South Island · 7 days · 6 nights
Christchurch, Tekapo, Aoraki, Wānaka & Queenstown
One week, one clean line across the island: from the Canterbury plains up into the Mackenzie Country, under Aoraki, over the passes and down to the lakes. It is the classic South Island week, and it earns the title.
Major highlights
Where you sleep
Christchurch (1 night) · Lake Tekapo (1 night) · Aoraki / Mt Cook (1 night) · Wānaka (2 nights) · Queenstown (1 night)
The journey, day by day
Day 01
Night 1 · Christchurch
Day 1
Arrive in Christchurch
Botanic Gardens & the Avonallow an afternoon
A rebuilt city that wears its history openly. Walk the gardens and the transitional cathedral.
EveningDinner in Riverside Market or Victoria Street.
Night 1 · Christchurch
Rough cost · NZ$240–NZ$420
Day 02
Night 2 · Lake Tekapo
Day 2
225 km · approx. 3 hrs driving
MorningWest across the plains and up into the Mackenzie. · leave 9:00am
Lake Tekapoallow afternoon and evening
Turquoise glacial water, the little stone church, and a dark sky reserve overhead.
EveningHot pools, then stargazing — the sky here is protected by law.
Don't miss
The Milky Way from the lake edge on a clear night.
Night 2 · Lake Tekapo
Rough cost · NZ$280–NZ$480
Day 03
Night 3 · Aoraki / Mt Cook
Day 3
105 km · approx. 1.5 hrs driving
MorningThe Lake Pukaki road with the mountain straight ahead.
Aoraki / Mt Cookallow 3–4 hours
Walk the Hooker Valley Track — three hours, flat, three swing bridges, and an iceberg lake at the end.
EveningDinner at the village, and stars again.
Don't miss
The Pukaki lookout — the most photographed pull-off in New Zealand for a reason.
Night 3 · Aoraki / Mt Cook
Rough cost · NZ$300–NZ$520
Day 04
Night 4 · Wānaka
Day 4
200 km · approx. 3 hrs driving
Clay Cliffsallow 1 hour
Strange eroded pinnacles down a gravel road. A small koha applies.
Lake Hāweaallow 45 minutes
A quieter lake than Wānaka, and a good place for lunch by the water.
EveningWānaka lakefront at sunset.
Night 4 · Wānaka
Rough cost · NZ$280–NZ$480
Day 05
Night 5 · Wānaka
Day 5
Wānaka
MorningRoys Peak if you are fit and early; Diamond Lake if you are not.
Roys Peak Trackallow 5–6 hours
Five to six hours return, relentlessly uphill, and one of the great views on earth.
Rippon or Maude wineriesallow 1–2 hours
Vineyards on the lake edge with the mountains behind.
Good to know
Night 5 · Wānaka
Rough cost · NZ$250–NZ$450
Day 06
Night 6 · Queenstown
Day 6
115 km · approx. 2 hrs driving
Arrowtownallow 2 hours
Lunch on the main street and a wander through the Chinese settlement.
Gibbston Valleyallow 2 hours
Pinot noir country, and the original bungy bridge if someone in the car is brave.
EveningInto Queenstown for the night.
Night 6 · Queenstown
Rough cost · NZ$300–NZ$540
Day 07
Day 7
580 km · approx. 8 hrs driving
MorningA very long day, best done by coach so you can watch the road instead of drive it. · leave 6:45am
Milford Soundallow full day
Twelve hours door to door, and still worth every minute.
Book the coach and cruise together, well ahead.
Don't miss
Sitting on the top deck as the boat noses under a waterfall.
Departs from · Queenstown
Rough cost · NZ$350–NZ$600
approx. NZ$320–NZ$490 per person, per day — around approx. NZ$2,300–NZ$3,400 per person for the whole trip, twin share, mid-range.
Best time to go
October to April. Late November brings the Tekapo lupins.
What to book ahead
Mt Cook accommodation (limited), Milford coach and cruise, all summer nights.
Longest driving day
Day 7 if you self-drive Milford — take the coach instead.
One-way hire
Christchurch to Queenstown attracts a one-way fee of roughly NZ$100–NZ$250.
Road & weather
The Lindis and Crown Range can carry ice from May to September. Chains may be required.
Costs
Indicative only — always check current prices before booking.
(Book) — Experiences on this route
Tours and activities around Queenstown and this route — check availability with our booking partner.
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Sources & useful links
Road conditions, closures and alpine passes change daily. Check the official journey planner on the morning you travel.
Last checked 21 August 2026
