If time (and budget) permits, this itinerary will move from the north tip to the very south of the South Island.
If you really want to see as much as you can on the South Island, this South Island 21 day itinerary needs to fit you.
My itinerary is as follows:
First day.
Arrived in Christchurch. As your adventure begins tomorrow, there are many motels near the international airport so collect the rental car and check the motel and let's sleep at night.
the 2nd day.
Let's take a walk through Christchurch in New Zealand itinerary today. Christchurch has a sense of "English-like" very much, the Avon River flows. Perhaps a drive to the settlement of the French language on the ocean side of Akaroa, a trip on a gondola or near the peninsula of a beautiful bank. There are many highlights in Christchurch.
Third day.
It is approximately 1.5 hours by car to the north of the warm village of Hanmer Springs. The hammer has a large temperature pool and there are pools of various temperatures. How to spend several hours, how relaxed are you? This complex has a water slide complex for children and young people.
Day 4.
Your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary has many highlights, which is one of them. Today we head for a wonderful coastal Kaikoura (2 hours). Kaikoura is famous for seafood, whale watching, seal colony, landscape, the mountains seem to spread to the sea. In a colder month there are peaks in the snow, and there are several wonderful opportunities for photography.
Day 5.
Today is the day of a whale tour. It is better to do it early in the morning before the wind and the ocean pick up. The whale watching tour runs well and it is very fun. Dolphins, seals, and other marine creatures can also be seen.
Day 6.
Today your New Zealand itinerary will take you from Kaikoura to Nelson. Nelson is a "large-scale" town with about 50,000 people located entirely on the coast of the Tasman Bay. In the winter season, snow covers the surroundings.
Nelson is the entrance to the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Access to the park is via a small gulf village in Marahau, about an hour's drive from Nelson.
7th and 8th day.
You have a full time of two days to explore the Nelson region. Abel Tasman National Park is a must-see. You can choose to take a walk in the park, walk around at night, kayak trip. Since Nelson has a vibrant wine industry, even if you go to a local winery? If your plan includes a trip to Abel Tasman, take time to visit a beautiful small village in Kaiteriteri. A beautiful place for snacks overlooking the bay.
If time permits, we also recommend traveling to Golden Bay and farewell spot. Stop at Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs) on the way.
Day 9.
Today, in the South Island showcase New Zealand itinerary, we will move from Nelson on the North coast to Punakaiki (3.5 hours) on the steep west coast. Punakaiki is known for pancake rock and stairwell. The rock is a pillar of limestone, resembling a stack of pancakes. Punakaiki is surrounded by about 30,000 hectares of Paparoa National Park.
There are some accommodations in Punakaiki, but my favorite is the beautiful seaside hotel Punakaiki Resort located on the beachfront. The room illuminates directly over the sea, and in the wonderful restaurant you can see the sea. A great way to end the day.
Day 10.
I will move from Punakaiki to Franz Joseph village (2.5 hour drive). There are many accommodation facilities in the village and it is a base for various tour operators. The Franz Joseph glacier (World Heritage Area) is situated 11 km from the altitude of 2,700 meters to the altitude of 240 meters and offers spectacular views.
When you arrive at the village, please check the options of the tour.In some cases you need a reservation for the 11th day. Weather conditions change soon in this area of New Zealand, so you can use it free of charge one day tomorrow. Flexibility when booking a tour
Day 11.
Today, South Island showcase New Zealand itinerary, you can freely explore Franz Josef (and the nearby Fox Glacier). Guided tours, helicopter flights, etc. have various options. We strongly recommend flight and landing of the helicopter at the top of the glacier (if slightly expensive).
If you are looking for somewhat quiet things, it is your preference to walk on the face of Franz Josef Glacier. Since walking takes about 1.5 hours from the parking lot, please wear comfortable shoes.
Fox Glacier is also nearby.
Day 12.
Today's drive will take us inland to the small village of Haast along the west coast, and the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Wanaka is the highlight of your New Zealand itinerary. Wanaka is like Queenstown in many ways. Located on the banks of the stunning lake, Lake Wanaka, it is the base for two world class ski resorts, Cardrona and Treble Cone. I feel that Wanaka is a bit more relaxed than Queenstown. The layout in the center of the town seems not to be very confused. On the front of the lake there are plentiful meal options, offering an ideal environment for relaxing coffee.
Wanaka has plenty of places of interest such as Puzzling World, historic Cardrona pub, mass fishing, 4 WD tours.
There are many accommodation facilities in Wanaka, but if there is enough budget, the view of the lake is worth extra.
Day 13.
Today we will head for Queenstown, New Zealand's "Adventure Capital". There are two ways from Wanaka to Queenstown. The road through Cromwell takes around 1.5 hours and is not entirely attractive depending on New Zealand's standards. Beyond the range of the crown, it is far better to take a short drive (1 hour) drive via Cardrona. The outlook is wonderful, and the road is claimed to be the country's tallest main road. If you have time, enjoy morning tea and lunch at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
Day 14 and day 15.
Queenstown is one of the highlights of your South Island showcase New Zealand itinerary.
Well, where to start in Queenstown! This is one of my favorite destinations in New Zealand. Located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers something for everyone. You can do as many things as you like or as much as you can.
"Necessity" is a trip to Milford Sound. Traveling from Queenstown is about 4 hours each time. This will be a very long and tiring day when you drive. It is much better to ride a bus tour or bus in one direction and to skip other things (flights are very dependent on weather conditions). Milford Sound is called the eighth "Wonder of the World" in the world and is the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand.
At the top of the "Queenstown List" there are gondolas to the peak of Bond, cruise on Lake Wakatipu of TSS Earnslaw, old steamship, thrilling jet boat, or bungee jumping.
Day 16.
Please move to the southern city of Invercargill (2.5 hours) today. Invercargill is in the South China Sea Route, the southernmost and western cities of New Zealand. It is the gateway to Stuart Island and Catlins. There are several museums and art galleries at Invercargill, just a short drive from the famous bluff oyster home bluff. Stewart Island is the third largest island in New Zealand, 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the south coast. Each ferry journey from Bluff takes about an hour. There are numerous interesting nature walks and magnificent scenery on Stuart Island.
For information on what you would like to do around Invercargill, please click here.
17th and 18th
Today, in New Zealand itinerary, I will move to Dunedin (driving 2.5 hours). Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island with a population of approximately 120,000 people. Dunedin is a university town and has collected students from many countries.
Dunedin had a Scottish heritage and in fact was known as New Edinburgh. The impact of this Scotland can be seen in local Edwardian buildings such as St. Paul 's Cathedral, Town Hall, Dunedin Railway Station and the historic Larnach castle, about 13 kilometers from the city center.
Dunedin also has New Zealand 's first botanical garden with diversity of marine life and birds.
Day 19.
South Island showcase New Zealand's itinerary continues today with a drive to Mt Cook (4 hours drive).
Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the largest mountain in New Zealand, 3,753 meters, part of Mount Cook National Park and also includes the Tasman Glacier. It is 30 kilometers in length and is one of the largest glaciers outside Himalaya.
Mount Cook Village has several accommodations, home to Thermond Edmund Hillary Alpine Center in the Hermitage Hotel complex. Others are awe-inspiring by hiking (checking weather conditions before departure), glacier flights and walks, and Mount Cook.
Day 20.
Today's last car journey is a 4 hour drive back to Christchurch. While on the road, stop at the Lake Tekapo while watching the incredible blue-green sea view of the lake. The Southern Alps (including Cook Mountain) forms a background and offers memorable photographic opportunities. Tekapo is also home to the Good Shepherd Church, which must be one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings.
Day 21.
go back home. Unfortunately, all good things must be over but I hope the New Zealand showcase New Zealand itinerary will be helpful. pleasant.
