First Time NZ South Island Road Trip (11 Days) – Thoughts on My Plan?
I’m planning an 11-day South Island road trip in New Zealand (May) and would love some feedback or suggestions 🙏
Day 1 | Christchurch
recover from jetlag/evening walk/exploration
Day 2 | Christchurch → Tekapo
accommodation: Tekapo 2nights
- Lake Tekapo shoreline
- Church of the Good Shepherd (stargazing)
- Lake Pukaki stop
🟢 Day 3 | Tekapo →Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park →Tekapo
- Hooker Valley Track
- Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
🔴 Day 4 | Tekapo → Queenstown
- Lindis Pass
- Cromwell
- Lake Wakatipu first view
Accommodation : Queenstown 2nights
🔴 Day 5 | Queenstown →Glenorchy →Queenstown
- Glenorchy Wharf
- Lagoon Walk
- Paradise Valley Road
Accommodation : Queenstown
🟢 Day 6 | Queenstown → Te Anau
Lake Te Anau waterfront (sunset)
➡️ Rest day
accommodation : Te Anau 2nights
🟢 Day 7 | Te Anau →Milford Sound
Stops:
- Mirror Lakes
- Eglinton Valley
- Homer Tunnel
accommodation: Te Anau
🟡 Day 8 | Te Anau → Wanaka
- Quick Queenstown stop
- Crown Range Road
Accommodation : Wanaka
🟡 Day 9 | Wanaka
- Roy’s Peak (optional sunrise hike)
- Lake Wanaka
- Wanaka Tree
Accommodation : Wanaka
🟡 Day 10 | Wanaka
Options:
- Second sunrise shoot
- Short hikes / lake exploration
- Rest + editing day ➡️ Buffer day
Accommodation : Wanaka
🔵 Day 11 | Wanaka → Queenstown
- drive back (~1 hr)
- Last Queenstown evening walk / content.
Day 12 ✈️ Departure | Queenstown Airport
return rental car.