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South Island of New Zealand in 10 days [+ Map]
After traveling around New Zealand for three months, it has become one of our favorite countries, one we already dream of returning to. It offers activities and landscapes as diverse as they are beautiful, especially different between the North and South Islands. Although in one New Zealand route in 10 days recommend visit only the South Island, where the most iconic landscapes are found.
These 10 days you'll spend many hours behind the wheel, but the landscapes that adorn the carKiwi trainers will help make journeys less tiring. In this article we'll tell you how. what we would do day by day to enjoy the country and make the most of the trip.
Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? Don't worry, we also have an alternative for those who don't. Hobbiton among its essentials.
Route summary through New Zealand in 10 days
On the 10-day New Zealand itinerary we propose, you will visit some of the carThe most famous and beautiful routes in the country. Along the entire route, you'll find recommended stops for each day and places to stay.
- Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch and explore Arthur's Pass
- Day 2: West Coast Glaciers
- Day 3: Haast Pass and Wanaka
- Day 4 and 5: Queenstown
- 6 7 days and: Fiordland and Milford Sound Cruise
- Days 8 and 9: Glacial lakes and Mount Cook
- Day 10: Christchurch and back home or fly to Fiji?
Preparations before a 10-day route through New Zealand
Before we start talking in detail about the itinerary and places to see in New Zealand in 10 days, we want to share with you some tips and recommendations very useful to prepare your trip. If you'd prefer to learn more about our tips after traveling the country for 3 months, we have a complete guide to traveling to New Zealand.
Which is better, a camper van or a carcarVan or car?
New Zealand is a country that invites you to explore it camper van or carcarAustralia. We're not saying this because it's the option we chose, but because objectively it's a country very well prepared for it and with a strong camping culture. There are campsites everywhere, in enviable natural settings and for all levels. There are many free camping areas with basic amenities where you can spend the night completely free.
ᐈ Here we tell you What are the campsites like in New Zealand?
Tour it in rental car It's not a bad option either, but you have less room for improvisation. You'll almost always eat in restaurants, and hotels, especially in remote areas, aren't cheap. In general, the final budget for the trip is incareceWe also tried this option last week, after selling our van. To keep the cost down, we booked hotels with Booking in towns that are not very touristy and we often buy prepared meals from supermarkets.
Best time to travel to New Zealand
It's very difficult to say when is the best time to travel to New Zealand because each season offers very different landscapes, and since it's a destination where people go primarily to enjoy nature, there's time for everything. Winter can be harsh if you're traveling in a campervan, but the snowy landscapes and the possibility of practicingcar el esqui It is a very favorable point. Not to forget that it is the best time to see whales in New Zealand.
However, the Summer is the favorite choice of mostYou won't have to worry as much about warm clothing, and the weather isn't harsh. You'll be able to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, including swimming on the beaches. Personally, we love traveling in late spring or early fall; it's not the peak season, everything is green, and the weather is very pleasant.
Travel insurance
Traveling to New Zealand without insurance is a a risk not worth takingAlthough the country is safe and has an excellent healthcare system, medical expenses can be very high. A simple accident while driving or hiking can cost a considerable amount. carthe.
In addition, travel insurance not only covers medical expenses, but also protects against cancellations, lost luggage, or unforeseen events during the trip. For a 10-day trip to New Zealand, we recommend Heymondo insurance Since they offer the most extensive coverage at a great price, you get an additional discount as a reader.
Mobile Internet and coverage in the country
There are 3 main companies in New Zealand, Spark, 2Degrees and One. They claim to cover 97% of the population, but most people live in cities so In remote areas, coverage leaves much to be desired.If you travel by camper and prefer camping in natural settings, it's not uncommon to spend the night without coverage.
We use the eSIM of Holafly with very good results throughout the country, uses Spark coverage. The main advantage of Holafly is that the the internet is unlimited, You can share the internet with other devices (there is a limit) and online purchasing and installation is very simple. You have internet access from the moment you arrive in the country.
How to pay in New Zealand
Card payment is widespread, They are accepted in all businesses. Don't forget to travel with one card that does not charge a fee for currency exchange, so you can pay without worries. We take advantage of the free withdrawals offered by the TradeRepublic card to withdraw $100 just in case, but we only use it to buy eggs and avocados at the bus stops along the way. carretera.
route by New Zealand in 10 days
This 10-day New Zealand route covers only the South Island, but If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings, and visit Hobbiton It is one of your must-sees in New Zealand, we recommend spending a day in Auckland and booking this excursion or rent a car for a day.
Day 1 – Arrive in New Zealand and explore Arthur's Pass
The itinerary begins in Christchurch, a city you can fly to directly (from several Australian cities) or with an internal flight from Auckland. If you arrive in the evening, sleep in Christchurch and start the next day.
💡 If you are traveling in a camper van or carcaravana takes advantage of buy food for about 5 daysThe cheapest supermarket is PAK'nSAVE. The areas you will visit are remote with small supermarkets and carthe.
Once you have your vehicle head to the popular Arthur's Pass, carA route that crosses from the east coast to the west through incredible mountain scenery. Make a note of these stops you'll find along the way. carretera and you shouldn't miss:
- Sheffield Pies (20min): Restaurant specializing in the popular "feet» New Zealanders, ideal for picar something.
- Castle hill (1h): Area with incredible rock formations, scene of a battle in the film Narnia.
- Cave Stream Scenic Reserve (2h): Recommended stop for cave lovers.
- Arthur's Pass Scenic Lookout (15min): Viewpoint.
- Devils Punchbowl Waterfall (1h): Round trip route to a viewpoint of a waterfall.
After several hours of driving, you'll reach the west coast. We recommend spending the night in Greymouth, a city close to the sites you'll visit the next day and with plenty of accommodation, campsites, and restaurant options.
Day 2: West Coast Glaciers
The next two days of this route we recommend tour the west coastAnd what better way to start than by visiting Pancake Rocks? carThe road that connects Greymouth to this curious geological formation is an attraction in itself. After visiting this spot, drive south to the town of Fox Glacier. In this area, you could visit:
- Hokitika Gorge (1,5h): Easy 2km trail to a suspension bridge over a deep turquoise river.
- Robert's Point (5-6 hours): A 12-km route of medium-to-high difficulty to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef Glacier. In the same area, there is another 20-minute route to Sentinel Rock, a less impressive viewpoint.
- Fox Glacier Valley Walk (2h): Easy 6km route to see the Fox Glacier. Or go to the Glass Viewpoint, it looks further away but you don't have to walk, This is the exact point.
- Lake Matheson (1,5 hours): A circular route around a lake. On sunny, windless days, it offers a beautiful reflection of the mountains.
- Minnehaha Walk⭐(30min): Go at night. Your best chance to see glowworms on this 10-day route through New Zealand.
Day 3: Haast Pass and Wanaka
If you want to experience a unique helicopter flight over glaciers, including a snow landing, this is the perfect day to do it. Take a helicopter tour about Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, or both, by the morning of your third day of this 10-day New Zealand itinerary.
Continue driving towards Wanaka through another of the best carNew Zealand roads, the SH6 known as Haast Pass. Travel through glacial rivers and large lakes, with several places to stop. Some of the best are:
- Thunder Creek (15min): 28-meter jump over a blue river.
- Wilsom Creek Chasm (20min): Small waterfall and stream within a narrow gorge at the foot of carretera.
- Fantail Falls (15min): Short walk to see this waterfall.
- Brewster Hut – Glacier Cave (4-10 hours): One of the best mountain hikes in New Zealand. You can hike alone to the hut or continue to the foot of the glacier, where there's an ice cave. This is a very challenging hike that can take all day.
- Blue Polish (45min): 1,5km route along a deep blue river that reaches some pools.
- Viewpoints by the lakes (15min): Along the route you will find several viewpoints to enjoy the lakes, we recommend stopping.
Day 4 and 5: Queenstown
Before going to Queenstown we recommend Visit some of Wanaka's attractions. Walk along the lake to reach the Wanaka Tree, one of the most famous postcards. If you like trekking, go see the sunrise from Roy's Peak (or sunset the day before), you won't regret it.
One hour from Wanaka is Queenstown, the New Zealand capital of the SportsIf you don't fancy these types of activities, we suggest extending your stay in Wanaka. Here are some of the the best things Things to do in Queenstown:
- Go on a Jet Boat: This activity invented in New Zealand, it consists of sailing at full speed along a river with very narrow canyons.
- skyline: Cable car up to Bob's Peak with great views of the lake and the surrounding Queenstown area.
- Stroll around QueenstownWe recommend taking a walk through the center and along the lake where you will have brutal landscapes.
- Stroll along Jack's Point Beach: An area on the shores of the lake, with crystal-clear waters and a beautiful panoramic view.
- ⭐ Road to Glenorchy: This carThe route that won't take you more than 2 hours round trip is one of the best in the countryIt runs along the shore of Lake Wakatipu with incredible views.
- Climb to Lake Alta: Alpine lake located on the ski slopes The Remarkables, it is reached by a carBeautiful mountain trail and a 1-hour walking route. Access to the area costs NZD 15 per vehicle.
- ⭐ Visit ArrowtownThis town is one of the greatest living examples of the gold rush. Its streets retain the architecture of the era.
✹ For practicecar Sports Don't forget a good Travel Insurance, we recommend you Heymondo, what's wrong with it The best quality, price. ⭐Here you have a discount on Heymondo a minimum of 5% and 15% if you travel as a family.
The most famous place to eat in Queenstown is the Fergburger hamburger restaurant, they are delicious and really big at a good price. You can end up with a Delicious ice cream at the Patagonia chocolate shop, on the second floor there are tables with views of the lake.
Days 6 and 7: Fiordland, the wildest area on the 10-day New Zealand itinerary
It's time to drive to one of the most spectacular areas of this 10-day New Zealand itinerary, Fiordland. The distances are long and there are many places to see. If you prefer not to drive for so many hours at a time, you can sleep the night before in Te Anau or book a tour to visit Milford Sound from Queenstown.
La carThe road that runs through the Milford Sound is a spectacle of nature, especially on a rainy day. Then take the popular Milford Sound Cruise to continue enjoying the landscapes.
In this article we tell you all the stops, hiking routes and tips for Milford Sound Highway.
Another famous place It's the Doubtful SoundLess well-known due to its more complicated access, but equally surprising. In this case, there is no access in carRetera, you must hire a tour from Manapouri which includes all transfers and the cruise. On the afternoon of the second day in Fiordland, you drive back to Queenstown.
Days 8 and 9: Glacial Lakes and Mount Cook
This 10-day New Zealand itinerary is coming to an end, but there's still more to explore. the country's highest mountain, Mount Cook or Aoraki at 3.724 meters. Not to mention the surrounding turquoise lakes like Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.
The entire area is wonderfully scenic, but there are some places you shouldn't miss:
- ⭐ highway 80: It borders Lake Pukaki and takes you to the foot of Mount Cook.
- ⭐ Route to Sealy Tarns (3-4h): One of New Zealand's best hikes. 6km total and 600 meters of elevation gain. From the lookout, you'll have views of the glacier and Mount Cook.
- Route through the Hooker Valley (3h): An easy trail, 10km in total and 100 meters in elevation. You'll reach Hooker Lake, where you can see icebergs and Mount Cook.
- ⭐ Lake Pukaki Viewpoints: At the foot of carAlong the way there are several viewpoints where you will have a great perspective of the deep blue lake with the snowy peaks in the background.
- Lake Tekapo LookoutBetween November and December the lake shore is filled with lupine and there are views of Lake Tekapo with the mountains in the background. A very photogenic place.
- ✅ You have the details in the guide de What to see and do at Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki
Day 10: Christchurch
Before your flight departs, take the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Some places you can visit in Christchurch include:
- Former campus of the University of Canterbury: Building with neo-Gothic architecture that currently houses an art center.
- Riverside Market: Market full of international food stalls.
- New Regent Street: Colorful street with bars and restaurants, the tram runs through it.
- The Church Pub: Brewery inside Christchurch's oldest church.
- Cashle Street: The city's main pedestrian street, it reaches the banks of the River Avon.
After spending the last few hours of this 10-day New Zealand itinerary touring Christchurch, it's time to head to the airport to return home.
Map New Zealand route in 10 days
To have a visual map with all the places You can find out about the ones we talked about in the article (and many more) using our new interactive map.
We hope this 10-day New Zealand itinerary will be very useful for planning your trip. If you have any questions, please leave a comment. To read more about each specific location, You can access all the articles what do we have of New Zealand or see our featured stories from Instagram. Thanks for reading us!
