Snowcapped mountains, misty fjords, and enchanted forests. Those pictures always return when I remember my time in New Zealand. I was lucky enough to call it my home for over a year, most of which I spent exploring and photographing this fantastic part of the world. Unfortunately, not many will have this privilege. Most of us can only take a week or two off work to travel. This one-week South Island road trip itinerary will come in handy.
One-week New Zealand South Island travel itinerary at a glance
- Total kilometers/miles: 1200 km / 750 mi
- Point of entry: Queenstown airport
- Point of exit: Christchurch or Queenstown airport
- Towns you will visit: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau, Wanaka, Mount Cook Village, Tekapo
- National Parks you will visit: Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, Mount Cook National Park
- The optimal months for this road trip: November through April
Who is this New Zealand travel itinerary for?
This itinerary is for someone who only has one week and wants a good taste of what New Zealand offers. Following this road trip plan, you will see the best towns and most beautiful national parks on South Island, which is an absolute highlight.
With that said, don’t expect to see everything. If you only have one week, stick to the South Island! That’s the best advice I can give you after spending over a year in this country.
Sure, there are beautiful spots on the North Island, but the South Island is way more exciting landscape-wise and has a lot more to offer!
The overview of the one-week New Zealand South Island Travel Itinerary
The route starts in Queenstown and takes you south to Fiordland National Park, followed by Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park, and finally, finishing in my all-time favorite, Mount Cook National Park.
After visiting the last destination on the itinerary you can either choose to travel back to Queenstown, where you started, or continue on the faster road to Christchurch and catch an outbound flight there.
Both Queenstown and Christchurch have international airports, where you can fly to and out of.
What are the optimal months to follow this one-week New Zealand road trip?
The official road trip season in New Zealand lasts from November to April, however, not all months are equal.
If your objective is to hike as much as possible aim for a later date, for example, January through April, as Springs in New Zealand tend to be quite rainy.
Avoid Christmas and New Year’s. The prices during those times skyrocket and accommodation tends to book out months in advance. The same goes for school holidays and Easter.
Photography fans should consider April. That’s my favorite month in New Zealand. The foliage is beautiful and the first dust of snow appears on the peaks. At the same time, hiking is still possible.
What is the best way to get around New Zealand?
You can bike of course! Many people do, but let’s face it. If you are coming on a one-week holiday, this isn’t necessarily the best idea!
Hire a compact car
This is a self-drive itinerary; you will need a car to travel. Check for the best car rental deals with Discover Cars. It will give you a drop-off option at a different airport than pick-up and compare prices for the best companies in New Zealand.
Don’t worry about dropping the car off at a different location. Companies in New Zealand are very accustomed to this.
Even though you might pay a bit more for the rental, you will save time and money in the long run, as you won’t have to drive the car back to the original pick-up location!
Rent a campervan
If you’re planning a real road trip, you should rent a campervan! Travelling in a motorhome or a small camper can save you a lot on accommodation, particularly for group or family travel.
To compare the prices of different motorhome rental companies in New Zealand, check the Motorhome Republic for the best deals!
TIP: Check out my guidelines for travelling in a motorhome in New Zealand, which cover topics such as freedom camping and how to find campsites.
IMPORTANT! The rental vehicle fleet sizes in New Zealand have dwindled due to the pandemic and its subsequent effects. Make sure to book early.
Got more than a week? Consider these New Zealand road trip plans!
- A four to eight-week route on both of New Zealand’s Islands
- A 10-day route through South Island’s diverse landscapes
- A two-week route on the South Island designed for hikers and photographers
- A two-week route on the North and the South Island
New Zealand one-week itinerary around the South Island – Road Trip Map
The map below will guide you around the South Island! Click on the button in the top left corner to discover the different layers on the map showcasing points of interest around the South Island. Switch them on and off to adjust the map view to your liking.
Destination 1: Queenstown and its surroundings
Kia Ora! It means welcome in the native Maori language. Be prepared to collect your jaw off the floor a few times daily for the next week. You just found yourself in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
Your fantastic one-week road trip around the South Island kicks off in Queenstown – the most famous and scenic town of the Southern Alps.
Day 1: Arrival and town exploring + easy hike
Spend your first day exploring the town. Go on a walk along the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, check out the local stores, cafes, and restaurants, or take the Skyline Gondola to see the panoramic view of the town.
You could also go on a hike. Queenstown Hill might be your safest bet for your first day as it’s neither strenuous nor long. You can be up and down within 3 hours.
Day 2 morning: Go on a scenic drive to Glenorchy
On the second day, consider driving the road to Glenorchy, another little town nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and only 46 kilometres or 29 miles away from Queenstown. This road will be an awesome introduction to the scenic drives of the South Island.
Whilst it takes only 45 minutes to get there, there are a few stops along the way you shouldn’t miss, including:
- Moke Lake
- Bob’s Cove
- Wilson Bay
- Bennet’s Bluff
- Glenorchy Jetty
- Paradise Road (Glenorchy)
All stops are very well marked. Count at least a few hours for the drive and another few to see Glenorchy.
Guided tours to Glenorchy
If you prefer, you can also book one of the tours to Glenorchy leaving from Queenstown. That way, you don’t have to worry about taking the wrong turn. Just relax and take in the scenery. My favourite ones from the ones below are the Canoe, Jet Boat, and Paradise Road combo.
Day 2 – Afternoon: go all in on an adventure in Queenstown
You have probably heard that Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Are you wondering why it is called that? I don’t think there is an outdoor activity that can’t be done here.
From bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating, or paragliding, ending with boat cruises. Queenstown will please every adventurous soul.
I lived and worked in Queenstown for 7 months out of the 15 I spent in New Zealand.
Part of my job involved working as a booking agent, which means I got to participate in many activities. Bungy jumping and whitewater rafting are certainly my all-time favourites. I once did four jumps in one day, including the whooping 134-meter Nevis Bungy!
TIP: I have a separate article about my favourite Queenstown summer activities. Check it out.
Where to stay in Queenstown on nights 1 and 2?
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
Modern furnishings and bedding. Well-equipped common areas. Access to restaurants within walking distance
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
Quiet surroundings with beautiful views of the canyon, lovely and helpful staff, jacuzzi under the stars
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it:
Very attentive staff, cozy fireplace, excellent menu choices, complimentary shuttle service to downtown Queenstown
Destination 2: Fiordland National Park
Day 3: Day trip to Milford Sound
- Distance between Queenstown & Milford Sound: 288 km / 179 miles
- Driving time: 3-4 hours (not including stops)
Early on the third day, leave Queenstown and make your way to Milford Sound – the jewel of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.
The first stretch of the road, which starts 20km south of the center of Queenstown, will be very windy.
Make sure to keep your eyes on the road and stop only at designated stops. This scenic drive has been aptly named the Devil’s Staircase. As unappealing as it may sound, it is amazing! The first leg of the journey will take you to Te Anau – a little town known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
From Te Anau, it is another 118km/73 miles to Milford Sound depending on how often you will want to stop (probably a lot).
I recommend checking out these roadside stops: Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lake, and a mandatory stop at Hollyford Valley. If you have an extra day you could also plan a hike to Key Summit, Lake Marian, or Gertrude Saddle, the 3 famous hikes along the Te Anau-Milford Sound road.
Best things to do in Milford Sound
Scenic cruise around the Fjords
A must-do in Milford Sound is a cruise around the Fjords. There are a few companies running the cruises offering similar services at a similar price. I highly recommend the cruise on a glass-roof catamaran for the best views!
Remember to take a raincoat with you, even if it’s perfectly sunny outside. All of the boat drivers like to get up close and personal with the waterfalls! With that said don’t expect it to be sunny. Fiordland National Park is the rainiest part of New Zealand!
A bug repellent will also come in very handy. Sandflies are a nuisance in Milford Sound. Luckily they can’t keep up with the speed of the boats!
Scenic flight
Milford Sound is undeniably one of the best places for a scenic flight in New Zealand. There are many different options most of them leaving from either Te Anau or Queenstown. Read on about the flight cruise combos in my post dedicated to Milford Sound.
Coach tour or plane/coach tour combo from Queenstown
TIP: Milford Sound can also be visited on a day coach trip from Queenstown. Go for this option if you prefer to limit the time spent behind the wheel or feel uncomfortable driving along the windy New Zealand roads.
Below, I’ve included the top day tours to Milford Sound, which is leaving from Queenstown.
Where to stay in Te Anau on night 3?
If you choose to drive to Milford Sound yourself, I recommend stopping for a night either directly in Milford Sound, which is an experience in itself, or driving back to Te Anau.
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
Large, clean, and comfortable rooms, lovely garden setting, welcoming and friendly owners
Top Rated
Dunluce Boutique Accommodation
What guests loved about it:
Homely atmosphere, homecooked breakfasts, practicality and the decor of the rooms, picturesque location
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it:
The lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, a huge and cozy fireplace, and a different restaurant menu set daily
IMPORTANT: If you are following this road trip during the off-season (May through October), remember that the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound closes some days during the winter due to snowfall or poor driving conditions.
Always check the weather conditions with the Department of Conservation before starting. Sometimes, snow chains are required in winter. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with them before you hit the road!
Destination 3: Wanaka, Hawea, and Mount Aspiring National Park
Day 4: Drive from Te Anau to Wanaka
- Distance from Te Anau to Wanaka: 230 km / 143 mi
- Driving time, excluding stops: 3 hours
Check out early from your accommodation in Te Anau and head for your next destination – Wanaka.
Known as Queenstown’s little sister, Wanaka may appeal more to people who prefer quieter destinations.
Although in recent years Wanaka has experienced a significant influx of travellers, thanks to its stunning location, which is beloved amongst photographers and outdoor lovers, it remains more chill than Queenstown.
Day 4 afternoon: get creative with photography in Wanaka
Though a bit infamous amongst some of the locals due to the crowds that it attracts, the lone willow tree standing on the shore of Lake Wanaka has become the most famous tree in the World.
Thousands of heavily armed in gear professional photographers flock to this tree at any time of the year for a chance to capture this unique scene. I must have photographed this tree dozens of times and each time I managed to see something different.
If you love taking photos just as I do, you should add a few of these photography locations in Wanaka to your must-see list!
Day 5 in Wanaka Option 1: Go hiking
Being in the heart of the Southern Alps Wanaka has some of the best backcountry trails on the South Island. On your 5th day, I highly recommend completing one of these fantastic day hikes around Wanaka.
A few of my favorites are Isthmus Peak, Roy’s Peak, Rocky Mountain, or hike through the Mount Aspiring Valley to the Aspiring Hut.
Day 5 in Wanaka Option 2: Book an activity
Whether it’s a self-guided bike tour from Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawear or the more adventurous Mount Burke tour done in a 4×4 vehicle, there is no shortage of exciting activities you can do in Wanaka. Below are just a few of my favorites:
Wanaka Scenic Helicopter Flight
I have done many scenic flights in different parts of New Zealand, and I still think Wanaka and its neighboring Mount Aspiring National Park are the best places to do them.
Soar high above the Matukituki Valley up towards the glacier, where you will land for a mandatory photo spot. Gaze at the otherworldly landscape, with its deep blue chasms and stunning glacial caps. It is an experience you won’t forget for a long time.
Wanaka 4×4 ride to Mount Burke
Hop aboard a shuttle boat and traverse Lake Wanaka, journeying toward the head of Stevenson’s arm. Marvel at the ever-changing landscape of steep walls and majestic alpine peaks that surround you. Delve into the captivating history of this sparsely inhabited region.
Pass by Stevenson’s Island and alight at the base of Mount Burke. Here, step onto a 4×4 vehicle with your knowledgeable guide, embarking on an ascent high above the lake. Feast your eyes on the expansive panorama of pristine, crystal-clear waters juxtaposed against the rugged summits of Mount Aspiring National Park, as you listen to stories of early settlers who sought farmland, gold, and a new life in New Zealand.
If that didn’t sound appealing enough, you will get to enjoy a picnic on the mountain with some of the best views in the country.
Wanaka Self-Guide MTB Tour
Biking from Lake Hawea back to Wanaka is the ultimate bike route in this region After renting your bike in Wanaka you will be transported to the nearby town of Hawea where you will start your ride on the serene Hawea River Track, surrounded by mountains.
This biking experience promises an unbeatable blend of scenic beauty and enjoyable moments, and it was one of my favorite experiences in Wanaka. Once you finish the ride, make sure to grab an ice cream cone from Patagonia ice cream shop.
Where to stay in Wanaka on nights 4 and 5?
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
Well-equipped kitchen and common areas, cozy rooms with wood paneling on the walls, lounge room with garden views
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
Smart furnishing and decorations, spacious and sunny bedrooms, amazing balcony and terrace views
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it:
New and clean facilities, great location, well-designed layout of the apartments
Destination 4: Mount Cook National Park
Day 6 – morning: drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook
- Distance between Wanaka & Mount Cook: 200 km / 124 miles
- Duration: 2 hours 15 min
Leave Wanaka early on your penultimate day and drive towards Mount Cook National Park. On your way there, you will want to stop at Lindis Pass, Clay Cliffs, and St. Peters lookout along Lake Pukaki. I don’t like to repeat myself, but Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park is my favourite destination in New Zealand.
The scenery in Mount Cook is second to none. It’s the home of the highest mountain in the land of the long white cloud, and it’s where Sir Edmund Hillary practiced his ascent of Mount Everest!
Best things to do in Mount Cook NP
Day 6 – afternoon: hike along the Hooker Valley
Hooker valley track is a relatively flat 10-kilometer round-trip hike with some of the most scenic views in the whole park. From the White Horse Hill parking lot, the route travels all the way through the Hooker Valley eventually ending up at the Hooker Valley Glacial Lake, where icebergs can be seen carving off the glacier and floating all the way down to the shoreline.
I’ve done this hike at least three times, once in the summer and twice in the winter. If the weather permits, try hiking there in the late afternoon and staying for the sunset. On a clear day, you will see the top of Mount Cook lighting up and turning red!
Day 7 – Morning: Visit Tasman Lake and Glacier
Take the road back toward civilization, 2km away from Mount Cook Village, and turn left onto Tasman Valley Road (Highway 80). After a short drive to the parking lot, the 1-hour return walk to the Tasman Glacier lookout starts.
Similar to Hooker Valley Glacial Lake icebergs can be seen here in the summer and it does freeze over in the winter. On a calm day, the reflections of the surrounding mountains are jaw-dropping.
Option 2: See Mount Cook NP from the air
Mount Cook National Park is one of the best places to take a scenic flight. With many glaciers overhanging the steep mountain cliffs and the insanely blue glacial lakes, it is scenery that you won’t be able to forget. It’s not the cheapest of attractions, but it’s an investment in memories that you’ll never forget.
TIP: I go into more detail about Mount Cook National Park in a separate post.
Where to stay in Mount Cook Village on night 6?
Best Value
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
What guests loved about it:
Close access to the DOC information center, well-stocked kitchenettes, amazing views over the mountains
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
Nice design and decorations, guests recommend booking rooms with numbers 23-26 for the best mountain views, the size of the rooms was larger than expected
TIP: Accommodation in Mount Cook is really scarce, so book as far ahead as you can! The Whitehorse Hill campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you can’t find accommodation in Mount Cook Village, your other option is to either stay in Twizel or Tekapo. The latter is on the way to Christchurch – your final destination.
Tekapo is another scenic little mountain village. If you have an extra day it’s worth stopping at, as there is a fair bit to do around here.
If you did manage to book your stay in Mount Cook all the better. Stay a night there and head out the next day towards Christchurch to catch your flight.
Where to stay in Tekapo (alternative to Mount Cook)
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
Wonderful and very considerate owners, easy check-in and check-out process, clean and well-organized communal kitchen
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
Offers great privacy, farm animals are around, the cabins are comfortable and well-stocked
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it:
Quaint, charming, and cozy, the library room, the kitchen, and the lounge area have wonderful views, a beautiful garden setting
Day 7 – Afternoon: drive to Christchurch airport
Distance from Mount Cook to Christchurch: 330 km / 205 miles
Duration: 4 h
If you still don’t have enough of the beautiful views, then you need to stop at Lake Tekapo. From mid-November to late December, millions of Lupin flowers bloom, turning the scenery into shades of pink, purple, blue, and green (see photo above).
It’s also worth mentioning that Tekapo is New Zealand’s Dark Sky Reserve, which means it’s an awesome spot for any astronomy and astrophotography enthusiast.
TIP: After visiting Mount Cook, you can also return back to Queenstown where you started this road trip. The driving time will be the same, but you will have to miss out on seeing Lake Tekapo.
Important tips for your New Zealand road trip
- If you are traveling within the peak season December through March I highly recommend booking your accommodation and car/camper as far in advance as you can. New Zealand receives a lot of visitors in the peak season and the last thing you want to do is stress about where you are going to sleep on your holidays of a lifetime!
- If you are traveling in the winter months end of June through September then make sure your accommodation in Queenstown and Wanaka is booked in advance. Those are ski season months and both of those places are famous and busy ski towns.
- To check roads and hiking trails conditions, especially in the winter months, go to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation website
- For more tips check out the FAQ section in my New Zealand Travel Guide
More New Zealand travel planning resources
- New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries
- Hiking & Backpacking in New Zealand
- Photography in New Zealand
- New Zealand Travel Tips and Activities
Support my site
If you found the articles in my New Zealand Guide useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you!
- Book a rental car with Discover Cars
- Reserve a campervan with Motorhome Republic
- Find hotels with Booking.com
- Book your tours & activities with Get Your Guide
P.S. If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally.
Hi Marta
Loved the blog and detailing.
My husband and I are travelling with 2 children both 11 years old and our dad who is 74. At present we have allocated 4 nights to QT + 2 Nights Mt Cook + 2 Christchurch and then we fly back to India from CH. I am a little unclear while planning the road trip so need clarity on:
1. We plan to fly from Wellington to QT – I assume this would mean we have half a day in QT on day 1. Any suggestions on how to spend this half day effectively?
2. Day 2 we wish to do Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound- still not clear as both look great. Are the roads to windy? Do you suggest we take a coach to MS instead as a day trip? Dad is not going to come for this
3. Day 3 Adventure sports? Anything else? We are not sure if the children will be allowed to sky dive at QT but I have checked with the operators that Wanaka may be a possibility
4. We have 2 nights in Mt Cook- I definitely want to do the scenic flight and snow landing- How do we drive/ route and plan this?
5. Can we do lake tekapo driving back to Ch- we do not wish to stay and prefer to head to CH . We dont want to do any hiking activities but would like to explore glowworm cave etc
At this stage we are open to edits. Is there a way I can reach out to you on email?
Thank you for your time
Hi Meena. I am happy to help you with planning the trip. You can contact me via the Trip Planning Advice Page and we could schedule a call. Flying from Wellington To Queenstown makes sense. The amount of time you will have in Queenstown on day 1 depends on when you will fly there. A great half day acitivity there for adults and kids is taking the gondola up and doing the luge.
Great page. Any thoughts/ considerations to be aware of of doing this in reverse?
Hi MT. Thanks for the feedback. No, there is no advantage/disadvantage in doing it in reverse and nothing to be aware of. I hope you have a fantastic time!
Hello Marta, Amazing blog ! Loved reading it all the way. We are planning trip towards end of October for 2 weeks. I am bit skeptical of the weather. I am in two minds either October end or April is better ? Is it a good time to plan a visit for South Island in Oct Does it rain all the time or just quick showers ? Can we expect any good weather around that time of the year?
Thanks
Hi NJ. Thanks for stopping by and your great feedback. Spring in the mountains does tend to be rainy, but New Zealand is generally a country that receives a lot of rain. You need to come prepared. It really is a matter of luck when it comes to weather conditions. Personally I do prefer march and april over October and November but neither will give you guarantee of good weather. Feb-April have a slightly lower average precipitation than other months.
Hey Marta, thanks for sharing this! I’m using it as my base for a 10-day trip in end September. Allocating a day or two in some places to fully take it in.
That said, I also come from tropical little Singapore, would you say driving in NZ in end September would be difficult?
Hi Anika. Thanks for visiting. I am glad you find the itinerary helpful. Since both Singaporeans and Kiwis drive on the left side that is already a huge advantage to you. I had to make the switch (which actually wasn’t as bad as anticipated). September is already officially spring time so the roads are fine. As long as you take your time and care on the curvy mountain roads you shouldn’t have any problems.
Hi Martha,
Looks like an incredible itinerary. My friends and I are hoping to visit the end of July for roughly 9/10 days. We are going to pretty much follow your plan but Do you think it would be possible for us to fit in Franz Glacier to our trip or would it be worth it. If so, where would be the best place to add it in? It seems to be a good bit out of the way from all other stops.
Thanks a million.
Arlene
Hi Arlene. Thanks for visiting. I have Franz Josef included in my other itinerary which is 2 weeks long, but since you will be visiting in July and won’t be able to do many of the hikes you could squeeze this itinerary into 9-10 days without a problem. It covers the same places as this one week itinerary but it goes in a loop and has Franz Josef and Arthur’s Pass in there as well.You should check it out. Personally I am a big fan of slow travel and I’d rather see less places but have more time to do more things in each place but everyone is different and my style of travelling might not be the same as yours. Let me know if that helps.
Hi Marta, Thanks for the great blog post. I am planning a trip to South Island in late May/early June. Would you recommend any place there for stargazing through naked eyes?
Hi Chan. Thanks for stopping by. Mount Cook is a fantastic spot to watch the stars. You can also view them very well in Lake Tekapo (if you drive outside of the town a bit). All in all though all of New Zealand has amazing stars. As long as you drive away from town and the city lights.
Hello Marta.
Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information with the world 🙂
I am planning a weeks travel around the South Island of NZ from the 19th to the 25th March. I will land in Christchurch and fly out of Queenstown, so will do it the other way around. I wanted to ask you about Te Anau and Milford Sound. I was thinking of doing the glowworm cave tour in Te Anau the afternoon evening I arrive there. Have you done it? Is it worth it or would you recommend something else? I get mixed feelings about it from the reviews I’ve read. Then I will spend the following day in Milford Sound. The idea is to do a cruise ship tour in the morning at around 10:30 and then do a hike after lunch. Maybe stay and watch the sunset and drive back to to Te Anau that evening. Any hikes you recommend in the area? I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you so much! Have a lovely day.
Maria 🙂
Hi Maria. Thanks for visiting. The three great hikes that you can do along the Milford road are Gertrude Saddle and Lake Marian or Key Summit which is a part of the longer Routeburn track. Gertrude Saddle, though most spectacular of the three, is a full day hike so you should not start it after lunch. Lake Marian can be done within 3-4 hours. Same for Key Summit. As for the glowworm caves, I’ve seen them in the Marlborough sound region and whilst I found them interesting I wouldn’t necessary want to repeat that experience. I enjoy much more wildlife watching and hiking. When you are in Te anau you could also consider taking a trip to Doubtful Sound. I really liked that. An overnight cruise on Milford Sound is also a great experience. I hope that helps!
Yes that helped a lot!!! Thank you sooooo much for the advice. NZ has been amazing. I need to come back!! 🙂
I am so glad to hear you had an amazing time!