14-Day South Island Itinerary: Glaciers, Fjords & Lakes
If you are planning your first road trip to New Zealand’s South Island, this carefully balanced 2-week self-drive itinerary ensures you hit world-class highlights without spending all day driving.
Days 1-3: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo & Aoraki Mount Cook
Begin your journey in Christchurch before driving across the Canterbury Plains toward the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Spend night two at Mount Cook Village. Hike the Hooker Valley Track (a flat 3-hour return walk over suspension bridges) right to the base of New Zealand’s tallest peak.
Days 4-7: Wanaka & Queenstown Alpine Hubs
Drive over the dramatic Lindis Pass into Wanaka. Climb Roy’s Peak or Isthmus Peak for breathtaking lake panoramas. Continue via the Crown Range Road (NZ’s highest sealed paved pass) into Queenstown. Spend two days wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley and riding the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu.
Days 8-11: Te Anau & Milford Sound Wilderness
Head south toward Fiordland. Base yourself in Te Anau to explore the glowworm caves. Take an early morning drive along the Milford Road (State Highway 94), stopping at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes before embarking on an overnight fjord cruise in Milford Sound.
Days 12-14: West Coast Glaciers to Christchurch
Traverse Haast Pass onto the wild West Coast. Witness Franz Josef or Fox Glacier via a heli-hike tour before taking the iconic TranzAlpine scenic train from Greymouth back to Christchurch.
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