10-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary
Fly into Christchurch, drive the whole south island in ten days, fly out of Queenstown.
Build this tripAt a glance
- Duration
- 10 days
- Cities
- 4
- Flight legs
- 1
- Budget/day
- $260
Cities
- Christchurch
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Wanaka
The plan
Day 1 Christchurch arrival, rental car. Day 2 drive to Lake Tekapo (3h). Day 3 continue to Wanaka (3h), lake walks. Day 4 drive to Queenstown (1h), the adrenaline capital. Day 5-6 Queenstown adventures: bungee, jet boat, or slow gondola + food. Day 7 Milford Sound day trip (long day -- drive + cruise, 12h total). Day 8 Glenorchy scenic drive. Day 9 back to Queenstown. Day 10 fly home.
When to go
December-March (southern summer).