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Running short with days but still want to see all of New Zealand. Here’s a 7-day itinerary for you to enjoy without missing out on anything.
What Is It?
New Zealand in a week or let’s be even more precise, South Island Road Trip Itinerary. A land with snowcapped mountains, misty fjords and enchanted forests, New Zealand is heaven on earth. It is my dream destination and I have been planning this trip for quite some time.
Being the driving enthusiast I am, I’ve jotted down this itinerary for my trip and hey, the more you share the better. So, here’s my South Island Itinerary for you.
Day 1-3: Queenstown & Glenorchy
Start your trip in the beautiful Queenstown which is also the adventure capital of the world. Want to know why? Offering bungy jumping, sky diving to less adrenaline filled zip lining, jet boating or paragliding; Queenstown also houses 134 mtr Nevis Bungy.
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The town is filled with ski and snowboard lovers in winters.
Its recommended you spend your 1st and 2nd day exploring this beautiful town and do at least one hike. Queenstown Hill being your safest bet is neither tiring nor crowded and the view is spectacular. Drive down to Glenorchy and click a selfie at the Bennet’s Bluff Point.
Day 3-4 Fiordland: Te Anau & Milford Sound
Day 3 is when you leave from Queenstown to your next destination, Te Anau – the gateway to Fiordland National Park. A 170 km 2-hour drive, but it is recommended that you stop only at the designated stops in the first 20kms as this stretch is known as the Devil’s staircase. The drive has some great views to offer.
As you reach Te Anau, chill by the lake and see the caves.
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Start early on the 4th day & visit the Eglinton Valley, Mirror lake and the Hollyford Valley. Connect with the nature as there is not other connection there.
Day 4-6 Wanaka & Hawea
After cruising around Milford Sound, its a long way to Wanaka, a small town in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Its a 5-hour drive (340 kms) along the road that gives a wonderful view.
You can take the 16km hike to Roys Peak or take a helicopter ride, your choice! Or take the Rocky Mountain Track which is a track encircling the Diamond Lake for around 6 kms.
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Take in the beauty of Wanaka from Mount Iron and watch the sun as it rises and lights up the world here for ultimate bliss. Photographers! You can rejoice while you click brilliant pictures all the time. But what you cannot miss it the lone willow tree of Wanaka.
Day 6-7 Mount Cook National Park, Christchurch
You’re counting your days in this beautiful country by now as drive to Mount Cook National Park. Well, don’t forget to stop at the Lindis Pass and lake Pukaki. This 200km drive is the ultimate pleasure to eyes.
At Mount Cook National Park, you can hike along the Hooker Valley to the Hooker Valley Glacial Lake. Visit the Tasman Lake and Glacier to end it off. An Air Safari at the Mount Cook National Park is a must as you don’t want miss the spectacular view of glaciers, lakes, mountain cliffs and valleys.
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More Deets
Best Time To Visit New Zealand: Fall – March, April, May
Flight (Mumbai To Queenstown): ₹81,513
Plan your trip ahead and let us know in the comments below if missed out on something!
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