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13-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip with Glenorchy First and Queenstown Second

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

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

8:00am

Car Rental Pickup & Depart Christchurch

Collect your rental vehicle and journey 2 hours to Hanmer Springs through scenic farmlands and hills.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:30am

Thermal Pools Soak

Relax in the famous Hanmer Springs thermal pools (9am–9pm), perfect for unwinding after travel.
NZD30 approx, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy modern New Zealand cuisine with mountain views; open 11:30am onwards.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Short Nature Walks

Explore shorter forest or river walks like Forest Walk or Fur Seal Track for native flora and birds.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill Lookout

Walk 45 minutes return to enjoy panoramic sunset views over Hanmer Springs and the alpine basin (sunset ~6:20pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at No. 31 Restaurant

Warm up with comforting dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients.
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 with great coffee to start the day.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive via Lewis Pass to West Coast

Scenic 3.5-hour drive over Lewis Pass, detouring via Maruia Falls or Reefton for short breaks.
NZD0, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Reefton Bakery (optional)

Taste artisan pies and fresh baked goods in this charming gold rush town.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Continue Drive to Punakaiki

Arrive in Punakaiki mid-afternoon for local exploration.
NZD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk

Explore fascinating limestone formations with scenic coastal views; open 24/7.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Capture the sunset glow on the iconic rocks; sunset around 6:20pm.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pororari Lodge Restaurant

Delicious West Coast seafood and local fare in a rustic setting.
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

Hearty breakfast before heading south along the coast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Stop at stunning Hokitika Gorge for swim or walk (45 minutes return).
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Hokitika Gorge Suspension Bridge Walk

Easy 30-40 minute walk to suspension bridge over vivid turquoise waters.
NZD0, 40m

11:00am

Continue to Fox Glacier with Optional Franz Josef Visit

Drive 2 hours south with optional stop at Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk (1 hour return).
NZD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fat Pipi Pies, Hokitika (if stopped)

Well-known spot for savoury pastries and coffee.
NZD15-25, 45m

3:00pm

Lake Matheson for Sunset Photography

World-famous mirror lake reflecting Mt Cook; beautiful at sunset (~6:20pm).
NZD8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub, Fox Glacier

Casual pub with local specialties – great end to a full day.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Fox Glacier to Wanaka

Fox Glacier to Wanaka, New Zealand on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Matheson Café & Bar

Enjoy coffee and breakfast before heading east over Haast Pass.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:00am

Haast Pass Waterfalls & Blue Pools Stop

Stop to admire Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and walk the Blue Pools track (1 hour).
NZD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Haast Café & Takeaway

Simple café with good sandwiches and pies.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Wanaka

2 hours drive arriving in early afternoon for lakeside relaxation.
NZD0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Check-in & Rest

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

5:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Iconic solitary tree in the lake, perfect for sunset photos (~6:25pm sunset).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kika

Contemporary restaurant with inventive dishes and cocktails.
NZD35-55, 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

Popular spot for delicious breakfast and coffee.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy

90-minute scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu, known for stunning vistas.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Hiking - Routeburn Flats Track

Enjoy a 3-4 hour return hike through dramatic mountain and forest scenery.
NZD0, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Casual environment with fresh local flavours.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Paradise and Local Sights

Short drive to scenic Paradise, famous for film settings and untouched nature.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Glenorchy Lakeshore or Kinloch

Relax and photograph breathtaking sunset panoramas.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Hearty comfort meals in cozy tavern setting.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Glenorchy

Day 6: Glenorchy Exploration & Travel to Queenstown

Glenorchy to Queenstown, New Zealand on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glenorchy Café

Fuel up for the day with good coffee and breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Walk Lake Sylvan Track

Easy 1.5 hour walk through native bush with serene lake views.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Relaxed 45-minute lakeside drive for a single night stay.
NZD0, 45m

11:15am

Queenstown Gondola Ride

Ride to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views; optional luge rides available (open 8am-10pm).
NZD49, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant atop Gondola

Enjoy scenic dining with extensive views of the region.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Queenstown Lakeside

Walk along the lakefront and admire Queenstown Gardens.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Queenstown Gardens

Capture soothing lakeside sunset photos (approx 6:25pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Taste world-famous gourmet burgers—a Queenstown highlight.
NZD15-25, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound and Te Anau

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

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Pack Lunch

Prepare for a long but rewarding day with early food and snacks.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound

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

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

2-hour fjord cruise to witness dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife; advance booking recommended.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Return 2-hour drive to lakeside town Te Anau.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax or Lakeside Walk in Te Anau

Wind down with a gentle stroll by the lake or explore town.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Casual dining with fresh, seasonal dishes highlighting local produce.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown to Milford Sound to 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

Fill up with breakfast before heading south.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Stop at Clifden Suspension Bridge

Short detour to admire historic timber and steel suspension bridge over the Waiau River.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Arrive in Bluff

Explore the signpost and harbor, famous for seasonal Bluff oysters.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties, especially oysters if in season.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

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

3:00pm

Queens Park Visit

Leisurely walk through expansive gardens, aviaries, and historic monuments.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Vibrant café serving great coffee and New Zealand fare.
NZD20-35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Te Anau to Bluff and Invercargill

Day 9: Invercargill to Dunedin via Catlins

Invercargill to Dunedin via Catlins, New Zealand on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bakers Delight Invercargill

Pick up fresh pastries and coffee.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Catlins' Nugget Point Lighthouse

1 hour 45 minutes drive along wild coastal roads to this iconic landmark.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Nugget Point Walk

Enjoy a 30-minute walk to impressive lighthouse and rocky outcrops with seal colony views.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

Challenging 3-hour loop hike in native forest to hidden waterfall gem.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:15pm

Visit Purakaunui Falls (optional)

30-minute walk to beautiful tiered waterfall surrounded by lush forest.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

2-hour drive to university town with Scottish heritage.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight's Ale House

Historic pub offering hearty local dishes with craft beer selection.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Invercargill 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

Classic Dunedin breakfast before long inland drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Visit to Moeraki Boulders

Marvel at these unique spherical stones along the coast, 1h15m north.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive Inland through Central Otago

3h15m drive through vineyards and dry landscapes to Lake Pukaki.
NZD0, 3h15m

2:00pm

Lunch in Twizel

Relaxed meal stop before lake views.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Pukaki Views & Relaxation

Enjoy vibrant turquoise water reflecting mountain ranges.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Less visited spot for stunning alpine lake sunset photos.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Casual dining with local produce near Lake Pukaki.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 11: Mt Cook Hiking Day

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

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Prepare early for alpine hiking activity.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

3-hour return walk with spectacular glacier and mountain views, ideal early morning light.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Walk to Kea Point or Tasman Glacier View

Shorter scenic trails to glacier outlooks.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Comfortable dining with alpine vistas.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon at Leisure

Explore Mt Cook Village or rest.
NZD0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset Shoot

Photograph floating icebergs and dramatic sunset light.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Elegant dining with mountain ambience to wind down the day.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 12: Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa

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

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

Simple and wholesome morning meal.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd

1-hour scenic drive to visit the iconic stone church and turquoise lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional Mt John Walkway Loop

2-hour moderate loop providing panoramic views over Tekapo basin.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Lakefront café with fresh menu and coffee.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Approximate 4-hour drive through Canterbury plains and coastal roads to quaint French-influenced harbour town.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in & Rest

Relax in accommodation before exploring town.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Enjoy peaceful sunset views over the harbour.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

Fine French-inspired dining to complete the journey.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo to Akaroa

Day 13: Akaroa to Christchurch

Akaroa to Christchurch, New Zealand on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Optional Newton's Waterfall Walk

Peaceful 1-hour stroll to a hidden waterfall before departure.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Coffee and brunch en route toward Christchurch.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

1.5-hour drive to city for final sightseeing, shopping, and car return.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visit

Stroll in beautiful gardens, open from early morning to sunset.
NZD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Modern dining with fresh local ingredients.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Final Shopping & Car Drop-off

Complete last-minute purchases and return rental car before onward travel.
NZD0, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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