Autumn in the South Island is the perfect time to explore this beautiful part of the country with fewer crows and stunning autumn colours, the roads are open and you get to enjoy the views all to yourself. If you’ve been wondering where you should go in the South Island this autumn, this road trip guide has the best route for you. Swap the usual tourist tracks for coastal villages, rugged forests, limestone rocks, and one of the freshest crayfish feasts you’ll ever find.
This journey starts in Kaikōura with seafood by the sea, winds through misty New Zealand bush to Karamea, and ends with a unique geological wonder. For those who love winding coastal roads, meals by the ocean, and backroads leading into remarkable landscapes that feel untouched, this road trip through the South Island in autumn is exactly what you need.
The South Island in Autumn
Autumn in the South Island of New Zealand offers something special. With crisp mornings and sunny afternoons, this is the perfect season to set off on a road trip. Golden trees, snowy mountain peaks, and coastal routes can be found along the way. From inland valleys to rugged shorelines, the South Island comes alive with seasonal beauty in autumn.
One of the best parts of travelling during this time is the space. Summer crowds disappear, leaving trails, car parks, and scenic spots wide open. This road trip is ideal for those wanting more unique South Island spots. Stops like Kaikōura, Karamea, and Punakaiki show off the quieter, more character-filled side of the island. Whether you’re chasing the wild coast or just craving a few days away from the noise, a road trip around the South Island is the perfect place to do it.
Start the Journey to Kaikoura
The road from Christchurch to Kaikōura spans roughly 180 kilometres of rolling hills, sea cliffs, and mountain views. Beginning this road trip in Christchurch is ideal for stocking up on road trip snacks and getting prepared. Whether you’re visiting New Zealand or flying in from another city, you can pick up a rental car directly in Christchurch, just outside the airport. In just under three hours, you’ll leave behind the city and enter one of the country’s most scenic coastal towns.
With a backdrop of the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean, every turn reveals another postcard moment. Cooler temperatures make walking tracks, like the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, more comfortable. This track weaves past seal colonies, clifftops, and hidden beaches. Looking for more action? Whale watching tours run year-round, as well as guided trips for swimming with the local dusky dolphins. These marine adventures are a must-do when visiting Kaikoura. There is truly nothing like getting up close to these beautiful animals and seeing them with your own eyes. Kaikōura also offers a range of dining options, with many local seafood dishes to try. This small town has a laid-back feel and stunning backdrop, making it a unique and relaxing stop.
An Essential Stop: A Seafood Feast at Nin’s Bin
Ten minutes north of Kaikōura, perched between the highway and the ocean, sits a small white caravan with blue writing: Nin’s Bin. This iconic stop has been serving up freshly caught crayfish for decades, straight from the ocean to your plate. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Pull over, order a whole crayfish, and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables while waves crash a few metres away. The crayfish is steamed, split, and served with lemon or garlic butter, simple and delicious. This meal will be one that you don’t forget. No road trip should begin without something that captures the spirit of the place, and Nin’s Bin does exactly that. You’ll leave full, happy, and ready to take on the rest of your journey.
Local Tip: Arrive early before lunchtime to snag the best spot by the water and avoid the queue.
Into the Wilderness: Westport to Karamea
From Kaikōura, head straight across the South Island to the wild West Coast and arrive in Westport. This small coastal town sits at the mouth of the Buller River and is surrounded by rugged coastlines, black sand beaches, and New Zealand bush. A visit to Cape Foulwind offers panoramic ocean views and a chance to spot fur seals along the walkway to the lighthouse. For those wanting a taste of local history, the Coaltown Museum explores Westport’s mining roots, while nearby Denniston Plateau offers dramatic clifftop views and remnants of old coal operations.
After spending some time in Westport, head over to the next stop along the South Island’s West Coast, Karamea. The drive to Karamea is remote, scenic, and a highlight for anyone seeking the wilderness. This stretch from Westport to Karamea offers some of the most underrated scenery on the island. Expect narrow roads winding through dense New Zealand native forest, towering cliffs, and rugged sea views.
Tucked away at the northern edge of the West Coast, Karamea feels like the end of the road in the best possible way. The town is peaceful and surrounded by forest, making it a hub for outdoor lovers and trampers heading into Kahurangi National Park. You can take short bush walks, explore limestone caves like the Oparara Arches, or stroll along the nearby beaches where driftwood piles up like sculpture.
Local Tip: Bring a flashlight - the caves and arches can be dark, and you’ll want to fully appreciate the stunning rock formations inside.
The Next Leg: Karamea to Punakaiki
After spending a few nights in Westport and Karamea, head back down the coast and turn toward Punakaiki, a small village on the West Coast. The drive itself is part of the experience, you can see dramatic cliffs rise to one side while the ocean crashes against the other. This leg from Punakaiki to Punakaiki gives you that wild West Coast feeling, untouched, open, and full of unique scenic stops.
Punakaiki is a wonderful place for exploring wild beaches, beautiful day walks and exploring a must-see stop, Pancake Rocks. This short loop track leads you through strange, layered limestone formations that resemble stacks of pancakes. Blowholes erupt during high tide, shooting seawater high into the air and making the walk even more exciting. Pancake rocks are nothing you’ll find anywhere else in New Zealand or even the world. This trail is a fairly easy walk for a range of ages and abilities, making it a great stop for family trips or groups of friends and has many spots for photos and taking in the scenery. Autumn offers a lovely time of year for visiting this popular track, with fewer visitors and more space to take in the scenery for yourself.
Beyond the rocks, Punakaiki offers more to explore. Try the Pororari River Track or rent a kayak for a paddle upstream. Several local cafes serve warm pies and strong coffee, perfect for a post-morning walk meal.
Road Trip Tip: Always check road conditions before heading into remote areas, as some West Coast routes can get tricky after heavy rain.
Discover the South Island This Autumn
A road trip across the South Island in autumn is about the spaces in between as much as the stops themselves. From Kaikōura’s coastal magic to Karamea’s native forest, wild West Coast ocean views, Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, and the backroads connecting them all, each leg of the journey has something unique to offer. With cool air, ideal for waking all day, and fewer people, travelling around this part of the country will feel very special.
To make your South Island road trip even easier, Mode Rentals has a range of rental vehicles ready to pick up in Christchurch, ideal for exploring the entire West Coast in comfort. Whether it’s a long weekend or a full week away, autumn is the perfect time to discover the South Island.
Book your car rental using code AUTUMN5 before April 30, 2025, and get 5% off any rental in May or June. That means more road trips for less!
