10 Day South Island New Zealand Itinerary

Day 1: Start Your New Zealand Journey in Christchurch - 1 Night

Drop your luggage off at your accommodation and spend the first day of your 10-day South Island itinerary exploring Christchurch. Luckily, nearly everything in New Zealand’s second-largest city can be reached on foot, by bike and public transport.

Best spots for relaxing: 

• In Hagley Park stop and smell the roses with a stroll through Christchurch Botanical Gardens or sit back and relax while punting on the Avon River.
• New Regent Street is the perfect place to sit and people-watch. The street is packed old European charm with plenty of cafes and cocktail bars.

Adrenaline activity: 

• Christchurch Adventure Park has some of Christchurch’s best mountain biking trails and also the longest (over 1000m | 0.6mi) and the highest (150m | 492ft) zipline in all of New Zealand. If this doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will.

Jump on a Christchurch Tram Tour (pictured above) for a real heritage experience that combines learning the of the city and sightseeing.

Wet weather activities: 

• The Canterbury Museum is a great place to learn more about Canterbury (the region Christchurch is in).
• The International Antarctic Centre offers a unique, interactive experience for all ages where you can explore the wonders of Antarctica through activities like the Antarctic storm simulation, penguin encounters, and a thrilling Hagglund ride.

Great things to know before you arrive:

• Essential tips for arriving in New Zealand and starting your adventure
• What to Pack for a NZ Holiday

Where to stay in Christchurch: The Heritage Christchurch

Perfectly located in the heart of the city, the Heritage Christchurch is only a few steps from New Regent Street and about a 5 minutes walk from the Botanic Garden. Restaurants, bars and shopping are just around the corner.

Day 2 - 3: Lake Tekapo and/or Mt Cook National Park - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 359 km | 223 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 45 mins

Before you leave Christchurch:
The early birds among you can catch the best sunrises of New Zealand high above the Canterbury Plains - in a hot air balloon! 

Travel to Tekapo
Spend the day in stunning Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, the little stone chapel at the edge of the curiously blue Lake Tekapo.  A number of walking tracks can be found around Tekapo and the start of the popular Alps to Ocean cycling trail starts a little bit further up the lake.

Tekapo is also perfect for a relaxing day here are some must do activities. 

Tekapo Springs
Soak in the warm waters of Tekapo Springs, sign up for a spa treatment and sweat in their sauna. Tekapo Springs has several hot pools that entice you to spend the whole day in the warm water, looking out onto the lake and into the mountains. 

Stargazing
If you’re staying in Tekapo for the night, we highly recommend that you join one of the star-gazing tours. Tekapo is an international Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it has hardly any light pollution, making the stars twinkle extra brightly. Ask our team which tour is the right one for you.  If you decide to stay in Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage hotel also offers amazing stargazing expereinces.

Hot tip: these stargazing expereinces sell out so make sure you book this in advance!

Read more about Stargazing in New Zealand here

Mount Cook Scenic Drive
Mount Cook Road, the road turning off State Highway 8 in Twizel towards Aoraki Mt Cook, is probably one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, so make sure you drive it during daylight and take enough time to stop and take pictures along the way. 

Where to stay in Tekapo: Galaxy Boutique Hotel

Enjoy being just 500 meters from the shore of Lake Tekapo and Tekapo village. Take in the beautiful lake views of one of the most picturesque glacial lakes in New Zealand. Galaxy Boutique Hotel is the largest boutique hotel in the Mackenzie region.

Where to stay in Aoraki Mt Cook Village: The Hermitage

At the Hermitage, you’ll get the best views of Mt Cook. Located at the end of Mt Cook Road, you’ll have an array of short and longer walks into the National Park right at your doorstep.

Day 3: Explore Mt Cook National Park

You can make a return day trip to Explore Mount Cook national Park from Tekapo (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive, each way). If you spend the night in Mount Cook Village enjoy having everything Mount Cook National Park has to offer on your doorstep this morning.

Top activities in the area:

• Scenic flight of Mt Cook and the Tasman Glacier 

  Morning flights tend to be calmer as winds pick up in the afternoon. Plus, a flight of the region first thing in the morning gives you a great overview of Mt Cook National Park. You can choose if you prefer a short scenic flight, a flight with a short landing on the mountain or glacier or a full-on heli hike of the Tasman Glacier.

•  Hike the Hooker Valley Track

  This is one of the most popular walks in the area and is a relatively easy but extremely scenic walk, crossing three swing bridges. There are many other walks in the region for you to explore.

  Remember: take the time to do your research on Safety in New Zealand's Great Outdoors. 

   

• Tasman Glacier Boat Trip

  On the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, you get an up-close-and-personal experience of the massive floating ice blocks. The giant icicles break off at the end of the glacier and drop into the lake where they float like ice cubes in a cocktail. The Tasman Glacier Lake tour takes you to and through the ice blocks on a dinghy and you might even get to touch the ice.

Weather dependent activities: Many activities are weather dependent. If you book a self-drive itinerary with us we take care of you in the event of a weather related activity cancellation and will reschedule or find you the best possible alternative.

Day 4 - 6: Scenic Drive to Queenstown - 3 Nights

Approximate Distance: 260 km | 161 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Worthwhile stops during your drive:

• Lindis Pass - Make sure you stop plenty of times to take pictures of the dramatic views
• Cromwell is a great place for a break and a coffee.
• Lake Dunstan cycle trail - If you have time, you might like to hire a bike and ride the boardwalk along the lake.

Tip: driving in New Zealand is a very different experience to what you might be used to at home. here is some key information on Driving and Road Rules in New Zealand.

Once you’ve arrived in Queenstown, it’s time to explore the city centre and lakefront. Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, and hugging lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a polarising beauty and knows it. Queenstown sure won’t leave you cold.

Best places to eat:

The city is bustling with people from all over the world and your choice of restaurant is sheer endless! 

• Grab yourself one of the famous Ferg Burgers (the long queue at the joint is part of the experience) and eat it on the water’s shore
• Head up the Skyline Gondola for a buffet dinner with the most spectacular view of the lake and mountains, before or after racing your family on the Luge
• For a more exclusive dinner, Rata is an excellent choice

Where to stay in Queenstown: QT Queenstown

This colourful and quirky hotel is only steps away from Lake Wakatipu. Some of the rooms have breathtaking views of the lake and the Remarkable Mountain Range in the distance. QT Queenstown is only a 5-minute stroll along the lake into the busy centre full of restaurants and bars. 

Travel tip: If you are travelling over the peak summer period, especially Christmas and New Years book your Queenstown accommodation nice and early as accommodation does sell out over this period. If you have left planning a little late don't worry we have a wide range of suppliers and alternatives we can offer you as part of one of our self-drive packages.

Day 5: Day Trip to Milford Sound With Cruise

Get ready for an early start!

Today, an exciting day in a spectacular natural landscape awaits you. Milford Sound is probably the number one bucket list item for most visitors of all places to visit in New Zealand. Hardly any region in New Zealand is as green and mystical as Fiordland and Milford Sound is the best example of this. Even the road to Milford is incredibly beautiful and scenic.

Our recommendation: Milford Sound Coach/Cruise/Coach or Milford Sound Coach/Cruise Fly Tour

Join a group tour for a day trip to Milford Sound as it makes for a very long day, even when you’re not the person driving. This way you get to make the most of the stunning views along the way today. The coaches usually leave Queenstown around 7am and make their first stop in Te Anau. 

Once on Milford Road, they will stop at every scenic spot and make sure you have enough time to take pictures. All coaches will have a guide on the bus who will explain exactly what to expect of the next stop. On arrival in Milford Sound you will board your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. At the end of the day return to Queenstown by coach.

Milford Sound Cruise Highlights:

• Cruise the entire length of Milford Sound
• View spectacular waterfalls and the famous Mitre Peak
• Get the chance to see unique wildlife including seals & dolphins
• You purpose-built cruise boat offers excellent viewing with large windows, spacious decks, and comfortable lounges

Why not fly back to Queenstown? If you are looking for something extra special include a Milford Sound/Coach/Cruise/Fly tour in your itinerary. This give you the chance to see the spectacular fiord from the air on an unforgettable scenic flight back to Queenstown at the end of the day.

Day 6: Explore Queenstown at Your Leisure

Spend the day today exploring Queenstown and its surroundings. There’s so much to see and do, you could easily add another day, or two, to your South Island itinerary. Here are some examples of how to spend a day in Queenstown:

Adrenaline activities:

• Go on a joyride on one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating jet boat tours, Shotover Jet. You can either drive to Shotover River yourself or board their complimentary shuttle from town. Shotover Jet zooms and swivels at high speeds through the narrow Shotover Canyon, only inches from the sharp walls.
• Keep that heart rate up on a bungy jump. The world’s first commercial bungy jump, by AJ Hackett, was off Kawerau Bridge outside of Queenstown and it’s still in the original owner’s hands today. 

Food & wine expereinces:

• Drive towards nearby Gibbston Valley, the Central Otago wine region that’s most famous for its Pinot Noir. While you can tour the vineyards in your own car, it might be safer to join one of the many guided wine tours, or you can even ride an e-bike between wineries on a self-gudied tour.
• Experience the charm of Queenstown with a TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu, followed by a gourmet BBQ dinner at the stunning Walter Peak High Country Farm, offering breathtaking views and a delightful dining experience.

Day 7 - 8: Drive to Franz Josef Glacier - 2 Nights 

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 220 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Drive the very scenic road along Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka. On your way towards the West Coast and Franz Josef Glacier, make a stop in Wanaka for a coffee and a stroll along the lake to the famous Wanaka Tree. Then continue on to Haast Pass.

There are so many Things to do in Wanaka. Many of our guests chose to add an extra night here if you have time.

Extra stop on the way: 
If time allows on your jouney to Franz Josef, turn off near Fox Glacier for the 4.4km | 2.7mi walk around Lake Matheson. If the weather is calm, the lake acts like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the snow-capped mountains and lush bush in the water. 

Later, join a guided walk along the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier and learn about the role of Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. With the emphasis on geographical information and the glacier's history, you’re able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier with your experienced guide.

Where to stay in Franz Josef: Rainforest Retreat

Nestled in six acres of idyllic native bush at the foot of precipitous mountains the Rainforest Retreat is an inviting place to stay. Each unit was built exclusively to embrace its beautiful, secluded, natural environment, providing guests with choices of either forest floor or mid-canopy bush views.

Day 8: Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

Today you’ve got a premium bucket list experience waiting for you. Franz Josef Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Start off your day tour by boarding a helicopter that shuttles you right onto Franz Josef Glacier. Once on the glacier, you put your crampons on and follow your guide as they lead you to an icy blue wonderland. You’ll clamber through ice caves, explore the inside of crevasses and walk past massive ice pinnacles, some as tall as buildings. This tour is truly unforgettable.

More budget friendly activity alternatives:

• The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef offers a unique opportunity to see New Zealand's rare and endangered native species, including the iconic kiwi. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn about conservation efforts while observing these fascinating creatures up close.
• After a big day of adventure, relax your aching muscles in the woodfire-heated tubs at Waiho Hot Tubs. There is no better way to end an epic day than in a tub filled with hot water, surrounded by the sounds of the West Coast bushland. 

Day 9: TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch - 1 Night 

Approximate Distance (to Greymouth): 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Today, you have a big day ahead of you. But at least you’ll only be driving half of it!

Optional stops on your way to Greymouth:

• Wander around Ross Gold Town to pan for gold 
• If pounamu (New Zealand jade) is more your thing, stop in Hokitika for a walk on the rocky beach, looking for raw greenstone. If you have time, you can even carve it into a pendant at a local shop.

TranzAlpine Train Journey

But be sure to keep an eye on the time today. You wouldn’t want to miss your TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch. This remarkable travel experience ranks among the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Endless vistas unfold around every bend. The scenic train eventually returns to Christchurch at around 7pm this evening. , where you started your memorable 10-day South Island holiday.

Travel tip: Check that the TranzAlpine train is running on the day you require as this service does not run every day over winter.

Day 10: Haere rā (goodbye) South Island

Depending on when your flight is today, you might still have some time to buy your last New Zealand souvenirs. The best shops can be found at the shopping mall on Cashel Road. If you’re after edible gifts, the scenic Riverside Market is where you’ll want to go before it’s time to say goodbye to the South Island.

The more time you have to explore the South Island the better! Check out our 14 Day South Island Itineraries for more inspiration for longer trips. We can even customise one for you depending on how many days you have to spend. Or why not get a chance to combine a trip and see both the North and South Island.

How to Customise This Itinerary

Every traveller is different and what one person might like to include in their itinerary another would rather swap out for something else. That is why we can help!

Our team of specialised Travel Designers would work closely with you to make sure that everything in your itinerary is tailored to suit you and your travel style. 

What can be changed?

• The duration of any of our self-drive tours, to be made longer or shorter
• The direction of travel - we can reverse the direction of itineraries and change the route
• The type of accommodation included - motels, apartments, B&B's or hotels
• The activities included - if there is something else you already had in mind, let us know.
• Add domestic flights to cut down the amount of driving if required
• Allow for free time in places where you might be visiting or staying with family or friends

Since 2001 we have worked hard to build strong relationships with the best activity and accommodation providers across the country to make sure that we have great options for everyone.

What if not everyone in my group wants to do the same activity? No Problem. We can arrange days where your group may split up and participate in different activities to make sure that everyone is happy.

If you have more or less time to spend travelling, check out our other South Island itineraries.

How Much Does This itinerary Cost

That's a difficult question to answer. But having worked with people with all levels of budgets we can safely say it can be done "on the cheap", in total luxury, or anywhere in between. Our self-drive packages include your rental, vehicle, accommodation, activities and full in country support so everything is taken care of for you.

For most people a trip to New Zealand is a once in a lifetime trip, so they will want to see and do as much as they possibly can in the time they have available. That can obviously have an impact on how much you spend.

We work closely with our clients to make sure we build the perfect itinerary to suit your budget. We can make any itinerary changes to work with your budget to give you the most value for money. On the flip side we can ensure we include the most lavish expereinces and unique property stays for those who would like to splurge and get the ultimate experience money can buy.

• Learn about what things cost in New Zealand to plan your budget effectively 
• Everything you need to know about Money in New Zealand 

Tipping and Service Charges: New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Reviews of This Itinerary

Charles Hamilton - USA

"The train from Christchurch to Greymouth was epic and not to be missed followed on by the drive down to Frans Joesph. Truly everything on this tour was spectacular and so much fun highest of praise to FLT for putting this trip together"

Andrew Tan - UK

"Our holiday was a great success from the car hire, hotels and activities. Our highlight was the Franz Josef Glazier Helicopter ride. The scenery throughout the South Island is simply spectacular. You can rest assure and book confidently with First light."

See First Light Travel’s Testimonials and Reviews Page for more customer feedback.

How to Book

Contact us for an obligation free itinerary and quote. Then, relax and enjoy the convenience of having your locally-based travel specialist pull together options, pricing, and ideas. Everything from domestic flights to car rentals, coach and train reservations, accommodation, insurance, and activities. We’d love to hear from you.