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13-Day South Island NZ Road Trip via Arthur's Pass with Hanmer Springs Stay and West Coast Adventure

Viewed by 210 travelers

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

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

8:00am

Pick up Rental Car and Depart Christchurch

Collect your rental car and begin the 2-hour scenic drive north to Hanmer Springs.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Check-in and Explore Hanmer Springs Village

Check into accommodation and explore the charming village with cafes and local shops.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Relax in the famous thermal pools and spa facilities, open daily 8am to 8:30pm.
NZD32, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Green Room Cafe

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced food in a cosy café setting.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:30pm

Conical Hill Walk

Short 1-1.5 hour walk with panoramic views of Hanmer Springs and surrounding hills.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill

Watch sunset around 5:30pm from the hill for stunning landscape views.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Root Bistro

Dine on creative cuisine featuring regional flavours in a relaxed environment.
NZD35-60, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Hanmer Springs

Rest and prepare for next day’s journey.
NZD0, Overnight
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 Hanmer Springs Baking Company

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee before departure.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive via Arthur’s Pass to West Coast

Drive approximately 4 hours over Arthur’s Pass with alpine views, optional short stops en route.
NZD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reefton Hotel (optional detour)

Charming historic pub offering local beverages and meals as a break from driving.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Arrive at Punakaiki

Check-in and prepare to explore the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
NZD0, 30m

2:30pm

Pancake Rocks Walk and Blowholes

Well-marked, easy walks around the unique rock formations; best to visit before evening crowds.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:15pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Catch the sunset over the coast, timing it around 5:30pm for fantastic photo opportunities.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Punakaiki Tavern

Casual dinner spot offering hearty meals and local flavours.
NZD25-40, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight in Punakaiki

Rest in the village surrounded by natural beauty.
NZD0, Overnight
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 Rosie’s Café

Start the day with fresh pastries and coffee close to Pancake Rocks.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fox Glacier with Scenic Stops

4.5-hour drive with stops including Hokitika Gorge and optional Franz Josef Glacier short walk.
NZD0, 4h30m

11:30am

Hokitika Gorge Walk

A 40-minute walk to the turquoise gorge with a suspension bridge offering spectacular views.
NZD0, 40m

1:00pm

Lunch at Amber Restaurant and Bar, Hokitika

Quality meal featuring West Coast lamb and seafood.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Continue Drive to Fox Glacier

Drive approximately 1.5 hours arriving mid-afternoon.
NZD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lake Matheson Walk

One-hour walk around a mirror lake with iconic views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
NZD8 parking fee, 1h0m

5:15pm

Sunset at Lake Matheson

Enjoy sunset photography over the lake at approximately 5:30pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Alice May Restaurant

Award-winning bistro with innovative dishes highlighting local ingredients.
NZD35-60, 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 Matheson Café

Light breakfast near Lake Matheson before heading over Haast Pass.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Haast Pass Waterfalls Stops

Visit Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls with short walking tracks along the way.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Blue Pools Walk

Relaxing 1-hour walk to views of turquoise pools beneath a suspension bridge.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Makarora Store

Casual, quick lunch option with sandwiches and coffee.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive to Wanaka

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive arriving mid-afternoon.
NZD0, 2h30m

4:30pm

Explore Wanaka town and lakeside

Leisurely stroll along the waterfront and village exploration.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:15pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Visit the famous solitary tree in Lake Wanaka at sunset (approx 5:30pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Rustic ambiance with Italian-style menu and wood-fired dishes.
NZD25-45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Day 5: Wanaka to Glenorchy via Queenstown

Wanaka to Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kai Whakapai

Healthy breakfast with fresh, local ingredients.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown with Stop at Arrowtown

Approx 1.5-hour drive, with optional visit to Arrowtown historic village or Cardrona Hotel.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Ride Queenstown Gondola and Optional Luge

Enjoy panoramic views and thrilling luge rides (luge open 9am–6pm).
NZD44 Gondola, NZD35 Luge, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Famous gourmet burgers for a quick and delicious meal.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Glenorchy

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

2:30pm

Explore Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk

Relaxing, easy walk with stunning lake and mountain vistas.
NZD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Optional Paradise Valley Exploration

Short drive or guided tour to the famed landscape used in films; allow 1-2 hours.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:15pm

Sunset at Glenorchy Jetty or Lagoon

Enjoy peaceful sunset views at 5:30pm by the water.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Savour seasonal local dishes in this cosy, popular restaurant.
NZD25-45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Glenorchy
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