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10 Day South Island Itinerary from Queenstown (by car or campervan)

ByJac Michael Last Updated on
The road to Mount Cook National Park, with Lake Pukaki on the righthand side and snow-capped Mount Cook in the distance.

If you have 10 days for a South Island road trip from Queenstown but don’t know how to plan your itinerary, I’m here to help.

With the right route, 10 days is enough time to see a lot of the South Island without feeling rushed. Knowing where to focus your time will make all the difference.

I live in Queenstown and travel around the South Island regularly. In this guide, I’m sharing a realistic, well-paced itinerary that takes you through the South Island’s most iconic scenery in an efficient loop from Queenstown.

You’ll see snow-capped mountains like Aoraki / Mount Cook, turquoise alpine lakes, mossy forests, and the inky blue waters of Milford Sound. 

Along the way, you’ll discover incredible hiking trails, great places to eat and drink, and stunning views that’ll take your breath away and fill your camera with unbelievable photos. 

Here’s a 10-day South Island itinerary for a trip you’ll never forget!

FYI: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products & services I use, love & would recommend to a friend.

Map of 10-Day South Island Itinerary from Queenstown

Where to hire a car or campervan for your road trip

A white campervan with blue Maui branding written on the passenger side, driving below snow-covered Mount Cook.

🚙 Hiring a car in Queenstown ⤵️

I use Discover Cars to compare prices on car rentals in New Zealand.

I’m also a big fan of Apex Rentals and they’re usually my go-to for car rentals!


🚐 Hiring a campervan in Queenstown ⤵️

Motorhome Republic is the best resource for comparing campervan rentals in New Zealand. 

If you’re after a compact option for two people, JUCY campervans are an iconic campervan rental company with a depot in Queenstown, and their smaller vans are perfect for this route.

Can’t decide between a car or campervan? Check out my guide comparing car rentals vs campervan rentals in New Zealand.

10-Day South Island Itinerary from Queenstown

Days 1, 2 & 3: Queenstown

Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown Gardens from the top of the Skyline Gondola.

Kick off your trip in Queenstown, the South Island’s hub of outdoor adventures.

Queenstown is a beautiful small city (really more like a town) located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the craggy mountains of the Remarkables range. 

It’s a bustling place year-round, with an abundance of hiking and biking trails during the warmer months of the year, and skiing opportunities in winter. 

When you’re not spending your time outdoors on the trails or slopes, you can indulge in Queenstown’s excellent food scene, sip on local wine and craft beer, or just sit back and relax while soaking in the stunning alpine scenery.

Queenstown is my home base, and I never run out of things to do. Here are my favourite things to do in Queenstown.

What to do in Queenstown

The road from Queenstown to Glenorchy, winding along the shores of Lake Wakatipu with mountains in the backdrop.
The historic Glenorchy red boat shed, framed by a tree with autumn leaves in shades of gold and orange,
  • Walk through the Queenstown Gardens, located right next to town. They’re completely free to visit and a lovely place for a wander. You can turn this into a loop walk by connecting to the peninsula trail around the gardens.

  • Hit the hiking trails. These are some of my favourite hikes around Queenstown: 
  • Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy, a stunning 45-minute drive. In Glenorchy, see the historic Glenorchy boat shed, walk the Glenorchy Lagoon trail, and visit Mrs Woolly’s General Store for treats. 

    Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drive beyond Glenorchy to do a hike on either the Lake Sylvan Track (easy), Routeburn Flats (moderate), or Routeburn Falls (hard).

  • Visit Arrowtown, a historic gold mining village located a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. It’s a charming place to visit and is easily one of the best day trips from Queenstown.

    For me, a perfect day in Arrowtown would start with a wander down Buckingham Street to pop into the cute shops and cafes. Coffee at Wolf Coffee Roasters and/or breakfast at Provisions is a nice way to start the day.

    After exploring town, head down to the historic Chinese Village and walk along the Arrow River Trail, a mellow woodland stroll that follows the peaceful river. Or, for a longer and more challenging walk, you could tackle the Sawpit Gully Trail.

    After your walk, head to the Fork & Tap pub or Slow Cuts for a snack and craft beer or other beverage of choice.

  • Drive up Deer Park Heights, a Lord of the Rings filming site, animal encounter, and scenic viewpoint all-in-one. It’s a great spot to bring a picnic and spend an afternoon while soaking up the scenery around Queenstown.

    Make sure to book ahead, because it often sells out. 

    For a fantastic half-day outing, you could pair your visit to Deer Park Heights with a walk around the Kelvin Heights Peninsula Trail. On a warm day in summer in Queenstown, Kelvin Beach is a great spot for a swim.

  • Get out on the water, either on Lake Wakatipu or one of the rivers around Queenstown.

    For a relaxing experience, cruise on Lake Wakatipu. The historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship is a great choice, especially when paired with their fantastic BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station.

    If, instead, you’d like an adrenaline rush, try jet boating, a classic Queenstown activity. The Shotover Jet is an iconic experience, and will zip you down the beautiful Shotover River Gorge at thrilling speeds. 

  • Go wine tasting. The area around Queenstown is home to some stellar wineries, with pinot noir being a specialty of the region.

    Two of my favourite cellar doors near Queenstown are Mt Rosa and Kinross. 

    If you’d prefer not to sort out your own transportation, book a hop on, hop off wine bus that’ll whisk you away to the wineries with ease.
Views of mountains above a meadown and rivers along the Routeburn Track in the South Island of New Zealand.
The historic red and white TSS Earnslaw steamship, parked up at Walter Peak on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.
The Hop on Hop Off wine tour bus in front of Mt Rosa winery in Queenstown.
From top: the hike to Routeburn Falls; the TSS Earnslaw cruise; the hop on, hop off wine bus in Queenstown.

Where to eat & drink in Queenstown

Saigon Kingdom Restaurant at Steamer Wharf in Queenstown
Steamer Wharf has some good places to eat & drink.
  • My favourite bars for casual drinks and snacks are Little Mez, Fergbar, & Little Blackwood.

  • The craft beer bars in town (Beechtree, Smiths, and Atlas) all have a great selection of New Zealand beers and good pub food. 

  • Around the outskirts of town, you’ll also find several craft breweries (Altitude, Searchlight, and Canyon) and they all have good food onsite, too (especially the Smoke & Pickle food truck at Altitude!).

  • Tanoshi & Kappa are nice spots for Japanese food, or for a budget-friendly option, go to Sushi Box.

  • Saigon Kingdom is great for Vietnamese food.

  • The Cow is a classic, cosy spot for pizza & pasta. Their spaghetti bolognese is always good.

  • Sundays in Country Lane (Frankton) does excellent woodfired pizzas.

  • For a special, locally-sourced meal, head to Sherwood.

  • My favourite cafes in Queenstown are Odd Saint, Bespoke, Vudu, and the Boat Shed.

Where to stay in Queenstown

A golden hour view over the Alexis Motel in Queenstown, with a view of Lake Wakatipu and mountains in the background.
I love the location of the Alexis Motel in Queenstown.

Day 4: Oamaru

🚙 Drive time from Queenstown to Oamaru: 4 hours

People walking along Harbour Street in the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru.

After spending a few days around Queenstown, it’s time to hit the road.

Your destination today is Oamaru, a coastal town known for its penguin-spotting opportunities and historic Victorian architecture.

The drive from Queenstown to Oamaru takes you through some of Central Otago’s most beautiful scenery, but it’s often missed from most visitors’ itineraries. Get ready for some gorgeous countryside—and not many crowds—as you travel to the coast today.

Stops on the drive from Queenstown to Oamaru

A view of snow-capped mountains from a car side mirror on the drive from Queenstown to Oamaru in Central Otago.
Blue Lake in St Bathans in Central Otago, a man-made lake surrounded by sun-bleached cliffs.
The historic Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans in Central Otago.
St Bathans is a worthy detour along today’s drive.
  • Cromwell: Just before you reach the town of Cromwell, you’ll find a few roadside stalls selling local fruit and real fruit ice cream. Jackson Orchards is a good one! The Cromwell Heritage Precinct is also worth a look.

  • Clyde: The quaint town of Clyde is a great stop for coffee or lunch. I love 3 Peaks Cafe for a coffee and snack (get the Southland cheese rolls!). The Merchant of Clyde is a lovely spot for lunch.

  • St Bathans: For an optional side trip, detour to St Bathans, where you’ll find a historic wee village and the beautiful Blue Lake, which you can walk along via the Blue Lake Loop Track.

  • Katiki Point: Once you reach the coast, Katiki Point is an excellent place to stretch your legs. Home to a lighthouse, seal colony, and—if you’re lucky—a chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, I can’t recommend this stop enough! 

  • Moeraki Boulders: Visit Moeraki Boulders Beach to see sphere-shaped boulders above the sand. It’s best to visit the beach around low tide for a chance to see these unique geological wonders.
A row of seals with another seal in the foreground at Katiki Point in Moeraki.
Two yellow-eyed penguins nuzzling in grass in front of the ocean at Katiki Point on New Zealand's South Island.
A boulder at Moeraki Boulders Beach in the South Island.
From top: seals & yellow-eyed penguins at Katiki Point (taken with my zoom lens); Moeraki Boulders Beach.

What to do in Oamaru

A view over Bushy Beach in Oamaru.
Beers at Crafworks Brewery in Oamaru.
From top: Bushy Beach; Craftwork Brewery in Oamaru
  • Oamaru’s Heritage Precinct: Home to historic buildings from the Victorian era, the Oamaru Heritage Precinct will take you back in time. You can visit the Steampunk Museum, sample craft breweries (I love Craftwork), and pop into the cute shops and galleries (the Buggy Robot gallery is great, and Inc Design Store is a lovely shop).

  • Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli: Cheese lovers won’t want to miss the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli. They make the best Southland Cheese Rolls I’ve ever had, and also have a nice selection of their locally-made cheeses.

  • Bushy Beach: Head to Bushy Beach for penguin and seal-spotting. It’s a short walk to a lookout over the cornmeal-coloured beach where you can look for wildlife from afar. Bring binoculars if you have them!

  • Oamaru Penguins: In the evening, the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a cool attraction to visit. At dusk—after sunset—you can watch little blue penguins return to land after their day out at sea. Your entry fee directly supports conservation efforts to help protect the penguins.

Where to stay in Oamaru

The exterior of the Old Confectionery Hotel in Oamaru.
The Old Confectionary is a beautiful place to stay in Oamaru.

Day 5: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park (via Lake Tekapo)

🚙 Drive time from Oamaru to Mount Cook National Park: 3.5 hours

A view of a snow-covered Mount Cook and glacially-fed river from a viewpoint along the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.

You’ll head back inland today, to the mountains of the incredible Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

A mecca for outdoor lovers, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to some of the South Island’s best hikes and views that you’ll never forget.

And the drive to get there is stunning, too, with turquoise lakes and wide-open vistas keeping you company along the way.  

Stops on the drive from Oamaru to Mount Cook National Park

The Duntroon Elephant Rocks near Oamaru on a sunny day.
Purple and pink lupins growing along the shores of Lake Tekapo, with softly-shaded mountains in the backdrop.
From top: the Duntroon Elephant Rocks; lupins at Lake Tekapo
  • Elephant Rocks: If you’re up for a small detour, the Elephant Rocks at Duntroon are well worth a visit. These limestone rock formations are off-the-beaten-path in the best way, and it’s fun to spend an hour or so walking amongst them. 

  • Fairlie: Stop in Fairlie for a legendary meat (or veggie) pie at the iconic Fairlie Bakehouse, home to arguably the best pies in New Zealand. Their pork belly and applesauce pie is a fan favourite.

  • Lake Tekapo: Turquoise-blue Lake Tekapo is so beautiful, you need to see it to believe it. Park in the town of Tekapo for a couple of hours and walk down to the lakefront to see the aquamarine water up close, check out the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, and possibly see fields of lupins if you’re there during the South Island’s lupin season. The Greedy Cow is a good spot for lunch, or head up to the Astro Cafe for coffee and cake with a stellar view (just be prepared for the $8 road toll to drive up there).

  • Pukaki Lookout: Between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park lies another turquoise lake: Lake Pukaki. Again, the water is so vibrant in this glacially-fed lake that it looks unreal. The Pukaki Lookout is a good place to pull over for views and photo-ops.

  • Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop: If you like salmon, this salmon shop is a great stop. They sell fresh sashimi to enjoy onsite with views of the lake, or you can pick up salmon fillets to take with you and cook later.

  • Peter’s Lookout: For an iconic view of the road to Mount Cook, stop at Peter’s Lookout. On a clear day, the views are stellar, with Lake Pukaki in the foreground and Aoraki / Mount Cook itself in the backdrop.

What to do in Mount Cook National Park

Jac from Weekend Path hiking along a boardwalk on the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.
Views from the Kea Point Lookout over Mueller Lake in Mount Cook National Park.
From top: walking on the Hooker Valley Track; Kea Point

The best thing to do in Mount Cook National Park is to go hiking! The only tricky part is choosing which trails to do. Here’s what I suggest:

  • Hooker Valley Track: This is the most popular trail in the national park, and for good reason: it packs a big punch for a relatively short and mellow trail. You’ll cross swingbridges, see glacial lakes, and on a clear day, you’ll get incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook.

  • Kea Point: For a short, easy trail with great views, it’s hard to beat Kea Point. A gentle walk leads you to a lookout over Mueller Lake and, on a clear day, Aoraki / Mount Cook.

  • Sealy Tarns: If you’re after a workout, head to Sealy Tarns for a lung-busting climb up 2,000+ steps. It’s hard, but worth it. You’ll get incredible views the entire way up to the tarns, which reflect the surrounding mountains when conditions are calm.

  • Tasman Glacier View Track: This short but steep walk climbs up to a viewpoint over the receding Tasman Glacier and lake. During summer, there are often icebergs floating in the lake which are always neat to see.

Where to stay in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The front of the Aoraki Court Motel in Mount Cook Village with snowy mountains in the backdrop.
The Aoraki Court Motel is my top accommodation choice in Mount Cook Village.

Note: Accommodation near Aoraki/Mount Cook is extremely limited, so book as far in advance as you can! This even goes for camping—book your campsite ASAP to avoid disappointment.

Tip: There are no supermarkets in Mount Cook National Park, and dining options are very limited, so I recommend self-catering if possible. The last stop for supplies is Tekapo, where you’ll find a Four Square supermarket. Also, if your vehicle needs a fuel top-up, do that in Tekapo.

Days 6 & 7: Wanaka

🚙 Drive time from Mount Cook National Park to Wanaka: 3 hours

The famous Wanaka Tree, seen through a frame of trees and a patch of yellow lupins in the foreground.
Lake Wanaka in winter, with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop and an empty pontoon floating on the lake.

Wanaka is a lovely lakeside town with a plethora of outdoor activities at its doorstep. 

It’s similar to Queenstown in many ways (next to a pristine lake, surrounded by mountains, hiking and skiing opportunities close by), but it’s less commercialised and has more of a local feel.

With 2 nights in Wanaka, you’ll have time to both relax and be active. Just to warn you, though: you might not want to leave, it’s that good!

Stops on the drive from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to Wanaka

Tyson from Weekend Path wearing an orange t-shirt while looking up at the Omarama Clay Cliffs from a walking path lined in purple lupins and wild rose bushes.
Golden tussock-covered mountains along the Lindis Pass on the drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo.
From top: the Omarama Clay Cliffs; Lindis Pass.
  • Twizel: After leaving the national park, Twizel is the first town you’ll come across. It’s a good place to stop for breakfast or lunch, and a fuel top-up if you need one. Mint Folk & Co Cafe is my go-to eatery here (it’s fantastic!).

  • Omarama Clay Cliffs: Detour to the Clay Cliffs, located about 20 minutes from Omarama, for a nice little walk under the pinnacle-like rock formations. 

  • Lindis Pass: You’ll drive over Lindis Pass on your way to Wanaka. It’s a gorgeous mountain pass, flanked by tussock fields in the warmer months and snow in winter. There’s a good pullout at the summit where you can take a breather and snap some photos.

What to do in Wanaka

A view of Rob Roy Glacier near Wanaka, with waterfalls pouring down from the glacier and beech forest in the foreground.
Views over Lake Wanaka and the town of Wanaka, surrounded by mountains, from the summit of the Mount Iron Track.
craft-beer-b-effect-wanaka
From top: Rob Roy Glacier; Mount Iron; b.effect Brewing Co. in Wanaka
  • Kayak, swim, or just relax by the lake. 

  • Walk along the lakeside path to see the famous Wanaka Tree. The tree is a bit overhyped, but the walk to get there is lovely! For a mellow stroll, continue on past the tree to Waterfall Creek. 

  • Some additional mellow walk suggestions: the Upper Clutha Trail is lovely, as is the Glendhu Bay Track. You can just do sections of these trails to shorten the walk time.

  • Hike up Mount Iron for awesome views over Wanaka.

  • For an adventure, drive out to Raspberry Creek to hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track. This is my favourite day hike in New Zealand, with a trail through lush beech forest leading to a crackling glacier. Check with the DOC Visitor Centre before driving out there, as there are fords to cross and they can become impassable after rain (and also check that your rental car or van company allows you to drive out there).

  • More hikes around Wanaka include the Rocky Mountain Track, Roy’s Peak (very popular, but I think it’s a slog), and Isthmus Peak (often considered a less-busy alternative to Roy’s Peak, although it’s become more popular over the years).

  • Sample Wanaka’s craft beer scene at Rhyme x Reason. B.Effect, or Ground Up.

  • Food recommendations: Get breakfast and coffee at Scroggin; burritos, tacos, chips & salsa from the Burrito Craft food truck; bagels from Curbside Bagels; and Mediterranean-inspired bowls from the Big Fig.
Two tacos in a takeaway container from the Burrito Craft food truck in Wanaka.
Tyson from Weekend Path standing atop Roys Peak in Wanaka.
From top: tacos at Burrito Craft; Roy’s Peak is a major slog but it does have gorgeous views!

Where to stay in Wanaka

The exterior of the Clearbrook Motel in Wanaka, with units overlooking a grassy courtyard and babbling brook.
The Clearbrook Motel in Wanaka is a lovely place to stay.


Days 8 & 9: Te Anau & Milford Sound

🚙 Drive time from Wanaka to Te Anau: 3 hours

A view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound from the Milford Foreshore Walk.

Today, you’ll head south towards Fiordland National Park, home to the majestic Milford Sound.

I recommend basing yourself in Te Anau, a lakeside town known as the gateway to Milford Sound. 

Te Anau has lots of accommodation and food options (and far less sandflies than Milford Sound), and makes for an easy home base to day trip to Milford Sound on Day 9 of this itinerary. 

Stops on the drive from Wanaka to Te Anau

The front of the historic Cardrona Hotel and pub, with a vintage car in front of the building and red writing that says "Cardrona Hotel."
  • Cardrona Hotel: This historic hotel is one of the most-photographed buildings in New Zealand. It’s a quick stop for a photo-op, or linger a while over a coffee or meal in their garden courtyard.

  • Crown Range Road: The steep, winding Crown Range Road is the quickest way to get south from Wanaka. The lookout at the summit is an excellent place to pull over and take in the views over Arrowtown, Queenstown & the Remarkables range. 

Note: some campervan companies prohibit driving their vehicles over the Crown Range Road, so check before you head over. If you’re not allowed to drive it, you can take the slightly longer route via Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge on State Highway 6.

  • Garston: A blink-and-you-miss-it kind of place, Garston is a good stop for their public toilets, a coffee from the Coffee Bomb cart, and a peek at the Garston Hunny Shop (look for the local wild thyme honey!).

What to do in Te Anau

A golden-hour view at sunset over Lake Te Anau and the Marakura Wharf, with snow-dusted mountains in the backdrop.
A dirt path trailling through a dense beech tree and fern forest along the Kepler Track section from the Control Gates to Brod Bay, one of the best day walks in Te Anau.
From top: the Marakura Wharf; hiking from the Control Gates to Brod Bay.
  • Do a day hike on part of the Kepler Track. I love the sections from the Control Gates to Brod Bay, or Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay. Both are lovely, gentle trails under a canopy of beech forest. 

  • Visit the Marakura Wharf around sunset for beautiful views and photo ops.

  • Watch the short film, Ata Whenua – Shadowland, at the Fiordland Cinema. It’ll get you even more enthused for your upcoming trip to Milford Sound!

  • Where to eat in Te Anau: the Blak Shak is great for breakfast sandwiches and lunchtime souvlaki; the Sandfly Cafe is the best cafe in town; Ditto is great for a casual meal; Redcliff Cafe is best for a special meal (book this one ahead).
A pork belly bao bun, pork skewers with rice and cucumber salad, and fries at Ditto Restaurant in Te Anau.
Ditto is a good spot for lunch or dinner in Te Anau.

What to do in Milford Sound

A section of the road on the Te Anau to Milford Sound drive with a snowy mountain in the backdrop.
A Southern Discoveries cruise ship at Milford Sound.
From top: the road to Milford Sound; the Southern Discoveries cruise at Milford Sound.

I recommend spending Day 9 of this itinerary on a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound. 

While the drive to Milford Sound takes about 2 hours from Te Anau (one-way), give yourself a full day for the drive because there’s a lot to see and do along the way. 

Here’s my suggested itinerary for the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

  • Leave Te Anau no later than 8 am.

  • On the drive to Milford Sound, make quick stops at Mirror Lakes and Eglinton Valley.

  • Arrive at Milford Sound and park at the free Deepwater Basin carpark instead of the paid carpark (unless you don’t mind paying). Give yourself at least 30 minutes to walk to the Milford Sound cruise terminal.

  • Go on an 11 am or 12 pm Milford Sound cruise (book ahead!).

  • After your cruise, walk the easy and beautiful Milford Foreshore Walk.

  • If you have enough time in your afternoon (depending on the time of year and your energy levels), add on a hike on the drive back to Te Anau. Key Summit is a great choice, or if you’re up for a challenge, Lake Marian is also beautiful. Or do the shorter walk to Lake Gunn for something quick and easy.
A wooden swing between two trees in front of Milford Sound along the Milford Foreshore Walkway.
Views from the Key Summit Track on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound
Tyson from Weekend Path swimming in Lake Marian, one of the best hikes in the South Island along the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound.
From top: the Milford Foreshore Walk; the Key Summit Track; Lake Marian.

Some tips for visiting Milford Sound

A Kea on a sideview mirror at the Homer Tunnel on the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
You might see kea on the drive (but please don’t feed them)!
  • Fuel up your vehicle in Te Anau before you drive to Milford Sound, as there are no petrol stations along Milford Road.

  • Pack snacks, lunch (unless your cruise includes it), and plenty of drinking water for the day.

  • Sandflies are prolific in Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound. Come prepared with insect repellent. And know that they can’t catch up to you if you’re walking or on a cruise—it’s when you stop to sit down that they’ll attack!

  • It rains often in Fiordland National Park. Pack a raincoat and wear sturdy, grippy shoes.

  • You might encounter kea, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrot. These mischievous birds are very cool to see, but please don’t feed them as they’re endangered and human food isn’t good for them.

  • Milford Road can sometimes be unsafe for self-driving in winter and early spring due to snow, ice, and/or avalanche risk. Check the road conditions before you go, and carry chains with you if you do the drive in winter. And if in doubt, book your journey with a tour company instead of driving yourself (their drivers are experienced with the road and know how to handle winter conditions).

Where to stay in Te Anau

A path leading to the entrance of Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments in Te Anau, a modern motel with views of Lake Te Anau.
The Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments is a great place to stay in Te Anau.

Further reading: where to stay near Milford Sound

Day 10: Back to Queenstown for departure

🚙 Drive time from Te Anau to Queenstown: 2 hours

The winding Devils Staircase road between Queenstown and Milford Sound, which skirts along Lake Wakatipu.

After your South Island adventure, it’s time to head back to the Queenstown airport to depart. 

While the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown usually takes just 2 hours, give yourself extra time just to be safe. And don’t forget to top up your rental vehicle’s fuel before returning it! 🙂

Best time of year for this 10-day South Island itinerary

A photo taken from the inside of a car looking out the front window at the Crown Range Road with snow covering the sides of the road.
If you follow this itinerary in winter, be prepared for potentially snowy and icy conditions.

You can follow this itinerary year-round, but November through April will give you longer daylight hours, a better chance of decent weather, and best access to hiking trails.

If you plan to travel during winter or early spring (June through October), you’ll want to take some precautions—carry chains in your vehicle, check road conditions before you head out to drive, and be prepared for some hiking trails to be inaccessible due to snow and ice. 

Thanks for reading my 10-day South Island itinerary from Queenstown!

Jac from Weekend Path on a boardwalk along the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.

I truly hope this has helped you plan your South Island itinerary. As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me. I really love hearing from you!

More New Zealand itineraries for you

A view of Lake Matheson on a calm day, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and trees in its glassy waters.
If you’d like to see the West Coast, a 10-day itinerary from Christchurch is another good option.

Hi! I’m Jac. I love the outdoors (& good food!) and use every opportunity to explore New Zealand from my home base in Queenstown. If you’d like to get ideas for road-tripping, camping, and hiking around NZ, you’ve come to the right place!

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