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13-Day South Island NZ Road Trip with One Night in Queenstown and Glenorchy

Viewed by 91 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 and drive 2 hours north-east to Hanmer Springs.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Thermal Pools Soak

Relax in Hanmer Springs thermal pools open 9am–9pm for rejuvenation.
NZD30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy local cuisine in Hanmer Springs; open 11:30am onward.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Short Forest Walk

Explore nearby forest walks like the Forest Walk or Fur Seal Walk.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill Lookout

Hike to Conical Hill for sunset views; sunset approx. 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The No.31 Restaurant

Dine on local dishes in Hanmer Springs Village.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Culture Hanmer

Start with great coffee and breakfast.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive via Lewis Pass

Drive 4 hours with optional stops at Reefton or Maruia Falls.
NZD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Reefton (optional)

Stop at a local café if detouring through Reefton.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arrive Punakaiki & Explore Pancake Rocks

View Pancake Rocks and blowholes; great spot for afternoon and sunset photos.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Enjoy scenic sunset near the coast; sunset approx. 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pororari Lodge Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood specialties in Punakaiki.
NZD35-55, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

Day 3: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Punakaiki Tavern

Enjoy early breakfast before departure.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Drive 1.5 hours to Hokitika Gorge for a vibrant turquoise river walk.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Hokitika Gorge Suspension Bridge Walk

Walk 30-40 minutes return to the suspension bridge and viewpoints.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Fox Glacier

Continue 2 hours to Fox Glacier township.
NZD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Fox Glacier Village

Have lunch at a local café like The Last Kitchen.
NZD20-30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Optional Franz Josef Glacier Short Walk

Nearby Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint walk approx. 1 hour return.
NZD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Lake Matheson for Sunset

Drive 15 minutes to picturesque Lake Matheson; enjoy reflections and sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD8 parking, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub

Casual pub meals and local brews to end the day.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Lake Matheson Café

Start the day with coffee and breakfast near Lake Matheson.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:30am

Scenic Haast Pass Drive

Drive 4.5 hours via Haast Pass, stopping at Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and Blue Pools Walk (1 hour).
NZD0, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Haast Café/Motel

Simple and fresh meals open from 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Continue to Wanaka

Drive 2 hours to Wanaka township.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-In and Rest

Settle in and prepare for evening activity.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit the famous lone tree at Lake Wanaka for sunset photos; sunset approx. 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Vapiano

Italian-inspired dining with lake views.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown

Wanaka to Queenstown, New Zealand on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Relishes Café

Great coffee and breakfast in Wanaka; open 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Scenic 1hr 15min drive to Queenstown.
NZD0, 1h15m

10:00am

Arrowtown Visit

Explore historic gold-rush streets for approx 1 hour.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:15am

Queenstown Gondola & Luge

Ride gondola with panoramic views and optional luge; open from 8am to 10pm.
NZD49, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy meals with panoramic lake and mountain views atop Bob’s Peak.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Queenstown Exploration or Rest

Explore downtown shops, lakeside walks, or rest before dinner.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bunker

Cozy fine dining with local cuisine in Queenstown.
NZD40-70, 1h30m

8:30pm

Overnight in Queenstown

Stay overnight in Queenstown accommodations.
NZD0, Overnight
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Day 6: Queenstown to Glenorchy

Queenstown to Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Enjoy quality coffee and breakfast in Queenstown.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy

Scenic 45-minute lakeside drive to Glenorchy.
NZD0, 45m

9:30am

Glenorchy Jetty & Lagoon Boardwalk Walk

Leisurely walk along the jetty and lagoon, enjoying serene lake views.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:45am

Routeburn Flats Track Hike

Choose the 3-4 hour return hike through native forest with mountain views.
NZD0, 4h0m

3:00pm

Optional Explore Paradise

Drive or walk to nearby Paradise area known for its stunning scenery and filming sites.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Sunset from Kinloch or Lakeshore

Relax and photograph sunset reflections on the lake around 6:15pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Enjoy hearty meals and local atmosphere in Glenorchy.
NZD25-40, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Glenorchy

Spend the night in Glenorchy.
NZD0, Overnight
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Day 7: Glenorchy to Te Anau via Milford Sound

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

6:00am

Early Departure & Breakfast Pack

Have a light breakfast or packed meal before a long scenic day.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

Drive approx 4 hours with stops at Mirror Lakes and Key Summit Track (3-hour return).
NZD0, 4h0m

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

Take a 2-hour cruise to see waterfalls, wildlife and majestic fiords.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Drive approx 2 hours to Te Anau for evening relaxation.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax or Explore Lake Te Anau

Light stroll along lakefront or rest.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Enjoy local seasonal dishes in a friendly setting.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Milford Sound to Te Anau

Day 8: Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

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

8:00am

Breakfast at Kepler Restaurant

Hearty breakfast to start the day.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Clifden Suspension Bridge Detour

Short detour for a walk over this historic bridge surrounded by native forest.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

2-hour drive to Bluff, the southernmost town of NZ.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood

Sample fresh Bluff oysters if available.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

30-minute drive to Invercargill city.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Visit Queens Park

Discover beautifully manicured gardens and walking trails.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Contemporary café meals in Invercargill downtown.
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

Fresh baked goods for the road.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point Lighthouse

Drive about 2 hours to the stunning coastal lighthouse walk.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Walk

30-minute walk to lighthouse and stunning views.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

3-hour loop hike through native forest to a hidden waterfall gem.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Purakaunui Falls Detour (Optional)

Short walk to beautiful tiered waterfall.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

Approximately 2-hour drive to Dunedin city.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight's Ale House

Classic NZ pub meals 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

Good local breakfast before inland drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Visit

1 hour 15 minutes north for iconic coastal boulders and short walk.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland through Central Otago

3 hours 15 minutes scenic drive to Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch at Twizel Bistro

Fresh meals in Twizel; open 11:30am-2:30pm.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Pukaki Relaxation

Admire stunning turquoise lake water and mountain views.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Peaceful spot for sunset photos over Mt Cook and lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Relax with hearty dinner near 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

Fuel up before sunrise hike.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

Popular 3-hour return hike with mountain and glacier views best at sunrise.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier View

Additional short walks for glacier views.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Café

Good food with mountain panoramas.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rest or Explore Short Walks

Relax or take short trails near village.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset

Capture sunset photos over glacier lake with icebergs.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Fine dining with alpine views.
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

Breakfast before departure.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

One hour drive to Lake Tekapo with turquoise waters.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Iconic stone church by the lake ideal for photos.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Optional Mt John Walkway (2 hrs loop)

Stunning panoramic views over Tekapo and mountains.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Café meals with lake views, open 9am–4pm.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Approx 4-hour drive to French-influenced seaside town.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check in and Evening Rest

Settle into accommodation.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Stroll to lighthouse for evening harbour views; sunset about 6:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

French-inspired fine dining reflecting Akaroa’s charm.
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 Newton's Waterfall Walk

Peaceful 1-hour walk to a hidden waterfall near Akaroa.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Stop en route to Christchurch for breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

1.5 hour drive for shopping and sightseeing.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Enjoy walk through beautiful gardens, open until sunset (~6:20pm).
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Local cuisine in Christchurch city centre.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping & Car Return

Last-minute shopping and return rental car.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax or Overnight Stay

Option to stay overnight or depart depending on flights.
NZD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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