The South Island serves cinematic peaks and fjords; the North brings geothermal wonders and Māori warmth. Below is a South-Island road-trip plus an optional North-Island loop if you have extra time.
About this stop: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and LOTR scenery crammed into one epic week.
Suggested itinerary
- Day 1 – Christchurch street-art & botanic gardens
- Day 2 – Drive to Lake Tekapo, stargazing reserve
- Day 3 – Aoraki/Mt Cook alpine hikes or heli-glacier flight
- Day 4 – Wanaka: Roy’s Peak sunrise trek
- Day 5 – Queenstown adventure sports (bungy, jet-boat)
- Day 6 – Milford Sound cruise via Fiordland NP
- Day 7 – Glenorchy LOTR locations; depart Queenstown