New Zealand | First Timer's Itinerary in South Island 💓
Around South Island
This exciting itinerary would bring you around the South Island via a road trip like no other! In this guide, we will be visiting the following places:
Day 1
📍Christchurch
This trip begins from the largest city in South of NZ, featuring a wonderful mix of heritage, culture and exhilarating activities. Day 1 features a lovely tour of the city centre via the beautifully restored heritage tram. This day would be mainly centred around the city centre.
Main mode of transport: Heritage Tram & Walk
⭐️ Note: Day 2 would feature a TranzAlpine Train that bring you across from Christchurch to Greymouth. Hence, on this day, it is not recommended to rent a car yet. Unless you opt out of it, and decide to drive across instead.
🏨 Recommended Accommodation:
⭐️ Accommodations listed below are located mainly in the city centre, so you can explore notable sites within a walkable distance to get a feel of the atmosphere that they city offer!
Activity of the Day:
Explore Christchurch through the Heritage Tram and discover all of the best attractions offered by the city! The whole route takes 50 minutes with detailed commentary of the history from the driver on-board!
⭐️ Exploring each individual stop of the tram route will more or less fill most of your time of the day. If you feel like exploring more of Christchurch, it is possible to consider to purchase a combo package which takes you on a Gondola or Avon!
Places of Christchurch:
Day 2
📍Christchurch - Greymouth - Hokitika/Franz Josef/Fox Glacier
The day begins with one of the world’s most scenic train ride, the TranzApline, departing from Christchurch to Greymouth. The 4 hours scenic train journey transports you from the east coast to the west coast showcasing the south island’s diverse landscapes. You will find yourself captivated by the breathtaking sights 😍😍
⭐️ It is recommended to book the car rental pickup in Greymouth as you will the rest of journey will be using the car as the main mode of transport! There are plenty of car rental companies right where you alight from the TransAlpine Scenic Train. Do make reservations ahead of time!
⭐️ Upon reaching Greymouth, it will be an hour’s journey to arrive in Hokitika where you will be spending a night at. If you wish, it is also possible to travel further to Franz Josef Galcier/Fox Glacier to spend the night as to break up the long drive on Day 3!
At the end of the scenic train ride, you’ll find yourself in Greymouth, which was once known for mining! You might want to have your lunch there as well as do some exploring before heading down along the west coast!
⭐️ This guide would recommend to choose Hokitika to spend the night. Thus, only Places and Accommodations of Hokitika will be recommended in this guide!
Once you arrived in Hokitika, explore the vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing landscapes of this town! This is where you’re spending the night at ✨✨
Places of Greymouth:
Places of Hokitika:
🏨 Recommended Accommodation:
📍Hokitika:
Day 3
📍Hokitika/Franz Josef/Fox Glacier - Lake Wanaka - Queenstown
This day of the itinerary will feature one of the long drives you will take in this road trip. Discover the West Coast of NZ’s South Island where you will go through endless thick forest trees, along the coastline, and through valleys. The west coast boast breathtaking views that you will not expect at all! Be prepared to make multiple stops as you would like to take photos and videos as well as taking in the view with your eyes 😍😍
Today you will be driving from Hokitika on State Highway 6, which brings you to Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, then all the way to Lake Wanaka and finally ends at Queenstown.
⭐️ Note: The total drive time from Hokitika to Queenstown is around 6 hours but do note to allocate more time for meals, activities and toilet stops in between!
⭐️ Upon reaching Queenstown, you will be spending 4 nights there! Or you can consider staying 3 nights in Queenstown and 1 night near Milford Sound! (Will be further noted below)
⭐️ The guide for Day 3 will feature Places of Interests along the West Coast till Queenstown. Choose which fits best in your time plan.
Places of West Coast
The following would feature notable lookout spots along your drive!
Places of Lake Wanaka:
🏨 Recommended Accommodation:
The following would be a list of recommended accommodations in Queenstown for 3/4 nights!
⭐️ The lakeside town of Queenstown offers majestic views of every angle of the lake it surrounds. Would highly recommend to book an accommodation that can overlook the lake and witness the beauty that it has to offer! 💘
Day 4 & 5
📍Queenstown
Known as the adventure capital of the world. The town is home to a huge choice of adrenaline filled activities, for instance, bungee jumping and jet boating. Other than that, Queenstown is also renowned for their breathtaking, majestic and magical views that makes you fall in love with it every single time 💖 The following will be a list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy during the time you're in this beautiful town. In addition, two nearby towns are included if you would like more options to explore! Hope that you would enjoy Queenstown as much as I did 💘🔥
Places of Queenstown:
The following two places are Queenstown's most popular dining spots!
If your days in Queenstown just happens to fall on the weekends, you might consider to visit these weekend markets!
Activities:
Nearby Explorations:
📌 Arrowtown [20 mins east of Queenstown]
Situated on the banks of Arrow River is historic Arrowtown, established during the gold rush of the 1860s and is still a vibrant town centre today. Only a 20 minutes’ drive east of Queenstown, this picturesque destination is home to the Lakes District Museum and Gallery, showcasing the area’s history and relics. Hire a Gold Pan and try your luck at gold mining down at the river!
📌 Glenorchy {45 mins away from Queenstown]
Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, and only a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, you can find the beautiful Glenorchy. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Glenorchy has plenty of things to do, from walking tracks, horse riding, fishing, to finding those perfect photography spots. It is also home to filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, including Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien.
Being the home of the filming spots of Lord of the Rings, there are many available guided tours that will bring you around the most iconic and breathtaking spots of LOTR!
Day 6
📍Queenstown - Milford Sound
Often described as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", Milford Sound definitely has stunning that will take your breath away. Towering peaks, lush rainforests to waterfalls, travelling into Fiordland National Park brings you a side of the world where it feels untouched.
✨ The best way to enjoy Milford Sound is to take a day tour with a scenic cruise!
⭐️ There are many different kinds of tours offered on the website, such as a Kayak tour, sunrise tour, Cruise & Underwater Observatory. So do look around before booking your tour! If you are not so sure what to book, there are multiple tour operators in Queenstown town centre for you to enquire and book!
💘 You'll begin the day from Queenstown and towards Fiordland National Park. The drive time would be around 4 hours. However, do note that this does not include stops, so do allocate enough time for toilet breaks as well as photo opportunities!
📸 Photo Spots in Fiordland National Park:
Day 7
📍Queenstown - Lake Tekapo
After a few days in Queenstown, this trip brings you to Lake Tekapo. Apart from the stunningly blue lake, this town is park of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve which makes it the perfect place to stargaze!
Places of Lake Tekapo:
Special Activity:
Such a well-known spot to stargaze, I definitely can't miss out recommending this special tour that will make the trip! The guided stargazing and hot spring tour is an unique way to perfectly enjoy the dark sky reserve!
🏨 Recommended Accommodation:
Day 8
📍Lake Tekapo — Mt Cook
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This awe-inspiring destination is dominated by the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, with the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook standing as the highest peak in the country. The park offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and a unique alpine experience. 📸🥾
Activities:
💖 Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you are an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a serene escape, the park's diverse offerings make it an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Day 9
📍Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Finally ending the trip and back to the city, the drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch is around 2 hours 25 minutes long. During this drive, we will pass by Burkes Pass Heritage Walk, also known as one of the 'must visits' in Lonely Planet! This lovely little town is filled with picturesque spot and also rich in history to better understand NZ's early days!
After this lovely little spot, we will end this trip at Christchurch where it all begun!
💌 Hope that you will enjoy my guide! Thanks for following me through this 9 days guide in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand 🇳🇿💖
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