7 days in the South Island

Lakes, mountains and a fiord in one week: a classic loop from Christchurch through the Mackenzie Country to Queenstown and Milford Sound.

7 days · Christchurch to Queenstown · by car

Day by day

1. Day 1 Christchurch: Botanic Gardens and the rebuilt city centre.
2. Day 2 Drive to Lake Tekapo (about 3 hours); stargazing tour at night.
3. Day 3 Aoraki / Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track, then on to Wānaka.
4. Day 4 Wānaka to Queenstown over the Crown Range; gondola at sunset.
5. Day 5 Drive to Te Anau (about 2 hours).
6. Day 6 Milford Sound cruise; back to Te Anau or Queenstown.
7. Day 7 Arrowtown and Gibbston wineries; fly out of Queenstown.