11 days in South Island Itinerary
11 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island sightseeing planner
Start: Auckland
Fly to Queenstown, Bus to Te Anau
1
Te Anau
— 3 nights
Bus
2
Queenstown
— 3 nights
Drive
3
Fox Glacier
— 3 nights
Drive
4
Christchurch
— 1 night
Fly
End: Auckland
Sun, Dec 20 - Wed, Dec 30
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See full calendar
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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.Bring the kids along to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. When in Te Anau, make a side trip to see Boat Tours & Water Sports in Milford Sound, approximately Milford Sound away. On the 22nd (Tue), hike the day away at Hollyford Track. It doesn't end there: contemplate the waterfront views at Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
For photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Te Anau road trip app.
Auckland to Te Anau is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to take a bus to Queenstown.
Things to do in Te Anau
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 20 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
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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.Attractions like Skyline Queenstown and Adrenaline & Extreme Tours make great kid-friendly stops. There's much more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Wakatipu, and kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.
For reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Queenstown road trip app.
You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 4 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can go by car to Fox Glacier.
Things to do in Queenstown
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
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A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.Bring the kids along to Gillespies Beach and Sealy Tarns Track. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Fox Glacier: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Kea Point Track & Glencoe Walk) and Sentinel Rock Walk (in Franz Josef). Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Franz Josef Glacier, hike along Peters Pool Walk, view the masterpieces at ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery, and take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour.
To see maps, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, use the Fox Glacier trip itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from Queenstown to Fox Glacier takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Christchurch.
Things to do in Fox Glacier
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 26 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
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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.On the 30th (Wed), get around town with Christchurch Gondola, get engrossed in the history at Canterbury Museum, then take in nature's colorful creations at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and finally enjoy some diversion at Margaret Mahy Family Playground.
For more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Christchurch travel planner.
Traveling by car from Fox Glacier to Christchurch takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Christchurch are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in Christchurch
Find places to stay Dec 29 — 30:
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.
