Top up & wander - best South Island EV charging stops to make this holidays
The South Island is world-famous for its beautiful landscape, outdoor adventures and great winter skiing. But in the summer holidays it's also the perfect road trip. Meridian’s EV charging network, Zero, makes road trips far more convenient, with strategically placed chargers to reduce the range anxiety that many EV drivers have - especially if it’s your first roadie!
If you’re thinking about taking your electric vehicle on a long distance trip across Te Waipounamu (the South Island), then check out our suggestions on places you might want to add to your itinerary.
But before we get into it
Always do a detailed check on your electric vehicle before any long drive. Has your EV recently been serviced, passed a WoF or had necessary software updates over the air? Make sure you’re feeling confident before setting off - especially given some of those long, remote (and beautiful) roads you’ll be driving. Make sure to check the following:
- Battery level and estimated range for the first part of the trip
- Tyre pressure and general tyre condition
- Brake fluid, coolant levels and washer fluid
- Charging cable is packed and in good condition
- Any recent software updates or alerts in your vehicle’s system
- Cabin preconditioning settings if you are driving in very hot or cold conditions
- Zero app login and payment method up to date
- Planned charging stops mapped out for the opening leg
- Dashboard warnings or notifications checked before you leave
Planning your South Island holiday route
Are you the type who likes to plan the entire trip start to finish? Or perhaps you’re more a ‘start driving and see where we end up’ sort of person. Many of us are somewhere in the middle, where a general idea of places is mapped out, with a bit of adventure thrown in between.
The South Island is quite spread out; more so than the North Island in many parts, so planning is important. The good news? The Zero network's been growing rapidly and our coverage continues to spread to remote parts of the country such as Springs Junction and Haast. So with our network and other chargers that are popping up, you should find the EV roadie far less of a range concern than a few years ago.
There are plenty of ways to shape a South Island EV route.
You might start in Christchurch, head up to Nelson and drop down the West Coast before looping back. You could begin in Nelson and work your way south at your own pace. Or you might prefer a coast to coast run, crossing from Christchurch through Hanmer Springs and out toward Paparoa National Park.
If you’re a South Island local, your route will be determined by where you live. If you’re coming down from the North Island you’ll start from Picton - unless you’re flying in and renting an EV, in which case it’s totally up to you!
Part of effective EV roadie planning is doing a reccie on where the EV chargers are. This way, you’re not stuck trying to find a charger while on the road already - something that any long-term EV owner will have some experience with. To start, check out our locations map. Here you’ll find pins on all the live Zero charging locations (which we’re always adding to!). Then you can use a tool like Google Maps to chart your course, making sure you aren’t trying to tackle a route without a few charger options along the way.
As you work out your stops, also think about your own electric vehicle’s range. What is the rated range? Then, make allowances for the fact that changeable weather conditions (like very warm temperatures), steep hills and using air conditioning will all impact your range. If you own an EV, you’ll already have an idea on these variables - they become even more important when driving unfamiliar routes.
With that sorted, time to start planning!
Tasman: Golden Bay and beyond
Tasman region in the summer. Can it really be beat? The tip of the South Island is a favourite for baches, school camps and family summer holidays for good reason. The average summer temperature sits within 20 – 25°C but prepare for days to go beyond that. A road trip across the top of the south is a perfect way to see some of our most gorgeous beaches and nature. If you’re a keen kayaker, tramper or just have an eye for taking scenic photography, there’s plenty here for you.
Places like Tākaka offer the stunning Te Waikoropupū Springs, where you can take a walk through a forest track and boardwalks overlooking these bodies of water with clarity like you’ve never seen.
Tākaka is Golden Bay’s main town and just 17 minutes from Tata beach with its golden, crunchy sand. Take the kids for a paddle, ice cream and sand castle building competition - with plenty of sunscreen. If you’re staying in or passing through Tākaka, your EV charging needs are covered with a Zero charger located at the Fresh Choice Tākaka.
Heading over the hill into Motueka, you’ll find local artist’s work on display within the town’s galleries like The Church House Gallery. Photo opportunities are abundant here too, with snaps like Wreck of the Janie Seddon shipwreck a unique contrast with the serene beaches and landscape.
Nelson: Sunshine city charging
Nelson’s known for being one of the sunniest places in New Zealand and it attracts plenty of summer roadie visitors. If you’re a foodie, you’re spoilt for choice with delicious fine dining (seafood is great here), pubs and street eats. Great for EV driving, Nelson’s compact size makes getting around a breeze gentler than the one coming off Tāhunanui Beach’s shore.
Take a wander down Trafalgar Street to grab a coffee, shop in the local artisan stores and enjoy a selection of parks and beaches for the kids to burn off that car trip energy. A keen history buff? Combine both play and education at Founders Park in Nelson, where you can walk through a village that features architecture and gardens straight from 1800s Nelson life. It’s unlike anything else you’ll see on this trip.
Nelson isn’t all about the outdoors either. It’s home to lots of incredible Kiwi-owned businesses and manufacturers. One example is Pic’s Peanut Butter World - yes, a peanut butter world! You can take a tour around Pic’s Peanut Butter’s factory to see how peanuts are roasted, squished and put in jars. And you’ll get to taste their products along the way. And as if you needed another reason to visit, EV drivers can charge up while they tour - Zero’s public EV charging is available onsite at Pic’s Peanut Butter World - 49 Saxton Road, Stoke, Nelson. We have both AC charge points (BYO cable) and 1 DC charge point (cable provided).
Anyone with a peanut allergy and an EV to charge isn’t left hanging in Nelson, though. We also have Zero chargers at Summerset Retirement Village, also in Stoke near the airport. These are currently AC chargers, so BYO cable.
Further south, out of Nelson, we have a Zero charger at the Flat Rock Cafe in Kohatu. Perfect for a bite to eat before setting off down the West Coast.
Marlborough: Wine region wandering
Heading over the Richmond Range from Nelson to Blenheim is a decent drive, but certainly nothing a modern EV won’t handle - allow a couple of hours to make the trip. When you’re coming down the other side, your EV will likely make use of regenerative braking, which helps charge your battery through kinetic energy from the electric motor working in reverse to slow down. It’s pretty clever tech and one of the many benefits of electric vehicles.
Marlborough is known by grape lovers the world over as a must-try wine region. Sound like you? Take a tour through a winery, orchard rows and learn how the process works. Or simply stop by to enjoy lunch in places like Wairau River and Saint Clair Family Estate. It’s also less than half an hour to Picton if you’re looking for one last stop before heading over the Cook Strait!
West Coast: Wild and wonderful
Doing the South Island roadie is often coupled with ‘doing the West Coast’ - roads, terrain and scenery like no other on the planet. Summer is a great time to do this, with camping spots everywhere, walking tracks, national parks, swimming and some of our finest small towns to visit. Towns such as Hokitika, Greymouth and Fox Glacier are well worth exploring and offer a range of experiences from kayaking to quad biking to discovery of local art and taonga.
Taking an EV through parts of the West Coast’s vast landscape might previously have induced range anxiety. But we’re working hard to connect up these routes with convenient EV charging points.
If you’re coming down the West coast from the Tasman, we have Zero chargers in a number of remote locations. These include:
- Dolomite Point in Punakaiki
- The Lonely Stag, Whataroa
- Springs Junction
Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and Blowholes provide both unforgettable photos and a lesson in geology. If you’re up for the drive, it’s an experience well worth it. You can plug in, explore the area and return with a full battery and photo roll of epic snaps.
Getting from Nelson to Punakaiki is about four hours, and another three to Springs Junction. You may look to use a combination of charging providers along the way, so do your homework on all the options available.
Springs Junction
We’re incredibly proud of the innovation and placement of our Springs Junction charging station. This remote corridor connects either side of the South Island. Previously there was no EV charging available here, providing an obstacle for keen drivers.
Through the smarts of our people and partners, we’ve developed a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) using repurposed EV batteries. The BESS charges overnight when demand is low, then supplies energy to the chargers during the day. This allows Zero’s chargers to offer convenience for you as an EV driver, without drawing away precious limited power from local farms and businesses in Springs Junction who need it.
Springs Junction is about 35 minutes away from Reefton - another gorgeous West Coast town with a village that boasts architectural facades from yesteryear.
On your South Island EV roadie, you’ll likely stop at Springs Junction if you’re connecting between West Coast travel and getting to Canterbury. While you’re stopped you can:
Grab a coffee at the local cafe or coffee cart, grab a bite to eat or simply take a wander around this quiet town to see who you meet. Our Springs Junction location is also already becoming quite the spot for EV drivers to chat while they charge - with 4 DC charge points you won’t be waiting too long.
Quick tip: Because of its unique nature, charging capacity at Springs Junction is limited. Make sure that there is capacity at Springs Junction ahead of your day’s driving and keep checking this as you stop in other towns with chargers. Simply head over to our Springs Junction page and check out the available kWh.
Haast
Keep heading down the Coast and you’ll eventually reach Haast, one of the most remote and rugged parts of the South Island. It’s where forest, rivers and wild coastline all meet, and even a short stop can feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Stretch your legs at Haast Beach, wander the boardwalk at Hapuka Estuary or grab a bite at one of the local cafés before carrying on through the Haast Pass.
A South Island EV roadie that says it all
You still hear people say "you can’t take an EV on a real road trip". According to EV owner Rob McCaw, his recent South Island loop clearly proves the opposite!
Across 11 days, Rob and three passengers drove 2,817km from Picton through the West Coast, Queenstown, the Catlins, Dunedin and MacKenzie Country, before finishing in Christchurch. All in an MG4 Essence with the aircon running and the boot packed to the max!
What the numbers looked like
Charging for Rob's full journey came to $376.90, plus RUCs at $215.45. That worked out to about $0.21 per kilometre. A petrol car on West Coast and Southland prices would sit at roughly $0.18 per kilometre. Rob also calculated around 423kg of carbon avoided.
Charging in practice
They made 17 charging stops, plus one overnight charge. 14 happened naturally during meals or while exploring on foot. Only once did Rob need to wait briefly for another EV to finish. Most of the time the car was done before they were.
Space and comfort
With four adults and plenty of luggage, the MG4 stayed comfortable, even if the boot needed a firm shut most mornings! Bags were tucked around passengers, but the car handled it well.
Rob’s trip is a simple reminder that long distance EV travel in New Zealand is entirely doable!
Canterbury: From city to alps
If you’re doing a lot of driving around the Canterbury region with your EV this summer, you’re well taken care of with charging. With new Zero chargers going into the ground regularly, our coverage continues to span different corners of the area.
Hanmer Springs
Popular tourism spot, Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury is highly recommended as it manages to combine fun water parks for the whole family with relaxing, serene surroundings. The only problem? You might not want to leave.
Hanmer Springs is also home to a Zero electric vehicle charging station on site right in the Thermal Pools’ carpark. So even if you’re stopping off for a fun afternoon of swimming before continuing your journey, you can charge up your car while you do. Make sure to have your AC cable in the car with you to top up here.
Rangiora
As you head down towards Christchurch, you might want to stop into the charming Rangiora town centre. And if it’s wet? Town Hall Cinemas next to the beautiful old Town Hall on the corner. Nearby is Victoria Park, which is where you’ll find our Zero chargers to top your EV up as you explore. Just make sure to keep an eye on your Zero app to monitor charging time so you can unplug and keep exploring the area by car!
Christchurch
Christchurch is full of Zero chargers across the city and surrounding areas. If you’re flying out of Christchurch Airport, we have Zero chargers there before you return the rental. Within the town centre, you’ll find spots at Eastgate Shopping Centre and the Christchurch Arts Centre, among many others. Further south you can charge up in Rolleston and Lincoln. No range anxiety here!
Christchurch has gone through some massive challenges, but it’s now experiencing a big resurgence. Looking to take a walk around the nice city centre? Why not start with the picturesque Victoria Square - surrounded by the Avon River Ōtākaro flowing through one side and the Christchurch Trams rolling through the other.
Nearby you can wander down to countless restaurants, bars and cafes in the city centre - part of a buzzing, revitalised hospitality scene. Including a city stop like Christchurch on your EV road trip adds some nice creature comforts, which after a long roadie can really be welcome - as much as you may love camping!
Ashburton
Heading south from Christchurch a popular stop is Ashburton. There you’ll find the Aviation Museum, Ashburton Domain and the Ashburton Art Gallery. Have a green thumb in your car? Trott’s Garden is home to world-renowned geometrical knot gardens - plots that are carefully cultivated into intricate patterns. Trott’s features a range of tree and seasonal flower varieties and tours are available.
Trott’s Garden is just 10 minutes drive from a number of Zero chargers within Ashburton including at K-Mart, Ruralco and Robert Harris.
Twizel
Heading inland? Twizel sits in the wide Mackenzie Basin - during the summer you should be treated to a clear view of Aoraki / Mount Cook as you come in or leave. It’s a real outdoors hub too, with water activities, cycling, fishing and bushwalking all great options, depending on what you’re into. Did you know that Twizel is one of the best places for stargazing?
Mackenzie Country has strict lighting controls that help keep the night sky as visible as possible. This sort of activity can be enjoyed by any age and if you’re keen for educational experiences, you can visit an observatory or go on a star gazing tour with a local provider.
Otago: Adventure capital and beyond
Otago’s EV charging infrastructure is still evolving and we expect to have more Zero chargers here soon. You can make use of all the charging infrastructure as you journey through down to Dunedin, if that’s on your itinerary. This includes the Timaru Zero chargers we have installed, such as Redruth EcoCentre (AC chargers) or at Timaru Airport. Timaru to Dunedin is almost three hours of driving, so plan your charging accordingly and check the map for stops.
As you come into the Otago region, you’ll find spots dotted throughout the coastal State Highway 1 drive from a number of EV charging providers.
Queenstown
Queenstown might be famous for its skiing, but summer in this globally-loved tourist destination is also worth experiencing. Jet boating on Lake Wakatipu for the thrill seekers and any one of the lakefront cafes and restaurants for the chill seekers - Queenstown has it all. It’s also home to excellent shopping, ranging from luxury to New Zealand artisanal products.
Wanaka
What’s a summer holiday without fun in the water? Wanaka’s lakefront is perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Prefer to see New Zealand thousands of feet from the air? Why not check off that skydive you’ve always thought about - no pressure. For something majestic without having to fly, you might try horse trekking around the lake on a guided tour.
Dunedin
Rolling into Dunedin in summer gives you plenty of ways to make the most of the long daylight hours. St Clair Beach is a great spot for a swim or to watch surfers while you grab an ice cream along the esplanade. If you’re keen on wildlife, the Otago Peninsula is one of the best places in the country to see sea lions and albatross in their natural habitat. Prefer something a bit more relaxed? Wander the botanic gardens, explore the city’s heritage streets or check out the local galleries while your EV tops up.
Taking your EV trip to Southland
There’s something pretty special about reaching the end of the South Island (top or bottom) after an epic roadie. No matter at which point you get there, putting Invercargill and Southland on your itinerary this holidays is an excellent choice. The trip is about 503km from Timaru and more than 200km from Dunedin (you have a choice of which route you take too). You should expect to see more charging infrastructure connecting the routes to and from Invercargill from all charging providers.
Once you’re in Invercargill, you can charge your EV with Zero at places like Surrey Park, a great place to stretch the legs with a playground for the kids. Taking a look around Invercargill city centre? You can charge with Zero at our 1 Dee Street location where you’ll find 4 AC chargers (BYO cable). Queens Park, local eateries and a number of wet weather activities like Bill Richardson Transport World are all a stone’s throw away from our EV chargers.
Southland is a wonderful part of the country, but there are parts with large gaps between towns. There are EV charging options across different networks, but fewer than areas like Canterbury. Like any EV roadie, do your homework beforehand and you won’t get stuck!
Making the most of your charging stops in the South Island
Charging on a South Island roadie doesn’t have to feel like waiting around. With the Zero app you can confirm your session has started, check progress and wander off knowing you’ll get a heads up when it’s nearly done. It means you can actually enjoy the stop instead of sitting in the car staring at the dash.
In busy holiday spots like Hanmer Springs, Tekapo or Queenstown, it helps to charge a little earlier or later and if the bays are full, take it as a cue to explore. A short top up might give you time for a bakery run or a quick loop around a park, while a longer stop opens the door to a proper café visit, a walk along a lakefront or a look around a gallery or market.
Slowing down often makes the journey better. Different charge durations give you chances to see places you would normally drive straight past. Treat each stop as a small discovery. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, check out a lookout or wander the shops. These little unplanned moments often become the highlights of a summer road trip.
Learn more about using Zero chargers.
Safe South Island travels
With Zero’s growing network across the island, holiday travel feels easier and more relaxed, even when you’re heading into those quieter corners between big centres.
If you map your trip around a few interesting charging spots, you will find the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destination. Scenic detours, good food, a quick stroll or an unexpected view all add up to a holiday that feels a bit richer.
So if you’ve been thinking about making this summer your first EV road trip, or your next, now is the perfect time to give it a go! The chargers are ready, the roads are calling and the South Island is looking pretty stunning.
