Campervan Hire and Motorhome Rentals New Zealand - easygo campers are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Picton

Driving in the South Island

The South Island.  It’s the rugged and beautiful chunk of land that’s unlike anywhere else on earth.  From North to South, East to West, there are sights to be discovered, locals to chat with and food and drink to be enjoyed.  Not to mention some the world’s best adrenalin activities to scare and excite you!

The best way to get around the South Island is undoubtedly with a motorhome.  It’s the perfect way to explore the Island and allows you to travel and explore on your own terms.  With a shower, toilet and fully equipped kitchen you can stop when you want to stop, eat and drink when you want to and sleep when you have to!

So what’s the best Road Trip in the South Island?  We can’t answer that as there’s too many to choose from and each is special for differing reasons.  We can suggest a few for you though:

Christchurch to Greymouth – Christchurch is a great starting point to many a good road trip.  The journey to Greymouth via Arthurs Pass is the classic East Coast to West Coast trip.  You’ll go from the flatlands of Canterbury to the ‘up and down’ ranges in no time.  There’s plenty of places to pull over and take a photo or enjoy a cuppa whilst taking in the scenery.

Wanaka to Franz Josef -  Heading past massive lakes with shimmering blue water, up through the Hasst Pass where you’ll be between coastline and mountains, this drive is one of the best in the world.  We recommend you stop in Haast for some fish and chips, at Knight Point Lookout for some photographs, before enjoying the evening alpine splendour of the uniquely charming Glacier Township of Franz Josef. 

Queenstown to Milford Sound – This trip will transport you from the adventure capital of the world to the tranquil surroundings of ‘another world’.  The perfect way to relax after scaring yourself senseless by jumping off of cliffs or bridges.......or just about anything else that is on offer in Queenstown (our tip: try the Shotover Canyon Swing for jumps with a difference).

Bluff to Balclutha – Sample the local delicacy (oysters – some of the worlds best) before heading through Invercargil and the Catlins before finishing in the town of Balclutha.  This is rugged Southern territory where you eat pies for breakfast and go shopping in Gum Boots.

Picton to Nelson – Head around the top of the South Island with some scenic drives that take in the wonderful Marlborough Sounds.  You’ll be able to find that special little place for a dip in the water before continuing to the sunshine capital of Nelson.  You’ll want to blend in with the locals in t-shirt, shorts and jandels and relax in town where good vibes are standard.

There’s heaps more to do and see!  And it’s all yours for less at the moment; check out our specials page to save on your South Island Road Trip this summer.