New Zealand (South Island) · Route map
Southern Alps Peaks and Glaciers
Focusing on the spectacular South Island ensures you experience all your must-see alpine icons alongside local wilderness secrets without rushing.
- 1
Christchurch
1 night
Historic garden city recovery
- 2
Franz Josef
2 nights
TranzAlpine crossing to west coast glaciers
- 3
Wanaka
2 nights
Local-favorite lakeside peaks and quieter trails
- 4
Queenstown
3 nights
Adventure capital and majestic Fiordland daytrips
- 5
Aoraki Mount Cook
2 nights
Stargazing and hiking beneath giant peaks
- 6
Christchurch
1 night
Canterbury plains loop completion
- ✦6 stops · 11 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch
Flight · Morning · Christchurch
Land in the Garden City.
Shuttle transfer to central hotel
Transfer · Morning · Christchurch
Stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Excursion · Afternoon · Central City
Grab a filter coffee from C1 Espresso nearby, delivered via their famous pneumatic tubes.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation · Evening · Central City
The Famous TranzAlpine Journey
TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Transfer · Morning · Canterbury to West Coast
A scenic four-hour rail journey crossing the Southern Alps.
Spend time in the open-air viewing carriage for the best photo angles wrap up warm.
Pick up rental car at Greymouth
Car hire · Afternoon · Greymouth
Self-drive Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier
Self-drive · Afternoon · West Coast
Drive takes about two hours along the wild coastal highway.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation · Evening · Franz Josef
Glaciers and Mirror Lakes
Franz Josef Heli-Hike experience
Excursion · Morning · Franz Josef
Fly onto the ice and hike through spectacular blue formations.
Book the earliest slot as morning weather on the coast is usually the most stable.
Walk the Lake Matheson forest track
Excursion · Afternoon · Fox Glacier
A gentle ninety-minute loop walk near Fox Glacier.
Go just before dusk when the wind drops for the perfect mountain reflections.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation · Evening · Franz Josef
Over the Haast Pass
Self-drive Franz Josef to Wanaka
Self-drive · Morning · Haast Pass
Drive takes about four hours through dramatic rainforest and mountain passes.
Stop at the Blue Pools walk just past the pass gates to stretch your legs.
Visit the iconic Wanaka Tree
Excursion · Afternoon · Wanaka
Walk past the main crowd along the lake track for a quieter view.
Overnight in Wanaka
Accommodation · Evening · Wanaka
High Creests and Lake Views
Hike the Isthmus Peak track
Excursion · Morning · Wanaka
An energetic alternative to Roys Peak with equivalent views.
It is less crowded than Roys Peak and offers dual lake views of Wanaka and Hawea.
Afternoon at leisure around Wanaka waterfront
At leisure · Afternoon · Wanaka
Grab a craft beer from Rhyme and Reason brewery in the industrial estate.
Overnight in Wanaka
Accommodation · Evening · Wanaka
Into the Adventure Capital
Self-drive Wanaka to Queenstown via Cardrona
Self-drive · Morning · Crown Range
Scenic mountain drive takes about one hour over the Crown Range.
Stop for a classic pub photo at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
Skyline Gondola and Luge rides
Excursion · Afternoon · Queenstown
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown
Fiordland Day Trip
Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly excursion
Excursion · Morning · Milford Sound
A scenic flight and boat cruise through the world-famous fiord.
Flying saves nine hours of driving, leaving you fresh for the evening.
Afternoon at leisure exploring central Queenstown
At leisure · Afternoon · Queenstown
Avoid the massive Fergburger queue by ordering online in advance.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown
Historic Gold Rushes
Explore historic Arrowtown
Excursion · Morning · Arrowtown
Walk the quiet Chinese Settlement trail by the river for incredible history.
Shotover Jet boat ride
Excursion · Afternoon · Shotover Gorge
Thrilling high-speed jet boat canyon ride.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown
Journey to the Giants
Self-drive Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook
Self-drive · Morning · Mackenzie Country
Drive takes three hours via Lindis Pass and Lake Pukaki.
Stop at the Peter's Lookout on Lake Pukaki for the absolute best road photo.
Stargazing tour in the Dark Sky Reserve
Excursion · Afternoon · Mount Cook Village
This area is gold-rated, meaning stargazing here is among the clearest on Earth.
Overnight in Mount Cook Village
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Cook Village
Chasing Alpine Meadows
Hike the Hooker Valley Track
Excursion · Morning · Mount Cook National Park
An easy three-hour walk crossing swing bridges to a glacial lake.
Start by 7:30 AM to beat the tour buses and have the boardwalks to yourselves.
Tasman Glacier view trail walk
Excursion · Afternoon · Mount Cook National Park
Climb the short rock steps to see massive icebergs floating in the terminal lake.
Overnight in Mount Cook Village
Accommodation · Evening · Mount Cook Village
Returning to Canterbury
Self-drive Mount Cook to Christchurch
Self-drive · Morning · Canterbury Plains
Drive takes about four hours via Tekapo.
Stop in Fairlie at the bakehouse for their famous pork belly pie.
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Excursion · Afternoon · Lake Tekapo
It gets busy, so walk a bit further along the lakefront for quiet views.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation · Evening · Central City
Farewell New Zealand
Drop off rental car at Christchurch Airport
Car hire · Morning · Christchurch
Departure flight from Christchurch
Flight · Afternoon · Christchurch
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