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Ultimate 10-Day South & North Island New Zealand Road Trip: Milford Sound, Queenstown & Hobbiton Adventure

Viewed by 221 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Auckland to Te Anau, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

11:25am

Arrive Auckland Airport

Arrive in Auckland from Kuala Lumpur. Collect SIM card/roaming at airport counters for convenience with internet.
NZD 20 approx, 45m

1:00pm

Fly Auckland to Queenstown

Catch 1hr55min flight (check-in with carry-ons: 7kg hand luggage, 20kg checked) to Queenstown.
Included in booked tickets, 2h

3:00pm

Pick up Rental Car in Queenstown

Collect pre-booked reliable car rental for scenic drive to Te Anau with 7kg hand luggage and 20kg checked baggage allowance.
NZD 70/day approx, 30m

3:30pm

Drive Queenstown to Te Anau

Scenic 2hr drive with a recommended stop at Lake Te Anau lookout for photos.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in accommodation in Te Anau

Stay at a recommended Airbnb or motel: Fiordland TOP 10 Holiday Park offers affordable rates around NZD 100 per night, reliable guest reviews and basic amenities.
NZD 100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe, Te Anau

Halal-friendly menu with fresh local dishes; open till 9pm, perfect for a relaxed dinner.
NZD 25, 1h

8:30pm

Rest and Night in Te Anau

Relax for early start next day. Daylight approx 8:30am to 6:30pm (shorter winter day).
Free
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Day 2: Milford Sound Cruise

Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown, New Zealand on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Drive Te Anau to Milford Sound Visitor Terminal

2hr drive with recommended free parking near the terminal at the designated public lot.
Free Parking, 2h

9:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

2hr scenic cruise through fjords with stunning waterfalls and wildlife viewing on the Sound, operates 8am-5pm daily. Book tickets online to secure spots.
NZD 90, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Milford Sound Lodge Cafe

Casual cafe offering quick meals; vegetarian and halal options available.
NZD 20, 45m

12:45pm

Drive Milford Sound to Queenstown

Return drive approx 4hrs; stop at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm for photos and short walks en route.
Free, 4h

5:00pm

Check-in accommodation Queenstown

Stay at Pinewood Lodge Queenstown, Airbnb option with affordable rates from NZD 120 per night, close to town center, reliable and comfortable.
NZD 120, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fat Buddha, Queenstown

Halal-certified Asian fusion restaurant open till 10pm, great for meat and vegetarian options.
NZD 30, 1h
Find Hotels in Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Day 3: Queenstown & Glenorchy

Queenstown, New Zealand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Popular breakfast spot in Queenstown with halal-friendly choices open from 7am.
NZD 18, 1h

9:30am

Queenstown Gondola and Skyline

Ride to panoramic view deck, enjoy Luge rides; open 9am-9pm, tickets approx NZD 44 combo.
NZD 44, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Halal Kebabs Queenstown

Well-reviewed halal kebab spot offering quick, tasty meals near town center.
NZD 15, 45m

1:00pm

Visit Glenorchy Village

Short 50-min drive. See the iconic Red Shed, walk Glenorchy Wharf with views over Lake Wakatipu, and Glenorchy Lagoon - great photo ops.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Isengard Lookout Drive

Further 20mins drive to LOTR famous Isengard lookout, spectacular scenery for photos and nature walks.
Free, 1h 30m

6:30pm

Coffee at Mrs Glen’s Cafe

Relax with coffee and light snacks in cozy cafe, open till 7pm.
NZD 10, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Chop Shop Food Merchants

Halal-friendly meat and vegetarian dishes with quality ingredients, open till 9pm.
NZD 35, 1h

9:00pm

Night in Queenstown

Rest and prepare for next day journey. Day length approx 8am-6pm.
Free
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Day 4: Wanaka & Dunedin

Queenstown to Dunedin via Wanaka, New Zealand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen Queenstown

Trendy breakfast spot serving great halal coffee and options, open from 7am.
NZD 20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kawarau Bridge Bungee

20min drive to iconic Kawarau Bridge. Stop for photos and watch bungy jumpers.
Free, 30m

9:30am

Drive to Wanaka

1hr drive to Wanaka. Visit The Only Wanaka Tree for scenic photography by the lake.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Lunch at Holy Cow Wanaka

Halal-friendly burger spot highly rated for quick meals, open from 11am.
NZD 20, 1h

12:30pm

Drive Wanaka to Dunedin

3hr30min drive with optional stop at Kaka Point lookout to spot sea lions if time permits.
Free, 4h

5:00pm

Check-in accommodation Dunedin

Stay at scenic and affordable King Edward Court Motel Dunedin with rates approx NZD 110 per night.
NZD 110, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mai Thai Dunedin

Halal-certified Thai cuisine available, open till 9pm.
NZD 30, 1h
Find Hotels in Queenstown to Dunedin via Wanaka

Day 5: Dunedin & Tekapo

Dunedin to Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vogel St Kitchen

Supports halal options and good for hearty breakfast open from 7am.
NZD 18, 1h

9:00am

Explore Dunedin Iconic Attractions

Visit Dunedin Railway Station, Baldwin Street – the steepest street, and the university area for vibrant photos.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Butter Milk Cafe

Known for good halal-friendly options, open till 3pm.
NZD 20, 1h

1:00pm

Drive Dunedin to Lake Tekapo

3hr30min drive, with optional detours to Katiki Beach Reserve (50min south of Dunedin) and Waimataitai Beach for photo breaks and rest stops.
Free, 4h

5:30pm

Check-in accommodation Lake Tekapo

Stay at affordable Lake Tekapo Motel with rates around NZD 110 per night, great location, reliable and cozy.
NZD 110, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Reflections Cafe & Restaurant

Halal-friendly menu options available, open till 9pm, enjoy lakeside views.
NZD 25, 1h
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Tekapo

Day 6: Mount Cook & Christchurch

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch via Mount Cook, New Zealand on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tekapo Tavern

Halal-friendly cooked breakfasts available from 7am to prepare for day’s drive.
NZD 20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Tekapo to High Country Salmon Farm, Twizel

Drive approx 45 minutes to High Country Salmon for a tour and fresh tasting experience; open 9am-5pm.
NZD 15, 1h

10:00am

Drive Twizel to Aoraki Village (Mount Cook)

25min scenic drive. Sightseeing and short walks around Mount Cook Village with spectacular alpine views, open all day.
Free, 1h 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Restaurant

Halal-friendly options upon request; open 11am-3pm serving fresh local cuisine with mountain views.
NZD 30, 1h

1:30pm

Drive Mount Cook to Christchurch

4hr30min drive to Christchurch with scenic landscapes passing through Mackenzie Basin.
Free, 4.5h

6:00pm

Check-in accommodation Christchurch

Stay at Ibis Christchurch, reliable and affordable rates approx NZD 120 per night, city center location.
NZD 120, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Simply Asia Christchurch

Halal-certified Asian eatery open till 9pm with diverse menu options.
NZD 30, 1h
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo to Christchurch via Mount Cook

Day 7: Christchurch Explore

Christchurch, New Zealand on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Popular spot with a casual atmosphere and halal coffee options, open 7am-4pm.
NZD 20, 1h

9:00am

Christchurch Tram Ride

50min hop-on-hop-off tram tour covering 18 popular city stations, including Botanical Gardens and museum; operating 9am-5pm.
NZD 28, 1h

10:30am

Visit Botanical Gardens and Canterbury Museum

Free access to scenic gardens and museum exploring local history and Maori culture.
Free, 1h 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Little Bistro

Halal-friendly options in a stylish eatery, open till 3pm.
NZD 25, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Souvenirs

Visit Aotea Souvenir Shop and local markets for unique New Zealand mementos.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and prepare for next day flight

Early night as flight next day in the morning.
Free

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Indian Kitchen

Halal-certified Indian cuisine, open till 9pm.
NZD 30, 1h
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 8: Flight & Hobbiton

Christchurch to Auckland to Matamata and Rotorua, New Zealand on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Flight Christchurch to Auckland

1hr 20min flight; arrive Auckland and collect rental car. Allow time for luggage and car pick-up.
Included, 2h including airport procedures

9:30am

Drive Auckland to Matamata

3hr drive to Hobbiton Movie Set with rest stops en route.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch in Matamata Town

Halal-friendly cafes with sandwiches and light meals.
NZD 20, 45m

1:30pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

2hr guided tour through filming locations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Book in advance. Open 9am-5pm.
NZD 115, 2h

3:45pm

Drive Matamata to Rotorua

1hr drive to Rotorua city center with options to visit geothermal parks next day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in accommodation Suburban Auckland City

Airbnb or motel in Auckland suburbs like Epsom or Mt. Eden, affordable rates approx NZD 100 per night.
NZD 100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zeera Indian Restaurant, Rotorua

Highly-rated halal Indian restaurant, open till 9pm.
NZD 35, 1h
Find Hotels in Christchurch to Auckland to Matamata and Rotorua

Day 9: Auckland Sightseeing

Auckland, New Zealand on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Popular spot with halal options, open from 7am.
NZD 20, 1h

9:30am

Sky Tower Visit

Iconic Auckland landmark offering observation deck views. Open 10am-11pm, entry NZD 32.
NZD 32, 1h 30m

11:15am

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Exhibits on Maori culture and New Zealand history. Open 10am-5pm, entry NZD 28.
NZD 28, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Aladin Sweets & Cafe

Halal-certified Middle Eastern cuisine, open till 4pm.
NZD 25, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Sylvia Park & Manukau

Visit K-Mart Sylvia Park (24hr), The Warehouse Manukau. Restrooms and halal eateries available within malls.
Varies, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Habibi Lebanese Restaurant

Halal Lebanese specialties, open till 9pm.
NZD 30, 1h

7:30pm

Night in Auckland

Pack and rest for departure next day.
Free
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Day 10: Final Day & Departure

Auckland, New Zealand on September 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast and last shopping

Visit Kmart Manukau and Park & Save Manukau for last-minute shopping and some relaxation at nearby parks.
Varies, 3h

4:30pm

Return rental car at Auckland Airport

Fill up fuel and drop car at airport counters before international check-in.
Car rental cost + fuel approx NZD 30, 1h

8:00pm

Check-in Auckland Airport

International flight procedures for 12:25am departure to Kuala Lumpur.
Included, 2h 25m before flight

12:25am

Flight Auckland to Kuala Lumpur

Overnight flight with approx 9hr 35min duration.
Included, 10h
Find Hotels in Auckland
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Plan Your ITINERARY SOUTH & NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND 10D9N (2 pax) Trip

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