South Island budget road trip ideas

Christchurch Gondola and the Lyttelton port from Port Hills in New Zealand.

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most scenic visuals in the world, including impressive snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and impeccable national parks. So what’s the best way to see it all on a budget, factoring in accommodation and activities? Let’s have a look.

Mitre Peak at Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Money saving tips

Take the scenic route: Filled with stunning scenery, a South Island road trip is the best way to check out nature at its finest. The great thing about this? Nature is free. Explore to your heart’s content and save money at the same time.
Rent an economy car: Rent an economy car that is not only cheaper in price but also fuel efficient. Figure out your daily budget for a car and see how many days you can afford.
Get insurance: Yes, it’s an upfront cost, but the price to fix your vehicle if anything happens will be a lot more.
Swap activities for exploring: Places such as Queenstown / Tāhuna are known for their array of activities including bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing, and white water rafting, however, these can be expensive. We recommend picking one or two you really want to try, then swap the rest for exploring nature instead.
Food and drinks: When in Christchurch / Ōtautahi, stock up on essentials. Some places on your road trip including Mount Cook / Aoraki and the Fiordlands don't have many cheap places to eat, so ensure you bring your own food. You can cook at campsites, parks, and rest stops along the way.