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13-Day South Island NZ Road Trip with Overnight Stays in Glenorchy and Queenstown, Including Hokitika

Viewed by 106 travelers

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

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

8:00am

Car Pick-Up & Drive to Hanmer Springs

Collect your rental car and drive approximately 2 hours north to Hanmer Springs.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Relax in the natural hot thermal pools open 9am–9pm, perfect for unwinding after your drive.
NZD30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Sample fresh NZ cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Forest Walks

Explore scenic forest trails adjacent to the town for a peaceful afternoon walk.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Conical Hill Lookout

Hike to this viewpoint for panoramic views at sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The No.31 Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner to end the day.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Hokitika

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Culture Hanmer

Fresh coffee and breakfast to start the day.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika via Arthur's Pass

Approximately 4.5-hour scenic drive over Lewis Pass, with a possible detour to Maruia Falls for a short visit.
NZD0, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Pig Café, Hokitika

Enjoy local dishes and freshly baked goods in Hokitika.
NZD20-30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Hokitika Gorge

Take the 30-40 minute return walk to the turquoise Hokitika Gorge and cross the famous suspension bridge.
NZD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Hokitika Township

Stroll through the town’s shops, galleries, and beaches.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Monk Restaurant & Bar

Experience contemporary dining with local ingredients.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanmer Springs to Hokitika

Day 3: Hokitika to Fox Glacier

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

7:30am

Breakfast at the Local Art Café

Start with artisanal coffee and delicious breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fox Glacier

Approximately 2.5-hour west coast drive, with opportunities to spot waterfalls and rainforest scenery en route.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Optional Franz Josef Glacier Short Walk

Nearby glacier viewpoint walk, around 1 hour return at Franz Josef Glacier.
NZD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Last Kitchen, Fox Glacier

Enjoy seasonal contemporary cuisine in the village.
NZD20-30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sunset at Lake Matheson

Drive 15 minutes to this iconic reflective lake to catch sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD8 parking, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub

Relax with casual dining and local craft beers.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hokitika 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

Enjoy breakfast with views near Lake Matheson.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:30am

Haast Pass Drive with Waterfall Stops

4.5-hour drive east with stops at Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and the Blue Pools Walk (1 hour walk).
NZD0, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Haast Café

Simple and tasty meals to refuel before continuing.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arrive in Wanaka

Check-in and take a short rest.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit this iconic lone tree in the lake for sunset photos; sunset approx 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Vapiano

Italian dishes with lake views to end your day.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Day 5: Wanaka to Glenorchy

Wanaka to Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Relishes Café

Healthy breakfast in Wanaka before departing.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive via Queenstown to Glenorchy.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Walk Glenorchy Jetty and Lagoon Boardwalk

Enjoy lakeside strolls amidst stunning mountain scenery.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Casual café with light meals and local produce.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hiking Routeburn Flats Track

Moderate 3–4 hour return hike to beautiful forested alpine flats.
NZD0, 4h0m

6:00pm

Sunset from Kinloch or Lakeshore

Capture the serene sunset over Lake Wakatipu, around 6:15pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Enjoy rustic dining with local ingredients in Glenorchy.
NZD25-40, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Glenorchy

Overnight accommodation in peaceful surroundings.
NZD0, Overnight
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Day 6: Glenorchy to Queenstown

Glenorchy to Queenstown, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glenorchy Café

Start with a hearty breakfast near the lake.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown (45 min)

Short scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu.
NZD0, 45m

9:15am

Visit Arrowtown

Explore the charming gold rush historic village for 1 hour.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Queenstown Gondola & Luge

Ride the gondola and try the luge; open 8am–10pm.
NZD49, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine with magnificent lake and mountain views.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Queenstown or Rest

Optional stroll along waterfront or shopping.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bunker

Enjoy local gourmet dishes in a cosy setting.
NZD40-70, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Queenstown

Accommodation in central Queenstown.
NZD0, Overnight
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound and Te Anau

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

6:00am

Early Depart & Breakfast Pack

Prepare packed breakfast for long travel day.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

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

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

2-hour cruise to see waterfalls, fiord and wildlife.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Drive 2 hours to Te Anau for rest.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Along Lake Te Anau

Gentle lakeside walk to relax.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Enjoy seasonal NZ cuisine.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown to Milford Sound and 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

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

9:00am

Clifden Suspension Bridge Detour

Short walk on historic suspension bridge surrounded by forest.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

2-hour drive to historic southern port town.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood Bar

Try fresh Bluff oysters (seasonal) and seafood dishes.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

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

3:00pm

Queens Park Visit

Walk through beautiful botanical gardens.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Relaxed dining in Invercargill.
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 pastries and coffee to start the day.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point Lighthouse

Two-hour drive to scenic lighthouse and coastal walks.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Lighthouse Walk

Short walk with panoramic sea views and seals spotting.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

Challenging 3-hour loop hike to a beautiful waterfall.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Optional Visit Purakaunui Falls

Short walk to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the region.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

About 2-hour drive to Dunedin for the evening.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight’s Ale House

Experience hearty local dishes with renowned NZ 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 Dunedin

Quality breakfast before heading inland.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Visit

1h15m detour for curious spherical boulders on the beach.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland via Central Otago

Scenic 3h15m drive to Lake Pukaki with mountain views.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch in Twizel

Refuel with local dishes during your stop in Twizel.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Lake Pukaki

Enjoy the turquoise lake views against the backdrop of the Alps.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Capture beautiful sunset photos over the lake; sunset approx 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Cozy dining 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

Prepare for a sunrise hike with early breakfast.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

3-hour return hike offering magnificent sunrise mountain views.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier Walk

Additional 1.5-hour walk for glacier views.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Café

Delicious meals set in alpine surroundings.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon Relax or Short Walks

Explore nearby short trails or rest at accommodation.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset Photography

Capture stunning sunset views over glacier lake icebergs.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Fine alpine dining with mountain ambiance.
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

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

One-hour drive to the beautiful turquoise lake and its attractions.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Photograph this iconic lakeside stone church.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Optional Mt John Walkway Loop

2-hour circuit walk with commanding views of Tekapo township and lake.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Lakefront cafe with fresh and seasonal dishes.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Four-hour scenic drive to the French-inspired harbour town.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest in Akaroa

Relax at your accommodation and prepare for the evening.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Walk to the lighthouse for tranquil harbour sunset views; sunset approx 6:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

French-style fine dining reflecting Akaroa’s heritage.
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 Walk at Newton’s Waterfall

Approximately 1-hour easy walk to a secluded waterfall near Akaroa.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

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

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

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

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visit

Peaceful stroll in one of New Zealand’s premier gardens.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Casual dining featuring local produce and craft beers.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Last-minute Shopping and Car Drop-Off

Complete shopping and return car before your onward journey.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax or Overnight Stay

Choose to stay overnight or prepare for departure.
NZD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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