5-Day Adventurous Itinerary on South Island, New Zealand

  • Day 1: Queenstown
    Queenstown Airport to Skyline Queenstown - 10 minutes drive (9.9km)

    Start your adventure by taking a gondola ride to Skyline Queenstown with a breathtaking view of the city. From there, you can try the thrilling activities like zip-lining, luging, and mountain biking.

  • Day 2: Franz Josef Glacier
    Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier - 4 hours 20 minutes drive (350km)

    Get ready for an icy encounter with guided hikes in Franz Josef Glacier. You could also enjoy a helicopter tour, ice climbing, or just unwind in the hot springs at the end of the day.

  • Day 3: Wanaka
    Franz Josef to Wanaka - 3 hours 10 minutes drive (265km)

    Wanaka is an outdoor playground where you could kayak on the magnificent lake, hike mountains, or skydive. You can end the day watching a movie under the stars in the world's first cinema built for just that purpose.

  • Day 4: Milford Sound
    Wanaka to Milford Sound - 3 hours 45 minutes drive (272km)

    Marvel at the stunning beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise. You will be able to witness majestic waterfalls, spot marine life and enjoy a picnic while being surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes.

  • Day 5: Queenstown
    Milford Sound to Queenstown Airport - 4 hours 15 minutes drive (286km)

    Wrap up your adventure with a bungee jumping experience, jet boating, and other extreme sports in Queenstown. You can also spend the day exploring the beautiful Arrowtown with its historical buildings and significance to the gold rush era.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Skyline Queenstown (1-3 hours, $44-122)
  • Franz Josef Glacier Guided Hiking (3-4 hours, $95-175)
  • Wanaka Kayaking (half day, $110)
  • Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and Picnic Lunch (5 hours, $50-100)
  • Bungee Jumping Experience (1-2 hours, $180-270)
  • Arrowtown Exploration (2-3 hours, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $479-$832

Transportation

It is best to rent a car to explore the South Island. The cost starts at $30 per day, and be sure to book it in advance. The roads are generally in good condition, but some of the routes may have steep and winding terrain, so it is recommended to hire a 4WD vehicle.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, you could visit Queenstown Hill for a scenic hike or go for wine tasting in Central Otago. If you have less time, consider visiting either Franz Josef Glacier or Milford Sound, and spend more time exploring Wanaka and Queenstown.

Airports

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is the main hub for domestic and international arrivals from major cities. It is in Frankton, five kilometers from central Queenstown.

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