South Island Showcase - 21 Day New Zealand Itinerary

If time (and budget) permit, this itinerary will take youToday's drive takes you along the west coast to the
from the northern tip, to the very southern reaches ofsmall village of Haast, then inland to the lovely lakeside
the South Island.township of Wanaka. Wanaka is a highlight of your
If you really want to see as much as you can on theNew Zealand itinerary. Wanaka is, in many ways,
South Island, then this South Island 21 day itinerarysimilar to Queenstown. It sits on the banks of a
should suit you.stunning lake, Lake Wanaka, and is a base for the two
My suggested itinerary is:world class skifields, Cardrona and Treble Cone.
Day 1.Wanaka feels a little more relaxed than Queenstown,
Arrive in Christchurch. There are numerous motelsand the layout of the town centre seems less
close to the international airport, so collect your hire car,cluttered. Dining options abound along the lake front,
check into your motel, and have a sound nights sleep,and provide the perfect setting for a relaxing coffee.
because your adventure begins tomorrow.There is plenty to see and do in Wanaka, with
Day 2.attractions like Puzzling World, the historic Cardrona
Today on your New Zealand itinerary, take your timepub, trout fishing, and 4wd tours to name a few.
to explore Christchurch. Christchurch has a veryWanaka has many accommodation options, but a lake
"English" feel to it, and even has the river Avon runningview is well worth the extra money if your budget
through it. Perhaps a trip on the gondola, or a drive toallows.
the sea side "French" settlement of Akaroa, locatedDay 13.
nearby on the beautiful Bank's Peninsula. There isToday takes us to Queenstown, the "Adventure
plenty to see and do in Christchurch.Capital" of New Zealand. There are two roads from
Day 3.Wanaka to Queenstown. The road through Cromwell
Take the short drive (1.5 hours) north to the thermaltakes around 1.5 hours, and is fairly uninspiring by New
village of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer has a large thermalZealand standards. Much better to take the shorter (1
pool complex, with pools of varying temperatures.hour) drive via Cardrona, over the Crown Range. The
What a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Theviews are stunning, and the road is claimed to be the
complex also houses a water slide complex for thehighest main road in the country. If you have time, stop
kids and the young at heart.off at the historic Cardrona hotel for morning tea or
Day 4.lunch.
There are so many highlights on your South IslandDays 14 & 15.
Showcase New Zealand itinerary, and this is one ofQueenstown is one of the highlights of your South
them. Today you head off to the stunning coastalIsland Showcase New Zealand itinerary.
town of Kaikoura (2 hours). Kaikoura is famous for it'sWell, where to start with Queenstown! This is one of
seafood, whale watching, seal colony, and scenery,my favourite New Zealand destinations. Set on the
where the mountains seem to come all the way downshores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers
to the sea. In the colder months the peaks aresomething for everyone. You can do as little, or as
covered in snow, providing some amazing photomuch as you like.
opportunities.A "must do" is a trip to Milford Sound. The trip from
Day 5.Queenstown is around 4 hours each way, which
Today is the day to take a whale watching trip. Bestmakes for a very long and tiring day if you drive
to do it early in the morning before the wind and seasyourself. Much better to take an organised bus tour, or
pick up. The whale watching tours are well run, andbus one way and fly the other (flights are very much
very enjoyable. You may also see dolphins, seals, anddependant on weather conditions). Milford Sound has
other marine life.been described as the eighth Wonder of the World,
Day 6.and is New Zealand's most popular tourist attraction.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you fromOther things at the top of the "Queenstown list" are a
Kaikoura to Nelson. Nelson is a "largish" town oftrip on the Gondola to Bob's peak, a cruise on lake
around 50,000 people, perfectly located on the shoresWakatipu on the old steamer TSS Earnslaw, a thrilling
of Tasman Bay. In the winter months, snow caps thejet boat ride, or perhaps a bungy jump.
surrounding ranges.Day 16.
Nelson is also the gateway to the famous AbelTravel today to the southern city of Invercargill (2.5
Tasman National Park. Access to the park is via thehours). Invercargill is located on the Southern Scenic
small bayside village of Marahau, which is about 1Route, and is the southernmost and westernmost city
hours drive from Nelson.in New Zealand. It is the gateway to Stewart Island
Days 7 & 8.and the Catlins. Invercargill has several museums and
You have two full days to explore the Nelson region.art galleries, and a short drive away is Bluff, home of
The Abel Tasman National Park is a "must see". Youthe famous Bluff Oyster. Stewart Island is the third
can choose to take a short walk in the park, overnightlargest New Zealand island, and is located 30
walks, or a kayak trip. Nelson also has a vibrant winekilometres (19 miles) off the southern coast. The ferry
industry, so perhaps a visit to a local winery? If yourtrip from Bluff takes around 1 hour each way. Stewart
plans include a trip to the Abel Tasman, take the timeIsland has many interesting nature walks, and
to visit the stunning little village of Kaiteriteri. A beautifulspectacular scenery.
spot for a snack looking over the bay.For things to do in and around Invercargill, click here.
If time permits, a trip to Golden Bay and Farewell SpitDays 17 & 18.
is also recommended. On the way stop off at TeToday, your New Zealand itinerary takes you to
Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs).Dunedin (around 2.5 hours drive). Dunedin is the South
Day 9.Island's second largest city, with a population of about
Today your South Island Showcase New Zealand120,000. Dunedin is a university town, attracting
itinerary takes you from Nelson on the north coast, tostudents from many countries.
Punakaiki (3.5 hours)on the rugged west coast.Dunedin has a Scottish heritage, and in fact was
Punakaiki is known for the Pancake Rocks andformerly known as New Edinburgh. This Scottish
blowhole. The rocks are columns of limestone, whichinfluence can be seen in the local Edwardian
resemble stacks of pancakes. Punakaiki is surroundedarchitecture, such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Town
by the Paparoa National Park, which covers someHall, Dunedin Railwat Station, and the historic Larnach
30,000 hectares.Castle, located some 13 kilometres from the city
Punakaiki has a couple of accommodation options, butcentre.
my favourite is the Punakaiki Resort, a beautiful seaDunedin also houses New Zealand's first Botanic
side hotel located beachfront. Your room looks directlyGardens, and is home to a wide range of marine and
over the ocean, and the excellent restaurant offersbirdlife.
you the chance to watch the sun setting over theDay 19.
ocean. A great way to end the day.Your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary
Day 10.continues today with the drive to Mt Cook (4 hours
Today takes you from Punakaiki to Franz Josef villagedrive).
(2.5 hours drive). The village has many accommodationMt Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand's highest peak at
options, and is the base for various tour operators.3,753 metres, and is part of Mt Cook National Park,
Franz Josef Glacier ( a World Heritage Area) dropswhich also contains the mighty Tasman Glacier. At 30
from a height of 2,700 metres above sea level, tokilometres in length, it is one of the largest glaciers
about 240 metres above sea level, within a distanceoutside the Himalayas.
of 11 kilometres, making for spectacular viewing.Mt Cook village has several accommodation options
When you arrive in the village, check out the optionsand is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine
for tours, as you may need to book ahead for day 11.Centre, which is located in the Hermitage Hotel
Also be aware that weather conditions change quicklycomplex. Other things to do include hiking (check on
in this part of New Zealand, so your itinerary allows aweather conditions before leaving), glacier flights and
full day free tomorrow for flexibility when bookingwalks, and just lazing around looking in awe at Mt
tours.Cook.
Day 11.Day 20.
Today on your South Island Showcase New ZealandYour final car trip today is a 4 hour drive back to
itinerary you are free to explore Franz Josef (andChristchurch. Along the way, stop off at Lake Tekapo
nearby Fox Glacier). There are various options forfor a view of the unbelievable turquoise waters of the
guided tours, helicopter flights etc. The heli flight andlake. The Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, form a
landing on the top of the glacier is highly recommendedbackdrop, and provide a memorable photo opportunity.
(if a little expensive).Tekapo is also home to the Church of the Good
If you are looking for something a little more sedate, aShepherd, which must be one of the most
walk to the face of Franz Josef Glacier may be morephotographed buildings in New Zealand.
to your liking. Make sure that you take a comfortableDay 21.
pair of shoes as the walk takes around 1.5 hoursFly home. Unfortunately, all good things must end, but I
return from the carpark.hope that this South Island Showcase New Zealand
Fox Glacier is also nearby.itinerary has been helpful. Enjoy.
Day 12.