Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Adventure Road Trip in New Zealand South Island

Viewed by 50 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand on June 4, 2024

7:00 AM

Morning Hike at Gertrude Saddle

Kick off the day with an invigorating hike at Gertrude Saddle, offering stunning views of Fiordland's landscape.
Drive from Queenstown to Gertrude Saddle trailhead (2 hours)
Free, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Cruise at Doubtful Sound

Embark on a scenic cruise at Doubtful Sound, immersing in the serenity of the fiord and wildlife sightings.
Drive from Gertrude Saddle to Doubtful Sound (2 hours)
£90 per person, 3 hours

4:00 PM

Kayaking at Lake Manapouri

Experience kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Manapouri, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
Drive from Doubtful Sound to Lake Manapouri (1 hour)
£50 per person, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fiordland National Park

Day 4: Lake Tekapo Serenity

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on June 7, 2024

7:00 AM

Morning Yoga at Lake Tekapo

Start the day with a peaceful yoga session by the tranquil Lake Tekapo, embracing the beauty of the surroundings.
Drive from Mount Cook National Park to Lake Tekapo (1.5 hours)
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Tekapo Hot Springs

Relax at Tekapo Springs Hot Pools, rejuvenating in the thermal waters amidst stunning alpine views.
Drive to Tekapo Springs (5 minutes)
£40 per person, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Scenic Bike Ride

Explore the picturesque surroundings of Lake Tekapo with a scenic bike ride, admiring the beauty at your own pace.
Cycle around Lake Tekapo (2 hours)
£20 per person for bike rental, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stargazing Tour at Earth & Sky

Embark on a stargazing tour with Earth & Sky, learning about the southern night skies from expert guides.
Drive to Earth & Sky Stargazing location (15 minutes)
£60 per person, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Mount Cook Exploration

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand on June 6, 2024

7:00 AM

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

Embark on a thrilling heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier, exploring ice formations and breathtaking landscapes.
Drive from Wanaka to Tasman Glacier Heliport (3.5 hours)
£500 per person, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch with Glacier Views

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch with glacier views at Mount Cook, amidst the beauty of the National Park.
Heli-Hike location to Picnic spot (10 minutes)
£20 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Stargazing at Mount John Observatory

Witness the mesmerising night sky at Mount John Observatory, known for its clear views of stars and galaxies.
Drive from Mount Cook to Mount John Observatory (1 hour)
£40 per person, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook National Park

Day 2: Wanaka Adventures

Wanaka, New Zealand on June 5, 2024

7:00 AM

Scenic Flight over Mount Aspiring National Park

Take a thrilling scenic flight over Mount Aspiring National Park, marveling at glaciers and peaks from above.
Drive from Fiordland National Park to Wanaka Airport (3.5 hours)
£200 per person, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Jet Boating on Clutha River

Experience the exhilaration of jet boating on the Clutha River, with twists and turns through stunning landscapes.
Drive from Wanaka Airport to Jet Boating location (30 minutes)
£80 per person, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch by Lake Wanaka

Enjoy a relaxing lakeside picnic lunch at Lake Wanaka, appreciating the tranquility of the surroundings.
Drive to a scenic spot by Lake Wanaka (10 minutes)
£15 for ingredients, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Skydiving in Wanaka

Experience an adrenaline-pumping skydive in Wanaka, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Drive from Lake Wanaka to Skydiving location (15 minutes)
£300 per person, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 5: Final Exploration in Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 8, 2024

7:00 AM

Christchurch Gondola Ride

Enjoy a scenic gondola ride in Christchurch, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Drive to Christchurch Gondola (30 minutes)
£30 per person, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Canterbury Museum Visit

Explore the fascinating exhibits at Canterbury Museum, gaining insights into New Zealand's cultural and natural history.
Drive from Christchurch Gondola to Canterbury Museum (20 minutes)
£15 per person, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Riverside Market

Savour a variety of local cuisine options at Riverside Market, a vibrant food hub in Christchurch.
Drive to Riverside Market (10 minutes)
£20 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Punting on the Avon River

Relax with a punting experience on the serene Avon River, admiring the scenic views and tranquility.
Drive to Punting departure point (15 minutes)
£30 per person, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Christchurch
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About New Zealand South Island

7-Day North & South Island, New Zealand — End of October 2025
Packing List
14‑Day New Zealand — North & South Island (October)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your New Zealand South Island Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go