Exploring New Zealand's South Island
7 cities |
21 attraction(s) |
total distance 1135
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day1: Christchurch
3 attraction(s) ·
7 km
1
Christchurch has a 300,000 square meter green land located by the Avon River, which is the most pleasant place in the city. Over ten thousand species of plants display a colorful array of colors in different seasons, bringing endless surprises to visitors. Whether it's the elderly, children, couples, or friends, taking a stroll in the botanical garden or enjoying a cup of coffee in the cafe is very pleasant. The visitor information center is located between the botanical garden and the Canterbury Museum and provides timely answers to any visitor questions. Come here and experience the atmosphere of the garden city!
4
km
Day2: Lake Tekapo
3 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
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.
2
km
2
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a historic church constructed by renowned architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountford in 1935. This church features a unique Gothic wood and stone building and is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. It is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo and surrounded by stunning natural scenery amidst towering mountains. Due to its unique architecture and charming environment, many couples choose to hold their weddings here, making it one of the most famous tourist attractions in New Zealand.
3
km
3
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.
Day3: Lake Tekapo > Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
188 km
1
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.
186
km
3
Attraction featuring a gondola to a panoramic restaurant/bar, hiking trails & a luge ride down.
3
km
4
Nestled in a glaciated valley, New Zealand's third largest lake is shaped like a lightning bolt and boasts stunning scenery. The northern end is where the Dart River merges into it, while the Kawarau River flows into the lake mouth after originating from Queenstown. It is surrounded by high mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Earnslaw at 2,819 meters above sea level. The towns around the lake include Queenstown, Kingston, Glenorchy, and Kinloch, the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Bungee jumping, a worldwide sensation, originated here. One of the activities by the lake is a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to see the lake views. In the early 20th century, the Earnslaw mainly provided transportation for goods to the ranches on the lake shore. Today, it is still well-preserved and takes tourists to the Walter Peak sheep farm for a stunning view. All of these towns quietly nestled along the lake are worth a visit.
Day4: South Island
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day5: Wanaka
2 attraction(s) ·
19 km
1
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.
19
km
2
This world brings joy to both adults and children, filled with a strange and psychedelic atmosphere. Here, you can collect many visual tricks that are "seen but unseen", and even the bathroom presents a dazzling 3D image. There is also an interesting ancient Roman toilet, although you cannot use it for real, it is still a fun photo spot. The Hall of Following Faces is also very interesting, and viewing it from different angles can bring unexpected surprises. In addition, there is a large wooden maze where you can spend over an hour and walk five kilometers to complete it. Besides, there are many intellectual games in the cafeteria, suitable for visitors of all ages to play together.
Day6: South Island > Fox Glacier
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
2
Matheson Lake is located in the Fox Glacier region, offering an opportunity for hikers to enjoy the magnificent snow-capped mountains and lake scenery. The lake area has three viewpoints located at 15, 25, and 60 minutes respectively clockwise. Among them, the Reflection Island viewpoint offers the most captivating view, where visitors can witness the stunning sunset scenery.
Day7: Fox Glacier > Greymouth > South Island
3 attraction(s) ·
191 km
1
Fox Glacier is a 13-kilometer-long glacier located in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand’s Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area, named after Sir William Fox who visited the area in 1872.
151
km
Day8: Greymouth > Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
104 km
1
Arthur's Pass is located in the central Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, with an altitude of 923 meters, making it the highest mountain pass in the entire region. The village of Arthur's Pass is also located here, making it the highest town in the South Island. It is located 100 kilometers from Greymouth and takes about an hour to drive, making it one of the main entrances to the national park. The peaks here are high and towering, with over 20 peaks reaching over 2,000m, providing rich experiences in skiing and hiking. In addition, the TranzAlpine train route from Christchurch to Greymouth must pass through Arthur's Pass, making transportation convenient and accommodations abundant.
104
km
Day9: Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
8 km
1
The Canterbury Museum is located in the center of Christchurch, with a grand and distinct European architectural style. The museum has a diverse range of exhibitions, including New Zealand history, nature, Maori culture, art, etc. The Antarctic-related theme is particularly fascinating, showcasing vivid sculptures of emperor penguins and Coracle, a small boat used for survival during the shipwreck of 1907 on Disappointment Island. In addition, the museum has abundant specimens of birds from the South Pacific, showcasing the rich ecological diversity of our planet. Before July 2015, the special exhibition "Quake City" was open to the public, displaying the reconstruction and impact of Christchurch after multiple earthquakes since September 2010, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history and development. The museum’s ticket prices are also very affordable, with only 10 New Zealand dollars for adults to enjoy the exhibitions. A visit to the museum will provide a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Christchurch.
8
km
2
The South Pole Station, located near the airport, was built to manage research projects in Antarctica by New Zealand, the US, and Italy. It is also suitable as a science or knowledge center, ideal for children to visit. Here, you can learn about Antarctica's history and geology and view specimens collected underwater. You can also experience the "Antarctic Storm Room" and feel the cold of the ice continent. At the center, you can also ride an all-terrain vehicle and experience an outdoor adventure with the Hagglund Ride.
Day10: Christchurch
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
