New Zealand South Island self-drive: snow-capped mountains, lakes, and roads

New Zealand's South Island is a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts. Highway 1 stretches along the east coast, with Queenstown's lakes and mountains, Milford Sound's waterfalls, and Mount Cook's glaciers,
forming a fantastical journey through Middle-earth.

Rent a car in Christchurch and head south. The South Island's roads are excellent, with few vehicles, and the road winds like a ribbon through meadows, lakes, and snowy mountains. At every turn, you might encounter scenery that makes you want to stop.

The first city to take your breath away is Queenstown. Lake Wakatipu displays a deep blue-green hue, surrounded by mountains. Take the Skylift up Bob Peak to overlook the entire town and lakes, and have a famous Fergburger for dinner is the best reward for your journey.

Depart from Queenstown and head south toward Milford Sound. This route is known as one of New Zealand's most beautiful roads, passing through the rainforests, tunnels, and waterfalls of Fjord National Park. Take a boat into the fjord, where cliffs on both sides plunge into the water, seals sunbathe on the reefs, and if you're lucky, you might even see dolphins swimming around.

Continuing north, the glaciers of Mount Cook appear at the end of the road. The Hook Valley Trail is the most popular light hiking route, with three suspension bridges spanning glacial meltwater, ending at a milky white glacial lake. The wind blows from the direction of the snowy mountains, carrying the scent of eternal ice.

A nine-day drive on the South Island will never tire you, as the scenery is always just one kilometer away. Whether it's the Good Shepherd's Church by Lake Tikapu or the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki, you'll be convinced: Middle-earth isn't just a movie world.