10 days in South Island Itinerary
10 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island holiday planner
Start: Wellington
Fly
1
Christchurch
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Fox Glacier
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Queenstown
— 1 night
Bus
4
Te Anau
— 4 nights
Bus to Queenstown, Fly to Wellington
End: Wellington
Sun, Dec 27 - Tue, Jan 5
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31
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See full calendar
2
nights
2
nights
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Garden City
Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.Visiting Dolphin & Whale Watching and Corsair Bay will get you outdoors. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The adventure continues: examine the collection at International Antarctic Centre and see a show at The Arts Centre.
To see ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Christchurch trip planner.
Wellington to Christchurch is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Traveling from Wellington in December, Christchurch is a bit cooler at night with lows of 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Tue) so you can drive to Fox Glacier.
Things to do in Christchurch
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 27 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
2
nights
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A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.Start off your visit on the 30th (Wed): look for all kinds of wild species at West Coast Wildlife Centre, then hike along Moraine Walk, then trek along Minnehaha Walk, and finally take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the exciting artwork at ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery and then hike along Fox Glacier South Side Walk.
To see photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Fox Glacier day trip app.
Drive from Christchurch to Fox Glacier in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to drive to Queenstown.
Things to do in Fox Glacier
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 29 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night
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Shallow Bay
Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.Kick off your visit on the 1st (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at Kiwi Birdlife Park, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and then get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour.
To find photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, use the Queenstown driving holiday site.
Traveling by car from Fox Glacier to Queenstown takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Fri) to allow enough time to take a bus to Te Anau.
Things to do in Queenstown
Find places to stay Dec 31 — Jan 1:
Highlights from your trip
4
nights
4
nights
©
Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.Step out of the city life by going to Hollyford Track and Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Step out of Te Anau with an excursion to Milford sound Hwy in Milford Sound--about 54 minutes away. There's much more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Gunn, play a few rounds at Te Anau Golf Club, and relax and rejuvenate at Fiordland Massage Clinic.
To see photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Te Anau trip itinerary planner.
Take a bus from Queenstown to Te Anau in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in Te Anau
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 1 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
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South Island travel guide
Māui's Canoe
The wilder of New Zealand's two main islands, South Island offers a feast of nature in all its glory. Extensive, untouched plains connect alpine landscapes with rugged shorelines, creating a home for an abundance of animals and vegetation, on land and in the rich surrounding waters. Renowned as a window to the natural world before man (something that scores of film directors have tapped into over the years), South Island folds its cities and townships into the surrounding landscape, their populations adding something singular to the mix. On your trip to South Island, you'll witness the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the Maori, whose art and architecture complements the developments of the colonial legacy. The result is a land of characterful buildings, rolling vineyards, and free-spirited adventure.
