10-Day New Zealand South Island Tour Packages

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

Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar

• Southern Spectacular

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries

  • Christchurch New Zealand

    136 mi

  • Twizel New Zealand

    113 mi

  • Dunedin New Zealand

    138 mi

  • Te Anau New Zealand

    52 mi

  • Milford Sound New Zealand

    43 mi

  • Queenstown New Zealand

    137 mi

  • Franz Josef New Zealand

    104 mi

  • Punakaiki New Zealand

    118 mi

  • Christchurch New Zealand

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary

• 10 Day New Zealand's South Island Itinerary, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  The South Island showcases its best over 10 days: Aoraki/Mount Cook's hiking trails, Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu attractions, Franz Josef's glacier walks, and Milford Sound's fiords. A TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass and 9 nights accommodation included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Christchurch Arrival

    Get settled in your city center accommodation after landing in Christchurch. Book an early morning arrival to explore the Re:START container mall and Botanical Gardens. A visitor noted: "Made to feel very special. Looked after so well every day from the moment we arrived."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Mount Cook National Park

    Drive from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook (4.5 hours) and stop at the beautiful Lake Tekapo. Spend two days exploring New Zealand's highest peak and valleys. Take the Hooker Valley Track early morning before the crowds. It's a 3-hour return walk on mostly flat ground. One visitor said: "I love that I was in the motel where I could walk in and out from my room to sit and see the snow-topped mountains while I soaked up the warm sun."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Queenstown Adventures

    Travel to Queenstown (3 hours) through the stunning Lindis Pass. Spend three days in New Zealand's adventure capital. Book afternoon activities to avoid morning crowds. Take the Skyline Gondola at sunset and plan a day trip to Milford Sound. For Milford Sound, leave at 7 AM for a full 12-hour day. Pack motion sickness pills for the winding roads.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Drive west to Franz Josef (5 hours) where rainforest replaces mountains. Book morning helicopter glacier tours when visibility is best. Walk the free glacier viewing trails but watch your step after rain. Relax at the Glacier Hot Pools afterward. A visitor suggested: "Perfect after a cold day out exploring!"

    
  • Day 9

    TranzAlpine Scenic Train

    Drive to Greymouth (2.5 hours) and stop in Hokitika for greenstone shopping. Take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch (4.5 hours). Sit on the left side for the best Southern Alps views. One passenger said: "Every little detail was taken care of."

    
  • Day 10

    Christchurch Departure

    Plan extra time to reach the airport. Christchurch traffic gets busy from 8-9 AM. Most hotels will store your luggage if you have a late flight.

    

  View itinerary

• NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands

  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.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries

  • Auckland New Zealand

    120 mi

  • Rotorua New Zealand

    616 mi

  • Queenstown New Zealand

    43 mi

  • Milford Sound New Zealand

    144 mi

  • Franz Josef New Zealand

    123 mi

  • Christchurch New Zealand

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary