New Zealand's South Island Road Trips

This is the Kaikoura Coast chapter from Lonely Planet’s New Zealand’s South Island Road Trips guidebook.

The inter-island ferry port of Picton and New Zealand’s southern capital, Christchurch, are linked by a scenic highway wending through pretty countryside and along the wild Pacific Coast.

• discover the fantastic food, wine and setting at the Pegasus Bay Winery
• pick the right route with inspirational images and key trip highlights
• absorb the stunning mountain backdrop and encounter marine-mammals on Kaikoura Coast
• get around easily with colour maps and route directions in easy stages
• explore the pretty waterside town Picton, a hub for Marlborough Sounds adventures
• discover even more with detours and ways to link your trips

Coverage includes: Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Gore Bay, Waipara Valley and Christchurch

This is the Milford Sound Majesty chapter from Lonely Planet’s New Zealand’s South Islands Road Trips guidebook.

Explore two totally different Southern Lakes resorts – thrilling Queenstown and tranquil Te Anau – before following New Zealand’s premier wilderness highway to majestic Milford Sound.

• fuel up with fabulous food and wine in the buzzing city of Queenstown
• pick the right route with inspirational images and key trip highlights
• marvel at the views across Fiordland from crazy Key Summit at The Divide
• get around easily with colour maps and route directions in easy stages
• gasp at the grandeur of Milford Sound and Eglington Valley in all its World Heritage glory
• discover even more with detours, and ways to link your trips

Coverage includes: Queenstown, Devil’s Staircase, Te Anau, Lake Mistletoe, Mackay Creek, Mavora Lakes, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn/Cascade Creek, The Divide, Homer Tunnel, Fiordland National Park, Chasm Creek and Milford Sound.

Start your planning here. We reveal the ultimate road-trip list for New Zealand’s South Island PLUS the highlights you’ll discover on the way and practical advice to kick-start your trip.

• road trip essentials: from hiring a car to road rules
• expert advice: discover even more with our city guides to Christchurch and Queenstown, plus practical need-to-know information

Coverage includes: Welcome to New Zealand’s South Island, New Zealand’s South Island Highlights, Christchurch City Guide, Queenstown City Guide, Need to Know, New Zealand Driving Guide and New Zealand’s South Island Travel Guide.

This is the Southern Alps Circuit chapter from Lonely Planet’s New Zealand’s South Island Road Trips guidebook.

See a stack of the South’s top sights on this trip along ceaselessly scenic alpine, Lakeland and rural highways, dotted with towns ranging from rustic Ross to racy Queenstown

• explore rugged mountains, braided rivers and great walks at Arthur’s Pass National Park
• pick the right route with inspirational images and key trip highlights
• hike amongst breath-taking glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peaks at Fox Glacier
• get around easily with colour maps and route directions in easy stages
• ski or snowboard your way down New Zealand’s finest ski fields on the South Island
• discover even more with detours and ways to link your trips

Coverage includes: Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass National Park, Hokitika, Ross, Māori Greenstone Routes, Fox Glacier, Ship Creek, Makarora, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park, Lake Tekapo, Geraldine, Methven and Rakaia Gorge.

This is the Sunshine & Wine chapter from Lonely Planet’s New Zealand’s South Island Road Trips guidebook.

This tour around the sunny top of the South Island serves up a seductive blend of wineries, alfresco dining and gentle leisure activities.

• explore the sun, sand, culture and artisanal markets at Nelson
• pick the right route with inspirational images and key trip highlights
• explore Marlborough’s ample winegrowing region
• get around easily with colour maps and route directions in easy stages
• board a boat and discover the scenic labyrinth of peaks, bays and watery reaches of the Marlborough Sounds
• discover even more with detours and ways to link your trips

Coverage includes: Marlborough Sounds, Picton, Havelock, Pelorus Bridge, Nelson, Waimea Estate, Upper Moutere, Motueka, Nelson Lakes National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Renwick and Blenheim.