9 Days Road Trip in New Zealand (South Island)

This 9 days road trip covers most of the popular attractions in New Zealand South Island. It is a 1-way trip that starts from Christ Church and ends in Queenstown.

Summary of this itinerary:

About New Zealand & South Island

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main islands — the North Island and the South Island.

The currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

The South Island is the largest island of New Zealand. However, it is less populated than the north island of New Zealand.

Day 1 – Christchurch

After landing in Christchurch Airport, you can go to the International Antarctic Centre and look at some baby penguins to cure your jet lag! The centre is quite close to the Airport (9 mins walk) and is recommended for people with a long transit time in Christchurch Airport as well. If you are a Church or Cathedral lover, you can go to the Cardboard Cathedral which was built as a temporary Cathedral after 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.

If you are a city-lover, you might want to spend more time in Christ Church.

Day 2 – Twizel

On the way to Twizel, you can drop by in Burkes Pass. Burkes Pass is a tiny historic village and is full of cool looking buildings that can only be seen in movies. After that, you can do a rest stop in Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.

Fresh salmon are available for purchase in Lake Pukaki area (Refer to this link for more details). You can enjoy the salmon and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Pukaki after a long road drive.

Day 3 – Mt Cook

For day 3, it is recommended to visit Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. In Mt Cook, you can hike in the Hooker Valley track which is one of the most popular trails in Mt cook. It starts from Hooker Bluff Bridge and ends at Hooker Lake. The track is quite easy as there are covered pathways in most part of the track.

Do not listen to music while walking this Hooker Valley track! Just enjoy the natural sounds of water stream as the majority part of the trail is along Hooker river.

Day 4 – Wanaka

Finally, there is a canoe and kayak rental service in Lake Wanaka after visiting so many lakes! Therefore, it is time to be adventurous and enjoy the beauty of the lake in a different way. The lake is quite calm so do not worry about capsizing. Try to have a friendly competition with your travel partners and determine who is the best in rowing.

Day 5 – Fox Glacier

Next, you can go to the Fox Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. If you are adventurous, you can do a Heli-hike in Fox Glacier. Otherwise, you can just do a normal valley walk that is not difficult except there is a high incline slope.

The return path of fox glacier trail looks more awesome than the glacier itself

Day 6 – Te Anau

While driving to Te Anau for Glow worm cave, do stop by Arrow Junction Lookout. The view is super amazing. At the lookout, you could see endless view of small towns and mountains that are way beyond reach. Unfortunately, photo-taking is not allowed in Glow Worm cave. However, the spectacular Glow Worm cave is still worth the price.

Wear long pant while going to the glow worm cave as certain part of the cave is quite narrow.

Day 7 – Milford Sound

On day 7, visit Milford Sound. Milford Sound is a must-go attraction when you visit south island of New Zealand. It is voted as the world’s top travel destination in the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards conducted by TripAdvisor.

Take a cruise in Milford Sound and experience the majestic waterfall in Milford Sound

Day 8 & 9 – Queenstown

For day 8, it is time to explore Queenstown. If you are adventurous, you can follow me and try sky-diving in Queenstown. Alternatively, you could go the Skyline Queenstown to look at the panoramic view of Queenstown.

When you are in New Zealand, it is a must to see Kiwi as Kiwi is a national icon of New Zealand. Hence, it is recommended to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown to look at the flightless bird, Kiwi.

For day 9, you could go to the Goldfield Mining Centre, a historic site that is dedicated to depict the life and working conditions of Otago’s early goldminers.

If you are desperate for gold, you can try mining in Goldfield Mining Centre.

Ending Remarks

Generally, it is sufficient to spend 9 days to tour in New Zealand South Island. However, it is advisable to visit New Zealand North Island as well if you have time. New Zealand North Island is the place where they filmed Lord of the Rings and Hobbits. The Waitomo Glow Worm cave will be more spectacular than Te Anau Glow Worm cave as well.