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13-Day Scenic South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary with Secret Gems

Viewed by 95 travelers

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Car Pickup & Depart Christchurch

Pick up your rental car in Christchurch and start the 2-hour scenic drive inland to Hanmer Springs through Canterbury's foothills.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Relax in the famous thermal pools which open from 9am to 9pm; soak your muscles and enjoy the natural hot springs surrounded by mountain views.
NZD30 approx, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy New Zealand cuisine with great views; they open daily from 11:30am, serving fresh local produce.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional Short Walks

Explore short walks around Forest Walk or Fur Seal Walk for nature immersion close by, perfect for gentle afternoon exercise.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill Lookout

Walk up Conical Hill (about 45 mins return) to get panoramic views and watch the sunset over the Hanmer Basin; sunset is around 6:20pm in late August.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The No.31 Restaurant

Dine on-site or select a cosy local eatery for a relaxed meal in Hanmer Springs village.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki, New Zealand on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Culture Hanmer

Start the day with great coffee and breakfast options from 7:30am before hitting the road.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive via Lewis Pass

Drive west over Lewis Pass, enjoying alpine tussock landscapes and snow-capped peaks; consider a short stop for photos.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Maruia Falls Stop

Visit Maruia Falls, a spectacular 5m high waterfall formed after an earthquake; a short 15-minute walk from the carpark.
NZD0, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch in Reefton

Optional detour to Reefton for lunch at a cosy café like Gorse & Grace, offering hearty meals; opens from 8am.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Continue Drive to Punakaiki

Drive to Punakaiki arriving mid-afternoon for scenic exploration.
NZD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Walk the short 20-30 minute pancake rock trails. Visit during the afternoon low tide for the best views; park open all day.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:45pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Enjoy sunset at Pancake Rocks, around 6:15pm in late August, with beautiful rugged coastal scenery.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pororari Lodge Restaurant

A lovely spot for dinner serving fresh seafood and regional dishes, open from 5pm nightly.
NZD35-55, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

Day 3: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier via Hokitika Gorge

Punakaiki to Fox Glacier, New Zealand on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Optional Morning Walk at Pancake Rocks

Enjoy a sunrise stroll on the pancake rocks circuit for different light and fewer people.
NZD0, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Punakaiki Tavern

Grab a hearty breakfast with lake and forest views from 7am onward.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Head south to Hokitika Gorge (about 1.5 hours drive), famous for its turquoise glacial waters and suspension bridge walk.
NZD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Take the 40-minute easy return walk to the suspension bridge for stunning views of vibrant glacial river waters.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch in Hokitika Town

Try local café options like Fat Pipi Pies for quick local eats; open from 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Fox Glacier

Drive approx 2 hours south to Fox Glacier township, arriving mid-afternoon.
NZD0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Optional Franz Josef Glacier Short Walk

If time permits, take a 1-hour return walk to the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint to admire its grandeur; track open during daylight.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset Shoot at Lake Matheson

Visit Lake Matheson (approx 15 mins drive) for the iconic mirrored views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman; sunset about 6:20pm.
NZD8 parking, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub

Enjoy dinner at a lively pub offering hearty local dishes and good beer in Fox Glacier village.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wanaka via Haast Pass

Fox Glacier to Wanaka, New Zealand on August 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lake Matheson Café

Enjoy breakfast near Lake Matheson with stunning views and excellent coffee; opens from 8am.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Haast Pass Scenic Route

Drive via Haast Pass stopping at breathtaking waterfalls including Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls (both a few minutes from carparks).
NZD0, 3h0m

11:30am

Blue Pools Walk

Enjoy the short 1-hour return Blue Pools Walk featuring crystal-clear blue water and a swing bridge; opened during daylight hours.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Haast Café/Motel

Stop in Haast township for a simple but tasty meal; open from 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Continue Drive to Wanaka

Drive approximately 2 hours to Wanaka, soaking in lake and mountain views.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive and check in to accommodation in Wanaka.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit the famous lone willow tree in Lake Wanaka for iconic photo opportunities as the sun sets around 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vapiano

Casual dining spot with excellent Italian options located next to the lakefront; open till 9pm.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Day 5: Wanaka to Glenorchy via Queenstown

Wanaka, Queenstown to Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Relishes Café

Start the day with excellent breakfast options and coffee in Wanaka; open from 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Drive approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to Queenstown.
NZD0, 1h15m

9:45am

Stop at Arrowtown

Explore historic Arrowtown with its charming main street, goldrush heritage, and cafes; perfect short stroll.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Queenstown Gondola Ride

Ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for spectacular views over Queenstown; gondola opens from 8am. Try the luge rides if you wish.
NZD49, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine atop Bob's Peak with panoramic lake and mountain views, open from 11am.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Glenorchy

Enjoy the stunning 45-minute drive north along Lake Wakatipu to scenic Glenorchy.
NZD0, 45m

3:30pm

Stroll Glenorchy Jetty or Lagoon Boardwalk

Explore the waterfront and take in the serene lake views; ideal for photography in late afternoon light.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Glenorchy

Watch the sunset over the mountains and lake, around 6:15pm in late August.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenorchy Café

Enjoy a cosy dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients at this friendly café.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 6: Glenorchy Hike Day

Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glenorchy Café

Start with a wholesome breakfast with great coffee before hiking.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Routeburn Flats Track Hike

Choose the 3-4 hour return hike offering dramatic alpine scenery and native forest; leave early to maximise daylight.
NZD0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic or Back at Glenorchy

Have a packed lunch while hiking or return to Glenorchy for café meal.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Paradise Area

Short drive or tour to the nearby Paradise area with stunning valley views and Hobbit film locations.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset from Kinloch Lakeshore

Head to Kinloch or lakeshore for tranquil sunset photography and reflection.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

End with a hearty dinner at this well-loved local pub in Glenorchy.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy

Day 7: Glenorchy to Milford Sound & Te Anau

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

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Departure

Have a quick breakfast in Glenorchy or pack snacks to hit the long drive early for Milford Sound.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive to Mirror Lakes

Drive approximately 2hrs 15mins, stopping at Mirror Lakes for a quick 15-minute walk to see mirror-like reflections.
NZD0, 30m

9:30am

Key Summit Track Hike

Enjoy the 3-hour return hike offering sweeping views of the mountains and valleys; start early to allow time for Milford activities.
NZD0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Packed or at The Divide Cafe

Opt for a packed lunch or café at The Divide near Milford road.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Milford Sound Cruise

Take a 2-hour cruise exploring the fjord’s stunning waterfalls and wildlife; operates most of the day. Book in advance.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Drive approx 2 hours to Te Anau for overnight stay.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Dine on local cuisine in Te Anau’s popular eatery featuring fresh ingredients and great atmosphere.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Milford Sound to Te Anau

Day 8: Te Anau to Bluff & Invercargill

Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill, New Zealand on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kepler Restaurant

Start with a quality breakfast before heading south.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Clifden Suspension Bridge

Short detour for this historic bridge with river views; 15 mins walk plus drive time.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

Drive approx 2 hours to Bluff, the southern tip of South Island. Visit Bluff signpost for iconic photo.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood

Enjoy fresh local oysters and seafood (seasonal) and other gourmet meals; open 11am–3pm weekdays.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

Short 30-minute drive to Invercargill; check-in and relax.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Queens Park Wander

Relax with a walk around Queens Park featuring rose gardens, aviaries, and ponds; open all day.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Dine on excellent café-style food and desserts in the city centre.
NZD20-35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Day 9: Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins, New Zealand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bakers Delight Invercargill

Quick, fresh bakery start before driving the scenic Catlins coastline.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point Lighthouse

Approximately 1hr 45mins drive to Catlins, with this coastal lighthouse known for dramatic rock formations and sea lions.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Walk

Easy 30-minute walk to lighthouse with spectacular ocean vistas.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

Enjoy this 3-hour loop track through native forest to a beautiful waterfall.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:15pm

Optional Detour to Purakaunui Falls

Visit a short drive for this iconic multi-tiered waterfall; 20-minute walk return.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

Drive approx 2 hours to Dunedin city for overnight stay.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight's Ale House

Historic brewpub serving classic New Zealand fare and local beers.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Day 10: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki / Mt Cook

Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area, New Zealand on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Molly's Café

A great local spot to fuel up before the long inland drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Visit

Approximately 1hr 15 mins north along the coast, these spherical boulders are natural geological wonders accessible by short walk.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland through Central Otago

Begin the scenic 3hr 15min drive inland through vineyards and rugged landscapes towards Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch in Twizel

Stop at Twizel for lunch at The Bistro, featuring hearty NZ cuisine; open 11:30am–2:30pm.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arrive Lake Pukaki & Travelers Spot

Enjoy the stunning turquoise lake and snowcapped views; peaceful and perfect for photography.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Capture sunset over Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki at this off-the-beaten-path viewpoint; sunset approx 6:45pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

A welcoming inn with tasty regional food options close by Lake Pukaki.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 11: Mt Cook Hike Day

Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area, New Zealand on September 4, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Have breakfast early to start the sunrise hike.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

Enjoy a 3-hour return hike with breathtaking views of Mt Cook and glacial valleys; sunrise magic is around 7am.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional: Kea Point Track or Tasman Glacier Viewpoint

Add 1-1.5 hours for these magnificent nearby hikes or viewpoints if energy allows.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Café

Taste local dishes in the mountain resort café with fantastic views.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leisure Time / Photo Safari

Explore local short walks or relax before sunset shoot.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Tasman Lake

Photograph the serene glacier lake with floating icebergs at sunset; sunset around 6:45pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with spectacular mountain views in Mt Cook Village.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 12: Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

Lake Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa, New Zealand on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

Enjoy breakfast in scenic surroundings near Mt Cook before departing.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

About 1 hour drive to stunning Lake Tekapo; a turquoise glacial lake known for its Church of the Good Shepherd.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Church of the Good Shepherd Visit

Visit the iconic small stone church with lake views; great photo opportunity.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Optional Mt John Walkway

Take the 2-hour loop hike up Mt John for panoramic views of the Mackenzie Basin; well marked tracks.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Enjoy fresh café fare with lake views; opens 9am to 4pm.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Enjoy approximately 4-hour scenic drive northeast via Christchurch outskirts to coastal town of Akaroa.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in charming Akaroa and settle into accommodation.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Walk out to the Akaroa lighthouse area to enjoy sunset over the bay around 6:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

French-inspired cuisine reflecting Akaroa’s heritage; a must-try local dining experience.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa

Day 13: Akaroa to Christchurch

Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Optional Morning Walk to Newton's Waterfall

Enjoy an easy peaceful walk of approx 1 hour to see this hidden waterfall gem just outside Akaroa.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Quick breakfast on the way back towards Christchurch with delicious local produce.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

Drive for 1.5 to 2 hours to Christchurch for final sightseeing and shopping.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visit

Stroll through lush expansive gardens full of native plants; open 7:30am - sunset.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

A chic restaurant in Christchurch offering locally sourced seasonal menus; opens from 11:30am.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Final Shopping and Car Drop-off

Head to Re:START Mall and local artisan shops before returning your rental car.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax or Overnight Stay

Prepare for flight or overnight if your schedule requires.
NZD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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