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13-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip via Arthur’s Pass to Punakaiki

Viewed by 256 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 car and begin your drive north inland to Hanmer Springs.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Thermal Pools Relaxation

Soak in Hanmer Springs’ famous thermal pools (open 9am–9pm) to unwind and rejuvenate.
NZD30 approx, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced lunch dishes with mountain views.
NZD25-40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Short Nature Walks in Hanmer Springs

Take easy forest or river walks like Forest Walk to experience native bush and wildlife.
NZD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Conical Hill Lookout

Ascend 45 minutes return to catch stunning sunset views over Hanmer Springs and the surrounding ranges (sunset ~6:20pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at No. 31 Restaurant

Savour contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a cosy atmosphere.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
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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 great coffee and a hearty breakfast for the day ahead.
NZD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive via Arthur’s Pass to Punakaiki

A 4.5-hour scenic drive crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, with opportunities for nature stops and photo breaks.
NZD0, 4h30m

11:30am

Arthur’s Pass Village Stop

Brief stop to explore the alpine village and perhaps walk the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall track (1h return).
NZD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Arthur’s Pass Café

Enjoy a casual meal with hearty options ideal for hikers and travellers.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Continue Drive to Punakaiki

1h45m drive through lush West Coast rainforest to reach Punakaiki.
NZD0, 1h45m

3:30pm

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

Explore the mesmerizing limestone formations and powerful blowholes; a must-see geological wonder.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Pancake Rocks

Witness the glow on the rocks as the sun sets (~6:20pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pororari Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy locally sourced seafood and West Coast specialties in cozy surroundings.
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

Start the day with a solid breakfast before travelling south along the coast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Stop to enjoy the stunning turquoise waters and swing bridge; a 30-minute walk out and back.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Hokitika Gorge Suspension Bridge Walk

Experience spectacular views from the striking suspension bridge over vibrant river water.
NZD0, 40m

11:00am

Drive to Fox Glacier with Optional Franz Josef Stop

A 2-hour drive south along the West Coast; optional short Franz Josef glacier walks if time permits.
NZD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fat Pipi Pies in Hokitika (optional)

Known for delicious savoury pies and coffee.
NZD15-25, 45m

3:00pm

Lake Matheson Sunset Shoot

Explore this scenic lake famous for stunning reflections of the Southern Alps during sunset (~6:20pm).
NZD8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The White Pub, Fox Glacier

Casual dining with local favourites and a warm atmosphere.
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 a good breakfast before crossing Haast Pass.
NZD18-30, 1h0m

8:00am

Waterfalls & Blue Pools at Haast Pass

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

12:00pm

Lunch at Haast Café & Takeaway

Casual meal stop with local staples.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Wanaka

Arrive after a 2-hour scenic drive along lakes and mountains.
NZD0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Check-in & Relax

Settle into accommodation and rest before evening.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at That Wanaka Tree

Iconic solitary tree in lake for stunning sunset photography (sunset ~6:25pm).
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kika

Contemporary dining with fresh local ingredients and great atmosphere.
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

Start with quality coffee and breakfast dishes.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glenorchy

90-minute picturesque lakeside drive along Lake Wakatipu.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Hike Routeburn Flats Track

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

2:00pm

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Casual dining with local flavours and fresh produce.
NZD15-30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Paradise Area

Short drive to dramatic landscapes famously used in film locations.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Glenorchy Lakeshore or Kinloch

Relax and capture beautiful sunset views over the lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trading Post

Tasty hearty meals in a friendly tavern setting.
NZD25-40, 1h30m
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 your day with coffee and light breakfast.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Lake Sylvan Track Walk

Gentle 1.5 hour walk with beautiful forest and lake vistas.
NZD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Relaxed 45-minute drive along lakeside roads.
NZD0, 45m

11:15am

Queenstown Gondola Ride

Experience sweeping views from Bob’s Peak, with optional luge rides (open 8am–10pm).
NZD49, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views atop the gondola station.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Queenstown Waterfront and Gardens

Leisurely lakeside walks and botanical gardens visit.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Queenstown Gardens

Capture the lake sunset (~6:25pm) in this peaceful setting.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Enjoy world-famous gourmet burgers in a casual setting.
NZD15-25, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Glenorchy to Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound then Te Anau

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

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Pack Lunch

Prepare food and snacks for a long day of travel and exploration.
NZD15-25, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Milford Sound via Mirror Lakes and Key Summit

4-hour scenic route including stops for Mirror Lakes and a 3-hour return walk on Key Summit Track.
NZD0, 4h0m

11:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

Relax on a 2-hour boat cruise exploring the dramatic fjord scenery and waterfalls; advanced bookings recommended.
NZD75-95, 2h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Te Anau

Return 2-hour drive to lakeside town for overnight stay.
NZD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Evening Walk or Relax in Te Anau

Enjoy lakeside stroll or explore local shops.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Café Bar

Seasonal and local dishes in casual atmosphere.
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

Start with a good meal before heading south.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Clifden Suspension Bridge Detour

Short stop to visit an historic forest area with a timber suspension bridge.
NZD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Bluff Signpost & Harbour Visit

See the signpost that marks the southernmost point of the South Island and explore the harbour.
NZD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Siggy’s Seafood

Taste famous Bluff oysters if season allows, or enjoy fresh seafood.
NZD30-50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Invercargill

30-minute drive to Invercargill for city exploration.
NZD0, 30m

3:00pm

Queens Park Gardens

Enjoy expansive gardens, native trees and aviaries.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Verve Café

Hearty meals with vibrant café atmosphere.
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

Collect coffee and pastries to fuel your day.
NZD10-20, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nugget Point Lighthouse

2-hour drive along rugged coastline to stunning lighthouse and seal colonies.
NZD0, 2h0m

10:15am

Nugget Point Walk

30-minute walk with panoramic ocean views and wildlife spotting.
NZD0, 30m

11:00am

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

Moderate 3-hour loop hike to a secluded waterfall in indigenous forest.
NZD0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Purakaunui Falls Visit (optional)

Short walk to photograph one of NZ’s most iconic waterfalls.
NZD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Dunedin

2-hour coastal and countryside drive to the heritage city.
NZD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Speight's Ale House

Enjoy traditional New Zealand pub fare and local craft beers.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Invercargill to Dunedin via Catlins

Day 10: Dunedin to Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Molly's Café

Enjoy a hearty meal before the inland journey.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

8:30am

Optional Moeraki Boulders Stop

Visit fascinating spherical boulders on the coastline en route north.
NZD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive Inland through Central Otago to Lake Pukaki

3h15m scenic drive through vineyards and mountain corridors to turquoise lake.
NZD0, 3h15m

1:30pm

Lunch in Twizel

Comfortable stop for meals and supplies.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lake Pukaki Relaxation and Views

Appreciate stunning lake and mountain reflections, perfect for photos.
NZD0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Peter’s Lookout

Hidden view point offering fantastic sunset vistas over Mt Cook and lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Country Inn

Relaxed dining with home-cooked style fare near the lakeside.
NZD30-50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dunedin to Lake Pukaki and 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 the alpine hiking day.
NZD15-25, 30m

7:00am

Hooker Valley Track Sunrise Hike

Spectacular 3-hour return hike to glacier views and alpine scenery; sunrise lighting ideal.
NZD0, 3h0m

10:30am

Optional Kea Point or Tasman Glacier Views

Short scenic walks to glacier outlooks showcasing dramatic ice and mountain views.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy alpine dining with views of Mt Cook.
NZD20-40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon Leisure or Explore Mt Cook Village

Relax or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
NZD20 approx, 3h0m

5:30pm

Tasman Lake Sunset Shoot

Capture otherworldly evening light on floating icebergs at Tasman Lake.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Alpine Restaurant

Sophisticated cuisine with alpine ambiance to end the day.
NZD40-60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook area

Day 12: Lake Pukaki to Tekapo to Akaroa

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

8:00am

Breakfast at Glentanner Café

Wholesome breakfast before a scenic drive.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd

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

10:00am

Optional Mt John Walkway Loop

Moderate 2-hour walk atop Mt John overlooking Tekapo basin.
NZD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Reflections Café

Relaxed atmosphere with lake views and fresh food.
NZD20-35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Akaroa

Approximately 4-hour drive to charming French-influenced harbour town.
NZD0, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into accommodation after arrival.
NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Akaroa Lighthouse

Enjoy tranquil sunset views over the harbour and cliffs.
NZD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ma Maison

Fine French-inspired cuisine for a memorable dinner.
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 Walk to Newton's Waterfall

Short 1-hour walk to a serene hidden waterfall nearby.
NZD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Little River Café

Enjoy brunch and coffee while heading towards Christchurch.
NZD15-25, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Christchurch

1.5-hour drive back to Christchurch for final sightseeing or shopping before departure.
NZD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visit

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

1:30pm

Lunch at Dux Dine

Modern New Zealand cuisine with quality local ingredients.
NZD25-45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Final Shopping and Car Drop-off

Complete final purchases and return your rental car, ready for onward travel.
NZD0, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Akaroa to Christchurch
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