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13-Day South Island NZ Road Trip via Arthur's Pass with Hokitika Stay and Punakaiki Rocks

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Day 1: Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, New Zealand on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Collect Car & Drive to Arthur’s Pass

Pick up your rental vehicle and embark on a 2-hour scenic drive from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass National Park with impressive alpine scenery.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Devils Punchbowl Falls Walk

One hour return walk to a stunning waterfall within Arthur’s Pass NP, ideal to stretch your legs and take photos.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:30am

Drive to Hokitika

Approximately 1.5-hour drive west down to Hokitika on the West Coast.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stella Restaurant Hokitika

Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce in this stylish eatery.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hokitika Gorge Visit

Short 1-hour walk to the gorge’s famous turquoise waters and suspension bridge; open all day.
NZD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Hokitika town & shops

Browse local arts, pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, or relax by the beach.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:15pm

Sunset at Hokitika Beach

Enjoy the sunset at 5:30pm over wild west coast waves and driftwood art installations.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beachfront Restaurant

Coastal views complement the local seafood menu perfect for dinner in Hokitika.
NZD30-50, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Hokitika

Comfortable accommodation to rest for the next day’s adventure.
NZD0, Overnight
Find Hotels in Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

Day 2: Hokitika to Punakaiki Rocks and back

Hokitika and Punakaiki, New Zealand on August 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saints Food & Coffee

Start your morning with a fresh coffee and breakfast in Hokitika.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

40-minute drive north to Punakaiki to explore the Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
NZD0, 40m

9:15am

Pancake Rocks Walk

1.5-hour walk on well-formed paths around the fascinating layered rock formations and blowholes; visit before crowds gather.
NZD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk the Punakaiki Pororari River Track

Optional 2.5-hour return forest walk with lush scenery and a hidden lagoon.
NZD0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Punakaiki Tavern

Relaxed lunch with fresh local ingredients in riverside surroundings.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return Drive to Hokitika

Drive back 40 minutes to Hokitika, giving time for afternoon relaxation.
NZD0, 40m

4:00pm

Optional visit to Hokitika Glow Worm Dell

An enchanting walk after dark for glow worm viewing (best after sunset).
NZD0, 30m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Landing Restaurant

Taste modern New Zealand cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hokitika and Punakaiki

Day 3: Hokitika to Fox Glacier

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Fat Pigeon Café

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before the scenic drive south.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fox Glacier with Stops

Drive approximately 2.5 hours south with optional stops at Hokitika River Lookout and Wanganui Falls.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

Scenic 1.5-hour walk to the terminal face of Fox Glacier (weather permitting).
NZD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Last Kitchen

Popular café with fresh, locally sourced dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lake Matheson Walk

1-hour return walk around the lake famous for mirror reflections of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
NZD8 parking fee, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax before Sunset

Rest before heading out for sunset photography.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:15pm

Sunset at Lake Matheson

Catch the sunset at 5:30pm creating the perfect light for lake reflections.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Alice May

Upscale dining with inventive local cuisine and a cosy vibe.
NZD35-60, 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 Matheson Café

Light and healthy breakfast near Lake Matheson.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Haast Pass Waterfall Stops

Drive east with stops at Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls, each a short walk from the road.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Blue Pools Walk

One-hour easy return walk featuring a picturesque suspension bridge over clear blue water.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Makarora Store

Casual café serving sandwiches and coffee – great for a quick refuel.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Continue to Wanaka

Approximate 2.5-hour drive to Wanaka with scenic views on arrival.
NZD0, 2h30m

5:15pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit the famous lone tree in Lake Wanaka for stunning sunset photos at 5:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cow

Charming stone cottage restaurant specialising in Italian food and wood-fired pizza.
NZD25-45, 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 Kai Whakapai

Fresh and vibrant breakfast spot to start the day.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy via Queenstown

Drive about 2.5 hours total, optional stop in Arrowtown for coffee or visit the historic town.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk

Easy walk for 1 hour with scenic lake and mountain views.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Local café serving homemade fare in a relaxed setting.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Routeburn Flats Track

3-4 hour return moderate hike through native forest and alpine flats with breathtaking scenery.
NZD0, 4h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Glenorchy Lakeshore

Enjoy the tranquil sunset at 5:30pm near the water’s edge.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Locally inspired seasonal dishes in a cosy venue.
NZD25-45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Glenorchy

Day 6: Glenorchy to Milford Sound and Te Anau

Glenorchy to Milford Sound then Te Anau, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Depart

Light breakfast at Glenorchy or packed breakfast before early departure.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

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

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

Two-hour cruise to experience majestic waterfalls and wildlife in the fiord.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

2-hour drive arriving with time to settle in and explore the town.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Lake Te Anau Walk

Scenic and leisurely lakeside walk to unwind after the long day.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Enjoy contemporary Kiwi dining with fresh local ingredients.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Milford Sound then Te Anau

Day 7: Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill, New Zealand on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kepler Restaurant

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before travel.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Detour to Clifden Suspension Bridge

Visit this historic bridge and enjoy a short bush walk.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

Two-hour drive south to the southernmost town, famous for oysters.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood Bar

Tuck into some fresh oysters and seafood delights (in oyster season).
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

30-minute drive with time to explore the city’s parks or botanical gardens.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Queens Park Stroll

Enjoy walking through well-maintained gardens and the aviary.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Casual dining with a varied menu for selection.
NZD20-35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Day 8: Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins, New Zealand on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bakers Delight

A quick, fresh bakery breakfast before hitting the road.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point

Approx 2-hour drive to the lighthouse with coastal views and wildlife spotting.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Lighthouse Walk

Short walk with superb views of offshore rock formations shaped like nuggets.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Falls Track

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

2:30pm

Optional Stop: Purakaunui Falls

Short walk to a classic multi-tier waterfall in The Catlins rainforest.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

Approx 2-hour drive arriving for evening dinner.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Speight’s Ale House

Classic New Zealand pub food with a lively atmosphere.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Day 9: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook

Dunedin to Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook, New Zealand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Molly’s Café

Enjoy a filling breakfast to start your inland journey.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Detour

1h15m drive detour to view these famous spherical boulders on the beach.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland through Central Otago

Approx 3h15m drive with scenic landscapes en route to Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch in Twizel

Stop at a local café to enjoy fresh sandwiches and coffee.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and Explore Lake Pukaki

Take in the vibrant turquoise glacial waters and mountain vistas.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:15pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Capture the spectacular sunset around 5:30pm with the lake’s mirror-like reflections.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Cozy dining featuring hearty meals near Lake Pukaki.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook

Day 10: Mount Cook Hiking Day

Mount Cook area, New Zealand on September 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for your mountain hike with an early meal.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

3-hour return moderate walk with impressive valley and glacier views, best at sunrise.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier Walk

Additional 1.5-hour easy to moderate walk with close glacier views.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Café

Enjoy a meal with scenic views in a well-known mountain lodge.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leisure Afternoon

Free time for relaxation or short walks around the visitor centre.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:15pm

Tasman Lake Sunset

Photograph the glacier lake and floating ice at sunset.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Alpine Restaurant

Alpine-inspired menu with fresh ingredients to finish the day.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Mount Cook area

Day 11: Lake Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

Lake Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo, New Zealand on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

Relaxed breakfast with coffee before departure.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

One hour drive to the beautiful turquoise lake and alpine surroundings.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Iconic church near the lake, perfect for photos and reflection.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Optional Mt John Walkway

2-hour loop hike with 360-degree views across Mackenzie Basin.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café, Tekapo

Café offering fresh meals with lake views.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

4-hour scenic drive through Canterbury’s rolling countryside to French-inspired Akaroa.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-In and Rest

Settle into accommodation and prepare for evening stroll.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Stroll to the lighthouse for tranquil harbour sunset views at 5:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

French-influenced gourmet dining in a charming setting.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

Day 12: Akaroa to Christchurch

Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Optional Newton’s Waterfall Walk

Easy 1-hour walk to a hidden waterfall near Akaroa to start the day peacefully.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast en route back towards Christchurch.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

1.5-hour drive for final day activities.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Relax in large, historic gardens featuring beautiful floral displays and walking paths.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Craft beer and good food to enjoy your last meal in Christchurch.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping and Car Drop-Off

Final shopping and car rental return for onward travel.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Optional Overnight Stay or Departure

Stay overnight or head to the airport for your flight.
NZD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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