The North and South Island of New Zealand are very different, so getting down to the South Island at least once during your time there is an absolute must! This itinerary will take you exploring through Queenstown, Arrowtown, Milford Sound, and Wanaka. Save this one for a long 4-day weekend!

Wānaka, New Zealand

South Island, New Zealand

Milford Sound, Southland, New Zealand

New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Arrowtown, New Zealand

In + Around Queenstown, NZ: 4-Day Weekend 

Pack your bags and begin your journey down to the South Island! This is a short 2-hour flight, arriving into Queenstown airport. You'll want to book through Air New Zealand, and on any given day, it looks like the earliest flight time is 7:00AM. Once you have arrived in Queenstown, pick up your rental car for the weekend - book this in advance!

Once in Queenstown, there are many different options for activities to fill your one full day in this vibrant mountain city! Depending on what you are looking for from today, we have many different options for you. Don't forget to click on each link to read Sol Travel's personal tips + tricks for each place!

After exploring Queenstown for the day, you'll be ready for a yum dinner! There are tons of restaurants to choose from, all located centrally in the main town area. You really can't go wrong with the food in this area. 

☀️ SOL TRAVEL TIP: don't skip out on the "Salty Nuts" espresso martini - so yum!

Off to a VERY early start this morning but for a good reason! Today includes one of the most epic adventures of the entire weekend - MILFORD SOUND! This is an iconic, must-see destination while you are in the South Island.

We recommend booking the "Milford Sound Coach + Cruise - Queenstown Departure" tour online through RealNZ. This tour is a full 12-hour day, and includes a pick up from a tour bus in Queenstown, a 4 hour scenic drive to Milford Sound, a day cruise that allows you to see Milford Sound by boat, and a 4 hour drive back to the drop off location in Queenstown. 

There are many different ways to experience Milford Sound, and you can even drive yourself to the cruise departure location - BUT, I highly recommend paying a little extra for the coach tour bus option. This way, you can relax knowing you're with a driver that is experienced in snowy conditions (+ on the left side of the road!). Enjoy the drive - getting to Milford Sound is truly just as stunning as the cruise itself!

☀️SOL TRAVEL TIP: here are some recommendations on how to get the most out of your trip to Milford Sound...

+ PACK FOOD: There is food available for purchase once on the cruise, but you are also allowed to bring food on board! We did this to save a bit of money and even had our own thermos full of warm tea (best hack for winter cruises!)

+ RAINY DAYS: Bring a rain jacket, and don't be put off if it's supposed to rain on your tour date. Rain has been said to make Milford Sound even more magical - as this will allow you to see many waterfalls!

+ PRICE: the tour (including roundtrip bus transportation and cruise) costs $219NZD per person for adults, and $119NZD per person for children.

+ ITEMS TO PACK: non-slip shoes, comfy clothes, rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, water bottle, snacks, portable charger (it's a long day of travel!)

After a day full of exploring Milford Sound, you will probably be pretty exhausted! Grab a quick bite to eat for dinner, or even consider getting takeaways to bring back to your accommodation in Queenstown.

Check out Vudu Cafe or Joe's Garage for a yum breakfast in Queenstown. After brunch, slowly begin making your way to Wanaka for the day. The road from Queenstown to Wanaka is very scenic, but also quite windy, so take your time + enjoy the view!

Once in Wanaka, there's lots of options for fun ways to spend the day.

If you're feeling up for a challenge, consider the Roy's Peak hike in Wanaka. This is a 16 km hike and the recommended time is 5-6 hours. You may be able to complete it in a shorter time than this, but be mindful of sunset times!

If you're feeling something a bit more relaxed after your big day exploring Milford Sound yesterday, opt for a slower afternoon. Walk around Lake Wanaka, try to locate #thatwanakatree for some photos, or head to Urban Grind for a coffee + pastry.

If you're into skiing or snowboarding, spend the day on the mountain in Cadrona! This is one of NZ's most popular ski fields and is definitely worth checking out. The road to Cadrona is a windy, gravel road so be careful driving! There are also shuttle bus options leaving from Wanaka for $20NZD if you'd prefer.

After you've finished your Wanaka activities for the day, make your way back to Queenstown. Grab dinner in Wanaka before getting on the road, or once you're back in Queenstown.

Have a bit of a sleep in, slowly pack up all your things, and check out of your accommodation. For the last morning of your weekend away in the South Island, head over to Arrowtown. This is a sleepy little town, packed with tons of history, and located just a quick 20-minute drive outside of Queenstown.

For brunch and a coffee, some popular restaurants are Goldie Cafe and Provisions of Arrowtown. After brunch, enjoy wandering around this charming, historic village. Pop into some stores, and have a look around the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement for a dose of history.

Depending on what time your flight if today, you may be rushing to make it back to return your rental car and make your flight. But, if you have a later flight booked for tonight, you may have a bit of extra time for exploring! 

Make your way from Arrowtown back towards the Queenstown Airport. Return your rental car, hop on your flight back to Auckland - and that concludes your epic weekend away in the South Island, New Zealand!

Book Milford Sound Tour Here!

☀️SOL TRAVEL TIP: if you know ahead of time you are wanting to do this hike, it might be a good idea to get on the road even earlier! Swap out morning brunch in QT for a quick takeaway breakfast in Wanaka from Curbside Coffee & Bagels or Urban Grind before the big hike.

✨ NOTE: skip this step if you're based in Queenstown already, or if you have booked an international flight directly into the Queenstown airport. 

BUT, for drinks after dinner, we INSIST you drop by Little Blackwood! They have the absolute best cocktail menu + 5 different types of espresso martini's (obsessed!!)

In + Around Queenstown, NZ: 4-Day Weekend

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