🇳🇿 South Island Road Trip: From Christchurch to Queenstown and Beyond
After narrowly escaping the impending cyclone in Brisbane, Katy and I boarded an Air New Zealand flight to Christchurch. Due to limited award availability with Air New Zealand’s partner airlines, we opted to pay cash for this leg of the journey. We arrived at Christchurch Airport around 1 AM and were grateful to have booked the Novotel Christchurch Airport, conveniently located within the airport premises, allowing us to rest immediately upon arrival.
🚗 Starting the Road Trip: Christchurch to Dunedin
The next morning, I returned to the airport to pick up our rental car, booked through the Capital One Travel Portal. Opting for the rental company’s insurance provided peace of mind, especially since I would be driving on the left side of the road.
Our first stop was the Rakaia Gorge, a scenic spot I hadn’t visited before. While the river levels were low, the landscape was still captivating.
Continuing our journey, we headed towards Dunedin, making a notable stop at the Moeraki Boulders. These spherical stones, some up to two meters in diameter, are scattered along Koekohe Beach. According to Māori legend, they are the remains of eel baskets and gourds washed ashore from the wreck of the canoe Āraiteuru. Access to the beach is free, but there’s a $2 charge for the privately maintained walkway.
In Dunedin, we dined at Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza. Having missed it since our last visit to New Zealand, we were eager to try it again. However, it was pricier than expected and didn’t quite meet my memories.
Before settling in for the night, we visited Baldwin Street, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s steepest residential street.
Our accommodation for the night was the Longbourne Lodge Motel, priced at $95. Located in a serene area with minimal light pollution, it offered excellent stargazing opportunities. The availability of laundry facilities was an added bonus.
🌊 Exploring the Catlins: March 7th
Our day began with an attempt to visit Tunnel Beach, but unfortunately, it was closed. Undeterred, we proceeded to the Nugget Point Lighthouse, a location I hadn’t explored before. While we hoped to spot seals and penguins, the panoramic views of the cliffs and the distinctive “nugget” rocks were breathtaking.
Next, we visited the Purakaunui Falls, a picturesque waterfall accessible via a gentle hike.
Timing was on our side as we arrived at the Cathedral Caves. These impressive sea caves are only accessible during low tide. The entry fee is $15 per adult and $2 per child. The hike from the parking area to the caves takes approximately 45 minutes each way through coastal forest and beach.
For lunch, we stopped at the Whistling Frog Café, a popular spot among campervan travelers, offering hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
In the evening, we checked into our accommodation near Slope Point. After a brief rest, we ventured to Curio Bay in hopes of spotting dolphins, seals, and penguins. We were fortunate to see dolphins and a seal, but the penguins remained elusive.
🧭 Southernmost Point and a Special Moment: March 8th
The following morning, we visited Slope Point, the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. The site is accessible via a short walk across private farmland and is free to visit. Standing there, we were closer to the South Pole than the equator—a humbling experience.
Our journey continued to Invercargill, where Katy visited the southernmost Starbucks, and I took the opportunity to do some laundry.
We then drove to Manapouri, a tranquil town by the lake. As the sun set over the rocky shores of Lake Manapouri, I proposed to Katy. The serene setting made it a moment to cherish forever.
🚢 Doubtful Sound Adventure: March 9th
One of the highlights of our trip was the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise operated by RealNZ. Priced at NZD $349 per adult, the tour includes a boat ride across Lake Manapouri, a bus journey over Wilmot Pass, and a three-hour cruise through the pristine Doubtful Sound. The experience offers stunning views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to match. ViatorRealNZ
After the cruise, we made our way to Queenstown, arriving late and checking into the Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park. Located slightly outside the city center, it offers comfortable accommodations within walking distance to local attractions. We utilized our IHG points for the stay, saving approximately $300.
🚤 Thrills in Queenstown: March 10th
Our day began with the exhilarating Shotover Jet boat ride. Priced at NZD $169 per adult, this adventure takes you through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River at high speeds, offering adrenaline-pumping 360-degree spins and close encounters with the canyon walls.
Later, we visited the renowned Fergburger. Known for its gourmet burgers, the establishment often has long queues. Fortunately, we only waited 15 minutes. While the burger was delicious, I’m not sure it’s worth the typical hour-long wait.
🌌 Lake Tekapo and Culinary Delights: March 11th
We drove to Lake Tekapo, a picturesque town known for its turquoise lake and starry skies. We stayed at the Peppers Bluewater Resort, which, while offering stunning views, had thin walls that impacted our comfort.
A highlight of the day was visiting the Fairlie Bakehouse, renowned for its handcrafted meat pies. Their pork belly and apple sauce pie, topped with crackling, was exceptional. After savoring one, I couldn’t resist buying two more for the road. Wikipedia+1Tripadvisor+1Fairlie Bakehouse
🏙️ Christchurch and Reunion: March 12th
In Christchurch, we reunited with my classmate Ashton at the The Church Pub, enjoying pizza and local brews. We stayed at the Drifter Christchurch, which, despite its central location, had compact rooms that might not suit everyone’s preferences.
The next morning, I gave Katy a tour of the University of Canterbury campus and caught up with one of my professors from my master’s program.
✈️ Final Stop: Auckland and Farewell
Our journey concluded with a flight to Auckland, costing $136 per person, as award availability was scarce. We stayed at the luxurious Cordis Auckland, utilizing our Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts credit, which covered the stay and provided a $100 credit for dining and spa services.
That evening, we dined with my classmates Jonathan and Aditya at the hotel’s restaurant, reminiscing about old times.
Despite multiple attempts, I couldn’t secure business class award seats for our return to the U.S. However, we managed to book Delta economy tickets for $300 each, concluding our memorable journey.
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Always check the official websites for the most current information.
Cheers!