Highlights
- Take in a sunrise as you float over Christchurch in a hot-air balloon
- Visit Aoraki / Mount Cook and cruise along Tasman Lake
- Witness the Scottish roots of Dunedin and explore the Otago Penninsula
- Observe native wildlife and waterfalls of beautiful Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
- Thrill to a heli-hiking adventure of Franz Josef Glacier
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Gondola & Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour | Christchurch |
| Day 3 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Cruise Haupapa / Tasman Glacier & Stargazing | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 4 | Drive to Dunedin, Explore Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula | Dunedin |
| Day 5 | Half-Day Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour | Dunedin |
| Day 6 | Drive to Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves | Te Anau |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi & Cruise | Te Anau |
| Day 8 | Drive to Queenstown, Discover Queenstown | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Dart River Jet Boat Safari | Queenstown |
| Day 10 | Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau | Franz Josef / Waiau |
| Day 11 | Discover Franz Josef Glacier, Take Glacier Heli-Hike | Franz Josef / Waiau |
| Day 12 | Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train | Christchurch |
| Day 13 | Depart Christchurch |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Explore
Welcome to Christchurch! Your driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel, where you can unwind a little before you're ready to venture out for some independent exploration. New Zealand's second-largest metropolis is known for its green spaces like Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens. As it's nicknamed the Garden City, taking a stroll through is always a good idea. For history fans, take a tour down the Avon River / Ōtākaro led by guides in Edwardian costume, or ride one of the city's 19th-century trams past Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum.
Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Gondola & Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
You'll pick up your rental car early this morning and drive 40 minutes west to meet your pilot for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride with panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. Before leaving the ground, your pilot will give you a briefing on safety and procedures, as you'll be encouraged to assist with the setup and pack away the balloon. Once you've landed, celebrate with chilled Champagne and orange juice.
Once back in the car, head toward Christchurch, passing through town to reach Heathcote Valley, just fifteen minutes from the city, to ride the Christchurch Gondola. You'll arrive at the top of the collapsed rim of an extinct volcano that offers beautiful panoramas of the city, Canterbury Plains, and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. Wander the summit complex and choose one of many nature walks, or visit the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the Port Hills and Christchurch history.
Later this afternoon, continue the history lesson and sightseeing and board a hop-on hop-off bus of Christchurch. New Zealand's oldest established city highlights include the bustling Cathedral Square and the Avon River / Ōtākaro, which winds through the city's center.
Day 3: Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Cruise Haupapa / Tasman Glacier & Stargazing
Rise early to drive four hours west to Aoraki / Mount Cook, which sits at the base of its namesake mountain. New Zealand's highest peak measures 12,315 feet (3,754 m) and is also known by its Māori name, Aoraki, which means "Cloud Piercer." The mountain is one of over 20 peaks in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. You'll wind through the heart of the South Island, through the pastoral Canterbury Plains. Stop in the town, Geraldine, as you make your way to Burkes Pass and the lakeside town of Tekapo. Finally, arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook, your base for exploring the park's glaciers.
Once checked in at your hotel, set out to see Aoraki / Mount Cook's 500-year-old icebergs up close. Take a cruise around Tasman Lake. You'll see the country's largest glacier, the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, as you weave around floating icebergs in a specially designed boat. A guide will point out key landmarks as you glide across the water, surrounded by towering ice cliffs.
Spend your evening at an International Dark Sky Reserve. Renowned for their clear, star-studded skies, the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and nearby Mackenzie Basin will give you an astronomical night to remember. You'll be taken to a designated viewing platform with state-of-the-art telescopes and binoculars, and you'll have a guide to help you spot constellations, planets, the Milky Way, and faraway galaxies.
Day 4: Drive to Dunedin, Explore Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
This morning, you'll leave Mount Cook and drive 4.5 hours south to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. On the way, you'll pass Twizel, a "The Lord of the Rings" filming location, and stop at the Wrinkly Ram Cafe for a sheepshearing demonstration. The last section of the drive takes you down the coast to Moeraki, where you can take a detour to see the mysterious Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki, spherical boulders scattered across the beach. Once in Dunedin, settle into your accommodation before taking your first look at the city's Edwardian and Scottish heritage buildings in The Octagon district.
Dunedin has a heavy Scottish influence. Surrounded by rugged coastal plains and windswept beaches, it's home to an eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture. It's also a university town, bustling with life, so explore The Octagon's many cafés and wine bars, then continue on a self-guided walking tour of the internationally acclaimed street art found throughout the city.
If time allows, drive to the coast to watch the freighters pass in the distance as you relax, or hire a mountain bike and test your legs on one of the many trails available. For a more immersive historical experience, follow the coast to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle. On your way back, be sure to head to the Otago Peninsula to see the largest mainland Albatross colony in the world.
Day 5: Half-Day Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour
You'll board a boat from Dunedin this morning to cruise along Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Continue to the tip of the Otago Peninsula for a one-hour wildlife cruise where you can observe what cannot be seen from land: albatross, New Zealand fur seals, and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment. Learn the fascinating history and geology of the area. Later, enjoy spectacular harbor and ocean views by taking a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula.
Day 6: Drive to Te Anau, Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get an early start this morning as you hop in the car for a five-hour drive southwest to Te Anau. Along the way, there are various stops that you might like to make. Taking Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, with the summit reaching 3,200 feet (971 m), you'll pass by tussock-covered hills that offer an unusual contrast as you leave the Mackenzie Basin into Central Otago. Stop in Tarras Village to stretch your legs and discover its boutique shops and lovely café. A short drive farther is the historic and scenic Bendigo Reserve, one of Otago's original gold mining settlements.
Stop at Kawarau Gorge to visit the historic old town, then continue through the sheer cliffs of the gorge as they lead you into the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine-growing regions. If you're up for an adventure, pull over at the famous historic Kawarau Bridge and bungee jump, or sit back and enjoy the drama as visitors leap off the bridge. As you approach Queenstown, you'll see The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu farther south. Following the lake will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Check into your hotel and then set out to discover the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. This tour starts with a cruise across Lake Te Anau on a catamaran. You'll disembark at the lake's western side and enter the caves through Cavern House. Take time to learn the story of this 12,000-year-old underground cave network before your guide leads you along a limestone pathway, pointing out whirlpools, intricate rock formations, and a staggering underground waterfall. The tour culminates with a small boat ride, gliding amid the dark and the blue-white pinpricks of thousands of glowworms emanating from the cave walls and ceiling.
Day 7: Day Trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi & Cruise
You'll make the two-hour drive to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, which offers beautiful scenery this morning. This area has picture-perfect scenes, from crystal clear lakes and towering mountains to lush glacier-formed meadows. Stretch your legs on the Chasm Walk by taking a short stroll through the beech forest to see several stunning waterfalls. In Fiordland National Park, Milford is the only fjord accessible by road. As you reach this small village, you'll be greeted with a fantastic view of Mitre Peak.
Once at Milford Wharf, board a cruise ship to explore the entire length of the fjord, exploring the sound at a leisurely pace. Milford has everything from thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces.
Day 8: Drive to Queenstown, Explore
Leave Te Anau and return in the direction you came for a two-hour drive, crossing vast tussock lands on your route to Queenstown. Hug Lake Wakatipu's edge as The Remarkables come in full view. Once checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Consider hopping aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. As you rise 1,400 feet (450 m) above Queenstown, see panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, and Coronet Peak. At the top, enjoy a drink or a meal at the restaurant before carrying on with your free afternoon.
Day 9: Dart River Jet Boat Safari
Day 10: Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau
Leave Queenstown and cross the Crown Range, following the highest sealed road in New Zealand, to arrive in the alpine town of Wānaka. Skirt the shores of Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea to reach the small village of Makarora. You'll stop at the Blue Pools for a one-hour roundtrip walk through beech forests to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Afterward, get back on the road, and once you see the seaside settlement of Haast, you'll follow along the west coast, visiting Fox Glacier first before arriving at Franz Josef / Waiau.
This small town settled on the Waiho River among rainforests and the Southern Alps mountains is known for the 7-mile-long (12 km) Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere walk. Once settled at your hotel, get back in your car and head to the glacier's edge, just 3 miles (5 km) from the town, making it an easy visit.
Day 11: Discover Franz Josef Glacier, Take a Glacier Heli-Hike
You have the morning free, so you could visit the Department of Conservation information center in Franz Josef / Waiau to plan a hike in the area. Some of the most popular trails include the Sentinel Rock Walk, which provides views of Franz Josef Glacier. Then, there's the Lake Wombat Track and Terrace Walk, which takes you through the forest and past former gold mining areas.
However, the best way to discover the iconic glacier is to take a heli-hike. This afternoon, fly over all three of the glacier's icefalls, landing for a two-hour guided trek across the icy landscape. A guide will take you through ice caves, where you'll spot frozen pinnacles and learn the geology and history of the glacier. You'll receive a waterproof jacket, over trousers, glacier boots, ice crampons, and wool socks for the trip.
Day 12: Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Today, you'll head north through Hokitika, a historic gold mining region known for its green stone (pounamu). This seaside town has a rich history dating to the 1860s. Head to the coast and take in the endless sea views, or pick up a souvenir at one of the many craft shops. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station depot before boarding your train to return to Christchurch.
Crossing the south from east to west, the TranzAlpine is considered one of the world's most incredible train journeys traveling through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage, see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend into the windswept Canterbury Plains before reaching Christchurch. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel. You have the evening free to explore; perhaps have dinner in a historic colonial-style tram that makes the rounds of the city's top attractions.
Day 13: Depart Christchurch
It's time to say goodbye to New Zealand! A driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home at the appointed time.
More Great New Zealand Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, explore more ways to spend 13 days in New Zealand, or discover the best time to visit New Zealand.
A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
Map
