10-Day New Zealand South Island Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day New Zealand South Island tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Christchurch & Lake Tekapo Region

    Begin your South Island adventure in Christchurch. Take time to walk through the rebuilt city center. "The contrast between new architecture and preserved heritage buildings tells the story of the city's resilience." Visit the Canterbury Museum first thing to beat the crowds. On your second day drive through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo about 3 hours away. Get to the Church of the Good Shepherd before 9 AM to avoid tourist crowds and get better photos.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Dunedin & Te Anau

    Drive to Dunedin through Oamaru (2.5 hours). Bring different clothing options since Dunedin weather changes quickly. Visit Larnach Castle for $40 but skip the guided tours. You can see just as much on your own. The next day takes you on a 4-hour drive to Te Anau your starting point for Fiordland. Book the glowworm cave tours well ahead because they fill up fast in busy seasons.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Milford Sound & Queenstown

    Start early for Milford Sound. The first boat trips offer the best chances to see wildlife. Plan about 2.5 hours each way from Te Anau to Milford with photo stops. Bring motion sickness pills for the winding roads. Stay near the lake in Queenstown to be close to everything. "The TSS Earnslaw cruise was a highlight - request a window table at Walter Peak Station for dinner with mountain views."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Franz Josef & West Coast

    The trip to Franz Josef is about 5 hours through Haast Pass. Schedule helicopter rides for morning when skies are usually clearer. Head north to see Punakaiki's blowholes at high tide when they're most impressive. Bring shoes with good traction for the Pancake Rocks walk since it gets slippery in wet weather.

    
  • Days 9-10

    TranzAlpine & Christchurch

    Take the TranzAlpine train (4.5 hours) and book seats on the left side going east for the best views. Book early as seats sell quickly. Finish in Christchurch with dinner at Little High Eatery. Book morning flights out instead of afternoon ones to avoid weather delays.

    

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• 10 Day New Zealand Itinerary, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  A South Island journey from Queenstown to Christchurch spans 5 days, featuring Milford Sound cruise, Franz Josef Glacier exploration, and TranzAlpine train ride. The tour takes in Mount Cook National Park, Hooker Valley Track, and Southern Alps' dramatic landscapes.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Auckland and Rotorua Region

    Your journey begins in Auckland. Take a full day to adjust to the time zone and explore the City of Sails. Start with a harbor ferry to Devonport for city views early morning when the light is best for photos. On day 2 travel to Rotorua to experience Maori culture. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the traditional Maori performance at Mitai Village was incredible, but bring insect repellent for the evening show." Day 3 takes you to both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. Visit Hobbiton first in the morning when crowds are smaller and lighting is better. For Waitomo pack sturdy shoes as cave paths can be slippery. Take a light jacket since the caves stay at 16°C (61°F) all year.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Queenstown Adventures

    Book an early morning flight to Queenstown on day 4 to avoid afternoon wind turbulence. Get your bearings with the Queenstown Hill walk which takes 2-3 hours and offers great views. Days 5-6 feature key highlights: the Hooker Valley Track near Mt. Cook and Milford Sound cruise. The track is a 3-hour return walk on mostly flat terrain. Milford Sound requires a full day with 4 hours driving each way. A recent visitor noted: "The Milford Sound cruise was breathtaking. Pack layers - the temperature can change dramatically between Queenstown and the fiord."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Franz Josef Glacier Region

    The drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef takes about 5 hours along Haast Pass with plenty of photo stops. Plan glacier activities for day 8 in the morning when weather is usually clearer. Skip helicopter tours if it's cloudy since visibility matters for the experience. Lake kayaking makes a good backup plan if weather isn't ideal.

    
  • Days 9-10

    TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch

    The scenic TranzAlpine train leaves Greymouth at 14:05 and arrives in Christchurch at 18:30. Book a left-side seat heading east for the best views. Spend your last morning exploring Christchurch's rebuilt center and Riverside Market.

    

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• 10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Christchurch & West Coast

    Start your trip exploring Christchurch's vibrant food scene in the evening. The next day, take the scenic drive through Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki. "The Pancake Rocks are incredible at high tide - time your visit around the tide tables for the best blowholes display." Plan to leave Christchurch early. The 5-hour drive has plenty of great stops, including the impressive rock formations at Castle Hill.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Franz Josef Glacier Region

    Spend two nights in Franz Josef to explore the glacier area. Book your guided walks in the morning when weather is typically better. If you can stretch your budget, try the heli-hiking tours ($695 NZD) for an amazing glacier experience. Stop by the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see rare Rowi kiwi, especially during feeding times.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Wanaka & Central Otago

    The 4-hour drive to Wanaka offers beautiful views, especially at Lake Hawea in the morning light. Wanaka is perfect for food lovers and hikers alike. Try the Mount Iron track, a manageable 1.5-2 hour loop with great lake views. Wine enthusiasts should definitely explore the Central Otago pinot noir region.

    
  • Day 7

    Gibbston Valley

    Stay at Kinross Winery in wine country. Their cellar door tastings offer great value compared to visiting individual wineries. The night sky here is beautiful but gets cold quickly, so bring warm clothes for stargazing.

    
  • Day 8

    Milford Sound Day Trip

    The trip to Milford Sound is long but worth it. Book a 9:30 AM cruise to avoid the biggest crowds. Bring rain gear no matter what. The waterfalls look even better in the rain.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Queenstown

    Finish your trip in Queenstown, where adventure awaits. Take the TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu. A recent visitor shared: "Book the sunset dinner cruise to Walter Peak Station - the views of the Alps at dusk are unforgettable, and the BBQ dinner is excellent." Consider staying longer in Queenstown if you can.

    

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