Collect your rental van and paperwork at Christchurch Airport before a relaxed orientation drive into the city to stretch legs at Margaret Mahy Playground and grab a robust brunch at C1 Espresso (famous for its quirky pneumatic delivery). Afterwards pop into Pak'nSave Riccarton or Countdown Addington for group provisions and roadside picnic supplies so you're stocked for the road ahead.
After stocking up, take a relaxed drive to Hagley Park for a riverside stroll and let everyone stretch their legs by the Avon River punting launch area; it's a peaceful way to taste Christchurch's green heart and decide picnic spots. Later, explore the nearby Christchurch Botanic Gardens and grab casual early dinner or coffee at the charming Little High Eatery - perfect for a group with varied tastes before settling into your accommodation and prepping the van for tomorrow's drive.
Wind down the first day with a relaxed group dinner at The Monday Room for shared plates and local wines, then stroll the nearby riverside boardwalk by New Regent Street to admire the restored Spanish Mission-style facades and grab an artisan gelato. If energy allows, finish with low-key live music or craft beers at The Twisted Hop, a friendly spot for a larger group to toast the start of your South Island road trip.
Leave Christchurch early for a scenic drive through the Canterbury plains, stopping at Rakaia Gorge for a short riverside walk and dramatic river-view photo ops before continuing toward the Mackenzie Basin; stretch legs with a quick coffee and pastries at Geraldine Bakery. Arrive in Lake Tekapo late morning and explore the vivid turquoise shore at Tekapo Regional Park, then take the group up the short paved trail to Cowans Hill Lookout for panoramic lake and mountain views and an easy orientation to tonight's stargazing plans.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the lakeshore and enjoying waterside views from Lupin Walk (seasonal blooms by the lake) before heading to Tekapo Springs for a soak in the hot pools or a group soak in the outdoor spa with mountain panoramas. Later, take a short scenic drive to Mount John Observatory Reserve to walk the easy summit track, check the visitor centre for stargazing tips, and settle in for sunset views that set the stage for tonight's planned stargazing.
As twilight falls, park for dinner at Reflections Cafe & Restaurant for hearty Kiwi pub-style meals with lake views, then take a short stroll to the colourfully lit Lake Tekapo Dog Park / Lakeside Reserve to enjoy the calm water reflections and golden hour light. After dinner join a guided evening tour from Earth & Sky or settle at the quieter Tekapo Regional Park lookout by the footbridge to watch the sunset and begin preliminary stargazing-perfect for getting familiar with the dark-sky rhythms before heading up to Mount John Observatory later.
Rise early and drive into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for crisp alpine air and close glacier views along the Hooker Valley Track, an easy 3-4 hour return walk that crosses iconic swing bridges and delivers stunning views of Aoraki and the terminal Hooker Glacier Lake; pack thermoses and snacks for a scenic riverside picnic. Afterwards, stop at the short, wheelchair-accessible Kea Point Track for a different angle on the Mueller Glacier and to watch cheeky kea parrot antics, then pop into the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre to check conditions and pick up tips for afternoon options while enjoying panoramic displays.
After the Hooker Valley and Kea Point mornings, take a mellow afternoon exploring the alpine basin around Sealy Tarns via the stepped but rewarding route (turn back earlier if the group prefers shorter options) for closer glacier moraine views and sweeping vistas of Aoraki; it's a great spot for group photos and a thermos break. Later, drive or shuttle to the nearby White Horse Hill Campground lakeshore for a relaxed lakeside stroll and wildlife watching, then finish with panoramic light on the peaks from the accessible Tasman Glacier View Track at sunset-perfect for comparing the day's mountain perspectives before dinner.
After a day on the trails, unwind with a mellow stroll and golden-hour photos at Mueller Lake lookout, then head to White Horse Hill Visitor Centre for interpretive displays and to plan any early-morning options. For dinner, gather the group for a cosy shared meal at The Panorama Room or a casual pizza at Mt Cook Village Café, then finish the night with star-gazing from the quieter parking area by Hooker Valley Road where the clear alpine skies often reveal the Milky Way.
Depart Aoraki/Mount Cook after breakfast and take the scenic Lindis Pass route into Otago, stopping for photos at the sweeping tussock panoramas near Lindis Pass Lookout before descending toward Wanaka. On arrival stretch legs with an easy lakeside stroll to the iconic waterside viewpoint at Wanaka Tree then continue along the waterfront to relax at Eely Point Reserve, where the group can picnic, skip stones, and set up a short loop walk through native beech at Roys Bay Reserve for gentle forest views and a warm-up of Wanaka's lakeside vibe.
After the lakeside stretch, drive a short distance to Diamond Lake for an easy 30-45 minute loop that treats the group to reflective water and mountain mirror shots, then continue to Mount Iron Scenic Reserve for a 1-1.5 hour ridge walk offering panoramic views over Wanaka and the Southern Alps-perfect for group photos and a casual summit snack. Finish with a relaxed late-afternoon visit to Pembroke Park where kids or less energetic members can kick a ball or warm up by the playground while others stroll the foreshore, then gather for an early dinner at the waterfront to watch the light soften on the lake.
As daylight softens, head to That Wanaka Tree (lakeside vantage near the main jetty) for golden-hour photos, then stroll over to Wanaka Station Park to let the group relax while kids or dogs run and you picnic with local cheeses and wines. After sunset, reserve a table at Kika for vibrant shared plates and seasonal cocktails, then finish the night with a casual lakeside walk to the quiet jetty at Eely Point to soak in reflected starlight and the calm lake atmosphere.
Leave Wanaka after an early lakeside breakfast and take the Crown Range Road into Queenstown, stopping for sweeping photos at Crown Terrace Lookout before stretching legs at the easy, scenic loop through Skippers Canyon Historic Reserve (short guided stop or lookout) to glimpse gold-mining history and dramatic river gorges. Arrive in Queenstown mid-morning and split the group for adrenaline options: book a tandem ride on the iconic Gondola & Luge for fun, or for thrill-seekers arrange a morning jet boat ride on the Shotover River - both give big views and are perfect lead-ins to an afternoon of lakeside exploration.
After morning thrills, unwind with a scenic lakeside lunch at Beacon Point Kitchen & Pantry then take a gentle cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for sweeping mountain-and-water views while the driver-guide shares local stories. Later stretch legs on the shoreline at Frankton Track-perfect for rental-bike loops or a relaxed walk to the Queenstown Gardens where you can try a casual game of frisbee golf or stroll the rose gardens before heading back into town for evening plans.
Wind down after the day's activities with an aperitif and skyline-to-lake views from Bardeaux on Marine Parade, then take the group for a sunset stroll and photo stop along the peaceful Kelvin Peninsula Track that offers quieter vistas away from central crowds. For dinner, book a group table at Botswana Butchery for hearty New Zealand lamb and local wines, and if energy remains enjoy handcrafted cocktails and live music at Ivy & Lola's, a lively spot with space for larger parties.
Head out early for a scenic drive to Glenorchy Wharf, then take a guided 4WD or horseback tour with Glenorchy Animal Experience to explore remote Lord of the Rings filming valleys and braided river flats - a great way for the full group to enjoy dramatic alpine scenery together. After the tour, stop at Rees River Track for a short riverside walk and birdwatching, then warm up with a group brunch at the cosy Glenorchy Cafe before returning toward Queenstown for afternoon options.
After returning toward Queenstown, head to Bob's Cove Track for a gentle 30-45 minute loop through native forest to crystal-clear bays-perfect for group photos and a relaxed picnic on the shoreline. Next, drive over to Glenorchy-Queenstown Road viewpoint then continue on to Kinloch Lodge where you can stretch with a lakeside stroll, sample local cabinet wines or hot chocolate by the terrace, and optionally book an early-evening guided nature cruise on the sheltered Dart River for serene mountain reflections and wildlife spotting.
Conclude the day with a relaxed riverside dinner at The Stable, where shared platters and local Central Otago wines make for easy group dining beside the Arrow River; afterwards wander the historic gold-mining streets of Arrowtown Main Street to browse boutique shops and heritage buildings under soft evening lights. If you're back toward Glenorchy, opt for a lakeside sunset picnic at Griffiths Point Reserve with thermoses and hot soup for the group, then finish with a quiet star-and-reflection walk along the Glenorchy Wharf boardwalk before returning to Queenstown.
Depart Queenstown via the dramatic Crown Range Road and pause at the Crown Range Lookout for sweeping alpine-valley photos, then descend into the historic goldfields to explore the charming stone cottages and museum at Cromwell Heritage Precinct while the group stretches their legs. Continue with a tasting and light brunch at Cromwell Fruit & Produce Market (seasonal stalls) or a cellar-door visit at Mt Difficulty Wines for Central Otago pinot sampling, then drive out toward Lauder, stopping at the picturesque turquoise pools and short boardwalk at Lake Onslow Reserve lookout for a quick nature walk before heading to Wanaka for the afternoon.
After brunch, head to Lake Dunstan for a relaxed lakeside drive and a riverside picnic at the Cromwell Marina Reserve, where the group can try stand-up paddleboarding or a short hire-boat outing to enjoy the reservoir's clear winter light. Continue west toward Wanaka with a photo stop at the evocative stone-and-vine terraces of Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve for a gentle 30-45 minute walk through gold-rush relics, then finish the afternoon tasting seasonal stone-fruit preserves and artisan cheeses at Bannockburn Farm Stall before arriving in Wanaka to settle in for evening plans.
As dusk falls, settle the group at The Courthouse in Cromwell for relaxed tapas and Central Otago wines in a warm, historic setting, then take a short drive to Lowburn Wharf to watch the sunset glow over the reservoir and mountains while enjoying steaming mugs and shareable sweets. Finish the night with a gentle after-dinner stroll along the tree-lined paths of Goldfields Walkway, where soft lighting and river reflections make for peaceful conversation and easy group photos before heading to your Wanaka-area accommodation.
Depart early from Wanaka/Lauder and follow the Haast Highway with a first stop at Blue Pools Walk for a short, family-friendly riverside boardwalk and turquoise-water photo stop, then continue west to stretch legs at Fantail Falls, a quick roadside cascade framed by native rainforest. Mid-morning, detour to Thunder Creek Falls for an easy walk to an impressive 28-metre drop and picnic spots, before rolling into the glacier region with a coffee and light lunch break in Fox Glacier Village to prepare for afternoon glacier viewpoints in Franz Josef.
After lunch in Fox Glacier Village, take the group on the short but dramatic Gillespies Beach Track for wind-swept coastline, historic gold-mining relics and expansive ocean views, then visit the nearby Lake Matheson for a gentle 45-60 minute loop around the mirror-like lake-perfect for iconic reflected-mountain photos at a calm late-afternoon light. Finish by driving into Franz Josef township for a soak and recovery at Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools, where warm outdoor tubs and nearby picnic lawns make a relaxed communal way to unwind before dinner and tomorrow's glacier activities.
After settling into Franz Josef, treat the group to a relaxed riverside walk along the Waiau Gorge/Franz Josef River Track for golden-hour light and glacier-feeding river views, then head to Monsoon Restaurant & Bar for a hearty group meal featuring local seafood and Central Otago wines. Finish the night with a soothing soak and private lounge time at Te Waonui Forest Spa (book ahead for group treatments) or gather for hot drinks on the terrace outside your accommodation to compare photos and plan tomorrow's glacier viewing.
Start your final morning with a brisk guided walk along the lesser-known Robinsons Creek Track, where native rainforest gives way to sweeping views of glacier-fed braided rivers and quiet birdlife-perfect for a reflective group photo session. If the group prefers a more active send-off, book a short heli-hike departure from Glacier Country Heliport (weather permitting) for a dramatic aerial approach and a guided 60-90 minute snow-platform experience on the ice, then regroup in township for coffee at Alice May Restaurant & Bar before loading the van for the long drive back or transfer to the nearby airport.
After a morning option, head to Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre to pick up maps and local weather updates, then drive to the dramatic Tatare Tunnels / Ōkarito Road lookout for sweeping coastal-to-alpine views and a short photo-friendly boardwalk ideal for group shots. If the schedule allows, book a late-afternoon guided river-kayak trip on the Waiau River with a local operator for calm, glacier-fed water views and birdlife, or alternatively take the easy lakeside loop at Waiau Lake Track before returning to town to collect luggage and make your onward drive or airport transfer.
As the day winds down, take a calm riverside stroll to Okarito Lagoon Lookout for golden-hour wetland reflections and birdlife, then head to The Landing Restaurant in nearby Ōkārito for a relaxed group dinner featuring fresh West Coast seafood and local craft beers. Finish with a final soak and group debrief at Glacier Hot Pools' quieter evening session (book ahead) or gather at Franz Josef Wharf to watch the last light fade over the valley before loading the van for your onward drive or airport transfer.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Christchurch Airport (pickup rental van) | Free |
| Margaret Mahy Playground | Free |
| C1 Espresso (brunch) | $25 |
| Pak'nSave Riccarton / Countdown Addington (groceries) | $15 |
| Hagley Park / Avon River punting launch area | Free |
| Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Free |
| Little High Eatery (casual dining) | $20 |
| The Monday Room (group dinner) | $45 |
| New Regent Street (stroll) | Free |
| The Twisted Hop (drinks) | $15 |
| Rakaia Gorge (walk/viewpoint) | Free |
| Geraldine Bakery (coffee/pastry) | $8 |
| Tekapo Regional Park / Lupin Walk | Free |
| Cowans Hill Lookout | Free |
| Tekapo Springs (hot pools) | $30 |
| Mount John Observatory Reserve (walk) | Free |
| Reflections Cafe & Restaurant (dinner) | $30 |
| Earth & Sky (stargazing tour) | $85 |
| Hooker Valley Track (Aoraki/Mount Cook) | Free |
| Kea Point Track | Free |
| Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre | Free |
| Sealy Tarns (track) | Free |
| White Horse Hill Campground (day visit) | Free |
| Tasman Glacier View Track | Free |
| Mueller Lake lookout | Free |
| The Panorama Room (dinner) | $40 |
| Mt Cook Village Café (casual meal) | $20 |
| Lindis Pass Lookout (photo stop) | Free |
| Wanaka Tree / Eely Point Reserve | Free |
| Roys Bay Reserve / Pembroke Park | Free |
| Diamond Lake (loop) | Free |
| Mount Iron Scenic Reserve (walk) | Free |
| That Wanaka Tree (photo) | Free |
| Kika (dinner) | $40 |
| Crown Terrace Lookout / Crown Range Road photo stop | Free |
| Skippers Canyon Historic Reserve (short stop/view) | Free |
| Gondola & Luge (Queenstown) | $45 |
| Jet boat (Shotover River) | $150 |
| Beacon Point Kitchen & Pantry (lunch) | $25 |
| TSS Earnslaw (cruise) | $70 |
| Frankton Track / Queenstown Gardens | Free |
| Bardeaux (drinks) | $20 |
| Botswana Butchery (dinner) | $75 |
| Glenorchy Animal Experience (4WD/horse tour) | $200 |
| Rees River Track / Bob's Cove Track | Free |
| Glenorchy Cafe (brunch) | $20 |
| Kinloch Lodge (visit / drinks) | $15 |
| Dart River nature cruise (optional) | $200 |
| The Stable (Arrowtown dinner) | $35 |
| Arrowtown Main Street (stroll) | Free |
| Cromwell Heritage Precinct / Cromwell Marina Reserve | Free |
| Cromwell Fruit & Produce Market / Mt Difficulty Wines (tasting) | $20 |
| Lake Onslow Reserve lookout / Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve | Free |
| Bannockburn Farm Stall (tasting) | $10 |
| The Courthouse (Cromwell dinner) | $35 |
| Blue Pools Walk | Free |
| Fantail Falls / Thunder Creek Falls | Free |
| Fox Glacier Village (lunch) | $20 |
| Gillespies Beach Track | Free |
| Lake Matheson (loop) | Free |
| Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools | $28 |
| Waiau Gorge / Franz Josef River Track | Free |
| Monsoon Restaurant & Bar (dinner) | $40 |
| Te Waonui Forest Spa (spa treatments) | $120 |
| Robinsons Creek Track | Free |
| Glacier Country Heliport / heli-hike (heli experience) | $450 |
| Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | Free |
| Tatare Tunnels / Ōkarito Road lookout | Free |
| Waiau River kayak (guided) | $120 |
| Waiau Lake Track / Okarito Lagoon Lookout | Free |
| The Landing Restaurant (Ōkārito) | $40 |
| Glacier Hot Pools (evening session) | $28 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $2776 |