navigating the west coast weather is to be prepared. “Bring your umbrella, bring a rain jacket, and still go out and go do things. Make sure to get the right waterproof clothing so you can go on the hikes. Wear your boots. Just don't let it stop you from actually enjoying the trip.”

Have a rough itinerary prepared:

She also recommends having a rough plan, but don't stick to it too strictly. Be ready to pivot based on the weather.

“Don’t have a full plan because things can change and weather can change, but have a rough idea.”

Ashley had a Google Map prepared, where she put pinpoints of where she wanted to go “and then you just don't have to follow a strict plan but you have an idea of where you want to go and which flow you want to travel. “

Finding freedom camping on the South Island

One of the great things about a New Zealand road trip is the abundance of freedom camping options, and Ashley took full advantage of this, meaning she “actually didn't have to pay for any camping at all. It's amazing. It makes it so easy."

For everything you need to know about freedom camping in New Zealand, read our complete guide.

Her secret weapon for finding these spots? The CamperMate app - a great tool for finding verified freedom camps and Department of Conservation campsites, along with public facilities.

“Every camp spot that we went to, there was a bathroom facility there. And with showers, we just went to laundromats where you can just pay with a $2 coin, so it's very easy to camp in New Zealand” Ashley shared.

Additionally, the owner of the land rover they hired was super helpful in recommending campsites.

“He was there to answer any of the questions. We were in particular interested in the camp sites… So he just confirmed that for us and gave us a few tips on where he would camp in certain areas and he was fantastic.”

Hire Land Rover Defender on Camplify and start your South Island adventure today.

The best places to put on your itinerary according to Ashley

Starting and ending in Queenstown, Ashley and her partner embarked on a loop that covered some of the South Island's most famous landmarks - spots that you need to add to your 9 day South Island itinerary ASAP.

While they didn’t get the ideal weather, there was nothing stopping Ashley from enjoying the journey.

“We were chasing the weather for most of the trip, but it was still great” Ashley shared.

 South Island weather can be unpredictable, make sure you take a look at our essential packing list before you head off on your New Zealand campervan adventure.

Before you start your trip: Ashley recommends to “be prepared if you are going to be cooking in the van.”

“Before you get to your destination, make sure you have your food list and you know what you want to cook. Have some easy camping meals in mind just so you're prepped and ready to go, then you don't have to stress about that when you're there.”

There are many grocery shops scattered around the South Island, but Ashley’s top tip is to shop in main cities, like Queenstown to avoid paying more for your groceries as they can be more expensive in smaller towns.

Queenstown

Even with a fully equipped kitchen in their Land Rover, Ashley couldn't resist diving into the culinary scene of Queenstown. As a hub of excellent restaurants and cozy cafes, this town is the perfect place to treat yourself.

Her favourite eateries included:

• The Cow: This was "the BEST Italian we have ever had and it was so good".

“The Cow has the best garlic bread I've ever had. I would go back to New Zealand just for that.” Ashley claimed

• Bella Cucina: Walk through the doors and be instantly warmed by the huge wood-fired oven and embraced by the wonderful aromas of Italian cuisine.

• Boat Shed Cafe: “In Queenstown, one of my favourite cafes is called the Boat Shed Cafe. It's right on the water. They have really good food, really good coffee, and you get a seat outside with the beautiful view of the lake” Ashley shared.

• Ferg Burger: An unmissable spot in Queenstown that’s famous for their gourmet burgers and long lines of people just itching to sink their teeth into one.

• Erik’s fish and chips: Stop in here for a classic Kiwi meal that’s “really really good” according to Ashley.

• Yonder: A lively cafe and bar known for its eclectic, globally-inspired menu.

• Tanoshi Iko: This is a fantastic spot for authentic, intimate Japanese dining.

• Mrs Ferg: Don’t miss Mrs Ferg, a local gelateria for the “best hot chocolate.”

Queenstown isn't just for thrills, it's a hub for food lovers too.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

After starting out in Queenstown, Ashley then headed to the Mount Cook area, where she hiked the Sealy Tarns Track (or the parts that weren't closed due to weather).

The hike, often called ''Stairway to Heaven’’, takes around 3 hours to complete with about 2,200 stairs to climb until you reach the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns.

There may be 2,200 stairs to endure, but trust us, the view is worth it.

Omarama

Driving through Lindis Pass, a picturesque mountain pass in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, their next stop was the stunning Omarama.

For an morning of relaxation, make sure to stop in at Hot Tubs Omarama to soak in the incredible scenes while relaxing a hot tub or sauna.

The Glacial Lakes

At just an hour’s drive from Omarama, Ashley’s next stop was the famous glacial lakes, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.

Known globally for their impossibly vivid turquoise waters and spectacular mountain backdrops, these lakes are an ideal destination for a scenic lunch stop or a refreshing hike through the Southern Alps.

If you’re planning to visit when the lupins are in bloom, the best time to visit Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo is from mid-to-late November through December.

Fox Glacier

Venturing further north, the journey led Ashley to the West Coast to witness the immense Fox Glacier and the renowned reflective beauty of Lake Matheson. The lake is famous for creating a perfect mirror image of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, which Ashley described as, “a beautiful lake with the reflections of the mountains.”

The renowned reflective beauty of Lake Matheson, where you can capture a perfect mirror image of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

Haast Pass and the Blue Pools

Driving south again through Haast Pass, the next stop was the unforgettable Blue Pools Track. This was a definite highlight where glacial meltwater creates impossibly clear, vibrant blue pools. Ashley even took a quick, freezing dip that took her breath away (literally).

“When we went, it actually wasn't blue because of all the rain, but it was still beautiful” Ashley shared.

Wanaka

From the blue pools, the trip continued to the stunning Wanaka region. This lakeside town is famous for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to adventure activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on Lake Wanaka.

While you’re here, don't miss a photo opportunity at the iconic Wanaka Tree, a solitary willow growing proudly from the lake itself.

Arrowtown

The charming and historic town of Arrowtown is a must-see. Steeped in gold rush history, it offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s past with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and picturesque river setting. It's the perfect place to stop, wander, and recharge before heading to the next town.

Or, as Ashley recommends, make a booking at Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen and enjoy some great food and wine.

Step back in time in the charming, historic gold rush town of Arrowtown.

Cardrona

Making their way back to Queenstown on the last leg of their journey, Ashley visited the Cardrona area, a major winter sports hub known for its ski fields. Even if you're not hitting the slopes, the region offers spectacular alpine scenery year-round.

“We didn't actually go snowboarding. Because I've never been snowboarding before, they said it wasn't recommended because it was snowing that much” Ashley recounted.

A hearty stop-off on the way back to Queenstown that’s perfect for a photo op.

Before you venture back towards Queenstown, Ashley recommends stopping at the historic Cardrona Hotel. It’s a fantastic, atmospheric spot for a hearty breakfast or dinner. "We had breakfast there. That was really good too,” Ashley recalled.

Glenorchy

The final stop on Ashley’s trip offered breathtaking views of mountains and lakes in Glenorchy. After a week of freedom camping in their Land Rover, Ashley and her partner treated themselves to a well-deserved night of luxury accommodation at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat before finally returning to Queenstown.

What to look for in the ideal South Island RV

Depending on the type of trip you’re planning will determine what to look for when searching for the perfect RV on Camplify. If you’re opting for an off-road adventure like Ashley, here’s some of her top recommendations:

Off-road capability

If remote exploration is your goal, look for a vehicle with genuine off-road capability. This gives you access to stunning, secluded spots often inaccessible to standard campers.

“For me, I like being off the track. So the capability of going off-road, was what the Defender was amazing for” Ashley recalled.

Alpine access

Planning on chasing that breathtaking mountain scenery? From Queenstown, many of the most scenic routes, like the famous Crown Range Road, take you to high elevations. 

The law often requires snow chains for two-wheel-drive vehicles, like most campervans and motorhomes, when accessing elevated or snow-prone roads. If you want hassle-free access to all the best spots, you have two choices:

1. Opt for a 4WD vehicle: If your dream itinerary involves off-the-beaten-path locations or high alpine passes, a robust 4WD camper, like a Land Rover, is your best bet for peace of mind.

2. See if the owner offers snow chains as an add-on: If you choose a 2WD van, confirm with the owner that they supply reliable snow chains and, ideally, show you how to fit them! Being unprepared could mean missing out on some of the most beautiful parts of your journey.

A fully equipped kitchen setup

With New Zealand’s unpredictable weather patterns, you’ll need to consider what type of kitchen setup is right for you.

Do you want a van that has an indoor kitchen so you can cook out of the weather? Or would you prefer to have a more compact setup that allows you to do all of the cooking outdoors?

Look for a van that has the type of cooking supplies you need included so you don’t have to worry about anything.

For Ashley it was great “to have good cooking supplies and being able to cook on the road. You can just be in the middle of nowhere and being able to cook, that's important for me.”

A certified self contained van

For the ultimate South Island road trip, the single most important box to tick is Certified Self-Contained status.

This is the golden ticket to unrestricted travel. New Zealand has strict "freedom camping" laws designed to protect its pristine environment, meaning that only certified vans are legally allowed to stay at most free or Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites.

Thankfully, Camplify has loads of self-contained RVs available to hire from local owners in Queenstown, making it easy to ensure your home-on-wheels is fully compliant and ready to roll.

Start your South Island Adventure today

Inspired by Ashley's epic South Island adventure? With thousands of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes available to hire from local owners across New Zealand, you can find the perfect home on wheels for your next road trip and explore all that the South Island has to offer.

Why wait? Find your ideal van today and transform Ashley's inspiration into your very own adventure.