How many days do you need in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown & Franz Josef / Waiau?
- Most travelers spend 8-9 days in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Franz Josef / Waiau combined
- Visiting Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Franz Josef / Waiau in 7 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 Te Anau and Wānaka
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand
Recommended Itineraries for Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Franz Josef / Waiau
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| 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 (NZ) |
| Day 4 | Explore Queenstown & Optional Activities | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 5 | Drive to Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef 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
Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Dinner on Board the Christchurch Tram | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook & Stargazing Workshop | Aoraki / Mount Cook Village |
| Day 3 | Drive to Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise & Barbecue Dinner | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 4 | Explore Queenstown at Leisure | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 5 | Wilderness Cruise at the Remote Doubtful Sound | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 6 | Drive to the West Coast, Glacier Hot Pools | Franz Josef Glacier |
| Day 7 | Heli-Hike to the Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier |
| Day 8 | Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train | Christchurch |
| Day 9 | Depart Christchurch |
Encounter snowy peaks and lush rainforests in this nine-day road trip around New Zealand's South Island. Start by sampling a four-course meal on a colonial-style tram ride around Christchurch. Pick up your rental car, and get ready for breathtaking scenery over the next week as you drive through "The Lord of the Rings" country, with stop-offs that include glacial hot pools, boat rides, gourmet barbecues, and a scenic train ride. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including Te Anau
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch & Hop On Hop Off City Tour | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Explore Christchurch & Optional Activities | Christchurch |
| Day 3 | Mount Cook National Park Glacier & Valley Tours | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 4 | Drive to Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves | Te Anau |
| Day 5 | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Nature Cruise Day Trip | Te Anau |
| Day 6 | Drive to Queenstown & Walter Peak Dinner Cruise | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 7 | Explore Queenstown | Queenstown (NZ) |
| Day 8 | Visit Wānaka & Tour Franz Joseph Glacier | Franz Josef Glacier |
| Day 9 | Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train | Christchurch |
| Day 10 | Depart Christchurch |
This 10-day road trip through New Zealand takes you through fjords, glaciers, and mountains abound. Begin in Christchurch on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, then take the beautiful drive to Mount Cook National Park to embark on two excursions to discover Tasman Glacier and the surrounding peaks. Next is another eventful drive—with stops along the way—to Te Anau, including a visit to a glowworm cave and a day cruise through stunning Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Explore Queenstown and board a dinner cruise, visit Wānaka and Franz Joseph Glacier, and drop off your car before riding the exhilarating TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. Read more
How to travel between Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown & Franz Josef / Waiau
How to get to Franz Josef / Glacier
Located about halfway down the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, the Franz Josef Glacier is in the small village of Franz Josef / Waiau. Due to the remoteness of this part of the country, the overland journey can take quite a long time, but there are many beautiful points of interest along the way, no matter which direction you're coming from. Read more
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 Aoraki / Mount Cook
Aoraki / Mount Cook 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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