11 days in South Island Itinerary
11 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island holiday planner
Start: Wellington
Ferry
1
Picton
— Few hours
Drive
2
Christchurch
— 1 night
Drive
3
Moeraki
— 1 night
Drive
4
Queenstown
— 2 nights
Bus
5
Te Anau
— 2 nights
Unknown
6
Fox Glacier
— 2 nights
Drive
7
Nelson
— 2 nights
Drive
8
Picton
— Few hours
Ferry
End: Wellington
Mon, Jan 4 - Thu, Jan 14
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See full calendar
few
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Gateway to the South Island
Take photo after stunning photo in Picton, the gateway to South Island.To see photos, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Picton trip planner.
Wellington to Picton is an approximately 4-hour ferry ride. You can also ride a ferry. In January, daytime highs in Picton are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. You'll set off for Christchurch on the 4th (Mon).
Things to do in Picton
Find places to stay Jan 4 — 5:
1
night
1
night
Garden City
Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Christchurch travel route planner.
Drive from Picton to Christchurch in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Picton in January, plan for slightly colder nights in Christchurch, with lows around 13°C. On the 5th (Tue), you'll travel to Moeraki.
Things to do in Christchurch
Find places to stay Jan 4 — 5:
1
night
1
night
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Moeraki is a small fishing village on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. To see traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Moeraki online journey builder.
Traveling by car from Christchurch to Moeraki takes 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 6th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Queenstown.
Traveling by car from Christchurch to Moeraki takes 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 6th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Queenstown.
Things to do in Moeraki
Find places to stay Jan 5 — 6:
Highlights from your trip
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2
nights
2
nights
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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.For where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Queenstown trip itinerary app.
Getting from Moeraki to Queenstown by car takes about 3.5 hours. On the 8th (Fri), you'll travel to Te Anau.
Things to do in Queenstown
Find places to stay Jan 6 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
2
nights
2
nights
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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.To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Te Anau online holiday planner.
Take a bus from Queenstown to Te Anau in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) so you can take a bus to Fox Glacier.
Things to do in Te Anau
Find places to stay Jan 8 — 10:
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
2
nights
2
nights
©
A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.On the 11th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: hike along Fox Glacier Hiking Trails.
To find more things to do, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Fox Glacier trip planning website.
Travel from Te Anau to Fox Glacier in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. On the 12th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Nelson.
Things to do in Fox Glacier
Find places to stay Jan 10 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
2
nights
2
nights
Top of the South
Put on your shades to enjoy the sights of Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand.For photos, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Nelson travel route planner.
Traveling by car from Fox Glacier to Nelson takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. On the 14th (Thu), you'll travel to Picton.
Things to do in Nelson
Find places to stay Jan 12 — 14:
few
hours
few
hours
Gateway to the South Island
Start off your visit on the 14th (Thu): examine the collection at The National Whale Centre.
To find ratings, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Picton online day trip planner.
Getting from Nelson to Picton by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 14th (Thu) before leaving for home.
To find ratings, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Picton online day trip planner.
Getting from Nelson to Picton by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 14th (Thu) before leaving for home.
Things to do in Picton
Find places to stay Jan 14 — 15:
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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.
