How to Do New Zealand’s South Island in 2 Weeks

Abel Tasman National Park

Connect from your international flight to Nelson Airport, which is a good gateway to the South Island. From there, it's an easy hour drive to Marahua, where you can catch a water taxi over to Abel Tasman National Park. Make the most of your time in the park by arranging a tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. They'll transport your luggage to wherever you're staying in the park while you enjoy the unbelievably clear waters via kayak.

Stay: Peppers Awaroa Lodge. This secluded getaway is a five-minute walk from a pristine beach within a lush forest. There's no direct road access to this hotel, which insures peace and tranquility. Book one of the rooms with a private outdoor deck overlooking the wetland area or native bush, and relax with a platter of local food and a glass of wine (taken from the on-site restaurant's organic garden) while you listen to the sounds of the wildlife.

Mapua

Leave behind the wilderness of Abel Tasman and drive for less than an hour to reach Mapua. This small town is centered on a vibrant wharf, where there are plenty of waterfront restaurants, shops, and galleries. It's also the perfect launch pad for a day trip along The Great Taste Trail (one of New Zealand's official Great Rides), a famous bike route. Wheelie Fantastic can hook you up with a bike rental as well as drop you off a comfortable distance down the trail, so you can ride back.

Stay: Push on to Nelson (just a 30-minute drive), one of New Zealand's sunniest towns. This funky area only attracts artists and is home to many unique restaurants. Te Puna Wai Lodge is the place to stay, if you can get in. The exclusive bed and breakfast has just three rooms, including a studio-style apartment. Located on a steep hill, it has one of the best views for miles. Enjoy the gourmet breakfast (including some of the freshest fruit salad you'll ever taste) and invigorating coffee on the veranda while overlooking the ocean.

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Picton

Picton is your base for the Marlborough Sounds. It's there that the ferries linking the North and South Islands pick up and drop off, and you could spend a good chunk of time watching the massive ships pull in and out while resting at one of the many laidback cafes that dot the harbor.

But you definitely can't leave without boarding one of the smaller ships, so you can get out and see the islands and waters of the Marlborough Sounds. Keep your eyes on the water, and you're likely to see a friendly dolphin frolicking alongside your boat. Beach Comber Cruises offer a number of different half-day trips, which will give you a good overview of the area.

Stay: Picton Yacht Club Hotel overlooks the harbor and is just a short walk to most cruise departure points.

Blenheim

It's practically a rule that you can't visit New Zealand without sampling some of the country's world famous wines, and in my opinion Blenheim is the place to do it. For starters, it's another one of the region's sunniest towns (it gets an estimated 2,438 hours of sunshine a year), which must help those grapes grow, as you'll find more than 20 wineries there. I liked it because you can leave your car behind and visit a good chunk of vineyards by bike—which is essential, since many offer free tastings.

Stay: Marlborough Vintners Hotel is a five-star hotel located right next to some of the best wineries around (like Wairau River, Nautilus Estate, and Framingham). It's directly across the street from The Vines Village, a collection of independent shops where you can buy art, gorge on gelato, or sample even more wine. The hotel has just six rooms, all of which are ground-level one-bedroom suites laid-out neighborhood style. Book an Outdoor Bath Suite and you can soak beneath the stars.

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Christchurch

It's a four-hour drive from Blenheim to Christchurch, but there are plenty of cool places to stop along the way. (My favorite is the Ohau Seal pup colony, a small waterfall just off the side of the highway where seal pups sometimes hang out.) Christchurch is a colorful, resilient city that deserves to be explored fully, so take a tour with Christchurch City Bike Tours, where the local guides will tell you all about the city's new projects, as well as stories from its past.

You'll pedal past public art (both professional and other), an outdoor mall made from shipping containers, and museums. When you're ready to relax, a blissful boat tour on the Avon River with Punting on the Avon should do the trick, as you glide under the weeping willows of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Stay: The Chateau on the Park overlooks Hagley Park and is an easy walk into the main part of town.

Mount Cook

Leave the city and head into the wild—Mount Cook is one of the most rugged and wild spots you'll visit on this trip. Don't pass on the chance to fuel up your car whenever a gas station pops up along the side of the road, as there are plenty of stretches on this drive where you won't see any amenities for miles.

Pick up a hearty picnic lunch from the Hermitage Hotel and then head out for a long walk on one of the park's many trails. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best (and most popular) thanks to its views of the glacier-topped mountains, rushing streams, and three swing bridges. At the end of the hike, you'll be rewarded with a glacier lake that’s full of icebergs, but if you want to get an even better look at the Tasman Glacier, hop on a boat with Glacier Explorers.

Stay: The Hermitage is a massive hotel that serves as the base of the many Mount Cook adventure tours. You will definitely want a room with a view of Mount Cook—the giant floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great perspective of the sparkling mountain, and it's mesmerizing to watch how the peak changes from white to rose gold as the sun sets.

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Lake Tekapo

You drove past Lake Tekapo on your way to Mount Cook, and now you'll double back so you can spend some quality time taking in the neon blue waters of this surreal-looking lake. You can soak in the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools as you admire the view if you're sore from yesterday's hiking; or, keep the active pace going on a day trip with The Jollie Biker. Cycle next to the lake, where you'll find a scenic overlook that you just have to stop at around practically every corner.

At night time, the Earth & Sky tour of the Mt. John Observatory is an experience that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Dress warmly and prepare to have your mind blown at just how many stars you can see when there's minimal light pollution.

Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort is just across the street from Lake Tekapo Vilalge, so you can walk to shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Christchurch (Again)

It's time to end your trip, so you'll want to drive back to Christchurch for one last look at the city before you catch your flight home.

Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch has one of the best locations in the city—it overlooks Latimer Square, a lush green space that's home to a moving post-earthquake sculpture.

Cross the Square to get to The Cardboard Cathedral, one of the iconic symbols of the city. It was opened in August 2013 following the 2011 earthquake which destroyed the nearby famous church. The innovative structure is made from cardboard tubes, timber, steel, and shipping containers, and is not intended to be permanent (it's only meant to last for 50 years).

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• 7 Things No One Ever Tells You About New Zealand
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• Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in New Zealand

Caroline Morse recently traveled to New Zealand courtesy of Tourism New Zealand. Catch up on all her South Island photos and videos on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.