10-Day South Island New Zealand Itinerary
New Zealand’s South Island is a bucket-list destination - a land of soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, wild coastlines, and some of the world’s clearest night skies. Planning your route can feel overwhelming, but this 10-day itinerary covers the must-sees while leaving time to relax and enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re traveling by car or campervan, this route takes you from Christchurch through the Mackenzie Basin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, the West Coast glaciers, and back over the Southern Alps — with plenty of adventure (and relaxation) along the way.
Day 1-2: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo
Pick up your rental car or campervan in Christchurch.
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours via SH8 through Geraldine and Fairlie. Stop at the Fairlie Bakehouse on the way through to try their famous pies! Arrive fat your first stop in Lake Tekapo.
Things to do in Tekapo: Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Soak in panoramic views on the Mount John Summit Track (or drive up to the Observatory). Experience stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve - one of the best places in the world to see the night sky.
Stay: Lakes Edge Holiday Park - right on the lakefront. Choose from lakeside cabins, powered campervan sites, or tent camping. Perfect first stop to settle into South Island life.
Day 3: Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mt Cook
Drive: 1.15 hours (very scenic) via SH80 along Lake Pukaki. Destination: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to NZ’s tallest peak.
Highlights: Hike the Hooker Valley Track - a flat, family-friendly 3-hour return walk with swing bridges and glacier views. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Scenic flight or heli-hike options if you want a splurge. Return to Tekapo for a quieter night, or overnight in Mt Cook Village.
Day 4-5: Tekapo → Queenstown
Drive: 3 hours via the Lindis Pass. Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital.
Things to do: Adrenaline: bungy jump, jet boating, canyon swing. Scenic: ride the Skyline Gondola for views over Lake Wakatipu. Family-friendly: picnic by the lake, playgrounds, easy lakeside walks. Day trips: Arrowtown (gold mining history + autumn colours).
Stay two nights - there’s too much to do in just one.
Day 6: Queenstown → Milford Sound (Day Trip or Overnight in Te Anau)
Milford Sound is one of NZ’s most iconic sights. Expect towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Driving to Milford from Queenstown is a 4-hour trip one way. Best option: overnight in Te Anau (2 hrs from Queenstown), then do Milford Sound as a day trip.
Options: Cruise Milford Sound - the classic way to experience it. Kayak for a closer look at waterfalls and seals.
Day 7-8: Queenstown → Wanaka → Franz Josef
Drive Queenstown → Wanaka (~1 hour). Wanaka highlights: That Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka walks, Puzzling World.
Continue via the Haast Pass, stopping at Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, and Fantail Falls. Arrive at Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 8 – Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers: Walk to the glacier viewpoints. Go on a heli-hike (if weather permits).
Day 9: Franz Josef → Punakaiki → Hokitika
Drive up the rugged West Coast. Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - fascinating limestone formations.
Explore Hokitika Gorge - glowing turquoise waters surrounded by forest. Stay overnight in Hokitika or Greymouth.
Day 10: Hokitika → Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass
Drive: ~3.5 hours via Arthur’s Pass. Stop at the Otira Viaduct Lookout (watch for cheeky kea parrots).
Short hikes: Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, Arthur’s Pass Walkway. Arrive back in Christchurch for your onward journey.
Travel Tips
When to go: Summer (Dec–Feb): long days, busy but great for camping. Autumn (Mar–May): cooler, beautiful foliage, fewer crowds. Winter (Jun–Aug): snow sports, stunning alpine scenery. Spring (Sep–Nov): wildflowers, waterfalls, mild weather.
Transport: Car = flexibility. Campervan = ideal for holiday parks + freedom camping (within rules).
What to pack: Layered clothing (NZ weather changes fast). Good shoes for walks. Sunscreen + insect repellent.
Why Stay at Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Central stop between Christchurch and Queenstown. Right on Lake Tekapo’s edge - unbeatable scenery. Options for every traveler: self-contained cabins, powered camper sites, unpowered camping. Ideal base for stargazing, hot pools, and family adventures.
FAQs
Q: How many days do you need for South Island New Zealand?
A: 10–14 days is ideal to see highlights like Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, glaciers, and the West Coast.
Q: Can you do South Island by campervan?
A: Yes! Campervans are very popular. Holiday parks like Lakes Edge in Tekapo make it easy with powered sites and facilities.
Q: Is 10 days enough for South Island NZ?
A: 10 days is a great taste of the highlights. If you have longer, add extra time in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
Q: When is the best time to visit Lake Tekapo?
A: All year! Summer = wildflowers, Winter = snow-capped mountains, Spring = lupins, Autumn = golden colours.