Explore New Zealand: A 12-Day Winter Travel Guide

8 cities | 22 attraction(s) | total distance 1611 km
TIPS
This travel guide is a 12-day winter self-driving itinerary covering multiple famous attractions on both North/South Islands of New Zealand including Christchurch Lake Tekapo Queenstown Milford Sound Dunedin Oamaru Kaikoura Hanmer Springs etc. The itinerary covers city exploration natural scenery skiing dolphin watching whale watching hot spring experiences among various tourism projects aiming at letting tourists appreciate unique winter landscapes/rich experiences of New Zealand.
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Day2
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Day6
Day7
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Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12

Day1: Christchurch

1 attraction(s) · 0 km
This itinerary suggests starting from Christchurch, renting a car and staying in the city center or nearby accommodations for convenient subsequent self-driving exploration of the South Island.

Day2: South Island > Lake Tekapo

3 attraction(s) · 14 km
In Christchurch, visit Lake Tekapo to admire the beautiful blue waters, tour the Church of the Good Shepherd and Mount John Observatory, and enjoy the natural and serene atmosphere. Choose to stay at nearby hotels or B&Bs to experience a unique travel beauty.
1
11 km
2
3 km
3

Day3: Lake Tekapo > Queenstown

4 attraction(s) · 189 km
Enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of Queenstown, tour Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens, and stay in downtown or nearby hotels or B&Bs.
1
186 km
2
2 km
3
2 km
4

Day4: Queenstown

2 attraction(s) · 1 km
In Queenstown, you can take the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view, experience skiing fun, taste famous Fergburger burgers, then choose downtown or nearby hotels or B&Bs for accommodation.
1
1 km
2

Day5: South Island > Queenstown

2 attraction(s) · 75 km
Tour Milford Sound near Queenstown, take a cruise to appreciate the spectacular scenery, and choose nearby accommodations to enjoy the views.

Day6: South Island > Te Anau

3 attraction(s) · 88 km
Visit Te Anau town to admire the glowworm cave landscape; choose to stay in downtown Te Anau or nearby hotels or B&Bs.
2
1 km
3

Day7: Dunedin

3 attraction(s) · 5 km
From Te Anau visit Dunedin, tour First Church and Baldwin Street; you can choose accommodations in downtown or nearby areas.
1
1 km
2
4 km
3

Day8: Oamaru

3 attraction(s) · 2 km
In Oamaru, you can tour Oamaru city center and Whitestone town, visit penguin habitats to watch spectacular penguin nesting scenes; choose accommodations in downtown or nearby hotels or B&Bs.
1
1 km
2
2 km
3

Day9: Oamaru > Christchurch

2 attraction(s) · 219 km
This itinerary starts from Oamaru back to Christchurch ending your South Island trip. Return your rental car at Christchurch Airport and choose accommodations in downtown or nearby areas.
1
219 km

Day10: Kaikoura

2 attraction(s) · 24 km
From Christchurch head to Kaikoura where you can participate in whale watching activities in this seaside town; admire seal habitats; choose accommodations in town center or nearby areas for an enriching marine life journey.
1
24 km
2

Day11: South Island

1 attraction(s) · 0 km
While touring Kaikoura you can head to Hanmer Springs known as a famous hot spring town; enjoy comfortable hot springs and spa services; choose accommodations in town center or nearby hotels/B&Bs.
1

Day12: South Island > Christchurch

2 attraction(s) · 114 km
This is a 12-day itinerary planning for New Zealand in August including Auckland Queenstown Milford Sound Hanmer Springs etc., finally returning back to Christchurch for shopping/rest before departure. Have a pleasant trip!
1
114 km