8 days in South Island Itinerary
8 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island itinerary maker
Start: Christchurch
Fly
1
Invercargill
— 1 day
Bus
2
Te Anau
— 1 night
Bus
3
Queenstown
— 2 nights
Bus
4
Wanaka
— 3 nights
Fly
5
Christchurch
— 1 night
End: Christchurch
Thu, Dec 17 - Thu, Dec 24
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See full calendar
Invercargill
— 1 day
©
Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Kick off your visit on the 17th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian, see the interesting displays at Bill Richardson Transport World, and then stroll around Queens Park.
To see other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Invercargill online trip builder.
Christchurch to Invercargill is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can take a bus to Te Anau.
To see other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Invercargill online trip builder.
Christchurch to Invercargill is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can take a bus to Te Anau.
Things to do in Invercargill
Highlights from your trip
Te Anau
— 1 night
©
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.On the 18th (Fri), hike along The Chasm Walk and then explore the activities along Milford Sound.
To see other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Te Anau sightseeing planning website.
You can take a bus from Invercargill to Te Anau in 4 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) early enough to catch the bus to Queenstown.
Things to do in Te Anau
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.On the 19th (Sat), push the limits with an extreme tour, then test your team's savvy at Escape Quest Queenstown, and then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: trek along Ben Lomond Track, then get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, and then cast your line with a fishing tour.
To find out how to plan a trip to Queenstown, use our trip itinerary maker.
You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 4 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to catch the bus to Wanaka.
Things to do in Queenstown
Highlights from your trip
Wanaka
— 3 nights
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Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Roys Peak Track and Wanaka Lavender Farm. The adventure continues: take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, trek along Mount Iron Track, and do a tasting at Rippon Vineyard.
You can plan Wanaka trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
Traveling by bus from Queenstown to Wanaka takes 3 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) so you can travel to Christchurch.
Things to do in Wanaka
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.Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): steep yourself in history at Riccarton House & Bush, admire the natural beauty at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, let the kids burn off some steam at Margaret Mahy Family Playground, then pause for some serene contemplation at Cardboard Cathedral, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Avon River.
To find ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Christchurch tour planner.
Traveling by flight from Wanaka to Christchurch takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Christchurch are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) so you can travel back home.
Things to do in Christchurch
Highlights from your trip
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.
