New Zealand South Island 12 Days Self-Drive Guide

Day1: Christchurch > Kaikoura

2 attraction(s) · 152 km

This self-drive itinerary takes you from Christchurch to Kaikoura to experience whale watching and sea fishing while sampling the fresh local seafood cuisine. It is recommended that you explore the beautiful scenery and rich culture of New Zealand's South Island in 12 days.

1

Christchurch

152 km

2

Kaikōura

Day2:

0 attraction(s) · 0 km

Depart Kaikoura in the morning and travel to Greymouth, visiting sites such as the Thousand Rocks in the afternoon and staying overnight in Greymouth.

Day3: South Island

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

In Greymouth, visit Fox Glacier in the morning, take an optional glacier hike in the afternoon, and stay overnight near Fox Glacier.

1

Fox Glacier

Day4: South Island > Wanaka

3 attraction(s) · 172 km

Today's trip is to leave Fox Glacier for Wanaka, enjoy boating and swimming at Lake Wanaka in the afternoon and overnight in Wanaka.

1

Fox Glacier

154 km

2

Wānaka

19 km

3

Lake Wanaka

From the shore of Lake Wanaka, magnificent views of the town of Wanaka can be enjoyed, and there are a variety of activities to choose from on the lake and along its banks. Wanaka is a unique place full of vitality and a sporty atmosphere, where visitors can try cycling, water skiing, surfing, mountain climbing, running, off-road motorbiking, winter snowboarding or skiing, or simply stroll along the beautiful lake and experience the natural scenery here.

Day5: South Island > Queenstown

2 attraction(s) · 54 km

From Wanaka, continue to Queenstown, free time in Queenstown including shopping, food tasting, etc. Overnight in Queenstown.

1

Wānaka

54 km

2

Queenstown

Day6: Queenstown

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

Queenstown: experience a variety of outdoor activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping throughout the day.

1

Queenstown

Day7: Queenstown > Dunedin

4 attraction(s) · 177 km

Depart Queenstown for Dunedin, visit Dunedin Railway Station, Baldwin Street and other attractions and stay overnight in Dunedin.

1

Queenstown

173 km

2

Dunedin

1 km

3

Dunedin Railway Station

This British railway station is steeped in history, with exhibitions inside and tourists able to take trains to the nearby coastal peninsula.

4 km

4

Baldwin Street

Every visitor to Dunedin will head to this residential street with a slope of about 19 degrees. For drivers with strong skills and responsive brakes, they can speed down the slope at the top like on a rollercoaster. However, most visitors choose to hike up and take interesting photos on the way. In February, the Gutbuster race is held here and in July, the Cadbury World chocolate factory rolls down 10,000 chocolate candies from the top of the slope for visitors to enjoy for free - both fun and delicious.

Day8: Oamaru

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

The day's journey is organized as follows: travel to Oamaru in the morning, watch the penguins nesting in the afternoon and stay overnight in Oamaru.

1

Oamaru

Day9: Lake Tekapo

2 attraction(s) · 3 km

Leave Oamaru in the morning and travel to Tikapu; visit Lake Tikapu and Mount John Observatory in the afternoon; overnight in Tikapu.

1

Lake tekapo

There is a lake called Lake Tekapo in the central part of South Island, New Zealand, managed by Canterbury. The lake is 27 kilometers long, 6 kilometers wide, with an area of 87 square kilometers and an elevation of 700 meters. The average depth of the lake is 69 meters, with a maximum depth of 120 meters. It has strong evaporation capacity and a storage capacity of 6 cubic kilometers.

3 km

2

University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory

John's Mountain Observatory is renowned for its stunning scenery and convenient location. It's just a 15-minute drive from Lake Tikapoo, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Day10: Lake Tekapo > Christchurch

2 attraction(s) · 181 km

Return from Tekapo to Christchurch, free time in the afternoon after returning the car and stay overnight in Christchurch.

1

Lake tekapo

There is a lake called Lake Tekapo in the central part of South Island, New Zealand, managed by Canterbury. The lake is 27 kilometers long, 6 kilometers wide, with an area of 87 square kilometers and an elevation of 700 meters. The average depth of the lake is 69 meters, with a maximum depth of 120 meters. It has strong evaporation capacity and a storage capacity of 6 cubic kilometers.

181 km

2

Christchurch

Day11: Christchurch

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

Arrive in Christchurch on the first day and relax and rest, you can stroll around the city and enjoy the view of the Swan River. The next day enjoy the city of Christchurch by shopping, visiting museums and more.

1

Christchurch

Day12: Christchurch

1 attraction(s) · 0 km

This journey will start in Christchurch and travel along the South Island on a self-drive tour to explore the natural beauty and cultural features of New Zealand. On the way, you will visit the beautiful Flamoose, the wonderland Queenstown, the magnificent Milford Sound, experience exciting surfing, unforgettable whale-watching tours, and finally end up at Christchurch airport to conclude an unforgettable journey.

1