
Your South Island road trip itinerary ⬇️ Save this so you don’t have to plan it yourself later! This road trip captures some of the most beautiful destinations in New Zealand 🚗 with stunning national parks and incredible alpine views it’s perfect for anyone planning a trip to this country ✨ ✈️ If you’re flying into Queenstown just do this trip backwards! It works just as well. I did this NZ road trip in a week, spending a couple of days in Tekapo, a few days around Aoraki/Mt, Cook and the final few days split between Wānaka and Queenstown 📆 Here are the details 👇🏼 🏙️ Start in Christchurch and check out this beautiful city. The Riverside Market overlooking the Avon River has so many great places to eat, drink, and shop! Then, have a quick break with a stroll around the Red Zone. 🏞️ Takapō (Tekapo): don’t miss the Church of the Good Shepherd with its stunning alpine backdrop and the bright blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Also check out the Better Batter food truck for KILLER fish and chips! 🚣 Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt. Cook: as you drive the scenic road a long the Lake Pukaki foreshore, make sure you stop to take in the views at Peter’s Lookout. Once you reach the National Park, check out the Lake Tasman Viewpoint and walk the Hooker Valley Track. If you’re feeling extra energetic, you can hike to the stunning Mueller Hut. 🪨 Ōmarama: take a break and relax at Hot Tubs Ōmarama with some of the most stunning views you’ve seen. Then, take a short hike around the unique Ōmarama Clay Cliffs. 🌈 Wānaka: hike to the edge of the world at Roy’s Peak, and you just HAVE to make a stop at #thatwanakatree for some sweet pics. Also, don’t skip the food trucks on Brownston Street, there are so many incredible options. ⛰️ Queenstown: end your trip in the magical gateway to the south, Queenstown, and spend some time looking around Arrowtown and maybe even jet boating on the Shotover River. Also, don’t miss out on Fergburger! For more epic road trip and travel inspiration, follow @getlostwithliam 🌿✈️ #connecttonature #travelnz #newzealandtravel #bucketlisttravel #adventuretravel
Place

Christchurch
Landmark

Lake Tekapo
Landmark

Wānaka
Landmark

Queenstown
Landmark

Arrowtown
Landmark

The Church of the Good Shepherd
Church
4.6
Small, picturesque stone church overlooking Lake Tekap & holding interdenominational services.

Aoraki / Mount Cook
Landmark
Shopping

Riverside Market
Market
4.7
Buzzy indoor market with retailers selling locally sourced food, plus restaurants, cafes & bars.
Attraction

Avon River / Ōtākaro
Natural feature
4.4

Peter's Lookout
Natural feature
4.7

Hot Tubs Omarama
Spa
4.6
Indoor & outdoor baths in mineral water from surrounding mountains, plus massage treatments.

That Wānaka tree
Attraction
4.5
A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

Lake Tekapo
Natural feature
4.8

Lake Pukaki
Natural feature
4.9

Aoraki / Mount Cook
Natural feature
4.8
Popular with trekking enthusiasts, this 12,218-ft. peak offers forested trails to glacial views.

Clay Cliffs
Landmark
4.5

Roys Peak
Natural feature
4.8
A 5,177-foot peak overlooking the lake covered with tussock grassland.

