How many days do you need in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown?
- Most travelers spend 6-9 days in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Queenstown combined
- Visiting Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and Queenstown in 5 days is possible but will feel rushed
- With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Franz Josef / Waiau and Te Anau
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand
Recommended Itineraries for Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown
Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Waipara Valley Wine Trail & Lunch | Christchurch |
| Day 3 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Hiking & Stargazing | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 4 | Drive to Queenstown, Skyline Queenstown Gondola | Queenstown |
| Day 5 | Appellation Wine Tour, Shotover Jet Canyon Boat Ride | Queenstown |
| Day 6 | Depart Queenstown |
Wine lovers and adventure-seekers can get all bases covered on New Zealand's South Island with this six-day itinerary. Space out your wine tasting with activities, including gondola rides, ziplining, and canyon river rafting. You'll also have time for leisurely walks through Mount Cook National Park. A scenic road trip portion offers opportunities to get out and see the glaciers and mountain ranges that make this region a must-visit spot for extreme sports enthusiasts. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including Franz Josef / Waiau
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Explore | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 3 | Drive to Queenstown via Twizel & Ōmarama | Queenstown |
| Day 4 | Explore Queenstown & Optional Activities | Queenstown |
| Day 5 | Drive to Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier |
| Day 6 | Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train | Christchurch |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Christchurch, Dinner on Board the Christchurch Tram | Christchurch |
| Day 8 | Depart Christchurch |
Explore the beauty of New Zealand's South Island at your own pace with this self-drive tour. You'll start in Christchurch and drive through incredible villages to Queenstown. Next, you'll explore breathtaking national parks before taking one of the world's greatest train journeys back to Christchurch. Get your adrenaline rush in along the way by bungee jumping, heli-skiing, and mountain biking! Read more
9-Day Itinerary Including Auckland & Rotorua
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland, Cruise & Sky Walk | Auckland |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves & Glowworm Grotto | Rotorua |
| Day 3 | Explore Geothermal Rotorua's Hot Springs & Geysers | Rotorua |
| Day 4 | Fly to Historic Christchurch & Stroll the Botanical Gardens | Christchurch |
| Day 5 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Cruise Tasman Lake | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 6 | Drive to Queenstown, Explore the Adventure Capital | Queenstown |
| Day 7 | Take a Scenic Boat & Plane Trip Across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi | Queenstown |
| Day 8 | Free Day in Queenstown & Optional Activities | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Depart Queenstown |
Beginning in the vibrant capital of Auckland, this adventure-packed nine-day itinerary starts with a sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Then, it's on to explore geothermal Rotorua and historic Christchurch and visit the spectacular Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for stargazing and a glacier cruise. You'll finish with a multitude of options in Queenstown, from bungee jumping to a jet boat ride to vineyard tours. Read more
How to travel between Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown
How to get from Christchurch to Queenstown
Christchurch is about halfway down the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, while Queenstown is in the southwest. About 300 miles (480 km) and some rather big mountains separate Christchurch and Queenstown, but it's easy to travel between them by air or road. Read more
How to get from Christchurch to Mount Cook Village
Mount Cook Village is in the central South Island, quite close to the West Coast but separated by mountains. It's a 200-mile (330-km) journey from Christchurch by road. Read more
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