Exploring New Zealand's South Island in 2 Weeks

Mt. Cook

Lake Tekapo

The Church of The Good Shepherd

Christchurch - Tram

Central Otago Countryside

Lindis Pass Viewpoint

Campsite

Me and My Friend met Manon, Hitchiker from French

Lavender

Farmer's Sheep

Penguin at Oamaru

Previous slideNext slide

Itinerary Overview

Here’s my two weeks itinerary plan:

• Day 1: Flight from Jakarta to Christchurch.
• Day 2-4: Exploring Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook.
• Day 5-6: Adventuring in Wanaka, including the famous Roys Peak hike.
• Day 7-10: Visiting Milford Sound via Te Anau and enjoying Queenstown’s vibrant energy.
• Day 11-12: Exploring Franz Josef and its stunning glaciers.
• Day 13-14: Scenic stops at Arthur’s Pass.
• Day 15-16: Wrapping up in Christchurch with city explorations.

NB: If the weather is good, you can try to reverse the itinerary by going to Franz Josef first. I was a little bit unlucky and I couldn't go to Franz Josef from Queenstown because the road was closed due to slippery and I changed my itinerary by going back to Christchurch via Oamaru.

Budget Breakdown

1. Flights (Round Trip)

Cost: IDR 11.500.000

I booked my round-trip flight from Jakarta to Christchurch with a transit in Melbourne. Early booking helped me secure this price.

2. Campervan Rental

Daily Rate: IDR 700.000–1.400.000
Duration: 14 days
Total: IDR 9.800.000–19.600.000

The campervan was my home on wheels, saving money on accommodations while providing the flexibility to travel at my own pace. You can saved a lot of money if you travel by more than 2 persons.

3. Fuel

Total Cost: IDR 1.000.000

Driving a campervan across the South Island involved long distances, but efficient route planning helped keep fuel costs reasonable.

4. Food

Daily Budget: IDR 71.000–107.000
Total for 14 Days: IDR 1.000.000–1.500.000

Most meals were prepared in the campervan’s kitchen, with occasional indulgences in local eateries.

5. Campsites

While many campsites in New Zealand are free, I occasionally opted for paid sites with better facilities or stunning views.

Cost: IDR 0–485.000 per night (Free–50 NZD)

6. Activities

One of the highlights of the South Island is the range of free activities, such as hiking. However, I also splurged on a few iconic paid activities:

• Milford Sound Cruise: IDR 776.000–1.746.000 (80–180 NZD)
• Skydiving: IDR 2.910.000–5.335.000 (300–550 NZD) + optional photo/video package for IDR 2.415.300–4.355.300 (249–449 NZD)
• Bungee Jumping: IDR 3.104.000–3.783.000 (320–390 NZD)
• Franz Josef Helicopter Ride: IDR 2.425.000–4.850.000 (250–500 NZD)
• Akaroa Dolphin/Penguin Viewing: IDR 1.164.000 (120 NZD)
• Penguin Viewing in Oamaru: IDR 194.000 (20 NZD)
• Miscellaneous Activities: IDR 97.000–485.000 (10–50 NZD)

Grand Total

In total, I spent around IDR 50.000.000 more or less. I would say that IDR 40.000.000 is enough if have a tight budget. I also visited New Zealand on November which is almost summer and it's almost the peak season. You can try to visit before November or after February for much cheaper price.

Highlights of the Journey

Free Activities

• Hiking: The Hooker Valley Track, trails in Arthur’s Pass, etc.
• Scenic Views: Lake Pukaki, Tekapo, and Wanaka

Paid Adventures

• Skydiving and Helicopter Rides: These offered unparalleled views of New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes.
• Milford Sound Cruise: A must-do for its majestic fjords and cascading waterfalls.
• Wildlife Viewing: Dolphin and penguin watching in Akaroa and Oamaru was a delight.

Tips

• Mix Free and Paid Activities: Enjoy hiking and scenic views while splurging on one or two premium adventures.
• Book Early: Flights, campervans, and activities often offer discounts for early reservations.
• Use Free Campsites: Apps like Campermate can help you find free or affordable camping spots.
• Cook Your Own Meals: Preparing meals in the campervan saves significantly on food costs.
• Be Fuel-Efficient: Plan routes to minimize unnecessary driving.
• Always Check the Weather and Road Conditions.