7-Day New Zealand South Island Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day New Zealand South Island tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  A 7-day South Island adventure showcases 5 highlights: Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve, Queenstown's adventure sports, Milford Sound's fiords, Franz Josef Glacier's ice formations, and Mount Cook's alpine vistas. Covers 1,500km with frequent scenic stops.

  

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  • Day 1

    Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

    Leave Christchurch early to avoid traffic on your 3-hour drive to Lake Tekapo with its beautiful turquoise alpine waters. If you plan to stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve bring extra warm clothes. The temperature drops quickly after sunset even during summer months.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

    The 4-hour drive through Lindis Pass includes a stop at the unique Omarama Clay Cliffs. You'll reach Queenstown by late afternoon ready to explore the bustling town center. A past visitor noted: "The hostel kitchen overlooked the water and mountains, perfect for sunset views."

    
  • Day 3

    Milford Sound Day Trip

    Start at 7 AM for your Milford Sound adventure. The 4-hour drive includes scenic stops in Fiordland National Park. Take the 1 PM cruise when it's less crowded. Pack rain gear since Milford sees over 200 rainy days each year but that's when the waterfalls look their best.

    
  • Day 4

    Queenstown Adventures

    Start your day with the Canyon Swing at 8:30 AM to avoid lines. One visitor suggested: "Do the Canyon Swing before the bungy - it's less intimidating and helps build courage." Save your afternoon for the Queenstown Hill walk which takes 2-3 hours round trip.

    
  • Day 5

    Queenstown to Franz Josef

    Take the 5-hour scenic drive along the West Coast through Wanaka. Stop for photos at the Instagram-famous #ThatWanakaTree. Take care on the winding roads after Haast Pass and consider motion sickness pills if needed. Book your glacier activities when you arrive in Franz Josef.

    
  • Day 6

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Book the first helicopter tour around 8 AM since weather often changes later. If flights get cancelled you can walk to the glacier viewpoint which takes about 1.5 hours round trip. The trail can get slippery so wear good hiking boots.

    
  • Day 7

    Franz Josef to Christchurch

    Start your final 5-hour drive through Arthur's Pass by 8 AM. Take time to visit Hokitika Gorge just 30 minutes off the main road for views of bright turquoise water. You'll reach Christchurch between 3-4 PM depending on your stops.

    

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• 7 Days in New Zealand, incl. Queenstown and Wellington

  South Island's highlights unfold in 5 days before reaching Wellington. Take in Queenstown's Remarkables, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, and Kaikoura's wildlife, ending with the scenic Marlborough Sounds cruise.

  

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  • Day 1

    Queenstown

    Get your rental car at Queenstown Airport (book in advance, minimum age 21). Spend the day exploring this beautiful town set between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains. Your rental car will have GPS but download offline maps just in case since some remote areas have poor coverage.

    
  • Day 2

    Queenstown Activities

    Book the 8:30 AM Shotover Jet boat ride to beat the crowds. It's an exciting way to start your day. Later take the TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for dinner. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the chef prepare our meal with local ingredients while looking out over the lake was a highlight. The farm demonstration afterwards gave us great insight into New Zealand's agriculture."

    
  • Day 3

    Queenstown to Mount Cook (256 km, 3 hours)

    Start early on this scenic route. Stop at Kawarau Bridge to watch bungy jumpers and visit Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. The Lindis Pass sits at 971m - bring chains in winter as the road can get dangerous. Get supplies in Twizel since Mount Cook Village has no shops. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for mountain views and astronomy.

    
  • Day 4

    Mount Cook to Christchurch (327 km, 3.7 hours)

    Take photos at Lake Pukaki's bright turquoise waters. Visit Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd before 10 AM to avoid tour groups. Watch out for strong winds on the Canterbury Plains. You'll have time to see Christchurch's rebuilt center when you arrive.

    
  • Day 5

    Christchurch to Kaikoura (179 km, 2.5 hours)

    Drive the coastal route through Waipara wine country. Consider stopping at Hanmer Springs for a thermal pool soak. Book whale watching tours ahead of time. The afternoon tours usually have better sea conditions.

    
  • Day 6

    Kaikoura to Wellington

    Drive to Picton early (137 km, 2 hours) and look for fur seals at Ohau Point. The 3-hour ferry to Wellington offers great views. Sit on the port side leaving Picton to see the Marlborough Sounds. Take seasickness pills if needed as the strait can be rough.

    
  • Day 7

    Wellington

    Spend your final morning in the capital before leaving. Airport transfers are included. Plan for 3 hours before international flights since Wellington traffic can be heavy during rush hour.

    

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

  Diverse cycling routes span 499km across South Island over 7 days through 9 destinations. The path leads from Queenstown through Fiordland National Park, along the wild Catlins Coast to Dunedin, finishing in Christchurch with daily rides ranging from 34km to 98km.

  

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  • Day 1

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Leave Queenstown at 8:00 AM and ride the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail with its beautiful Lake Wakatipu views. Wear layers since mornings can be cold near the water. The afternoon route through Takitimu Mountains is 53% gravel and needs good bike handling skills. Total distance: 86km.

    
  • Day 2

    Te Anau to Invercargill

    Start on the Lake to Lake trail between Te Anau and Manapouri. Look for native birds in the wetlands. Strong winds often pick up along the afternoon coastal section so stay in the middle of your group for protection. Bring windproof clothing just in case. Distance: 111km.

    
  • Day 3

    Invercargill to McLeans Falls

    The Catlins route is mostly paved but includes significant climbing (1,184m). Stop at Curio Bay's petrified forest during low tide for the best views. Bring binoculars to spot Hector's dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins. Distance: 85km.

    
  • Day 4

    McLeans Falls to Kaka Point

    Morning riding includes challenging climbs on mixed terrain. Visit Cannibal Bay in early afternoon when sea lions are most active. You can add an optional ride to Nugget Point lighthouse for great coastal views but check the weather first. The exposed location can get dangerous in high winds. Possible total: 85km.

    
  • Day 5

    Kaka Point to Dunedin

    This 98km route is mostly gravel (68%) with some tough sections. Ride through Toko Mouth for unique coastal views. Plan to reach Dunedin with time to explore its Scottish heritage and see the Railway Station at sunset.

    
  • Day 6

    Dunedin Peninsula Loop

    The Otago Peninsula starts with steep climbs but offers excellent harbor views. Stop at the Royal Albatross Centre to see the only mainland breeding colony in the world. Bring a camera with good zoom. The birds are most active when afternoon winds pick up. Distance: 61km.

    
  • Day 7

    Oamaru to Christchurch

    Start early to visit the award-winning Whitestone Cheese factory. The quiet Esk Valley roads show off classic Canterbury landscapes. You'll reach Christchurch around 5 PM. Distance: 54km.

    

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