A Perfect Picton to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary (via the West Coast)

Planning a road trip from Picton to Queenstown, but don’t know which route to take? I’ve got a great itinerary here for you.

I live in Queenstown and travel up and down the South Island often. In this guide, I’m sharing an incredible 8-day road trip from Picton to Queenstown via the West Coast.

This route covers some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery in an efficient, jam-packed itinerary that’s ideal for either car or campervan travel.

Honestly, the landscapes along this road trip are so diverse; I doubt there’s another trip in the world quite like it!

You’ll get to experience golden beaches, lush rainforests, crackling glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and pristine alpine lakes, all in the span of just 8 days. 

I’ve got lots of tips in this guide to help you to make the most of your journey, including the best hikes, scenic stops, and where to eat and stay. 

So let’s get to it. Read on for the perfect Picton to Queenstown road trip itinerary!

FYI: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products & services I use, love & would recommend to a friend.

Picton to Queenstown Road Trip at a Glance

🗓 8 Days

🚙 Distance: approx. 1,168km (726 miles)

🛌 Where to Stay: Abel Tasman National Park, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Wanaka, & Queenstown

⭐️Trip Highlights: Golden-sand beaches, glaciers, alpine lakes, and mountains

Picton to Queenstown Road Trip Map

Where to Hire a Car or Campervan for your Picton to Queenstown Drive

🚙 Car Hire

I use Discover Cars to find car rentals in New Zealand. They make it easy by comparing prices on all the top car hire companies in NZ.

For a more specific suggestion, I recommend Apex Rentals. They often have the best prices around, and they’ll even pay for the vehicle ferry from the North Island to South Island (and vice versa!).

🚐 Campervan Hire

I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on New Zealand’s top campervan companies.

JUCY campervans are also a great choice for an NZ road trip. They have depots in Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown, and it’s easy to do one-way hires with them.

A couple of notes:

If you’re hiring a car or campervan from the North Island to take onto the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries, just make sure to read the fine print about whether or not you’re allowed to take the vehicle on the ferry. Some companies have restrictions around this.

There are no major campervan companies in either Wellington or Picton; if you plan to hire a campervan, I recommend starting your road trip in Auckland or Christchurch.

Picton to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary (via the West Coast)

Days 1 & 2: Abel Tasman National Park

🚙 Drive time from Picton to Abel Tasman National Park: 3 hr 10 min; 173km (107 miles) 

After crossing the Cook Strait on a 3.5-hour ferry ride from Wellington, you’ll reach Picton, the gateway to the South Island.

I recommend booking a morning ferry from Wellington to Picton, because this day is going to be packed with things to do and you’ll want as many daylight hours as possible.

When you arrive in Picton, visit the Picton Village Bakery for a snack (they have great pies, sandwiches, and sweet treats). Then it’s time to hit the road for Abel Tasman National Park!

Abel Tasman National Park is known for its calm turquoise waters, lush native forest, soft golden-sand beaches, and coastal hiking trails. 

On Day 1 of this itinerary, take your time stopping at some of the great spots along the drive from Picton to Abel Tasman National Park.

Then on Day 2, you’ll have the whole day to explore Abel Tasman National Park at your leisure (lucky you!).

📍Stops between Picton and Abel Tasman National Park

• Queen Charlotte Drive: This super-scenic drive hugs the coastline between Picton and Havelock. You’ll get gorgeous views of the Marlborough Sounds along the way. Don’t miss a stop at the Cullen Point Lookout!
  
  
• Havelock: Known as the “Greenshell Mussel Capital” of New Zealand, it would be a shame to pass by Havelock and not sample the local delicacy! Pop in for lunch at the Mussel Pot, where you can feast on a bowl of freshly-steamed mussels in your choice of sauce, with options like garlic, wine and herbs; or a coconutty Thai green curry.
  
  
• Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve: The gorgeous Pelorus River was used as a filming site in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug and is a perfect spot for a roadside picnic or refreshing dip. There’s also a fantastic DOC campsite here and some lovely short walks in the forest.
  
  
• Māpua: Māpua is a cute little wharfside town that’s well worth wandering through. Pop into the artisan shops and grab a craft beer and snack at Golden Bear Brewing.
  

Further reading: the best stops on the drive from Picton to Abel Tasman National Park

✅ Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park

• Day hike along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track! While the entire track takes several days to complete, you can do some awesome day hikes along portions of the trail. My favourite option is to take a one-way water taxi from Marahau to Anchorage Bay, then hike along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track back to Marahau. 
  
  
• Go kayaking! There are great options for kayak tours, or if you’re an experienced kayaker you can also book a freedom kayak rental (which is what I’ve done, and it’s a lot of fun).
  
  
• Visit Split Apple Rock. Most of the boat and kayak tours in Abel Tasman will go past Split Apple Rock. If you don’t catch a view of it from the water, though, then you can take the short trail to Split Apple Beach to view this famous rock formation.
  
  
• Hang out at Kaiteriteri Beach. The popular Kaiteriteri Beach has soft golden sand and is worth a visit—it’s one of the best beaches on the South Island!

🛌 Where to Stay in Abel Tasman National Park 

Mid-range $$ – Abel Tasman Lodge 

Peaceful and beautifully maintained, the Abel Tasman Lodge is just a short walk from the track entrance. I really love this family-run property and can’t recommend it enough!

Their chalets are modern and surrounded by gardens, with private decks and a communal guest kitchen. The hot tub is a real treat after a day of hiking in the national park.

Budget $ – The Barn Cabins & Camp

The Barn has a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and an unbeatable location just steps away from the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.

In addition to camping and glamping, they have cosy cabins here that make a great budget-friendly accommodation choice. My partner and I have stayed in their Double Cabins many times and I can’t fault them.

⛺️ Camping near Abel Tasman National Park

My camping recommendation is the same as above—camp at the Barn! Their shared facilities are awesome and the location really couldn’t be better.

Further reading: where to stay near Abel Tasman National Park

Day 3: Punakaiki

🚙 Drive time from Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki: 4 hr 45 min / 349km (217 miles)

On day 3 of your Picton to Queenstown road trip, it’s time to head for the West Coast. 

After experiencing the calm waters of Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast offers a dramatic contrast. 

While it’s equally beautiful in its own way, the West Coast is wild and rugged.

After leaving Marahau, grab breakfast at Toad Hall in Motueka and pick up some local produce from their shop to enjoy later, too!

Then it’s time to make your way to the wild West Coast.

Tip: There isn’t a supermarket at your next destination, Punakaiki. Nor are there many places to dine out in Punakaiki, so I recommend self-catering. If you need to, do a grocery top-up in Motueka before driving south towards Punakaiki.

📍Stops between Abel Tasman National Park and Punakaiki

• Nelson Lakes National Park: Take a detour to Nelson Lakes National Park to enjoy the fresh alpine air and scenery at picturesque Lake Rotoiti.
  
  Make sure to walk out on the Lake Rotoiti jetty for a photo-op, and to look for the massive long-fin eels lurking in the water below.
  
  
• Cape Foulwind Seal Colony: After leaving Nelson Lakes National Park, drive towards the West Coast, passing through Murchison and alongside the Buller River on the way.
  
  When you arrive at the coast, head up to Cape Foulwind for an opportunity to spot New Zealand fur seals.
  
  The seal colony here is most active between November and February.
  
  
• Enjoy the Scenic Drive to Punakaiki: The coastal drive between Westport and Punakaiki is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, and it gets progressively more stunning as you work your way south to Punakaiki.
  
  With incredible ocean views on one side, and cliffs studded with Nikau palm trees on the other, this drive is truly breathtaking. It’s a real highlight on this Picton to Queenstown road trip!

✅ Things to do in Punakaiki

• Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are the most famous attraction in Punakaiki and are a must-do when you’re here.
  
  These limestone rock formations resemble—you guessed it—stacks of pancakes! They’re quite remarkable to see.
  
  Along with the rocks are blowholes, which can be impressive if you time things right.
  
  To best experience the blowholes in action, visit the Pancake Rocks at high tide.

• Hike the Pororari River Track: The jungly walk along the Pororari River Track will make you feel like you’re in the Amazon. It’s such a unique place in New Zealand!
  
  A 1.5-hour out-and-back walk follows the tannin-stained Pororari River on a well-formed track in lush rainforest. You’ll spot lots of beautiful Nikau palms and can sometimes see kayakers in the river.

• Explore the Truman Track: Walk along the jungly Truman Track to a beautiful beach cove with a waterfall that drops onto the sand.
  
  The short walk to get there is a delight, with a lovely path that winds its way down to the beach through the rainforest.
  
  For the best result, visit the beach at low tide.

🛌 Where to Stay in Punakaiki

Mid-range to Luxury $$—$$$ – Hydrangea Cottages

Set amongst lush bush with sweeping ocean views, Hydrangea Cottages offer stylish, self-contained units that feel peaceful and private. 

The Rimu Cottage is a rustic, charming choice for couples in particular (the outdoor bath is heavenly!). 

For larger groups, I can recommend the luxurious Takutai House, located across the road from the cottages in a prime beachfront location. 

Mid-range $$ – Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

You simply can’t beat the location at the Scenic Hotel. This property is located right on the beach, making for some seriously epic sunset-viewing opportunities!

I find the rooms here to be a bit dated, if I’m being honest, but the oceanfront location makes it worth staying here. There’s also a restaurant onsite, which is a major bonus since dining options are limited in Punakaiki.

Budget $ – Punakaiki Beach Camp

The cabins at Punakaiki Beach Camp are a good option for budget travellers. I really love their Riverside Cabins, which have private decks surrounded by native bush. 

⛺️ Camping in Punakaiki

Punakaiki Beach Camp (same as above) is the only campground in Punakaiki, and it’s a goodie! It’s easily one of my favourite campgrounds in the South Island.

You’ll be mere steps away from a rugged West Coast Beach, making it easy to meander over from your campervan to the beach to watch the sunset.

Day 4: Franz Josef

🚙 Drive time from Punakaiki to Franz Josef (with detour to Hokitika Gorge): 3hr 40min; 277km (172 miles)

Before leaving Punakaiki, visit any of the Punakaiki attractions you didn’t have time for yesterday.

I recommend taking your time this morning to soak in the special scenery in Punakaiki. You won’t see anything else quite like it on this trip, or elsewhere in NZ!

Tip: There are two main places to grab groceries and petrol today: Greymouth or Hokitika. Out of these two places, I much prefer Hokitika.

📍Stops between Punakaiki and Franz Josef

• Hokitika: Hokitika is a cute West Coast town, and it’s well worth a stop here.
  
  Head out to Hokitika Beach to get a photo of the famous driftwood Hokitika Beach sign, and then wander around town and peek into the artisan shops.
  
  One thing I always do in Hokitika is visit the Hokitika Sandwich Company. They make amazing deli sandwiches, stuffed to the brim with local ingredients. 
  
  
• Hokitika Gorge: Now, the Hokitika Gorge requires a bit of a detour, but it’s so worth it.
  
  It’s incredible.
  
  At the Hokitika Gorge, you’ll find a fantastic 2km walking track that follows the electric-blue Hokitika Gorge. The track is surrounded by dense green podocarp forest, and the whole place is like something out of a fairytale.
  
  Make sure to apply insect repellent before heading out on your walk, because sandflies are prolific here. It’s worth braving sandflies for this place, though, believe me!

✅ Things to do in Franz Josef

• View the Franz Josef Glacier! It’s retreating at a rapid rate, so don’t miss your chance to see it.
  
  For a free option, you can do the easy 1.7km (30-minute) Franz Josef Glacier walk, where you can view the glacier from afar. 
  
  If it’s in your budget, though, then book a helicopter tour to see the glacier from above! This is, hands down, the best way to see Franz Josef Glacier. 
  
  
• Have dinner at Alice May, the best restaurant in Franz Josef. It has a cosy, homey atmosphere and the food is delicious.
  
  If it’s a clear evening, sit outside in the courtyard to enjoy a meal with epic mountain views in the background.

• Relax in the Waiho Hot Tubs, which are set amidst lush rainforest and are such a treat after a day of driving and exploring!

🛌 Where to Stay in Franz Josef

Budget to Luxury $—$$$ – Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat is a favourite for its laid-back vibe and excellent location right in town. 

They have a wide range of accommodation options, including campervan sites, budget-friendly cabins and rooms, and luxury tree lodges.

Their onsite Monsoon Restaurant is a nice spot for dinner and drinks, too!

Mid-range $$ – Aspen Court Motel

The Aspen Court has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Franz Josef. Their modern, spacious studios and apartments have kitchenettes and lovely mountain views.

⛺️ Camping in Franz Josef

You’ve got a lot of options for camping in Franz Josef. Here are my recommendations, in order from highest price/most luxe to lowest price/more basic:

$$$ – Rainforest Retreat
$$ – Orange Sheep Campervan Park
$ – Otto/MacDonald’s DOC Campsite

Days 5 & 6: Wanaka 

🚙 Drive time from Franz Josef to Wanaka: 4+ hours, 294km (182 miles)

Now, the drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka is one of those routes where Google Maps gets the driving times completely wrong.

Google Maps will tell you that it’ll take about 4 hours to drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka over Haast Pass.

However, the last time I did this drive, it took me about 8 hours with stops along the way. You’ll see what I mean once you’re there yourself! 

There is just SO much to see along this section of your Picton to Queenstown road trip—it’s one of the most scenery-packed sections on this itinerary, which is saying a lot. 

So, on day 5 of your itinerary, get an early start from Franz Josef so you have time for lots of epic stops along the way! 

Tip: if you need to top up your car’s petrol, do so in Franz Josef rather than waiting for the next town (Fox Glacier). There is only one petrol station in Fox Glacier, and I’ve always found the prices there to be extraordinarily high.

📍Stops Between Franz Josef and Wanaka

• Lake Matheson: On a calm, clear day, mirror-like Lake Matheson reflects views of the surrounding mountains in its serene waters.
  
  For the best chance of experiencing calm weather, visit Lake Matheson early in the morning. Get there early to complete the 1.5-hour loop walk through native forest, and make sure to stop at the Reflection Island viewing platform for the best views and photo ops.
  
  The Matheson Cafe is located at the start of the walking track and is a great place to grab breakfast and a coffee before hitting the road for further adventures!
  
  
• Ship Creek: this will be your last chance to view the wild West Coast ocean before heading inland. So, make the most of the opportunity by parking up and stretching your legs at Ship Creek. Take a short stroll along the beach, or explore the two easy walking tracks here.
  
  Do be warned, though, that sandflies can be prolific at Ship Creek—if you keep moving, they can’t catch up to you, though.
  
  
• Thunder Creek Falls: This 28m (92ft) high waterfall is a beautiful stop along Haast Pass. Park in one of the designated spots along the highway, and make the 2-minute easy walk through the forest to see this impressive waterfall.
  

• Fantail Falls: Named after the native New Zealand bird called the fantail (piwakawaka), this fan-shaped waterfall is a beauty. There’s an offroad carpark here, so park up and enjoy the picturesque 5-minute walk to the falls.
  

• Blue Pools: The Blue Pools are a must-see along today’s drive, so make sure you allocate enough time for a stop here!
  
  As their name suggests, the Blue Pools are stunning glacial-blue pools of water located along the Makarora River.
  
  Accessing the Blue Pools requires an easy 30-minute (one-way) walk through native forest and over a couple of swing bridges.
  
  Some people like to swim in the Blue Pools, but I should mention that they’re always icy cold! There are also usually sandflies present down by the pools, so come prepared for that. 

✅ Things to do in Wanaka

• Go hiking! I’d choose one of these trails to do on Day 6 of your itinerary:
  
  • Rob Roy Glacier Track (4 hours return; moderate)
  • Roy’s Peak Track (6 hours return; hard)
  • Rocky Mountain Summit Track (3 hours return; moderate)
    
    
• Hang out by Lake Wanaka. On a sunny day, there’s no better place to be!
  

• Visit the famous Wanaka tree. I like walking to it from town along the lakeside path.
  
  
• Wander through the Wanaka Lavender Farm. The lavender is in bloom from December to February, and they also have seasonal gardens, a cute shop, and friendly farm animals year-round.
  

• Watch a movie. The iconic Cinema Paradiso has comfy sofa seats and freshly-baked cookies available at intermission.
  
  
• Eat delicious food. Grab a bite to eat at the Wanaka food trucks (Burrito Craft is my go-to), Big Fig, or Red Star Burgers.
  

• Play disc (frisbee) golf. There are two courses in Wanaka—Lismore Park (18 baskets) and Eely Point (9 baskets). You can get discs from Outside Sports or Vortica Sport in town.
  

• Sip on craft beer. Sample Wanaka’s craft beer scene at either b.effect Brewing, Ground Up, or Rhyme x Reason.

🛌 Where to Stay in Wanaka

Luxury $$$ – Lakeside Apartments

The Lakeside Apartments are located right in the heart of Wanaka, overlooking the lake and mountains. 

Each apartment has a full kitchen, balcony, and plenty of space, making this an ideal choice for families or small groups (although I’ve also stayed here just with my partner, and it was wonderful!).

Midrange $$ – Clearbrook Motel 

The Clearbrook Motel is a good-value motel option located right in town, in a peaceful location by a babbling spring-fed creek. 

The rooms are well-equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities (and let me just say, it’s so handy to be able to do some laundry at this point in the trip!).

Budget $ – Lakeview Holiday Park (also known as the Hampshire Holiday Park – Wanaka)

For a budget-friendly option in Wanaka, book a cabin at the Lakeview Holiday Park.

Their cabins are somewhat basic but perfectly suitable. For something a bit more modern, check out the “Tiny Cabin” – it’s lovely, and great for a couple!

⛺️ Camping in Wanaka

For camping right in town, you’ll want to camp at the Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka.

If you don’t mind being a 15-minute drive from town, I can recommend the Glendhu Bay Holiday Park, which is located right on the shores of Lake Wanaka in a gorgeous setting.

For cheap camping near Wanaka, the Albert Town Campground is a basic but suitable option.

Days 7 & 8: Queenstown

🚙 Drive time from Wanaka to Queenstown: 1hr 15 min; 75km (47 miles)

The one-hour drive from Wanaka to Queenstown may be short, but it sure is stunning. There are some great stops to make along the way but for the most part, you’ll just want to get to Queenstown!

Note: Some campervan companies prohibit their vehicles from being driven over the Crown Range Road, which I’m recommending here. If this applies to you, take the alternate (and equally scenic) route from Cromwell to Queenstown instead!

Before embarking on today’s drive, pop into Curbside for a delicious bagel and coffee (their halloumi bagel is divine).

📍 Stops on the Drive from Wanaka to Queenstown

• Cardrona Hotel: This historic hotel is a popular stop for a quick photo op. It’s also lovely to grab a beverage and snack here to enjoy inside or outside in their beautiful garden. 

• Crown Range Road: The Crown Range Road is a scenic stretch of highway between Cardrona and Queenstown, known for its steep and winding terrain and beautiful views. In the summer months, you can often spot lupins along this road, too.

• Arrowtown: Shortly after descending the Crown Range Road, take a slight detour to adorable Arrowtown. This historic gold-mining town is a cute spot to visit when you’re in the Queenstown area! Go for a stroll along the river and down Buckingham Street. After wandering around, grab a craft beer and lunch at Slow Cuts or the Fork and Tap.

✅ Things to do in Queenstown

• Go hiking! Here are some good walking & hiking options:
  • Frankton Track to the Queenstown Marina (2.5 hours return; easy)
    • Tip: At the marina, grab brunch at the Boat Shed or a beer from Altitude Brewery before turning around to walk back to town.
  • Queenstown Hill Summit (1.5 hours return; moderate-hard) 
  • Ben Lomond Track (6 hours return; hard) 
    

• Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy for a day trip. Don’t miss stopping at Bob’s Cove along the way—it’s a goodie.
  • Hiker’s Tip: if you’re a keen hiker, then I recommend driving past Glenorchy to the start of the Routeburn Track to do a day hike to either Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls. This is one of my top hiking trails on the South Island.
    

• Wander through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. The gardens are free to visit, and there’s always something in bloom. There’s a great disc golf course in the gardens, too; hire discs from the ice skating rink or at Small Planet Sports.
  

• Go wine tasting in Gibbston Valley. Mt Rosa and Kinross are my two favourite spots for a bit of wine tasting around Queenstown.

🚌🍷 This hop-on, hop-off wine bus is a great way to visit some wineries at your own pace. 

• Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lake. The TSS Earnslaw is my favourite Queenstown lake cruise, especially when paired with the epic BBQ lunch option.

• Go jet boating. I highly recommend the Shotover Jet!

• Visit Milford Sound on a tour. If you aren’t heading to Milford Sound after Queenstown, you can take a tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound (don’t drive yourself on a day trip from Queenstown—it’s too far).  

✈️ 🏔 For time-pressed travellers, I recommend this fly-cruise-fly tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

• Enjoy brunch at Vudu, Bespoke Kitchen, or Odd Saint; or grab a takeaway pastry from Fergbaker.

• Have dinner at Tanoshi, the Cow, Blue Kanu, or Margo’s. Or try a “world-famous” Ferburger, because when in Queenstown…

Further reading:

☀️ Things to do in Queenstown in summer

❄️ Things to do in Queenstown in winter

🛌 Where to Stay in Queenstown

Luxury $$$ – Scenic Suites

The Scenic Suites are ideal if you’re looking for a bit of luxury with plenty of space to relax. They offer a range of accommodation options, from modern studios to apartments with full kitchens. 

Many of the rooms offer balconies with views over Lake Wakatipu, and it’s just a short walk from here to the Queenstown Gardens and town centre.

Mid-range $$ – Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Just a 10-minute walk from the Queenstown town centre, the Holiday Inn Express offers a mix of modern studios and spacious one or two-bedroom suites. Paid parking is available, and an excellent daily breakfast is included for free.

Budget $ – Driftaway

For a budget-friendly option in Queenstown (relatively speaking), I recommend booking a cabin at Driftaway, the nicest holiday park in Queenstown. 

Driftaway is located on the Frankton Arm, right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and their facilities are modern and pristine. From here, you can easily drive, bus, or ferry to the town centre, and it’s also convenient for accessing the shops and airport in Frankton.

⛺️ Camping in Queenstown

If you’re travelling in a campervan, I recommend camping at Driftaway (the nicest campground; 10-minute drive from the town centre) or Creeksyde (quirky, eco-friendly property; right in town).

For DOC campsites near Queenstown, head to Twelve Mile Delta or the Moke Lake Campground, both located about a 20-minute drive from town.

Best Time of Year for a Picton to Queenstown Road Trip

You can do this road trip year-round, but the warmest months will be November through the end of April/beginning of May (spring through autumn in NZ).

You can still road trip on the South Island in the winter months (June through September), but you’ll risk encountering icy roads, and you won’t easily be able to go hiking in alpine areas around Wanaka and Queenstown.

That being said, winter is a beautiful time for snowy scenery around the Southern Alps, and Abel Tasman National Park can be an awesome winter destination with far fewer crowds than the rest of the year!

Alternate Picton to Queenstown Itinerary Ideas

If you have more or less than 8 days for your road trip, then I recommend the following options for altering your trip.

7 Day South Island itineraries

• If you only have 7 days, I recommend my 7-day South Island road trip, or this Christchurch to Queenstown itinerary (a reader favourite!).

10-14 Day South Island itineraries

• Have more time for your trip? Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound!
  
  
  • For this option, I’d change up this itinerary on Day 7 to drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, then head back up to Queenstown to stay there afterwards.
    
    
  • Stay 2 nights in Te Anau, with a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound on the second day you’re there.

• You could also head north to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo, then drive up to Christchurch for your return flight.
  
  
• This 10-day South Island itinerary might be just what you’re after, if you’re looking for a South Island loop.
  
  
• For longer, campervan-specific routes, check out my 14-day South Island campervan itinerary or 3-week South Island campervan itinerary.

North & South Island itineraries

• 14-day Auckland to Queenstown road trip
  
  
• 3-week Auckland to Christchurch road trip
  
  
• 3-week New Zealand campervan itinerary

Thanks for Reading my Picton to Queenstown Road Trip Guide!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful. 

If you have any questions about this trip—or about travelling around NZ in general—please leave a comment and I’ll reply as soon as possible!