There is so much beauty in New Zealand that it can be overwhelming when deciding what to see in however much time you have. If you love nature and only have a short amount of time, I definitely recommend just sticking to the South Island instead of trying to do both the North and South Islands. This itinerary is for a self-drive loop starting and ending in Queenstown:
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Day 1 & 2: Queenstown
Fly into this quaint and charming town surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range. This city is said to be the capital of adrenaline, so indulge in any adrenaline-seeking activity like bungee jumping, skydiving, speed boating, and so much more! If adrenaline is not your thing, then you can try one of these fun things to do:
-Queenstown Hill Hike
-Ben Lomond Hike
-Bob's Peak
-Queenstown Gardens
-Take a few hours to book yourself an appointment at Onsen Hot Pools to have the most beautiful private hot tub experience of your life
Accommodation: Pinewood Lodge
Read more here.
Day 3: Milford Sound
This will be a long day, but make this into a day trip. Drive 4 hours to Milford Sound, then take the 2 hour cruise through the fjords, and then take the 4 hour journey back. If this seems like too much driving for you, you can book a day trip for $150 NZD or you can stay the night and turn it into a 2-day trip if you have the extra days.
Milford Sound has over 180 days of rain per year, so try to plan in advance and pick the sunniest day for this! I got so lucky during my trip it was a beautiful sunny day and we spotted both penguins and dolphins!
Day 4: Lake Wanaka
Make the one hour drive up to Lake Wanaka from Queenstown and check out the famous #ThatWanakaTree and go on one of the several hikes in the area like Roy's Peak or Mt. Iron.
Accommodation: Base Wanaka (great location in heart of city center)
Read more here.
Day 5: Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo
Drive 2 hours up to Lake Pukaki just to stop and take a photo and stretch your legs. It's so bright turquoise you really have to see it to believe it!
After your photo op, drive another 40 minutes to Lake Tekapo where you can do the following:
-Church of the Good Shepherd (surrounded by stunning lupins in Mid-Nov to late Dec)
-Mt. John Summit Circuit Track
Accommodation: YHA Lake Tekapo
Read more here.
Day 6 & 7: Mount Cook
Drive 1 hour and 15 minutes to Mount Cook where you can bask in the natural beauty of the area and go on infinite hikes. Here are some great trails to do in the area:
-Hooker Valley Track: the most popular short walking track within the Mt. Cook National Park- it's only 5 km long & the views are STUNNING
-Tasman Glacier viewpoint: New Zealand's longest and largest glacier, you can just go to the viewpoint which isn't too long of a hike or you can do the full trail to see it from all sides which is around 27km long
-Red Tarns Track: it's a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail & is generally considered a moderately challenging route that takes an average of a little over an hour to complete. The track is relatively short but steep with many steps on the way- definitely worth the view at the top!
Accommodation: YHA Mount Cook
Read more here.
Day 8 & 9: Fox Glacier
On day 8, you'll spend 6 hours driving to Fox Glacier. This is pretty unfortunate because Mt. Cook and Fox Glacier are actually very close to one another in distance, but you have to go all the way around the mountain which is why it takes so long. There are a few nice places to stop along the way to stretch your legs, like anywhere along Lake Hawea or the Blue Valley Track. Once you arrive, take it easy and just go watch the sunset over Lake Matheson.
On day 9, you can sign up for a heli hike on the glacier. It is one of my favorite experiences ever! When I went back in 2019 it was $350, but now in 2022 it's $499. You get to take a helicopter ride up to the top of Fox Glacier and then go on a hike with a guide to find cool ice caves and hidden crevices. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Accommodation: Fox Glacier Pod Hostel
Day 10: Back to Queenstown
Drive 4.5 hours back to Queenstown for your flight home!
Variations to the road trip
Have less than 10 days? Take out Fox Glacier. Although it really is beautiful and a cool experience, it's very out of the way compared to the rest of the itinerary and there isn't too much to do besides the heli hike. So you can loop back to Queenstown after your time in Mount Cook.
Have 12-13 days? After Fox Glacier, make the 5 hour and 15 minute drive to Christchurch through Arthur's Pass. Stay in Christchurch for 2-3 days and fly out from here, or make the 6 hour drive back to Queenstown.
Have more than 13 days? Either make the 6 hour drive up to Nelson to check out Abel Tasman National Park and other awesome natural attractions or make the 7 hour drive down to Catlins Forest Park. If you choose the first option, you can fly out from Nelson. If you choose the second option, make the 3 hour drive back to Queenstown to fly out!
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