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1
Christchurch
2
Lake Tekapo
3
Mount Cook
4
Wanaka
5
Queenstown
6
Te Anau
7
Dunedin
8
Oamaru
9
Christchurch

14-Day South Island Scenic Road Trip

14 days
9 cities
78 experiences
9 hotels
9 transports
Download
Singapore
Christchurch
Oct 25 – 27
Lake Tekapo
Oct 27 – 28
Mount Cook
Oct 28 – 30
Wanaka
30 Oct – 1 Nov
Queenstown
Nov 1 – 4
Te Anau
Nov 4 – 6
Dunedin
Nov 6 – 7
Oamaru
Nov 7 – 8
Christchurch
Nov 8 – 8
Singapore
Days 1-3
Oct 25 – 27
Christchurch

Hi Jo! Your journey begins in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you can explore the city's vibrant arts scene and beautiful gardens. It's a perfect start to your South Island adventure, offering a mix of urban charm and easy access to stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and get ready for the scenic drives ahead!

Stay
Days 1-3
Oct 25 – 27
2 nights

West Fitzroy Apartments

Standard One Bedroom Apartment
9.0
Very Good330 reviews
Free self-parking available for your rental vehicle
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Oct 25 – 27
Day 1•Oct 25•3 Experiences

Arrival and Relaxing Evening in Christchurch

Day 2•Oct 26•6 Experiences

City Culture and Garden Strolls

Day 3•Oct 27•3 Experiences

Morning Coffee and Departure to Lake Tekapo

Day 3
Oct 27 – 28
Lake Tekapo

On October 27th to 28th, enjoy the stunning beauty of Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. This leg offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure with its iconic turquoise lake and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. It's an ideal stop to unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery before heading to Mount Cook.

Stay
Day 3
Oct 27 – 28
1 night

Galaxy Boutique Hotel

Breakfast included
9.4
Wonderful479 reviews
Free self-parking is convenient for your self-drive trip
Itinerary
Day 3
Oct 27 – 28
Day 3•Oct 27•Weather icon8°C•4 Experiences

Arrival in Lake Tekapo and Evening Stargazing

Day 4•Oct 28•Weather icon8°C•2 Experiences

Morning by the Lake and Departure to Mount Cook

Days 4-6
Oct 28 – 30
Mount Cook

From October 28 to October 30, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Cook, New Zealand. This leg of your trip offers the chance to explore the stunning alpine scenery, with opportunities for scenic hikes and unforgettable views of New Zealand's highest peak. Staying in this area means you'll be close to iconic natural landmarks, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Stay
Days 4-6
Oct 28 – 30
2 nights

Aoraki Court Motel

9.6
Wonderful1,000 reviews
Kitchenettes with stovetops, microwaves, and refrigerators for flexible meals
Itinerary
Days 4-6
Oct 28 – 30
Day 4•Oct 28•3 Experiences

Arrival in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Day 5•Oct 29•3 Experiences

Exploring the Glaciers and Valleys of Mount Cook

Day 6•Oct 30•2 Experiences

Scenic Departure towards Wanaka

Days 6-8
30 Oct – 1 Nov
Wanaka

From October 30 to November 1, enjoy the stunning beauty of Wanaka, New Zealand, a perfect stop on your South Island trip. This leg offers a chance to explore the charming town known for its breathtaking lake views and outdoor activities. Wanaka is ideal for a relaxing break with opportunities for hiking, local dining, and scenic drives, making it a highlight of your journey.

Stay
Days 6-8
30 Oct – 1 Nov
2 nights

Clearbrook Motels Wanaka

Studio Apartment
9.6
Wonderful451 reviews
Full kitchen with oven and full-sized fridge for flexible dining
Itinerary
Days 6-8
30 Oct – 1 Nov
Day 6•Oct 30•3 Experiences

Arrival and Relaxing Evening in Wanaka

Day 7•Oct 31•4 Experiences

Biking the Gladstone Track and Jet Boat Thrills

Day 8•Nov 1•3 Experiences

Scenic Morning and Departure to Queenstown

Days 8-11
Nov 1 – 4
Queenstown

From November 1 to November 4, your trip takes you to Queenstown, New Zealand, the adventure capital of the South Island. Here, you can enjoy thrilling activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating, or simply relax by the stunning Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers a vibrant food scene with everything from casual eateries to fine dining, making it a perfect spot for both excitement and relaxation.

Stay
Days 8-11
Nov 1 – 4
3 nights

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments

Hotel Room, Lake View
9.4
Wonderful1,001 reviews
5-star independent property with authentic local character
Itinerary
Days 8-11
Nov 1 – 4
Day 8•Nov 1•Weather icon16°C•4 Experiences

Arrival in Queenstown via Kawarau Bridge

Day 9•Nov 2•Weather icon14°C•5 Experiences

Skyline Views and Jet Boat Adventure

Day 10•Nov 3•Weather icon18°C•4 Experiences

Leisurely Gardens and Lord of the Rings Adventure

Day 11•Nov 4•Weather icon17°C•3 Experiences

Morning Views and Departure to Te Anau

Days 11-13
Nov 4 – 6
Te Anau

From November 4 to November 6, your journey takes you to Te Anau, a gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park. This leg offers a perfect blend of relaxing lakeside views and adventurous excursions like exploring the famous Milford Sound. Staying in Te Anau means you'll be close to nature's wonders, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives that are not too demanding on your schedule.

Stay
Days 11-13
Nov 4 – 6
2 nights

Radfords on the Lake

Premier Lakeview Two Bedroom
9.6
Wonderful393 reviews
Kitchenettes with stovetops and refrigerators for self-catering meals
Itinerary
Days 11-13
Nov 4 – 6
Day 11•Nov 4•4 Experiences

Arrival in Te Anau and Glowworm Caves Exploration

Day 12•Nov 5•4 Experiences

Fiordland National Park Adventure and Farm Life

Day 13•Nov 6•3 Experiences

Relaxed Morning and Departure

Day 13
Nov 6 – 7
Dunedin

On your way to Oamaru, make a stop in Dunedin, New Zealand, known for its charming Scottish heritage and vibrant arts scene. Explore the historic architecture and enjoy the local cafes and eateries, perfect for a relaxing break from driving. Dunedin offers a great balance of culture and nature, making it an ideal spot to recharge before continuing your journey.

Stay
Day 13
Nov 6 – 7
1 night

315 Euro Motel & Serviced Apartments

Studio Apartment - Stairs Only Access
9.2
Wonderful863 reviews
Free self-parking is ideal for your self-drive trip
Itinerary
Day 13
Nov 6 – 7
Day 13•Nov 6•3 Experiences

Arrival in Dunedin and Evening Stroll

Day 14•Nov 7•5 Experiences

Discovering Dunedin Heritage and Coastline

Day 14
Nov 7 – 8
Oamaru

On your way from Christchurch to Oamaru, enjoy a manageable drive that lets you soak in the stunning South Island landscapes without feeling rushed. Oamaru is famous for its charming Victorian architecture and the unique opportunity to see the little blue penguins in their natural habitat. This stop offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and wildlife encounters, making it a delightful and relaxing break on your journey.

Stay
Day 14
Nov 7 – 8
1 night

The Mews Oamaru

Traditional Studio
9.4
Wonderful373 reviews
Full kitchen with stovetop and refrigerator for flexible dining
Itinerary
Day 14
Nov 7 – 8
Day 14•Nov 7•4 Experiences

Victorian Charm and Penguin Viewing in Oamaru

Day 15•Nov 8•3 Experiences

Historic Morning and Scenic Drive to Christchurch

Day 15
Nov 8 – 8
Christchurch

Arriving in Christchurch, New Zealand, you'll experience the perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Explore the city's vibrant arts scene, beautiful gardens, and rich history before embarking on your South Island adventure. Christchurch is the ideal starting point for your journey, offering a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to relax and prepare for the road ahead.

Car Rental
Nov 8
Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

Economy • Automatic • 4-5 Door
Stay
Day 15
Nov 8 – 8
Add a stay for Christchurch

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This itinerary was created with Layla, the free AI trip planner.