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13-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip with Queenstown Stay

Viewed by 179 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 to Hanmer Springs, enjoying scenic landscapes.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Thermal Pools Soak

Relax in Hanmer Springs thermal pools (open 9am-9pm), perfect for easing travel fatigue.
NZD30 approx, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy local cuisine with mountain views; open from 11:30am.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Short Forest Walks

Explore forest trails such as Forest Walk and Fur Seal Walk to spot native birds.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill Lookout

Ascend the easy 45-minute return trail for sunset views over Hanmer Basin (sunset ~6:20pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at No. 31 Restaurant

Relax with locally sourced dishes in the village heart.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

Day 2: Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki via Arthur's Pass

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Culture Hanmer

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

8:30am

Drive to Arthur's Pass

Scenic 2.5-hour drive south-west through alpine terrain.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Arthur's Pass & Devils Punchbowl Falls Walk

Walk to the beautiful waterfall on an easy 1-hour return trail.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Wobbly Goat Restaurant

Enjoy alpine-style meals in this local favourite.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Travel 2.5 hours west to Hokitika Gorge known for vivid turquoise waters.
NZD0, 2h30m

4:00pm

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Easy 40-minute return walk to suspension bridge and viewpoints.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Drive to Punakaiki

45-minute drive to Punakaiki seaside village.
NZD0, 45m

6:15pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Visit iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes; sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Pororari Lodge Restaurant

Sample fresh seafood and New Zealand flavours.
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 a filling start before the drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fox Glacier with Casual Stops

3.5-hour scenic drive with optional stop in Hokitika for lunch and a glacier walk at Franz Josef.
NZD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fat Pipi Pies, Hokitika

Sample hearty pies or light meals; open from 8am.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Franz Josef Glacier Short Walk

Easy 1-hour return walk to glacier viewpoint.
NZD0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Fox Glacier Village

30-minute journey south to your overnight location.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Lake Matheson Visit

Witness reflections of Mt Cook during sunset; parking fee applies.
NZD8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub

Casual dining with local dishes and beverages.
NZD25-40, 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 Lake Matheson Café

Light breakfast with stunning lake views.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:30am

Haast Pass Scenic Drive

Visit Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and do the Blue Pools Walk (1 hour loop).
NZD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Haast Café/Motel

Casual local cafe with simple comfort food.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Continue to Wanaka

2-hour drive to Wanaka town.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in & Rest

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

5:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Iconic photo stop at the lone willow tree; sunset about 6:25pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

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

Local favourite for coffee and breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Stop at Arrowtown or Cardrona Hotel

Explore Arrowtown for an hour or have coffee at historic Cardrona Hotel.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Queenstown Gondola & Luge

Scenic gondola ride with optional luge fun; open 8am–10pm.
NZD49, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy panoramic views dining atop Bob's Peak.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arrival & Check-in in Queenstown

Settle in your Queenstown accommodation.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Explore Queenstown

Enjoy a walk along the lakefront, or visit local galleries and shops.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Queenstown Gardens

Relax in beautiful gardens with lake and mountain vistas.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Try the famous gourmet burgers, a Queenstown staple.
NZD15-25, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Queenstown

Day 6: Queenstown Leisure Day

Queenstown, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Popular café offering excellent breakfast and coffee.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:30am

Skyline Gondola & Luge or Adventure Activities

Repeat or try adventure activities like bungy jumping, jet boating or scenic flights.
NZD50-300 depending on activity, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Cow Restaurant

Rustic charm and hearty Italian dishes in the town centre.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Lake Wakatipu & Earnslaw Park

Leisurely walk along the lakefront and through Earnslaw Park with scenic views.
NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Accommodation or Spa

Unwind or visit a spa for relaxation.
NZD0-100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Upscale dining with premium NZ meats and seafood.
NZD50-80, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown to Glenorchy

Queenstown to Glenorchy, New Zealand on August 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Start with creative breakfast dishes.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy

45-minute scenic lakeside drive from Queenstown.
NZD0, 45m

9:30am

Choose Hiking: Routeburn Flats or Lake Sylvan Track

Enjoy 3-4 hour return Routeburn Flats or 1.5-hour Lake Sylvan Track with photo stops.
NZD0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Light meal featuring local ingredients.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Paradise Area

Short drive and exploration of famous film and nature spots.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Glenorchy Lakeshore or Kinloch

Capture peaceful sunset photos over the lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Enjoy classic comfort food in cozy village ambience.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown to Glenorchy

Day 8: Glenorchy to Milford Sound to Te Anau

Glenorchy to Milford Sound to Te Anau, New Zealand on September 1, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Packed Snacks

Start early with breakfast or packed snacks for the long day.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

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

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

2-hour cruise to experience spectacular fiords and wildlife; book in advance.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

2-hour drive to Te Anau post cruise.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Evening stroll or relax in Te Anau

Wander by the lake or rest after a full day.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Casual dining serving fresh and seasonal dishes.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Milford Sound to Te Anau

Day 9: Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill, New Zealand on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kepler Restaurant

Start with a tasty and satisfying breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Clifden Suspension Bridge Detour

Short scenic stop to admire historic suspension bridge architecture.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Drive to Bluff

2-hour drive south to Bluff, famous for seafood culture.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood

Seasonal oysters and fresh local fish specialties.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

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

3:00pm

Queens Park Walk

Explore beautifully maintained gardens and aviaries.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Enjoy gourmet meals and coffee in a vibrant atmosphere.
NZD20-35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Day 10: Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins, New Zealand on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bakers Delight Invercargill

Grab fresh baked pastries and coffee.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point Lighthouse

1 hour 45-minute drive to the rugged Catlins coast.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Walk

Short 30-minute walk to lighthouse looking over sea stacks.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

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

2:15pm

Purakaunui Falls Optional Stop

20-minute walk to charming tiered waterfalls surrounded by forest.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

Approximately 2 hours to historic Dunedin city.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight's Ale House

Historic ale house with local dishes and brews.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bluff to Dunedin via Catlins

Day 11: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki / Mt Cook

Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area, New Zealand on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Molly's Café

Fuel up for long inland drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Detour

Visit these striking formations 1h15m north along coastal route.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland through Central Otago

3h15m scenic inland drive past vineyards to Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch at Twizel Bistro

Stop for fresh food in Twizel town.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Pukaki Relaxation

Enjoy turquoise lake with mountain backdrop for photos and rest.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Capture stunning alpine lake sunset with fewer crowds.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Hearty F&B near Lake Pukaki.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 12: Mt Cook Hiking Day

Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area, New Zealand on September 5, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Fuel early for alpine hike.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

3-hour return hike with outstanding mountain, glacier, and valley scenery.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier View Walk

Short trails with glacier and mountain views.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Relaxed dining in mountain setting.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Leisure Time

Explore village or rest.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset

Photo opportunity for glacier lake and icebergs at sunset.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Upscale dining with stunning alpine surroundings.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 13: Pukaki to Akaroa via Tekapo

Lake Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa, New Zealand on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

Comfortable breakfast before departure.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

1-hour scenic drive to lake with vibrant turquoise waters.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Famous photo spot of historic stone church by the lake.
NZD0, 30m

10:30am

Mt John Walkway (Optional)

2-hour loop with alpine views over Lake Tekapo and mountains.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Café fare with stunning lake views.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

4-hour coastal and inland drive to charming French-inspired town.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in & Rest

Settle into your accommodation.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Peaceful harbour sunset photography spot.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

Fine French-inspired dining to celebrate your trip’s end.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa

Day 14: Akaroa to Christchurch Departure

Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Optional Newton's Waterfall Walk

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

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Coffee and breakfast stop en route to Christchurch.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

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

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visit

Relax in beautiful gardens, open from 7:30am to sunset.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Enjoy refined cuisine in the city centre.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping & Rental Car Drop-off

Last-minute shopping and car return before departure or next-day flight.
NZD0, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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