That is half one among a two-part New Zealand itinerary masking each the North and South Islands. Learn half 2 (5 days North Island New Zealand Itinerary)
Snowcapped mountains, and countless roads flanked by rolling inexperienced hills are simply a few of my favorite issues a couple of street journey on the South Island.
To not neglect, New Zealand can also be the most effective locations to verify off bucket record experiences. Think about: bungy leaping over a bridge, heli-hiking alongside glaciers or leaping out of a airplane at 10,000ft excessive. Whereas your mind is scrambling to course of the drop-dead beautiful views, you’ll have the most effective images and movies to return house with.
Hitting as many hikes and scenic drives as we may, right here’s our South Island route. For the North Island, try our 5-day North Island New Zealand itinerary exploring glow worm caves and geothermal terrains.
Learn extra: 2 Weeks New Zealand Itinerary Beneath S$2,500 — North & South Island Journey Planning Information
Pre-Journey Necessities
– Pre-departure Supervised ART take a look at — taken not more than 24 hours earlier than departure (Pre-departure PCR take a look at is accepted too)
– On arrival self ART on day 0/1 and on day 5/6 — COVID Antigen Take a look at kits given out on the airport
– New Zealand Digital Journey Authority (NZeTA) — utilized no less than 72 hours earlier than departure
Staying Linked: Pre-book an area SIM card and accumulate it at Queenstown Worldwide Airport upon arrival.
Automobile rental: Pre-book by way of Klook
South Island New Zealand Itinerary Route
Most South Island New Zealand itineraries start from Christchurch however we flew into Queenstown for 3 causes: (1) Flights from Singapore to Queenstown (stopover in Sydney or Melbourne) had been less expensive (2) Queenstown is the hub for all of the adrenaline experiences that New Zealand is known for (3) From Tekapo, we saved an hour driving straight to Fortress Hill as a substitute of creating a cease at Christchurch.
This circuit route covers well-known vacationer stops like Milford Sound, Mount Cook dinner and the Franz Joseph/Fox Glacier townships.
However as a result of we’re such suckers for nice views, we designed this path to cowl scenic hikes like Lake Marian (on the way in which to Milford Sound), Hooker Valley (Mount Cook dinner), Cave Stream (Fortress Hill), Lake Metheson (Fox Glacier) and even a glacier hike that’s solely accessible by a helicopter!
New Zealand Itinerary Finances Breakdown
Lodging: S$457.66
Transport: S$372.01
Actions: S$1,088.99
Miscellaneous: S$253.62
TOTAL: S$2,172.29 (excl. flights)
(detailed New Zealand Itinerary breakdown for one pax right here)
Day 1-2: Queenstown
Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Queenstown is THE journey capital of New Zealand. Keep no less than two nights and even 4 to get your fill of adrenaline, drool-inducing burgers and lovely views from nearly any nook. It’s additionally an amazing base for day journeys to Cardrona (for snowboarding in winter), Glenorchy (beautiful panorama featured on LOTR), and Milford Sound (though we advocate spending an evening right here).
Transport in Queenstown: The whole lot you want is inside strolling distance so there’s no want for a automotive on the nights you’ll be staying in Queenstown. From the airport, e-book the Tremendous Shuttle which is able to carry you to the doorstep of your lodging in Queenstown CBD for lower than NZ$10/pax.
Bungy, Canyon Swing, Catapult or All?!
There are three bungy leap zones in Queenstown: Kawarau Bridge (the primary bungy leap on the earth), The Ledge (in all probability probably the most scenic due to the view of Queenstown within the background — briefly closed!) and Nevis Bungy (the best one in New Zealand at 134m over the Nevis River)! So it actually will depend on whether or not you like the traditional, views or thrills.
Replace (6 Might 2022): The Ledge bungy leap remains to be briefly closed.
Should you’re headed for the Nevis Bungy, there’s additionally the Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult (latest to the AJ Hackett fam) in the identical space. The Nevis River is beautiful and the most effective methods to expertise that is maybe swinging the other way up or getting shot throughout the canyon at over 100kph.
Onsen Sizzling Swimming pools
Photograph credit score: Onsen
Overlooking New Zealand’s signature alpine surroundings, the Queenstown Onsen Sizzling Swimming pools is ideal for calming your nerves amidst scenic views. Every of the 14 cedar-lined sizzling swimming pools is heated to round 38.5°C and refreshed each day with pure water from the encircling mountains.
Value: ~S$78 (incl. complimentary drink and snack)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM
Deal with: 160 Arthurs Level Highway, Arthurs Level, Queenstown, New Zealand
Fergburger, Fergbaker & Mrs Ferg
Each burger we had right here was epic. It’s not exhausting to know why they’ve earned the repute of serving the most effective burgers in New Zealand (and a few declare, the world!). We’re speaking completely grilled patties, beneficiant layers of cheese, the freshest greens and aromatic toasted buns. There are even two vegetarian burgers on the menu. ‘Nuff mentioned, everybody, simply strive Fergburger for your self.
For breakfast, Fergbaker (proper subsequent to Fergburger) bakes some imply bread and pastries. They’re well-known for his or her meat pies however my private favorite is the Pesto Tomato Focaccia (NZ$3.90, is available in a large model too at NZ$5.90) which nearly despatched us to bread heaven.
And when you thought that was over, there’s additionally gelato subsequent door at Mrs Ferg — Hokey Pokey was a unanimous favorite.
*Professional-tip: Save your receipt from Fergburger for a ten% low cost at Mrs Ferg.
Value: Burgers from NZ$12.50
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5AM (Nice for supper!)
Deal with: 42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Finest View Of Queenstown
For the most effective vantage level of Queenstown, take a 40-minute hike to Bobs Peak or take a scenic gondola trip to Skyline Queenstown (NZ$64 with 2 luge rides). Head up early and have a go on the luge rides (closes at 5PM).
There are two lanes — scenic and superior — however the latter is just for repeat riders so that you’ll must get a package deal with a couple of Luge trip to aim it.
Should you’re planning to splurge on a meal this journey, the dinner on the Stratosfare Skyline Restaurant (NZ$85) is it. Not solely do you get a beautiful view, the unfold consists of contemporary seafood (together with sashimi) and a great mixture of Kiwi and worldwide favourites. Loads of vegetarian choices too.
*Professional-tip: E book the Gondola + Lunch/Dinner + Luge rides package deal collectively for bundled financial savings.
Lodging in Queenstown: Melbourne Lodge — From S$61.82/night time in a 4-star mattress and breakfast. The situation is nice — solely a fifteen-minute stroll to Lake Wakatipu and Skyline Gondola. We then took an Uber again to Queenstown Airport to gather our rental automotive.
Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound
After an early morning skydiving session (~S$266), we took an Uber again to Queenstown Airport to gather our rental automotive and headed for Milford Sound. From Queenstown, it’s a four-hour drive (Google Maps says three however belief us, it’s nearer to 4) to Milford Sound. Should you’re a passenger, you would possibly need to keep awake as a result of the view on this drive is spectacular.
Te Anau
That is the final city earlier than Milford Sound so fill up on groceries and petrol. That is additionally in all probability the final level earlier than your Instagram tales cease importing. Replace the world about your momentary disappearance earlier than leaving Te Anau.
After Te Anau, look out for scenic stops at Mirror Lake, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek.
Lake Marian Hike
Lake Marian is an alpine lake with a transparent reflection of the encircling mountains. For a three-hour spherical journey hike, the views had been positively value it.
The primary 10 minutes of the trail as much as the waterfall entails a swing bridge and a sturdy picket walkway (additionally wheelchair accessible). Past that, the ascent is steep and on an uneven rocky path which might get fairly slippery when it rains. Plan for adequate daylight and observe the orange arrows, particularly on the return — we ended up going the unsuitable approach because the monitor has a few splits when heading again to the carpark.
If the climate on today isn’t ideally suited (the view will in all probability be lined by fog or the reflection can be disturbed by rain), head to Milford Sound early and save this hike for day 4 as a substitute.
Hike Time: 3-hour roundtrip (however allocate 4 because the fog would possibly take some time to clear up)
Parking: From Te Anau, look out for the Marian Nook Activate the precise to get on the Hollyford Monitor. From Milford Sound, the signal is much more apparent.
Lodging: Milford Sound Lodge — NZ$40/pax in a six-bed dorm. The bogs and customary space are separate from the backpackers’ dorms so carry alongside a raincoat in case it rains (which apparently does 200 days a 12 months round right here).
Day 4: Milford Sound – Queenstown
Rise up early and discover the realm across the pier. Take the straightforward 400m loop on the Milford Foreshore Stroll for views of Mitre Peak.
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
The Milford Sound Scenic Cruise might be the primary motive why individuals journey on eight-hour return journeys from Queenstown to get right here — it’s arguably probably the most stunning place on earth! It’s fairly touristy however for good motive.
The 2-and-a-half-hour scenic cruise explores the 16km lengthy fjord flanked by sheer rock faces and waterfalls. It rains many of the 12 months, so most of the waterfalls seem and disappear daily. Three everlasting residents to look out for: Bowen Falls (seen from the pier), Fairy Falls and Stirling Falls (the well-known fall the place boats take turns to rise up shut).
Value: From S$66.85 (varies relying on departure time)
Assembly Level: Milford Sound Customer Centre (Free parking is accessible a 10-min stroll away)
Lodging: The Flaming Kiwi Backpacker — NZ$62.35/night time in a Finances Twin. A strolling distance to points of interest round city, it’s a easy room with free wifi, free parking and a beautiful view of the city.
Day 5: Queenstown – Aoraki Mount Cook dinner
The drive between Queenstown as much as Aoraki Mount Cook dinner was one among my favourites in the complete South Island of New Zealand! The three-and-a-half-hour drive passes shortly with many scenic roads like Lindis Go and Mount Cook dinner Highway which rides on the sting of Lake Pukaki.
Lindis Go
This isn’t precisely a cease however the roads are so stunning I believed it deserved a header of its personal.
*Professional-tip: Alongside the way in which, you’ll drive by a small city named Twizel — when you’re working low on petrol or groceries, fill up right here earlier than driving down Mount Cook dinner Highway in the direction of Mount Cook dinner.
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki has two nice lookout factors. The primary is a slight detour, however it’s the place you’ll discover a small salmon retailer on the southern fringe of Lake Pukaki — Mount Cook dinner Alpine Salmon. They promote the freshest catch of the day at cheap costs, however in fact the sashimi is what most individuals come for.
There was a one-for-one sale once we had been there (however we heard they’re at all times promoting at one-for-one) so 500g+500g of sashimi solely value NZ$38! It even comes with Japanese soy sauce and wasabi so you possibly can get pleasure from them on the tables beside the lake. If the climate’s unhealthy, you possibly can request for an ice pack and luxuriate in it again at your lodging.
A 12-minute drive alongside the lake is Peter’s Lookout which is definitely the extra scenic of the 2. Right here you’ll have the right view of the windy roads main proper as much as Mount Cook dinner with the glistening blue lake of Lake Pukaki.
Tasman Glacier Hike
After being on the street for 3 and a half hours, the Tasman Glacier Monitor is an easy and comparatively brief hike you possibly can squeeze in earlier than the solar units.
There are three brief routes right here you possibly can cowl underneath an hour however when you’re brief on time, head straight for the Tasman Glacier View Level. It’s solely a 15-minute hike as much as the highest and also you’ll have a transparent view of the Tasman Glacier Lake, the Blue Swimming pools (now inexperienced) and the encircling mountains.
Hike Time: 30mins – 1hr relying on the monitor
Parking: Free parking accessible on the finish of Tasman Valley Highway
Photograph credit score: Klook
Lodging: Aoraki Mount Cook dinner Alpine Lodge — S$167.53/pax for a double/ twin room. The view round right here is AMAZING! The rooms are homely, with a hearth to maintain you heat and cosy at night time.
Day 6: Mount Cook dinner – Fortress Hill
Exiting Mount Cook dinner street, you’ll in all probability take a pair extra stops to admire the distinctive grey-blue waters of Lake Pukaki earlier than heading north in the direction of Fortress Hill. The final grocery store and main petrol kiosk (Mobil) is at Methven — an hour and a half earlier than Fortress Hill. However we advocate getting the whole lot stocked up in Tekapo earlier than the three-hour drive to Fortress Hill.
Hooker Valley Monitor
Hooker Valley Monitor is the preferred monitor within the space round Mount Cook dinner, because of the spectacular views all through the monitor! It’s fairly a protracted and open monitor however with little or no incline, and flat gravel paths or paved boardwalks. It’s one of many best tracks with snowcapped mountains round you. The solar will be harsh although, so carry alongside sunblock!
Hike Time: 4 – 6 hours spherical journey (10km)
Parking: Loads of free parking accessible on the finish of Hooker Valley Highway
Lodging: Porters Lodge (Fortress Hill) — NZ$119/2 pax for a personal room for 4-6pax (additional company pay NZ$35/pax). Getting there requires a little bit of a drive on gravel roads that wind up the edges of a mountain. Attempt to arrive earlier than it will get too darkish. There isn’t a shared kitchen so that you’ll must order from the in-house cafe or have dinner earlier than arriving. The generator can also be turned off at night time so arrive earlier than 8PM when you’re planning to have a sizzling bathe. Bonus when you love canine — there are three of them, all named after characters from the Wizard of Oz!
Day 7: Fortress Hill – Arthurs Go – Hokitika
The drive between Fortress Hill and Hokitika passes by means of many stunning tramping tracks and accessible lookout factors. Choose a number of and benefit from the scenic drive from the east to west finish of the South Island, earlier than arriving on the beachfront city of Hokitika.
Kura Tāwhiti
Kura Tāwhiti was once underneath the ocean till it retracted, abandoning these attention-grabbing limestones scattered throughout the hilly space. The identify additionally interprets to Fortress Hill as a result of some say they resemble the ruins of a fort. Right this moment, it’s largely common amongst rock climbers.
You’ll be able to even hire boulder pads and sneakers from Springfield (~30-minute drive from Kura Tāwhiti). However even for non-climbers, you possibly can stroll by means of the 1.4km entry monitor.
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
There are two entrances to the 594m cave the place you possibly can discover by means of knee-deep waters from one finish to a different. Should you’re going by means of the cave, enter from the downstream entrance and stroll towards the movement of the river. Should you’re not planning to get too moist, it’s additionally value taking the brief 15-minute stroll right down to the doorway of the cave.
Hike Time: quarter-hour to the downstream cave entrance, 1 hour spherical journey from the carpark to the opposite cave entrance
Parking: The parking space is kind of small however needs to be adequate as there aren’t many individuals visiting.
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
There are numerous hikes between Fortress Hill and Arthurs Go however the preferred might be the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall. It’s not too far (2km) from the carpark and incorporates a 131m waterfall (greatest seen when the climate is evident and sunny).
Hike Time: 1 hour spherical journey
Parking: Loads of free parking accessible on the carpark on Punchbowl street
Lodging: 252 Beachside Motels & Vacation Park — S$61.10/night time for the standard cabin. A clear and easy room with a major location by the seaside, extraordinarily worth for cash!
Day 8: Hokitika – Franz Joseph/Fox Glacier
Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier are small townships so fill up on petrol and groceries on the New World Grocery store in Hokitika.
Hokitika Gorge
This vivd turquoise blue gorge is a must-see whenever you’re in Hokitika. But when it has been raining, it’s in all probability going to be extra gray. Regardless of that, it’s value taking the brief 15-minute path on flat gravel path by means of luscious timber and ferns.
Hike Time: half-hour spherical journey
Parking: Ample free parking accessible
Scenic Lake Lookouts between Hokitika & Franz Joseph
From Hokitika, the drive to Franz Joseph is just below two hours with fast stops at common lakes like Lake Mahinapua, Lake Ianthe and Lake Mapourika (closest to Franz Joseph). Every lake is a fast stroll from the automotive park so if the climate’s clear, you’ll catch a pleasant reflection view from the sting of the lake.
Lodging: Fox Glacier Lodge — S$97.46/night time in a one-bedroom studio. Fox Glacier is much more quiet than Franz Joseph however we picked this as a result of it was only a five-minute stroll to our heli hike expertise the subsequent day. Widespread kitchens can be found however central heating isn’t that nice so the frequent areas can really feel fairly chilly.
Day 9: Fox Glacier – Wanaka (By way of Haast)
Get up early for the heli hike expertise and drive three and a half hours to Wanaka. You’ll need to go away early for adequate daylight in your drive. The drive by means of Haast Go is one other beautiful drive and when you make it earlier than sundown, cease by Lake Wanaka for the most effective views.
Heli Hike in Fox Glacier
Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier are probably the most accessible glaciers on the earth. You’ll be able to in truth take a stroll as much as the terminal face of the glacier. However one of the best ways to essentially expertise that is by way of a helicopter trip and guided glacier stroll exploring the nooks and crannies (or moderately crevices) of the glacier. This turned out to be an enormous spotlight in our South Island New Zealand itinerary!
Value: ~S$444.30
Assembly Level: Fox Glacier Guiding Centre
*Professional-tip: Choose the primary flight of the day. The exercise is very climate dependent, so your flight would possibly get bumped as much as a later session.
Lake Wanaka
If there’s sufficient daylight, catch the sundown with #thatwanakatree in your foreground (sure, that’s what it’s named on Google Maps)!
Lodging: Clearbrook Motels Wanaka — ~S$147.28/night time for a studio house. It’s proper outdoors Wanaka, a five-minute drive to Lake Wanaka, and a 8-minute drive to Roys Peak Carpark.
Day 10: Wanaka – Queenstown
Hike Roy’s Peak or Isthmus Peak
The views on this hike are VERY photogenic. In reality, it’s in all probability the MOST common one within the South Island. Roys Peak is a steep ridge line hike that spans as much as six hours (spherical journey) however guarantees a tremendous view of Lake Wanaka and Glendhu Bay. Sadly we didn’t make it for the hike however do inform us about it within the feedback part under you probably have!
Hike Time: 4 – 6 hours spherical journey (16km)
Parking: Ample free parking accessible on the carpark off Mount Aspiring Highway
Annual Closure: 1 October – 10 November
*Professional-tip: This hike is often very crowded. For a much less crowded hike with related views, try Isthmus Peak as a substitute.
Crimson Star Burger Bar
We solely bought right here as a result of an area challenged that this was higher than Fergburger. We beg to vary however to be honest, Crimson Star does make actually nice burgers too. The burgers aren’t as extravagant however the components and contemporary buns are scrumptious! I additionally extremely advocate the including the Kumara (candy potato) fries (NZ$8) with Aioli dip and malted milkshakes (NZ$6.50).
Value: Burgers from NZ$12
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 9PM
Deal with: 26 Ardmore St, Queenstown-Lakes 9305, New Zealand
And that concludes our 10 (very brief) days South Island New Zealand Itinerary! Extra than simply stunning sights, New Zealand was additionally the place we met among the nicest locals, confronted our fears and learnt how one can dance within the rain whereas the storms move. From Queenstown, we took an hour-and-a-half flight to Auckland the place we continued to discover the North Island.
Learn extra: 5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary in a Campervan Beneath S$600
New Zealand Itinerary Planning Necessities
Actions
Skydiving, bungy leaping and even the Milford Sound cruise are important experiences in New Zealand but in addition extremely common. Beneficial time slots run out fairly quick even on non-peak journey intervals so superior bookings are important.
From utility merchandise just like the Supershuttle Airport Switch to outside actions like skydiving and our heli-hike expertise in Fox Glacier, we managed to seek out the whole lot we wanted in our South Island New Zealand itinerary on the Klook App.
Not solely is it extremely handy (all tickets had been saved on the app), I additionally observed on the bottom that many actions had been cheaper (even when it’s only a greenback) on Klook than the retail worth!
There are over 300 actions for New Zealand on Klook, so journey planning on the app helped ease off a whole lot of the analysis on issues to do in every metropolis.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand is left-hand drive. Simply be aware of single-lane bridge crossings — when you see a crimson signal, you’ll want to present technique to autos coming from the other finish. If it’s blue, you’ve got the precise of approach.
The automotive rental from Klook introduced us by means of the various scenic roads from day three in Queenstown up until the morning of day eleven earlier than we caught our flight to the North Island.
There’s a saying that generally, probably the most scenic views come by on the detours you didn’t imply to make, and that couldn’t have been extra true for a spot like New Zealand!
Highway trippin’ New Zealand? Take a look at the extra thrilling actions past our New Zealand Itinerary that’s accessible on Klook!
Up to date by: Alexis Ang
This South Island New Zealand Itinerary was delivered to you by Klook.
