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

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • 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.

    

  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

• 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.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • 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.

    

  View itinerary