New Zealand South Island

Hans Bui4 years ago

We spent a week touring and exploring the South Island of New Zealand in April 2019.

If you are looking for an itinerary that is a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, I hope this can be a great template for your trip...

Christchurch International Airport

Petrol price in NZ South Island is quite expensive. I do recommend you opt in for petrol price lockin option if car rental office do offer it to you

Christchurch International Airport

30 Durey Rd, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

Christchurch International Airport

4hr flight direct from Sydney. We chose to flight with Qantas / Emirates because it lands at 12:30pm which left us enough time to explore around the city after 2pm hotel check in

Christchurch International Airport

30 Durey Rd, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand

detail activity

Strawberry Fare

15 Bealey Ave, Merivale, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

City Centre Rolleston Ave, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

Christchurch Astro Tours

If you are into astrophotography or simply love gazing the starry sky, this tour is for you

Skyline Gondola Base

Enjoy the view of Queenstown from the look out. There are food options from the food court or you can visit the buffet

Skyline Gondola Base

53 Brecon St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Onsen Hot Pools

A tranquil view of the valley. Recommend the night session if you enjoy star gazing

Onsen Hot Pools

160 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371, New Zealand

The road to Glenorchy is considered by some to be New Zealand’s most beautiful road. Glenorchy is a small settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand.

Glenorchy

Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Stunning in Autumn

Arrowtown

Arrowtown, New Zealand

The Fork And Tap

If you like good craft beer options to down with your food, check out this great place

The Fork And Tap

51 Buckingham St, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand

Eglinton Valley

Definitely a very great stop. If you travel to Milford Sound on a bus tour, they will stop here as well. We stop one more time on the way back from Milford Sound and the valley was covered in fogs, which created a whole new vibe

Eglinton Valley

6202/6244 Te Anau-Milford Hwy, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand

Milford Sound

Great way to discover the eighth wonder of the world. Most cruise will serve you hot drinks and foods are available for purchase. Alternatively you opt in for packages with buffet lunch. For our journey with chose to cruise with Real Journeys on their Milford Sound Nature Cruises option, which will give you longer journey and less tourists. IMO, early morning cruise during Winter is the best.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

1855 lookout

1855 New Zealand State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand

Tanoshi

Tucked away modern Japanese food bar

Tanoshi

Skyline Arcade, Mall St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Fergburger

Meat lovers or vegan, there always going to be a burger for you. The line are always long so make sure you either come early or expect an hour wait

Fergburger

42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Blue Pools Walk INCLUDING DEVEL'S BATH

Yes, it is really Blue!

Blue Pools Walk INCLUDING DEVEL'S BATH

Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, Mt Aspiring National Park 9382, New Zealand

#ThatWanakaTree

If you are a photographer or need something for your IG feed, this should be in your must-do list. Make sure you come early as the place is very popular. I recommend working with a telephoto lens and waterproof tripod

#ThatWanakaTree

59 Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand

Lake Bar

🍺🥃🍽

Lake Bar

155 Ardmore St, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand

Roys Peak

If you are fit, this is one of the biggest must do when you are in New Zealand. Quite a hike, medium / hard grade so be well prepared for the journey. 6hr+ round trip. Also if you want to see sunrise on Roys Peak, you should start at around 3-4am depends on the seasons. Check official website to learn about closures due to weather and lambing season

Roys Peak

Roys Peak, Otago 9381, New Zealand

The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House

Cozy and nice foods

The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House

33 Ardmore St, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand

Fairlie

Due to high season we couldn’t book any accommodation in Tekapo. However we managed to find a very cool Airbnb near Fairlie, which was very clean and comfortable

Fairlie

Fairlie 7987, New Zealand

Kai Whakapai

This place is so vibrant at night! We went passed this place the night before and decide to visit for breakfast. Great view of the Wanaka lake

Kai Whakapai

121 Ardmore St, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand

Hooker Valley track

Enjoy the amazing landscapes of the Southern Alps, wind up the Hooker Valley past alpine streams and glaciers in the shadow of Aoraki. Enjoy the views of Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Mount Cook. 3hr on an easy return trip.