7 days in South Island Itinerary
7 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island trip maker
Start: Auckland
Fly to Queenstown, Bus to Te Anau
1
Te Anau
— 2 nights
Bus
2
Queenstown
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Franz Josef
— 1 night
Drive
4
Christchurch
— 1 night
Fly
End: Auckland
Mon, Dec 28 - Sun, Jan 3
Edit
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27
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28
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29
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30
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31
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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See full calendar
Te Anau
— 2 nights
©
Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.Take a break from Te Anau with a short trip to Boat Tours & Water Sports in Milford Sound, about 1 hour away. On the 30th (Wed), hike the day away at Hollyford Track. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Milford Sound and trek along Lake Marian Track.
To see traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Te Anau sightseeing planner.
Auckland to Te Anau is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) early enough to catch the bus to Queenstown.
Things to do in Te Anau
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Queenstown
— 2 nights
©
Shallow Bay
Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.Kick off your visit on the 31st (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Kiwi Birdlife Park, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then race across the water with a speed boat tour, and finally take a memorable tour with Tours. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: push the limits with an extreme tour, admire the natural beauty at Queenstown Gardens, and then get your game on at Skyline Queenstown.
For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Queenstown day trip site.
You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 4 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) early enough to go by car to Franz Josef.
Things to do in Queenstown
Highlights from your trip
Franz Josef
— 1 night
©
Located in the World Heritage Site that is home to its eponymous glacier, the town of Franz Josef provides a comfortable and welcoming rest spot for adventurers after a long day out on the ice.Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at Sentinel Rock Walk, take in the dramatic natural features at Franz Josef Glacier, see the world from above with a helicopter tour, then trek along Moraine Walk, and finally hike along Fox Glacier South Side Walk.
For reviews, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Franz Josef trip itinerary planning site.
Getting from Queenstown to Franz Josef by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Christchurch.
Things to do in Franz Josef
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
Christchurch
— 1 night
©
Garden City
Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.On the 3rd (Sun), enjoy breathtaking views from Christchurch Gondola, get engrossed in the history at Canterbury Museum, then take in nature's colorful creations at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and finally enjoy some diversion at Margaret Mahy Family Playground.
For reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read Christchurch trip planner.
Traveling by car from Franz Josef to Christchurch takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in January, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) so you can travel back home.
Things to do in Christchurch
Highlights from your trip
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South Island travel guide
Māui's Canoe
The wilder of New Zealand's two main islands, South Island offers a feast of nature in all its glory. Extensive, untouched plains connect alpine landscapes with rugged shorelines, creating a home for an abundance of animals and vegetation, on land and in the rich surrounding waters. Renowned as a window to the natural world before man (something that scores of film directors have tapped into over the years), South Island folds its cities and townships into the surrounding landscape, their populations adding something singular to the mix. On your trip to South Island, you'll witness the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the Maori, whose art and architecture complements the developments of the colonial legacy. The result is a land of characterful buildings, rolling vineyards, and free-spirited adventure.
