Prepare for a captivating 7-day journey through New Zealand’s South Island, where nature and culture seamlessly intertwine.
Commencing in Christchurch, your adventure unfolds with each passing day. You’ll encounter stunning turquoise waters, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, embracing a harmonious blend of experiences.
In this itinerary, you will find detailed information for each day, along with highlights at the end of each day of your trip.
Your 7-day journey through the stunning South Island of New Zealand begins in Christchurch. On your first day, you’ll make your way to the picturesque Lake Tekapo, known for its vibrant turquoise waters, beautiful surroundings, and stargazing opportunities.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Christchurch) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Depart from Christchurch | Start your road trip adventure in Christchurch and head south. | – |
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd | Make a stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for scenic lake views. | Approx. 220 km | |
Lunch | Lunch in Lake Tekapo | Enjoy lunch in the charming town of Lake Tekapo. | – |
Afternoon | Explore Lake Tekapo and the Lupins (seasonal) | Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Tekapo and, if in season, admire the vibrant lupins. | – |
Evening | Stargazing (optional) | Lake Tekapo is a Dark Sky Reserve; consider stargazing for a celestial experience. | – |
Highlights:
On the second day of your South Island journey, you’ll continue to explore the natural wonders of the region. Your destination is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a place of extraordinary alpine beauty.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Lake Tekapo) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park | Depart from Lake Tekapo and head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. | Approx. 100 km |
Tasman Glacier Viewpoint (optional) | Optionally, stop at the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint for incredible vistas. | – | |
Lunch | Lunch in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village | Enjoy lunch in the charming village, surrounded by towering peaks. | – |
Afternoon | Hooker Valley Track | Embark on the Hooker Valley Track for a scenic hike with mountain views. | – |
Evening | Explore the Dark Sky Reserve | Aoraki/Mount Cook is part of a Dark Sky Reserve; consider stargazing at night. | – |
Highlights:
On the third day of your South Island road trip, you’ll leave the spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park behind and make your way to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Aoraki/Mount Cook) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Depart from Aoraki/Mount Cook | Begin your journey from Aoraki/Mount Cook and head to Wanaka. | – |
Scenic Drive via Lake Pukaki | Enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki with its vivid turquoise waters. | – | |
Lunch | Lunch in Twizel or Omarama | Stop for lunch in Twizel or Omarama, towns along the route with dining options. | – |
Afternoon | Visit the Clay Cliffs (optional) | Optionally, make a detour to see the unique Clay Cliffs geological formation. | Approx. 50 km |
Explore Wanaka | Arrive in Wanaka, a picturesque lakeside town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. | Approx. 200 km | |
Evening | Relax by Lake Wanaka | Spend the evening by Lake Wanaka, enjoying the serene lakeside atmosphere. | – |
Highlights:
On the fourth day of your South Island road trip, you’ll continue your journey to the vibrant resort town of Queenstown. Queenstown is renowned for its stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant atmosphere.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Wanaka) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Depart from Wanaka | Start your day by departing from Wanaka and heading to Queenstown. | – |
Cardrona Valley | En route, drive through the scenic Cardrona Valley, a beautiful alpine area. | Approx. 35 km | |
Lunch | Lunch in Arrowtown | Stop in the historic town of Arrowtown for lunch and exploration. | Approx. 24 km |
Afternoon | Explore Queenstown | Arrive in Queenstown, a hub for adventure and relaxation. Explore the town and its attractions. | Approx. 22 km |
Lake Wakatipu | Stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, admiring the stunning mountain backdrop. | – | |
Evening | Queenstown Dining and Entertainment | Enjoy an evening of dining and entertainment in Queenstown, known for its vibrant nightlife. | – |
Highlights:
On the fifth day of your South Island road trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Queenstown and its beautiful surroundings, including scenic drives and outdoor activities.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Queenstown) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Skyline Gondola and Luge (optional) | Optionally, take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views and enjoy the luge track for fun. | – |
Drive to Glenorchy | Begin a scenic drive from Queenstown to the picturesque town of Glenorchy. | Approx. 45 km | |
Lunch | Lunch in Glenorchy | Enjoy a meal in Glenorchy, known for its stunning lakeside setting. | – |
Afternoon | Explore Paradise (optional) | Optionally, take a side trip to the Paradise area, famous for its pristine landscapes. | – |
Jet Boating on the Dart River (optional) | Optionally, enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River. | – | |
Evening | Return to Queenstown | Head back to Queenstown and spend the evening in the vibrant town. | Approx. 45 km |
Highlights:
On the sixth day of your South Island road trip, you’ll journey from Queenstown to the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, specifically to the charming town of Te Anau, known as the gateway to the Fiords.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Queenstown) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Depart from Queenstown | Begin your day by departing from Queenstown and heading to Te Anau. | – |
The Remarkables Scenic Drive (optional) | Optionally, take The Remarkables scenic drive for breathtaking alpine views. | – | |
Lunch | Lunch in Kingston or Mossburn | Stop for lunch in the quaint town of Kingston or the small settlement of Mossburn. | Approx. 60 km |
Afternoon | Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional) | Optionally, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for an underground adventure. | Approx. 90 km |
Explore Lake Te Anau | Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Te Anau, appreciating the serenity. | – | |
Evening | Te Anau Town and Dining | Spend the evening in the town of Te Anau and enjoy dining options. | – |
Highlights:
On the seventh and final day of your South Island road trip, you’ll embark on a memorable journey to the world-renowned Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll then return to Queenstown to conclude your journey.
Time | Activity | Details | Distance (from Te Anau) |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Depart from Te Anau | Begin your day by departing from Te Anau and heading to Milford Sound. | – |
Scenic Drive to Milford Sound | Enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning Milford Road, taking in the dramatic landscapes. | Approx. 119 km | |
Lunch | Lunch in Milford Sound | Enjoy lunch with views of the iconic fiord and its surrounding peaks. | – |
Afternoon | Milford Sound Cruise | Embark on a Milford Sound cruise, a chance to witness the fiord’s towering cliffs and waterfalls. | – |
Return to Queenstown | After your Milford Sound adventure, start the journey back to Queenstown. | Approx. 287 km | |
Evening | Journey End in Queenstown | Arrive in Queenstown, concluding your 7-day road trip adventure through the South Island. | – |
Highlights:
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