21 days in South Island Itinerary
Created using Inspirock South Island trip planner
Start: Brisbane
Fly
1
Christchurch
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Akaroa
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Lake Tekapo
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Dunedin
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Te Anau
— 2 nights
Bus
6
Queenstown
— 3 nights
Bus
7
Wanaka
— 2 nights
Bus
8
Fox Glacier
— 2 nights
Drive
9
Hokitika
— 2 nights
Drive to Christchurch International Airport, Fly to Brisbane
End: Brisbane
Sun, Sep 17 - Sat, Oct 7
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View full calendar
Christchurch — 3 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.Bring the kids along to Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum. There's much more to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Christchurch Gondola, make a trip to 185 Empty White Chairs - Earthquake Memorial, let the kids burn off some steam at Margaret Mahy Family Playground, and see the interesting displays at International Antarctic Centre.
To see where to stay and other tourist information, read Christchurch holiday maker.
Brisbane, Australia to Christchurch is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Brisbane to Christchurch. Traveling from Brisbane in September, expect Christchurch to be little chillier, temps between 16°C and 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can drive to Akaroa.
Find places to stay Sep 17 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
Akaroa — 2 nights
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Long Harbour
The French heritage and colonial architecture of Akaroa has broad appeal to anthropologists, historians, architects--and just about anyone with an eye for beautiful, historical buildings and a palate for fine dining.Kick off your visit on the 21st (Thu): appreciate the history behind Britomart Monument, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then look for gifts at Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, then make a trip to Coronation Library, and finally enjoy the sea views from Akaroa Lighthouse. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, take in nature's colorful creations at The Giants House, then admire the natural beauty at Garden of Tane, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Hinewai Reserve.
To see ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Akaroa day trip planning site.
Traveling by car from Christchurch to Akaroa takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. September in Akaroa sees daily highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) so you can drive to Lake Tekapo.
Find places to stay Sep 20 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Lake Tekapo — 2 nights
Located in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers evenings of stargazing and days of long walks.On the 23rd (Sat), take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Good Shepherd, then take in panoramic vistas at Mount John University Observatory, then explore the activities along Lake Tekapo, and finally view the masterpieces at Burkes Pass Gallery. On the next day, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, test the waters at Tekapo Springs, and then explore the activities along Lake Pukaki.
For other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Lake Tekapo tour itinerary maker.
You can drive from Akaroa to Lake Tekapo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Dunedin.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 22 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Dunedin — 2 nights
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Edinburgh of the South
With its history proudly stemming from the Scottish settlers who came here during the colonial era, Dunedin's streets are lined with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while a new culture of nightlife and fine dining takes hold around them.Kick off your visit on the 25th (Mon): take in the exciting artwork at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, then engage your brain at Otago Museum, then see the interesting displays at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and finally hike along Tunnel Beach Track. On the next day, step into the grandiose world of Larnach Castle & Gardens, then contemplate the long history of Harrington Point, then explore and take pictures at The Royal Albatross Centre, and finally pause for some photo ops at Robert Scott Memorial.
For where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Dunedin trip planner.
Getting from Lake Tekapo to Dunedin by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) early enough to travel to Te Anau.
Find places to stay Sep 24 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Te Anau — 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.Start off your visit on the 27th (Wed): explore the activities along Milford Sound.
For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Te Anau online trip itinerary planner.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Dunedin to Te Anau. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) to allow time to take a bus to Queenstown.
Find places to stay Sep 26 — 28:
Highlights from your trip
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Queenstown — 3 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.Attractions like Spas and Helicopter Tours make great kid-friendly stops. And it doesn't end there: get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, admire the natural beauty at Queenstown Gardens, and look for gifts at The Remarkable Sweetshop - Queenstown.
For more things to do, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Queenstown route planner.
Traveling by bus from Te Anau to Queenstown takes 4 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can catch the bus to Wanaka.
Find places to stay Sep 28 — Oct 1:
Highlights from your trip
Wanaka — 2 nights
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Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.Family-friendly places like Lake Wanaka and Lake Wanaka Lookout will thrill your kids. Next up on the itinerary: hit the slopes at Wanaka, ski along the peaceful trails at Snow Farm NZ, hike along Mount Iron Track, and appreciate the history behind Wanaka War Memorial.
To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Wanaka travel itinerary planner.
Traveling by bus from Queenstown to Wanaka takes 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Tue) to allow enough time to take a bus to Fox Glacier.
Find places to stay Oct 1 — 3:
Highlights from your trip
Fox Glacier — 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.On the 4th (Wed), relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Franz Josef Glacier. Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at West Coast Wildlife Centre, trek along Fox Glacier South Side Walk, and then stroll through Fox Glacier Hiking Trails.
For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Fox Glacier driving holiday tool.
Traveling by bus from Wanaka to Fox Glacier takes 5.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Hokitika.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 3 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Hokitika — 2 nights
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Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40km south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): view the masterpieces at Wilderness Gallery, appreciate the history behind Pioneers of the Frontier Statue, kick back and relax at Hokitika Beach, then admire nature's wide array of creatures at National Kiwi Centre, and finally identify plant and animal life at Hokitika Gorge Walk. On the next day, contemplate the long history of Shantytown Heritage Park, trek along Tunnel Terrace Walk, and then identify plant and animal life at Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe.
For reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hokitika day trip tool.
You can drive from Fox Glacier to Hokitika in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can travel back home.
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For reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hokitika day trip tool.
You can drive from Fox Glacier to Hokitika in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can travel back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Oct 5 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
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.
Fiordland National Park travel guide
Place of Greenstone
As the heart of World Heritage-listed Wahipounamu, Fiordland National Park makes a great base for those wanting an adventure holiday packed full of wildlife-spotting expeditions, alpine climbs, and chances to enjoy New Zealand's national pastime--hiking. Over 500 km (310 mi) of hiking trails lead you through the native forest, up to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains, and along verdant valleys. Sea kayaking also ranks among the top things to do in Fiordland National Park, letting you explore the waters and get close to some of the protected animals here, including penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and seals. Formed over a period of 100,000 years, the fiords offer fantastic viewpoints and photo opportunities.
