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13-Day Scenic South Island NZ Road Trip with Punakaiki Rocks and Glenorchy Overnights

Viewed by 119 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 enjoy approximately 2 hours driving inland to Hanmer Springs.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Thermal Pools Soak, Hanmer Springs

Relax in the natural hot thermal pools open 9am–9pm, a perfect way to recharge.
NZD30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Taste fresh local dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Short Forest Walks

Explore nearby forest trails for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Conical Hill Lookout Sunset

Take the hike up to Conical Hill lookout for a panoramic sunset view at approx 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The No.31 Restaurant

Savour a delicious dinner to end the day.
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

7:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Culture Hanmer

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Punakaiki via Lewis Pass

4-hour scenic drive including alpine vistas through Lewis Pass.
NZD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Punakaiki Tavern

Casual dining near the coast with hearty meals.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Spend 1.5 hours exploring this iconic natural limestone formation with walkways and lookout points during daylight hours (open all day).
NZD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk around Punakaiki Coastal Walk

Enjoy coastal views and native bush along the walk.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Sunset near Pancake Rocks

Catch the sunset at surrounding viewpoints; sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dolomite Café

Delight in locally sourced produce and fresh seafood.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

Day 3: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Sculptures Café

Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast before the day’s drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika

30-minute drive to Hokitika for a morning visit.
NZD0, 30m

9:00am

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Explore the vibrant turquoise waters and suspension bridge on this 30-40 minute return walk.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Fox Glacier

2.5-hour scenic coastal drive to Fox Glacier with optional stops at waterfalls along the way.
NZD0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Last Kitchen, Fox Glacier

Contemporary local cuisine in a welcoming setting.
NZD20-30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional Franz Josef Glacier View Walk

Short scenic walk for glacier views (approx 1 hour).
NZD0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Lake Matheson Sunset Shoot

Drive 15 minutes to iconic Lake Matheson for stunning sunset photos (sunset approx 6:20pm).
NZD8 parking, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub

Casual dining with local specialties and craft beers.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Punakaiki to Fox Glacier via Hokitika

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 lake views before departing.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:30am

Haast Pass Waterfall Stops

Drive east with stops at Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls for short walks and photography.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Blue Pools Walk

1-hour return walk to stunning crystal-clear Blue Pools with walkway and suspension bridge.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Makarora Store & Café

Simple café meals ideal for refuelling during the scenic drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Wanaka

2.5-hour drive arriving in Wanaka with time to rest.
NZD0, 2h30m

6:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit the iconic lake tree for sunset photography; sunset approx 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Vapiano

Lakefront Italian dining with relaxed atmosphere.
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 Wanaka

Start with a healthy breakfast by the lake.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy via Queenstown

Approximately 2.5 hours drive with scenic lake views.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Glenorchy Jetty & Lagoon Boardwalk

Enjoy a peaceful lakeside stroll amidst gorgeous scenery.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

A cosy spot serving fresh, local meals.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Routeburn Flats Track Hike

Moderate 3–4 hour return hike through stunning alpine forests and flats.
NZD0, 4h0m

6:00pm

Sunset from Kinloch or Lakeshore

Photograph the golden hour over Lake Wakatipu around 6:15pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Enjoy locally inspired dishes in a rustic setting.
NZD25-40, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Glenorchy

Experience the tranquility of this lakeside town.
NZD0, Overnight
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Glenorchy

Day 6: Glenorchy to Queenstown

Glenorchy to Queenstown, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glenorchy Café

Start with a lake-view breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Enjoy a short 45-minute drive with beautiful vistas.
NZD0, 45m

9:15am

Visit Arrowtown

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

10:30am

Queenstown Gondola & Luge

Ride the gondola up for panoramic views; try the luge as an optional fun activity.
NZD49, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine while enjoying expansive views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free time in Queenstown

Stroll the vibrant town centre, browse shops, or relax by the lake.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bunker

Savour fine dining featuring local produce in an intimate setting.
NZD40-70, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Queenstown

Rest centrally in Queenstown for easy access to amenities.
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 Departure with Packed Breakfast

Prepare a packed breakfast for the long but stunning journey.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

Approximately 4-hour drive with stops at Mirror Lakes and the 3-hour return Key Summit Track.
NZD0, 4h0m

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

2-hour cruise exploring waterfalls, fiords, and wildlife in this majestic landscape.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Drive 2 hours to Te Anau to rest and refresh.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Along Lake Te Anau

Leisure lakeside walk to enjoy the serene environment.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Savour seasonal New Zealand cuisine to end the long day.
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, Te Anau

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to start your day.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Clifden Suspension Bridge Detour

Visit the historic suspension bridge with a short walk through native bush.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

2-hour drive to this southern coastal town famous for fresh oysters.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood Bar

Sample seasonal Bluff oysters and seafood specialties.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

A short 30-minute drive leads to Invercargill for an afternoon visit.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Queens Park Stroll

Enjoy a peaceful walk through extensive botanical gardens.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

End your day with casual and tasty dining.
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 and fresh breakfast to energize your day.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point

Two-hour drive to iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse with coastal views.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Lighthouse Walk

Short walk to spectacular sea views and wildlife spotting.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

3-hour loop hike to a beautiful hidden waterfall in the forest.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Optional Stop at Purakaunui Falls

Short walk to a picturesque multi-tier waterfall nearby.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

Approximate 2-hour drive to ancient Scottish-settled Dunedin.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight’s Ale House

Relax with hearty New Zealand pub fare and ales.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Day 10: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook Area

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Molly’s Café Dunedin

Start your trip inland with a hearty meal.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Stop

Take a 1h15m detour to view famous rounded boulders on Koekohe Beach.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland via Central Otago

Scenic 3h15m drive admired for vineyard landscapes and mountain vistas to Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch in Twizel

Stop for a casual meal at a local café.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax by Lake Pukaki

Take time to enjoy the turquoise waters and the spectacular mountain backdrop.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Capture the stunning lake reflections at sunset (approx 6:25pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

End the day with comforting dining near Lake Pukaki.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook

Day 11: Hiking Around Mt Cook

Mt Cook area, New Zealand on September 4, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Fuel up for a morning hike with an early breakfast.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track at Sunrise

3-hour return hike capturing breathtaking mountain and glacier views at sunrise.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier Walk

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

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Café

Enjoy well-prepared local dishes with mountain views.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon at Leisure

Relax or explore short nearby walks as you prefer.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset

Photograph the stunning glacial lake at sunset.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Enjoy alpine-inspired dishes in a warm atmosphere.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Mt Cook area

Day 12: Lake Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

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

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

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

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

One hour to the beautiful blue lake and its surroundings.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Iconic church and photo spot by the lakeside.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Optional Mt John Walkway Loop

2-hour loop with panoramic views.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café, Tekapo

Enjoy a fresh menu overlooking the lake.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Approximately 4-hour picturesque drive through Canterbury countryside to Akaroa.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Relax before an evening stroll and sunset.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

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

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

Enjoy exquisite French-influenced cuisine in Akaroa.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

Day 13: Akaroa to Christchurch

Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Optional Newton’s Waterfall Walk

A serene 1-hour easy walk to a hidden local waterfall near Akaroa.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Break for coffee and breakfast on the way back.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

1.5-hour familiar drive for your last day’s exploring.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Discover beautiful gardens in the heart of the city.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Delight in craft beers and local eats before departure.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping & Car Drop-Off

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

5:00pm

Optional Overnight Stay / Departure

Overnight in Christchurch or fly out according to plans.
NZD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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