8-Day South Island Tour: Explore Natural Beauty and Enjoy Gourmet Food

7 cities | 14 attraction(s) | total distance 8337 km

TIPS

This travel guide provides recommendations for an 8-day South Island New Zealand itinerary. The itinerary includes major attractions such as Christchurch, Kaikoura, Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, Haast, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Bluff. Attractions cover natural scenery, culinary delights, adventure activities, and more. Each day's plan is detailed to ensure visitors can explore the charm of the South Island within a short period. The overall arrangement is reasonable, considering the distances between attractions and the comfort of the trip, making it suitable for various types of travelers including families, couples, and adventurers. Highlights of the itinerary include 90% of popular attractions and accommodations in 4-5 star hotels, making it a highly recommended comprehensive travel guide.

Day1: Christchurch > Kaikoura > South Island > Mount Cook Village

5 attraction(s) · 734 km

This 8-day South Island New Zealand tour will take you to explore the natural scenery, cuisine, and adventure activities of the South Island. Starting from Christchurch, passing through Kaikoura, Franz Josef Glacier, Otago Peninsula, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and other destinations, experience the charming landscapes and diverse activities of the South Island.

Christchurch

152 km

Kaikōura

447 km

Wānaka

2 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

133 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Day2: Kaikoura > South Island > Arrowtown > Queenstown > Mount Cook Village

9 attraction(s) · 1023 km

This is the itinerary from Kaikoura to Punakaiki.

Kaikōura

197 km

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track

177 km

Franz Josef Glacier

7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.

163 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

36 km

Arrowtown

17 km

Queenstown

194 km

Lake Tekapo

40 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

203 km

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Day3: South Island > Mount Cook Village

3 attraction(s) · 295 km

The journey from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier is filled with magnificent views, offering beautiful natural scenery and spectacular glacier vistas, making you feel as if you are in paradise.

Franz Josef Glacier

7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.

163 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

133 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Day4: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

4 attraction(s) · 784 km

From the glacier to Wanaka, then to Arrowtown, and finally to Queenstown.

Kaikōura

447 km

Wānaka

132 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

207 km

Christchurch

Day5: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

4 attraction(s) · 341 km

This itinerary includes visiting Queenstown, taking a cruise around the lake, touring Arrowtown and Lake Wakatipu, and experiencing the unique scenery and culture of New Zealand.

Wānaka

2 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

133 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

207 km

Christchurch

Day6: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

3 attraction(s) · 413 km

Departing from Queenstown and passing through beautiful scenery en route to reach Lake Tekapo to admire the lake and mountain views.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track

207 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

207 km

Christchurch

Day7: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

5 attraction(s) · 678 km

This travel route covers Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Bluff, providing diverse scenery and experiences for visitors.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track

337 km

Wānaka

2 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

133 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

207 km

Christchurch

Day8: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

4 attraction(s) · 501 km

Bluff will head to Christchurch after completing the next week's itinerary in Australia.

Franz Josef Glacier

7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.

163 km

#ThatWanakaTree

A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.

133 km

Aoraki / Mount Cook

207 km

Christchurch

Day2: South Island > Mount Cook Village > Christchurch

6 attraction(s) · 875 km

Punakaiki is a mountain peak in Nepal, whereas Franz Josef Glacier is located in Greenland. The distance between the two is vast, requiring traversal of different geographical environments.