8-Day Itinerary for Exploring New Zealand’s South Island
Those familiar with my blog know that I love to explore unique destinations using Google Maps, and planning my New Zealand trip was no different. I switched to the Earth view on Google Maps to get a realistic sense of the landscape, measured distances between locations, and then fine-tuned my itinerary based on recommendations from local blogs and previous travelers. The result? One of the best trips I´ve ever taken.
Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
After landing in Queenstown, we took a short bus ride from the airport to Nomads Queenstown, our first stop. This hostel, perfect for young travelers, served as our base for exploring the area.
Our first evening included indulging in local favorites like Ferg’s burger and a delicious scoop of dulce de leche ice cream from Patagonia, a delightful start to our adventure.
Day 2: Milford Sound Excursion
The next day was a tour dedicated entirely to Milford Sound, a trip I had been eagerly anticipating. The long drive from Queenstown turned out to be an adventure in itself, filled with spectacular views that built up our excitement. Once we reached Milford Sound, the real magic began. Cruising between enormous cliffs and under vast waterfalls, I was in awe of the fjord’s natural beauty.
The sheer scale of Milford Sound’s landscapes makes it a place that deserves a more in-depth look, so I’ve dedicated an entire post to it, which you can find here. It was one of those experiences that you have to see to believe. Later that evening, we returned to Queenstown, our hearts full and our camera memory cards fuller.
Day 3: Blue Pools and Wanaka
Our third day was all about embracing more of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, so we rented a car and headed for Wanaka. The drive itself was a highlight, offering panoramic views of Lake Hawea along the way. This lake is renowned for its sheer beauty, and we took a moment to stop and enjoy the peaceful scene, complete with sheep grazing near the water, a sight typical of this region.
Our main destination for the day was the Blue Pools. This involved an easy, hour-long round trip hike through lush native forests, crossing over the famous swing bridge to reach the crystal-clear waters of the Makarora River. The natural clarity of these pools was absolutely mesmerizing.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the Blue Pools, we visited Thunder Creek Falls, another natural marvel where the roar and power of the waterfall were both awe-inspiring and a refreshing contrast to the tranquility of the pools.
We checked into Wanaka Bakpaka Hostel for the night. The hostel’s friendly staff and the serene lakeside views made our stay absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this hostel for anyone visiting Wanaka.
Day 4: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (Tasman Glacier Route)
Our initial plan to hike Roy’s Peak was altered due to weather advisories, which led us to adjust our itinerary to explore Mount Cook National Park instead. This detour turned out to be serendipitous. Our journey to the park was an unforgettable experience as we drove alongside the stunning Lake Pukaki. Known for its vibrant light blue waters, Lake Pukaki was the most vivid lake we encountered throughout our trip, and a definite highlight. I made sure to wake up all passengers so they could soak in the breathtaking scenery, and we took plenty of breaks along the way to capture the scenery.
Once in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, we opted for the Tasman Glacier route. The trek was easy yet rewarding, with overcast skies adding a mystical quality to the glacier and surrounding peaks, enhancing our photo opportunities. This unexpected route allowed us to fully appreciate the park’s dramatic landscapes under unique weather conditions.
After a day filled with natural wonders, we drove to Lake Tekapo and checked into Lakes Edge Lodge. I highly recommend staying at Lakefront Lodge Backpackers if you’re visiting. The proximity to the lake not only enchants with stunning sunrise views but also places you perfectly for the next day’s adventure.
This day was a reminder that a cloudy or rainy day shouldn’t be a cause for disappointment, the weather can add its own unique charm to the experience, highlighting the positive in unexpected conditions.
Day 6: Roy’s Peak in Wanaka
Returning to Wanaka, we embarked on what remains the most stunning hike I’ve experienced to date: the ascent to Roy’s Peak. The trailhead is roughly 6.3 kilometers from the center of Wanaka, necessitating a vehicle to reach. We arrived around 10 AM, only to find the parking lot already full, a common scenario during peak times. This forced us to park a considerable distance away. Fortunately, some friendly travelers gave us a lift to the start of the trail, saving us from a lengthy walk.
Our hike was brisk, climbing to the famous lookout in just 2 hours, a quicker pace than usual, The trail spans 9.4 kilometers uphill to the lookout, with an option to extend to 13.9 kilometers to the summit. Considering the round trip, this is a demanding trek, both physically and time-wise.
Many suggest starting the climb around 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise at the summit. Unfortunately, coming from Lake Tekapo, we couldn’t start at dawn. Nevertheless, the experience was nothing short of spectacular.
After descending from Roy’s Peak, we sought some relaxation by the lake and decided to rent kayaks. It was a serene way to soak in the approaching end of our journey, paddling on the tranquil waters of Lake Wanaka.
Exhausted yet exhilarated, we then faced the drive back to Queenstown. Despite the day’s physical demands, the long drive was lively with stories and laughter. If possible, I don’t recommend packing all of this into one day as it can be quite exhausting. However, I’m sharing my story to show that it is feasible if you’re pressed for time. Whether it’s hiking up Roy’s Peak or kayaking on Lake Wanaka, these activities demand a fair amount of energy and time. Yet, with proper planning and a good pace, it’s possible to make the most out of a single day’s adventure. This experience taught us about our limits and how much we could achieve when we set our minds to it, even if it means a long, fulfilling day of physical exertion and scenic drives.
Day 7: Exploring Queenstown
With a full day to ourselves in Queenstown, we immersed ourselves in the local vibe and explored at a leisurely pace. While we had a long list of activities we wanted to try, like the giant swing, boating, kart racing, and skydiving, time and budget constraints meant we had to make some tough choices. Fortunately, friends who visited Queenstown after us tried these activities and highly recommended them, so they’re definitely on my list for a future visit.
Instead, we opted for a more relaxed adventure. We hiked up to the Queenstown Hill lookout, soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the area. After enjoying the scenery and capturing plenty of photos, we took the gondola down, which was a delightful way to end our ascent.
Day 8: Return to Sydney
On the final day, I took one last look at the stunning landscapes of Queenstown before heading back to Sydney, filled with unforgettable memories and a camera full of spectacular photos.