10-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Itinerary
Written By Samantha Liu

An Adventurous & Scenic Guide!

11 February 2023

This is the ultimate, adventurous and scenic guide to 10 days in New Zealand’s South Island, stopping at places like Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Milford Sound, and Queenstown! Whether you’re solo traveling or going with a group, this is a great guide for what to do in this beautiful area as well as recommendations for activities, accomodations, and more.

Milford Sound

Overview

  • Day 1: Christchurch

  • Day 2: Lake Tekapo

  • Day 3: Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook

  • Day 4: Mount Cook

  • Day 5-6: Wanaka

  • Day 7: Queenstown

  • Day 8-9: Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound, Lake Marian)

  • Day 10: Queenstown

Pre-Travel Guide

Where to Get The Best Flight Deals: Some Tips & Tricks

Google flights and Skyscanner are definitely my top choices for finding amazing deals on flights since you can track flight prices and compare deals from different airlines.

Where to Stay: Recommended Hotels & Hostels

I strongly suggest booking accommodations and tours as soon as you decide to go because these are very popular travel destinations, especially in the peak seasons! Even though this itinerary only covers the South Island, the country is still very big, so make sure to plan your accommodations accordingly.

Christchurch

Lake Tekapo

Mount Cook

It can be difficult to find accommodations in Mount Cook Village, so another option is to stay in Lake Tekapo as it’s only a 1 hour drive away!

Wanaka

Queenstown

Best Times to Visit

The most popular time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. The days will be long with plenty of sun and temperatures between 70°F and 77°F (21°C and 25°C). It’s a great time to go hiking, lounge on the beaches, and enjoy outdoor activities. Note that this is the high season, so expect higher prices and more people.

Shoulder Seasons

The autumn months of March to May and spring months of September to November are another great time to go because you’ll be able to get better deals on activities and accommodations, and there will be much fewer tourists there. The weather is more mild, but the days are shorter, and the weather can be a little wet in the spring. If you prefer the peace and quiet or are looking for a more budget-friendly trip, consider going in the shoulder seasons.

How to Get Around New Zealand: Rent a Car

The best option is to rent a car at the airport for the duration of your trip. You’ll need a car for most parts of this itinerary, and that way, you’ll have a lot more flexibility to go to different areas! The roads are also incredibly scenic, so you’ll be able to see the sights along the way — click here for some options!

If you would prefer to not drive as much, there are also many tour packages that offer transportation and activities!

Travel Insurance

You should consider buying travel insurance in case of illness, baggage delays, flight delays or cancellations. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer any insurance. Some recommended companies are World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Tourist Visa

You’ll want to check the New Zealand Immigration website to see if you need a visitor visa or if your country of citizenship is exempt from a visa — in that case, you just need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

10-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary!

Day 1: Christchurch

You’ll be flying into Christchurch (CHC) airport, and there are many fun activities to do in this area! You definitely don’t have to do all of these, so feel free to choose the ones you’re most interested in. If you want to see a lot of places, consider a hop-on, hop-off tour as these will make transportation much easier!

Stop 1: Christchurch Gondola

This is definitely a must-do in Christchurch! Ride the gondola to get an amazing, panoramic view of the city, harbour, and even the Southern Alps! It’s a great family-friendly activities for locals and visitors alike. When you get to the top, you can explore the walking trails, check out the gift shop, or grab a bite at the Red Rock Cafe and enjoy the views.

Stop 2: Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is also known as the “Garden City'“, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens! Stroll through the 153-year-old gardens with beautiful collections that change with the seasons — this is one of the finest collections of exotic and local plants in New Zealand.

Stop 3: Akaroa Harbour

If you’re a wildlife lover, head to Akaroa Harbour to see Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals! There are many different tour and activity packages that let you swim with dolphins, cruise around the harbour, and more.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo, Lupins, Church of the Good Shepherd, Stargazing

Lake Tekapo is a beautiful, small town on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Christchurch and a popular stop between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Stop 1: Lupins

Lake Tekapo is one of the most famous spots to see lupins when they are in full bloom in the summer. You’ll be able to see the bright purple and pink flowers from November to the beginning of February, but the best time to see them is from mid-November to the end of December

Stop 2: Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most well-photographed places in Lake Tekapo and probably New Zealand as well. It was built by the early settlers, and today, it is used as a place of worship and a wedding venue.

Stop 3: Peninsula Walkway

The Peninsula Walkway Trail is only a few minutes drive from the center of the town, and this is an excellent, family-friendly activity! The trail takes about 2.5 hours round trip, and you’ll get to see great views of Lake Tekapo, Mt. John, and the Southern Alps in the distance.

Stop 4: Stargazing

End your night with stargazing! You will definitely want to spend a night in Lake Tekapo as this is an amazing place to see the stars at night. There is very little light pollution, and you’ll be able to see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross! Some great places to go are Cowan's Observatory near the Church of the Good Shepherd (left image) or University of Canterbury's Mount John Observatory (right image).

Day 3: Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook

Stop 1: Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is about a 30 minute drive from Lake Tekapo, and it is also famous for its turquoise glacial waters. Stop at the Lake Pukaki Viewpoint for a great view of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance. If you want to make this a day trip from Christchurch, here are some tour options!

Stop 2: Mount Cook, Hooker Valley Track

From Lake Pukaki, it’s about a 40 minute drive to Mount Cook. Enjoy the views along the way! Head to Hooker Valley Track, one of the most popular trails in the Mount Cook National Park. The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the glacier lake, where you’ll see beautiful views of the mountains. It’s a total distance of 10km and takes about 2-4 hours round trip. Along the way, you’ll cross swing-bridges and see glaciers, mountains, and icebergs — make sure to have your camera ready!

Stop 3: Stargazing

Mount Cook is another incredible area for stargazing as it’s part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. There is very little light pollution in the national park, so you should be able to see tons of stars from the White Horse Hill Campsite or the Tasman Glacier parking lot!

Day 4: Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Tasman Lake

Stop 1: Tasman Glacier

While this may not be the most budget-friendly activity, it certainly is a bucket list-worthy one! An incredible way to see the Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook National Park is to go on a heli-hike, a 3 hour helicopter tour that drops you off on the glacier to hike. The flight takes you over the Tasman Lake before stopping on the ice formations where you’ll hike in the midst of the Southern Alps, Aoraki, and Mount Tasman. You’ll be equipped with glacier boots and crampons and spend 2 hours in another world in the mountains. On the return flight home, you will fly close to the massive 1,000-meter high Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern face of Aorak! Make sure to book your tickets soon because this is a very popular activity.

Stop 2: Tasman Lake Viewpoint

If you want to see an amazing sunset, head to the Tasman Lake Viewpoint! At the shore of the lake, you’ll see the Tasman Glacier and its reflection in the water. It’s only a 20 minute walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint, making it one of the easiest walks for one of the best views!

Day 5: Wanaka, Wine Tasting, #ThatWanakaTree, Paddleboarding

Wanaka is about a gorgeous town surrounded by the Southern Alps! It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Mount Cook, and there are so many fun things to do here.

Stop 1: Wine Tasting

Take a rest day as the next day will be a rather strenuous hiking day! This area is part of Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine-making region, known for its pinot noirs and beautiful wineries. There are many options for wine tastings such as booking a half-day tour or choosing a few to go to on your own! These are some of the best wineries in the area:

  • Rippon Vineyard

  • Maude Tasting Room

  • Aitkens Folly Vineyard

  • Maori Point

  • Lazy Dog Cellar Door

Stop 2: #ThatWanakaTree

#ThatWanakaTree is a famous, lone willow tree that even has its own hashtag! The tree is a short walk from the town center — walk along the shore of Roy’s Bay, and you’ll definitely see it. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset to see the gorgeous glow on Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps behind the tree.

Stop 3: Paddleboarding or Kayaking

A fun and relaxing activity is paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake! You can rent a paddleboard or kayak directly on the lakefront or you can go with a guide for a great view of the Southern Alps in the background.

Day 6: Wanaka, Roy’s Peak

Stop 1: Roy’s Peak

This hike is not an easy one, but what you’ll see is so worth it! The view at the summit of Roy’s Peak is easily one of the most instagrammable locations in all of New Zealand because of the incredible view of the Southern Alps. The 16 kilometer hike takes around 7 hours to complete, so make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for the trip. This is definitely one of the best hikes in the south island!

After dinner, head to Queenstown — It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Wanaka to Queenstown, so it won’t be too much after the hike.

Day 7: Queenstown, Skyline Gondola, Paragliding, Bob’s Cove

Stop 1: Skyline Gondola

Take the Skyline Gondola 450 meters up to get an incredible view of Coronet Peak and the Remarkables as well as Lake Wakatipu and Walter Peak! When you get to the top, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, and enjoy the panoramic views.

Stop 2: Paragliding

Most tours have you start at the top of the Skyline Gondola, so it’s a perfect thing to do after getting to the top. Paragliding is definitely a must-do in Queenstown! You’ll get to see Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables from a completely different perspective. You can book a tandem paragliding adventure, and you’ll be strapped to a professional instructor, so no experience is required!

Stop 3: Bob’s Cove

Bob’s Cove is a relaxing beach area where you can go for a swim! To get to the cove, you’ll need to walk Bob’s Cove Track, and don’t worry — this is one of the easiest hikes (walks) on this trip. The track is a 2 kilometer loop that takes you to the lookout on Picnic Point over the cove and Lake Wakatipu. This is a great activity for families!

Plan to drive about 2 hours from Queenstown to Te Anau, a popular place to stay while exploring Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound and Lake Marian Track). Most tours will start early in the day, so you’ll want to stay at Te Anau.

Day 8: Fiordlands National Park, Milford Sound

Stop 1: Milford Sound

Today you’ll be exploring Milford Sound, a fiord deep in Fiordlands National Park. It’s most famous for Mitre Peak, a mountain on the shore of the fiord. With its towering waterfalls and lush rainforests, this is a sight you will not want to miss! The best way to explore Milford Sound is to book a coach-cruise — there are plenty of great ones that pick you up at Te Anau, drive you to Milford Sound via coach, and take you on a cruise to see the fiord up close! Many even provide lunch, and make sure to look out the window on the coach ride so you don’t miss the scenic drive.

Another very popular option is to book a day trip tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown if you would prefer to not drive yourself or if you would rather spend more time on other parts of the itinerary! Below are some of the most booked tours:

Day 9: Fiordlands National Park, Lake Marian Track, The Chasm

Stop 1: Lake Marian Track

Lake Marian Track is an incredible day-hike located about 38 kilometers from Milford Sound. It is a 10 kilometer hike and a challenging one, but it’s short enough to complete in around 3 hours depending on your fitness level and how long you spend taking photos. You’ll cross a suspension bridge right next to the waterfalls, and when you get to the end, you’ll see Lake Marian, a stunning turquoise lake framed by v-shaped mountains!

Stop 2: The Chasm

The Chasm is another amazing sight to see in this area! It’s located in between Lake Marian Track and Milford Sound, and it takes about a 25 minute drive to get there from Lake Marian Track. The powerful waterfall eroded the narrow rocky valley and sculpted the surrounding areas into intricate swirling patterns.

Day 10: Queenstown, Jetboating, Ziplining

After two days in Fiordland National Park, it’s time to drive 2 hours from Te Anau back to Queenstown. The last day in Queenstown is flexible because you may be flying out today. These are some ideas of what you can do, and you can choose the ones you’re interested in and have time for!

Stop 1: Jetboating on Shotover River

Queenstown is the ultimate destination for adventure sports, and jetboating is one of them! Book a tour to go jetboating on Shotover River and experience exhilarating 360 spins and high speeds!

Stop 2: Ziplining

Another popular activity is ziplining as it’s also an exhilarating experience, but it’s not too intense. Zip through the lush forests on four incredible ziplines with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables mountain range. This is also a good activity for families since there are many options for intensity and length!

And that’s a wrap! If you found this itinerary helpful, feel free to share it with a friend. I earn a small commission if you purchase or book anything using my links, and you pay the same price — thanks for all your support!

Samantha Liu