An 18-day South Island road trip in summer, just me, my four-year-old daughter, our dog, and our Hilux
If you’re dreaming of a South Island road trip with kids, travelling as a solo parent, or looking for a family-friendly New Zealand itinerary, this one’s for you.
North Island to Top of the South
Day 1 - 2: Tauranga → Wellington → ferry to Picton → Nelson
After an early ferry crossing, we drove through Havelock and the Queen Charlotte Sounds, stopping for a swim - a perfect welcome to the South Island. We stayed at a dog-friendly camp near Nelson sleeping in the back of the Hilux
Nelson Lakes, Rainbow Road & Hanmer Springs
Day 3 - 4: Nelson → St Arnaud → Hanmer Springs
St Arnaud felt like a hidden gem. We stayed at a dog-friendly DOC campsite, fed eels in the lake (a highlight for a four-year-old), and soaked up the South Island beauty
Driving through Rainbow Road to Hanmer Springs was an adventure in itself - remote, rugged, and unforgettable.
In Hanmer we:
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Explored the Redwood Forest
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Followed the Fairy Door Walk - a huge highlight for my 4 year old
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Spent hours at the Hanmer Springs pools - a must!
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Stayed in a cabin with no power at a dog-friendly campground (all our devices went flat but yay for an actual bed!)
Arthurs Pass to the Wild West Coast
Day 5 – 7: Hanmer → Arthurs Pass → West Coast → Haast
The drive through Arthurs Pass was breathtaking - Torrential rain, waterfalls, mountain views, and plenty of scenic stops.
On the West Coast:
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Stayed in a cosy Airbnb (power, an actual be and ensuite bathroom - luxury!)
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Visited Hokitika Tree Top Walk & Kiwi Centre (absolute highlight)
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Ice cream stop at Fox Glacier
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Braved the wind and camped in Haast at a dog friendly campground, sleeping in the back of the Hilux again
Wanaka, Cromwell & Central Otago
Day 8 – 11: Haast → Wanaka → Cromwell → Clyde → Central Otago
We stayed in an Airbnb in Clyde and explored at our own pace.
Highlights:
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Puzzling World, Wanaka
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Dinosaur Park, Wanaka
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Lavender Farm, Wanaka - huge hit with my daughter and me alike
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Plenty of river stops and open space with snowy mountains in the background
- Lots of cherries!
South Otago, Rainy Days & Mount Cook Magic
Day 12 – 14: Balclutha → Nugget Point → Waihola → Gore → Mount Cook
We saw sea lions near Nugget Point, stayed near Waihola and hit a stretch of rainy days:
- Skipping stones on the river in Gore (between showers of rain)
- Long drives and quiet conversations
Driving to Mount Cook via Danseys Pass was unforgettable. We slept in the back of the ute at a campsite on the lakes edge with an incredible view of the mountains. Mount Cook was a standout
Lake Tekapo, Fairlie & Christchurch
Day 14 – 15: Mount Cook → Lake Tekapo → Fairlie → Christchurch
A classic South Island day:
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Lake Tekapo blues
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Fairlie pies and playground stop
We explored:
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Akaroa & Lyttelton
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The Giant’s House (another highlight)
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Lighthouse
Kaikōura, Whales & City Highlights
Day 16 – 17: Christchurch → Kaikōura → Christchurch
Whale watching in Kaikōura was rough - literally. The sea was wild, everyone was sea sick… but seeing whales that close was unforgettable and 100% worth it.
Back in Christchurch:
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Antarctic Centre
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Margaret Mahy Playground
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Punting on the Avon River
City days after so much nature felt surprisingly special.
Final Days & The Journey Home
Day 18: Willowbank Wildlife Park → Picton → ferry → Tauranga
We visited Willowbank Animal Park, then headed back to Picton for one last campsite before crossing the ferry and driving all the way home.
Tired, salty, and full.
The South Island has a way of slowing you down and reminding you what matters. This trip wasn’t perfect - it was exhausting, real and grounding, and exactly what we needed!
If you’re considering a family road trip in the South Island, especially as a solo parent, I can’t recommend it enough.
Sometimes the road gives you more than a destination ever could.
