NEW ZEALAND - The South Island 10, 13, or 16 days
This comprehensive South Island journey takes you from the vibrant adventure hub of Queenstown into the dramatic, deep-fiord landscapes of Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Traveling along the ruggedly beautiful Southern Scenic Route, you’ll discover the Scottish heritage of Dunedin and the diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.
The route then leads inland past the alpine peaks of Mount Cook National Park and the lakeside charm of Wanaka, before heading north to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and finishing among the world-class vineyards of the Marlborough wine region.
The South Island is one of the world’s most beautiful places: towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, snow‑topped Southern Alps, wide plains, rolling hills, subtropical forests, a volcanic plateau, and miles of sandy coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is famous for hiking and sea kayaking; Queenstown is known for adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing.
🇳🇿Essential Tips:
Travel Adaptor- Type I
A Visa is required when visiting New Zealand - Apply online
Travel Guides: Lonely Planet’s New Zealand South Island and Fodor’s New Zealand.
Download the AllTrails app on your smartphone. Essential for any trek in New Zealand.
New Zealand has strict biosecurity guidelines. Remember to declare all food items. <video>
Download the New Zealand Traveller Declaration app before arriving.
DAY 1
International Flight Connections to Queenstown: What you need to know.
Before booking your flights, you need to account for New Zealand's strict entry procedures. Most international travelers arrive into Auckland (AKL) first before connecting to Queenstown.
Step 1: The Auckland (AKL) Connection
If you are arriving from overseas, allow at least three hours between your international arrival and your domestic flight.
This gives you a safe buffer for:Passport control and Biosecurity & Customs processing.
Terminal Transfer: The domestic and international terminals are in separate buildings. You will need to walk the signposted "Green Line" path (about 10–15 minutes) or take the free inter-terminal shuttle bus that runs
every 15 minutes.Go to the Auckland Airport Connection Guide to view terminal maps, bus schedules, and other important information.
Step 2: Arrive at Queenstown, NZ.
Queenstown is the hub of adventure, on Lake Wakatipu’s shore beneath the dramatic Southern Alps. <street map>
If time and weather permit, take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak. It’s an awesome panoramic view of Queenstown,
Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountains, especially at sunset.Overnight: Queenstown (2 nights) <where to stay>
DAY 2
Visit the town of Glenorchy, a true outdoor paradise.
Leaving Queenstown for Glenorchy, you drive 45 minutes along Lake Wakatipu’s shore — a famously scenic route, with the lake between the towns and the Remarkables framing the view.
Glenorchy is a charming town with clear lakes, red beech forests, open plains and tall mountains.
Photographers can capture Lake Wakatipu’s blue water and the Remarkables.
Kayaking, horseback riding and day walks are common activities in the Glenorchy mountain valley.
The region offers an amazing journey deep into rock pools, streams and dramatic chasms of Mt Aspiring National Park.
The lake fills a deep valley carved into the mountains by ancient glaciers. Each day the T.S.S. Earnslaw cruises the lake.
Situated a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a lush green paradise.
A Popular Glenorchy Day Walk:
Glenorchy Walkway is a flat 1–2 hour loop track.
It’s a great family walk, with stunning views of the mountain range. There is a boardwalk that provides an opportunity to view birdlife.
Start/finish: signposted at the Glenorchy waterfront.
GPS Coordinate: 44°50'60.0"S 168°22'55.2"E
Many other walks are available, from 30 minutes to a full day, on good paths and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Learn about all of Glenorchy walking trails, which include a trail map.
Overnight: Queenstown
Distance: Queenstown ---> Glenorchy, one-way 45 min.
DAY 3
Discover Queenstown - known as New Zealand's Adventure Capital.
The area attracts visitors for excellent skiing and snowboarding, and many water, air, and land activities.
Experience jetboating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. A must-ride! <video>
Stop at Kawarau Bridge Bungy - site of the original (1988) bungy jump.
It’s fun even to watch the people leap!
Visit Chard Farm Vineyard - an excellent detour on the way to Te Anau.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Journey to the Fiordland Gateway:
Later in the afternoon, depart Queenstown and drive south toward Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is the official gateway to the fiords. Known for huge glacier-made lakes, plenty of local trout, and as a refuge for the endangered flightless takahē.
Drive Times:
Queenstown → Te Anau: 2 hours (170 km)
Queenstown → Milford Sound (direct drive): 4 hours (285 km)
Where to Stay: (Crucial Booking Advice) This area sees huge crowds in peak season, especially from Christmas through
early March; **Booking your accommodation well in advance is mandatory**Option A: Milford Sound Lodge (The Dream Setup): If you managed to secure a rare spot at this exclusive lodge, bypass
Te Anau and drive straight to Milford Sound tonight.Option B: Te Anau (The Practical Base): Base yourself comfortably in Te Anau for the next three nights. It offers a fantastic array of restaurants, lakeside motels, and amenities that you won't find inside the national park.
Overnight: Te Anau or Milford Sound Lodge (3 nights)
Where to stay in Te Anau: book in ADVANCE during the high-demand summer months (especially from Christmas
to early March).
Distance: Queenstown → Te Anau: 2 hrs.
Te Anau → Milford Sound: 2 hrs.
Day 4
The day begins with an epic journey to Milford Sound (Fiordland Park), known for towering Mitre Peak, along with rainforests and waterfalls.
A cruise on Milford Sound is a MUST. Cruises depart early in the morning from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal (often called the Milford Sound Wharf).
⚠️ What you need to know about booking a cruise:
🚗 Step 1: Getting to the Terminal (If starting from Te Anau).
If you’re driving from Te Anau, the 120 km (75 miles) takes about 2–2.5 hours because of steep, winding alpine roads. Plan 3–3.5 hours total to allow for parking and the walk from public lots to the pier.
“Golden departure window”: To catch a morning cruise (usually 9:00–9:45 AM), leave Te Anau by 6:00–6:30 AM.⚠️ No Safety Net: There are absolutely no gas stations or cell phone reception between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Fill your vehicle's fuel tank completely the night before.
💡 Missed out on the Milford Sound Lodge? It is the only land-based lodging in the sound, requiring a 6-to-9-month booking window. If you are trying to snag a last-minute room, check their website daily. Their strict cancellation fees spike at the 30-day and 48-hour marks, which is exactly when locked-up rooms suddenly drop back into the public system.
🚢 Step 2: The Milford Sound Cruise Experience. Arrive and check in at your operator’s desk. A fjord cruise in New Zealand is a "Must”.
You’ll float past steep cliff faces and spot fur seals resting on the rocks. <Booking a cruise>Pack a waterproof rain jacket — it can rain anytime. (Milford is one of the wettest places on earth!).
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Afterward, we recommend the 🎒Key Summit hike, part of the famous Routeburn Track. Enjoy panoramic views over mountains and alpine lakes.
It is a 3-hour hike beginning at The Divide parking lot:
GPS coordinate: 44°49'30.1"S 168°07'06.7"E
Overnight: Te Anau or Milford Sound Lodge.
Distance: Te Anau ---> Milford Sound, 2 hrs.
DAY 5
Visit Doubtful Sound - it has the deepest fjords and dramatic scenery. Doubtful Sound is accessible only by boat.
Book and learn about your Doubtful Sound Cruise:
Visitor’s Choice is a 7-hour day cruise that crosses Lake Manapouri, then a bus climbs Wilmot Pass through Fiordland rainforest into the Sound.
Departs from the Manapouri Boat Launch.
Allow 25 minutes from Te Anau to the boat launch. <Parking Lot>
Doubtful Sound and Fiordland Park get heavy rain—about 3,000 to 6,000 mm (120 to 240 inches) a year. The vegetation on the mountainous
landscape surrounding the fjord is dense native rainforest.Overnight: Te Anau or Milford Sound Lodge.
Distance:
Te Anau → Doubtful Sound boat launch (Manapouri) — 25 min.
DAY 6
At sunrise, depart Fiordland toward the southern coast on the Southern Scenic Route. <Points of Interest>
The Southern Scenic Route is one of New Zealand’s best drives — rugged coastlines, cliffs, pretty countryside, and great photo spots.
Points of Interest: <map>
1. Slope Point -the weather is so fierce that the strong winds have left a patch of trees weirdly warped.
2. Curio Bay - Hector's dolphin and whales are occasionally observed offshore.
3. Nugget Point Lighthouse - an easy 20-minute RT walking path leading to a viewing platform.
Overnight: Dunedin (2 nights)
⚠️ Alert: today’s a full driving day — about 500 km (310 mi) and roughly 8 hours on the road. Plan for a couple of short stops.
Distance:
Te Anau → Nugget Point: 6.5 hrs / 375 km
Nugget Point → Dunedin: 1.5 hrs / 100 km
DAY 7
Discover Dunedin, known for its Scottish roots and Victorian and Edwardian buildings, this historic city also has modern bars, restaurants, and shops.
Experience nature on the Otago Peninsula, located on the south side of Dunedin.
Visit the Royal Albatross Centre. View the Albatross with a guided tour.
Penguin Place - learn about the Little Blue Penguins and Yellow-Eyed Penguins.
Overnight: Dunedin
Distance:
Dunedin — Otago Peninsula, 40 min.
DAY 8
Next stop is Mount Cook National Park <route>
En route, stop at the Moeraki Rocks, a group of spherical boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach.
Continue to Mount Cook Park, arriving in the afternoon.
If time allows, explore the village area or take in the Tasman Glacier trek. It’s a short “Easy” one (1) hour hike to view the glacier.
Overnight: Mount Cook Village. (2 nights)
Distance:
Dunedin ---> Moeraki Rocks, 1.5 hrs.
Moeraki Rocks ---> Mount Cook Village, 3 hrs.
DAY 9
Explore Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy dramatic glacier-carved valleys, turquoise lakes, and New Zealand’s highest mountain range.
Recommended hikes:
Hooker Valley trek - stunning views over Mueller Lake.
Easy hike, Distance: 10 km. Duration: 3 hr. RT. <Trails details>
Tasman Glacier trek - icebergs can usually be seen floating in the lake in summer. Enjoyable short walk with a great view.
Easy hike, Distance: 3 km. Duration: 1 hr. RT. <Trails details>
Sealy Tarns trek (Mueller Hut route) - on a clear day, this climb gives views of Hooker Valley and nearby peaks, including Mount Cook.
Moderate hike, good physical condition recommended. Distance: 11 km. Duration: 4 hr. RT. <Trails details>
Overnight: Mount Cook Park village. <Where to stay>
DAY 10
Departing Mount Cook Village, you’ll pass through Wanaka, NZ, and continue to Queenstown.
En route, stop at the Wanaka Tree, the most photographed tree in New Zealand.
Nearby is the Cardrona Distillery. Stop and taste excellent spirits. Located in Cardrona Valley near Wanaka, try their single malt,
vodka, whiskey, and orange liqueur..<Directions>📌 GPS coordinate: 44°51'54.1"S 169°01'07.8"E
Overnight: Queenstown
Distance:
Mt Cook Village: ---> Wanaka, 2.5 hrs.
Wanaka ---> Queenstown, 1 hr.
DAY 11
Queenstown ---> domestic flight ---> Nelson, NZ. (or depart from Queenstown for home)
Book all domestic flights with Air New Zealand.
If continuing, arrive in Nelson and transfer to your hotel.
Kaiteriteri is a launching spot for your trip into the Abel Tasman National Park.
Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a long trail that winds along beaches and over ridges.
Overnight: Nelson region. We recommend accommodations near Kaiteriteri.
Distance: Nelson ---> Kaiteriteri, 1 hour
DAY 12
The most popular excursion is a scenic cruise up the coastline of Abel Tasman Nat. Park.
Cruises depart daily in the morning from the Kaiteriteri boat launch. <location>
Select the Cruise and Walk activity.
The boat will drop you off at the park's north end. The drop-off point is
Awaroa Lodge. You have lunch, then hike through the forest and along scenic coastal views, ending at a beach where a boat returns you to Kaiteriteri. The coastal track is well marked & signposted. Great family fun! <track route>
Overnight: Nelson region.
Distance: Nelson -—> Kaiteriteri. 1 hour.
DAY 13.
Depart from Nelson airport to return home, unless you’re extending the journey to Marlborough Sound.
Overnight: Marlborough area if you’re extending your vacation.
Distance:
Nelson ---> Marlborough Sound area, 2 hrs.
DAYS 14-15
Two (2) great days along Marlborough Sound. A picturesque region of beaches, bays, and small towns.
The iconic Queen Charlotte Track can be walked, biked, or kayaked. The 70 km trail goes through beautiful
scenery with places to stay and eat along the route.While the full multi-day hike is the best way to make the most out of the track, there are options to do
sections as day hikes.Check here for the various walking trails ranging from 45 minutes to 4 hours.
Overnight: Marlborough Sound area.
Marlborough Sounds is home to a few resorts and lodges packed with activities.
Check out: Okiwa Bay Lodge, Punga Cove Resort, and Lochmara Lodge.
Distance:
Picton or Onahau Bay <---> Nelson, 2 hrs. each way.
DAY 16.
End of the adventure. Depart from the Marlborough Sound area via Nelson or Blenheim airport.
Distance:
Picton / Onahau Bay --> Nelson airport. 2 hrs.
Picton --> Blenheim airport. 30 minutes.
__________________________________________________
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $4,900
Moderate: $5,900
Luxury: $7,000 +
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🌦️ Climate
From December through February, you’ll most likely enjoy pleasant weather and mild temperatures.
The warmest months are December through March.
The coolest months are July and August.
Rainfall is consistent for most months of the year.
February is the driest month.
Sources: wikipedia.org, geographphx
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