Day 1: Christchurch – The Garden City
Highlights: Arrival, city sights, historic tram ride, botanical gardens
Start your journey in Christchurch, New Zealand’s gateway to the South Island. After picking up your rental car, explore the city’s mix of modern architecture and historic charm.
Top Attractions & Activities:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens – Stroll through beautiful gardens and glasshouses.
- Punting on the Avon – Relax on a traditional punt boat along the Avon River.
- Christchurch Tram City Tour – Hop on the historic tram for a scenic ride through the city.
- Riverside Market – A great place to grab local food, coffee, and artisan goods.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The George – A boutique 5-star hotel near Hagley Park.
- Mid-range: Crowne Plaza Christchurch – Central location with modern amenities.
- Budget: JUCY Snooze Christchurch – Affordable pod-style accommodation.
Where to Eat:
- Twenty Seven Steps – Modern Kiwi cuisine with fresh ingredients.
- Little High Eatery – A lively food court with multiple eateries.
Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Distance: ~225 km (~3-hour drive)
Drive into Canterbury’s Mackenzie Country, known for its turquoise lakes and stunning alpine views.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- Rakaia Gorge – A great stop for a short scenic walk.
- Fairlie Bakehouse – Famous for its award-winning pies.
- Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd – An iconic photo stop.
- Mt. John Observatory – Stargaze at one of the world’s best dark sky reserves.
Where to Stay in Tekapo:
- Luxury: Peppers Bluewater Resort – Stunning lake views.
- Mid-range: The Godley Hotel – Affordable and comfortable.
- Budget: Tailor-Made Tekapo Backpackers – Cozy and budget-friendly.
Where to Eat:
- Kohan Japanese Restaurant – Great sushi and lakeside views.
- Jack Rabbit Café – Coffee and casual dining.
Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Distance: ~105 km (~1.5-hour drive)
Head deeper into the mountains to explore Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Top Attractions & Activities:
- Hooker Valley Track – A breathtaking 3-hour hike with glacier views.
- Tasman Glacier Lake – Take a boat tour with Glacier Explorers.
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – Learn about NZ’s most famous mountaineer.
Where to Stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook:
- Luxury: Hermitage Hotel – Best views of Mount Cook.
- Mid-range: Aoraki Alpine Lodge – Cozy with great facilities.
- Budget: White Horse Hill Campground – A great option for campers.
Where to Eat:
- Chamois Bar & Grill – Casual dining with mountain views.
Day 4: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Queenstown
Distance: ~265 km (~3.5-hour drive)
Today’s drive takes you past Lake Pukaki and Lindis Pass, before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Key Stops & Attractions:
- High Country Salmon (Twizel) – Feed salmon and enjoy fresh sashimi.
- Kawarau Gorge – Watch bungee jumpers at AJ Hackett Bungy.
Where to Stay in Queenstown:
- Luxury: Eichardt’s Private Hotel – Premium lakefront experience.
- Mid-range: Kamana Lakehouse – Stunning views, stylish rooms.
- Budget: Nomads Queenstown – A great backpacker hostel.
Where to Eat:
- Fergburger – Famous for giant gourmet burgers.
- Botswana Butchery – Fine dining with a cozy vibe.
Day 5: Queenstown Adventure & Wine Tasting
Spend a full day exploring Queenstown’s mix of adventure and relaxation.
Top Activities:
- Shotover Jet – A thrilling jet boat ride through narrow canyons.
- Skyline Gondola & Luge – Ride up for panoramic views and luge fun.
- Gibbston Valley Wine Region – Sample world-class Pinot Noir.
Day 6: Queenstown to Milford Sound
Distance: ~288 km (~4-hour drive)
Drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of the most scenic places in New Zealand.
Top Attractions & Activities:
- Mirror Lakes – A short stop with reflective lake views.
- The Chasm Walk – A scenic rainforest walk.
- Milford Sound Cruise – Book with RealNZ or Southern Discoveries for a stunning fjord tour.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Milford Sound Lodge – Best location in the fjord.
- Budget: Te Anau YHA – Affordable and comfortable.
Where to Eat:
- Pio Pio Café (Milford Sound Lodge) – Fresh local ingredients.
Day 7: Milford Sound to Franz Josef
Distance: ~480 km (~6.5-hour drive)
A long but scenic drive up the West Coast, passing lush rainforests and rugged coastline.
Key Stops:
- Lake Matheson (Fox Glacier) – Mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook.
- Franz Josef Glacier Walk – Take a heli-hike for epic views.
Day 8: Franz Josef to Hokitika
Distance: ~135 km (~2-hour drive)
Enjoy a more relaxed day with coastal sights.
Key Stops:
- Hokitika Gorge – Turquoise waters and suspension bridges.
- Pounamu Jade Shops – Browse local Māori jade carvings.
Where to Stay & Eat in Hokitika:
- Luxury: Rimu Lodge – A boutique, peaceful retreat.
- Budget: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel – Simple but well-located.
Day 9: Hokitika to Arthur’s Pass
Distance: ~120 km (~2-hour drive)
Drive into the Southern Alps for one last mountain adventure.
Key Stops:
- Otira Viaduct Lookout – Great alpine views.
- Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall – A must-do short hike.
Day 10: Return to Christchurch
Distance: ~150 km (~2-hour drive)
Complete your South Island loop with a scenic drive back to Christchurch, stopping at Castle Hill for dramatic limestone formations.