South Island (NZ) Itinerary

2 weeks in the South Island of New Zealand -suggested itinerary

• Fly into Christchurch
• Christchurch.

If you have time -day trips to Akaroa (1.5hrs drive), Hanmer Springs and Waipara Valley (2hrs drive). On all of these if you have time a stay overnight would be good too. 1 Day

• Leave earlish in the morning and drive to Mt Cook (4hrs drive).

There are several nice walks around. Stay the night. 1 Day

• Next day drive to Queenstown (3hrs drive)

Spend a day in Queenstown. 2 Days

• Drive to Te Anau (2hrs- wiggly road!)

Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Walk the Milford Track. If you only have a day to spend you can take the first (earlier) boat to the start of the track do an hour or so of the track then walk back and catch the later boat back. Otherwise take the 4 day (3 nights) trek –it is really worth it (but make sure you book as far in advance as possible to avoid dissapointment). 2 Days

• Drive through Haast Pass via Wanaka and stay in Haast (4hrs drive) 1 Day

• Drive up the West Coast to Frans Joseph Glacier (take heli trip/ ice caving etc) (2hrs drive)

Drive to Hokitika and stay the night. (1/5hrs drive) Several great walks by the roadside on the way. 1 Day

• Drive to Arthur’s Pass (1hrs drive). Take a number of the amazing walks. Stay.1 Day

• Drive to Kaiteriteri (5hrs drive)

Able Tasman National Park; catch the boat in and walk out (1 day) or do the whole walk (2 days)- need to book well in advance.

Alternatively hire kayaks and kayak into the national park, then kayak back out the next day. 3 Days

• Drive to Blenheim (2hrs drive). Nice vineyards on the way. And great vineyards there. 1 Day

• Drive to Kaikoura (1.5hrs drive) Whale Watching (make sure you book 3-4 weeks in advance...). Fish and chips on the beach. 1 Day

• Back to Christchurch (2hrs drive) you could go inland to Hanmer Springs and Waipara Valley if you have time. 1 Day