New Zealand 12-Day Self-Drive Tour Overview
9 cities |
29 attraction(s) |
total distance 1630
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Christchurch
3 attraction(s) ·
1 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!
1
km
2
Art museum showcasing contemporary works & offering films, lectures, tours & family events.
1
km
3
Christchurch's central cathedral was once the iconic building of the city, but it suffered damage in two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Now, scaffolding has replaced the original elegant Gothic spire, and visitors can peek through the fence at the abandoned church. Although the cathedral's reconstruction plan is still uncertain, the square remains a place for locals to relax and unwind. The square's art leisure chairs, Western chessboard, inverted cone sculpture, colorful mural walls, street performances on weekends, and vintage trams parked on one side make the square filled with artistic atmosphere.
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 > Mount Cook Village > South Island
3 attraction(s) ·
68 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.
48
km
2
The Cook Islands National Park is located in the southeast of the South Alps, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's most famous and oldest national parks, adjacent to the West District National Park, the Aspyling Mountain National Park, and the Fjord National Park. There are nearly 20 mountains here that are over 3,000 meters high, including New Zealand's highest peak - Mount Cook, with an altitude of 3,753 meters. In addition, there are more than 360 magnificent glaciers here, the longest of which is the Tasman Glacier, which is up to 27 kilometers long. If you are passionate about outdoor activities such as climbing, skiing, mountaineering, hiking, and river rafting, the Cook Islands National Park will be a perfect destination. However, if you just want to appreciate the wonderful natural scenery or experience the peaceful environment, visiting this national park is also an unmissable opportunity.
20
km
3
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
Day4: Mount Cook Village > Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
209 km
1
The Cook Islands National Park is located in the southeast of the South Alps, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's most famous and oldest national parks, adjacent to the West District National Park, the Aspyling Mountain National Park, and the Fjord National Park. There are nearly 20 mountains here that are over 3,000 meters high, including New Zealand's highest peak - Mount Cook, with an altitude of 3,753 meters. In addition, there are more than 360 magnificent glaciers here, the longest of which is the Tasman Glacier, which is up to 27 kilometers long. If you are passionate about outdoor activities such as climbing, skiing, mountaineering, hiking, and river rafting, the Cook Islands National Park will be a perfect destination. However, if you just want to appreciate the wonderful natural scenery or experience the peaceful environment, visiting this national park is also an unmissable opportunity.
205
km
3
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.
3
km
4
Attraction featuring a gondola to a panoramic restaurant/bar, hiking trails & a luge ride down.
Day5: Queenstown
3 attraction(s) ·
107 km
1
Milford Sound is world-renowned for its towering mountains and wildlife, and draws more visitors than its rival, Doubtful Sound. One of the most well-known peaks in the area is Mitre Peak, which stands at 1682m tall and is named for its resemblance to a bishop's mitre. Bowen Falls is the only permanent waterfall in the area, standing at 161m tall, while the other permanent waterfall, Sterling Falls, is 155m tall. Visitors to Milford Sound can also see seals resting on the shore and may be fortunate enough to spot penguins, dolphins, and whales. Due to the area's high annual rainfall, visitors can often enjoy misty and magical views of countless waterfalls. There are two options for one-day tours of Milford Sound: a bus and cruise tour or a plane and cruise tour. The bus and cruise tour typically departs around 7am, boards the cruise ship between 12pm and 1pm, completes the tour of the sound within two hours, and returns to Queenstown in the afternoon. The plane and cruise tour takes 4 to 4.5 hours, and the two best cruise companies, Real Journeys and Southern Discoveries, provide Chinese-language commentary and offer both one-day tours of Milford Sound and plane-and-cruise tours. Most tour companies offer free hotel transfers, but this should be confirmed at the time of booking.
87
km
2
Gibbston Valley, also known as "The Valley of Vines," is one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions you may ever see. Despite its harsh natural environment with cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature differences between day and night, it consistently produces internationally acclaimed premium wines. Over 70% of the grapes grown here are Pinot Noir, while other varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The reputation of its Pinot Noir wines is exceptionally high.
21
km
3
Lush, lakefront peninsula with a waterfront trail & alpine vistas, plus an ice rink & skate ramps.
Day6: Wanaka
3 attraction(s) ·
23 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.
4
km
3
A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.
Day7: South Island > Fox Glacier
3 attraction(s) ·
23 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.
19
km
3
7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.
Day8: Fox Glacier > South Island > Greymouth
3 attraction(s) ·
228 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.
188
km
Day9: Kaikoura
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
2
Do you want to get close to the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Kaikoura Peninsula? Come try the Kaikoura Peninsula Trail! You can choose to spend half a day or a full day exploring the entire trail on foot. However, if time is limited, you can choose to only take a 25-minute walk to the Whalers Bay viewpoint and experience the first part of the trail. No matter where you are on the trail, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery where the sea meets the mountains. For travelers who love photography and hiking, the Kaikoura Peninsula Trail is an absolute must-see.
Day10: Christchurch
3 attraction(s) ·
9 km
2
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
3
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.
Day11: South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day12: South Island > Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
41 km
