9-Day South Island Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers
Planning a 9-day South Island itinerary, but don’t know where to start?
I’m here to help.
I live in the South Island and know how overwhelming it can feel to plan an itinerary here.
The South Island might look small on a map, but it’s actually a lot larger than it appears, and drive times often take longer than what Google Maps says.
Many itineraries out there have you pack in way too much in a short amount of time, leaving you hardly any time for hiking and actually enjoying the places you’ve travelled so far to see.
To maximise your 9 days in the South Island, I recommend driving a one-way route from Christchurch to Queenstown (or vice versa). It’s very common here to hire a one-way rental car or campervan, and it will reduce the need to backtrack and save you so much time.
I’ve designed this itinerary to cover the top destinations for most first-time visitors to New Zealand, including Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.
Along the way, I’ll share the best day hikes, places for good food and drinks, and a few local favourites, too.
Here’s how to spend 9 days in the South Island!
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.
9-day South Island itinerary map
Where to hire a car or campervan for your trip
- For car hire, I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices on vehicles. I also highly recommend Apex Rentals—they’re usually my go-to for car rentals in New Zealand.
- For campervan hire, I like using Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans.
9-day South Island itinerary day-by-day
Day 1: Christchurch
Begin your trip in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and a hub for flights and vehicle rentals.
Christchurch is a modern city that’s been transformed after its devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
The city has been rebuilt over time and it’s a lovely place to explore, with a mix of modern architecture and restored heritage buildings.
If you’ve just arrived via a long-haul international flight and don’t want to drive quite yet, consider waiting to pick up your car or campervan until day 2 of this itinerary. You can take an Uber or Super Shuttle to the city centre, then get around the city on foot and by tram.
What to do in Christchurch
- Enjoy breakfast at one of the fantastic cafes in Christchurch. Child Sister and Grizzly Bakery are two of my favourite spots.
- Book the hop-on, hop-off tram to get the lay of the land before exploring on your own. I recommend doing a full circuit on the tram to begin with, as the commentary from the driver will be helpful. Then you can use the tram as transport for the day if you’d like.
- Walk through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which are completely free to visit. Punting on the Avon is a popular activity here, too, if you’re looking for something relaxing.
- Visit the bustling Riverside Market, a food market with multiple vendors to choose from. If you’re after some lunch, Dmitri’s Souvlaki is always a winner.
- Explore the historic Arts Centre. There’s a wonderful local shop here, Frances Nation, that features a handpicked selection of beautiful gifts and homewares made right here in New Zealand.
- Stroll along New Regent Street, a charming street lined in pastel buildings. If you’re ready for a drink, I recommend Gin Gin or the Last Word for a cocktail.
- For dinner, head to Little High Eatery, an upscale food court with lots of good options.
Further reading: how to spend one day in Christchurch
Where to stay in Christchurch
- $ – Drifter
- $$ – West Fitzroy Apartments
- $$$ – The Observatory Hotel
- Camping – the Tasman Holiday Park is the closest campground to the city centre
Day 2: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park via Tekapo
Today you’ll start your road trip, and it’s going to be epic!
If you didn’t already pick up your car or campervan, head to your rental depot in the morning to get that sorted. Then it’s time to hit the road.
Your destination today is Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream location filled with stunning alpine scenery and fantastic hiking opportunities.
Driving from Christchurch to Mount Cook National Park
🚙 Drive time from Christchurch to Mount Cook Village: 339 km / 4 hours 15 minutes
I’ll be honest: the first couple of hours on today’s drive are a bit boring (albeit straightforward).
That said, there are some great stops along the drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook!
I recomend stopping at the Fairlie Bakehouse for a legendary pie, enjoying the turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo, and parking at Peter’s Lookout on the shores of Lake Pukaki for fantastic views.
What to do in Mount Cook National Park
Besides simply enjoying the scenery, the best thing to do in the national park is to lace up your boots and go hiking! You’ll find some of the South Island’s best hikes here.
The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular day hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and for good reason. Taking about 2-3 hours along a gentle trail, this track offers swingbridges, a boardwalk through a meadow, and gorgeous alpine views, including the chance to see Aoraki Mount Cook itself on a clear day.
Other fantastic tracks in the national park are the Kea Point Track (easy), Tasman Glacier View Track (moderate), and Sealy Tarns (a bit of a challenge involving 2,000+ stairs).
Where to stay in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
- $ – Haka House
- $$ – Aoraki Court Motel
- $$$ – The Hermitage Hotel
- Camping in Mount Cook – White Horse Hill DOC campsite (one of my all-time favourite campsites in the South Island!)
Further reading: where to stay near Aoraki/Mount Cook
Days 3 & 4: Wanaka
After enjoying more of the national park this morning, it’ll be time to make your way down to the lovely lakeside town of Wanaka.
This morning would be a good time to do one of the shorter trails in the national park if you didn’t get to yesterday. The Tasman Glacier View Track would be a good option as you drive out of the park.
Driving from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Wanaka
🚙 Drive time from Mount Cook Village to Wanaka: 206 km / 2.5 hours
On the drive between Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Wanaka, I recommend stopping in Twizel for breakfast at Mint Folk & Co Cafe.
The Omarama Clay Cliffs are another worthy stop, requiring just a short detour off the main road to see badlands-esque rock formations.
After Omarama, you’ll head up and over Lindis Pass, which has a great viewpoint at its summit where you can pull over to snap some photos.
What to do in Wanaka
Wanaka is a lovely, laidback town surrounded by mountains and located on the shores of pristine Lake Wanaka.
It’s a mecca for outdoor lovers, with an abundance of walking, hiking and biking trails.
In winter, there are two ski fields close by, and in the warmer months, the lake and nearby rivers offer numerous water-based activities.
These are my top things to do in Wanaka:
- Go hiking—Roy’s Peak is the most popular trail here, but the Rob Roy Glacier Track is my favourite hike in the area. Mount Iron, Isthmus Peak, and the Rocky Mountain Track are all great options, too.
- Enjoy a mellow walk along a section of the Upper Clutha River Trail.
- Visit the famous Wanaka Tree.
- Eat delicious food in Wanaka. Scroggin and Curbside Bagels are great for breakfast; for meals later in the day, I recommend the Brownston Street Food Trucks (try Burrito Craft!), the Big Fig, and Fresca Pasta Kitchen.
- Sample Wanaka’s craft beer scene at B.Effect, Rhyme x Reason, or Ground Up Brewing.
- Go on a day trip from Wanaka to Haast Pass, a scenic drive lined with beech forest and waterfalls, and visit the Blue Pools.
Where to stay in Wanaka
- $ – A cabin at the Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka
- $$ – Clearbrook Motel
- $$$ – Lakeside Apartments Wanaka
- Camping in Wanaka – the Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka or Albert Town Campground
Days 5 & 6: Te Anau & Milford Sound
Milford Sound is arguably the most popular destination in all of New Zealand, and for good reason.
This inky-blue fiord is surrounded by towering mountains and native forest, and home to plentiful marine wildlife. It’s so beautiful it doesn’t feel real, and it’s a place you’ll remember for years to come.
On day 5 of this itinerary, you’ll drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, which makes the perfect place to stay for visiting Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau has a lot more accommodation and dining options than Milford Sound, and far fewer sandflies. I recommend booking two nights of accommodation in Te Anau.
Then on day 6, take a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound by driving along Milford Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Driving from Wanaka to Te Anau
🚙 Drive time from Wanaka to Te Anau: 227 km / 3 hours
To drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, I recommend going via the Crown Range Road, New Zealand’s highest main road. The exception to this is if you’re hiring a campervan that prohibits driving the Crown Range (check the terms and conditions of your van hire to see if this applies to you).
Before ascending the Crown Range Road, you’ll pass by Cardrona, a wee settlement that’s home to the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of the most-photographed buildings in New Zealand.
At the Crown Range Road summit, there’s a scenic lookout with a large parking area. This is a great spot to pull over and soak up the views over the Wakatipu Basin.
After descending the Crown Range, you’ll pass right by Queenstown. Don’t worry, though—you’ll return to Queenstown in a couple of days to properly enjoy it.
Once you’ve driven past Queenstown, you’ll reach the Devil’s Staircase, a winding stretch of highway that follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a gorgeous section of the drive between Queenstown and Te Anau.
What to do in Te Anau
After you reach Te Anau on day 5 of this itinerary, you’ll likely have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy.
Here’s what I like to do in Te Anau:
- Go for a day hike on part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. I like the sections from the Control Gates to Brod Bay, and Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay—both are mostly flat and surrounded by gorgeous beech forest.
- Watch the sunset from the Marakura Wharf.
- Visit the Fiordland Cinema to watch the short Ata Whenua – Shadowland film with a glass of local wine or beer.
- Have dinner at Redcliff Cafe or Ditto.
- Get ready for your day trip to Milford Sound tomorrow!
Driving from Te Anau to Milford Sound
🚙 Drive time from Te Anau to Milford Sound: 118 km / 2 hours (one-way)
On day 6 of this itinerary, spend the entire day on a day trip to Milford Sound.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is absolutely gorgeous and takes about 2 hours one-way, without stops. You’ll want to make lots of stops, though!
I recommend getting an early start to beat some of the crowds and make the most of this epic day trip.
Here’s how I’d time the day:
- Early morning: Leave Te Anau no later than 8am to start driving to Milford Sound. On the way, make quick stops at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes.
- Late morning/midday: Go on a Milford Sound cruise (make sure to book ahead!). Before your cruise, you can park right at the terminal for way too much money, or park for free at Deepwater Basin—but give yourself 20-30 extra minutes to walk to the terminal if you go for the free option.
- Afternoon: After your cruise, walk the scenic Milford Foreshore Walk. And if it’s summer and the days are long, plan on a day hike on the drive back to Te Anau. Key Summit is a fantastic option on a clear day.
- Evening: Return to Te Anau for dinner and an early night (you’re probably going to be pretty tired after such a big day, as I know I always am!).
Where to stay in Te Anau
- $ – A cabin at the Tasman Holiday Park
- $$ – Lakefront Lodge
- $$$ – Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments
- Camping in Te Anau – Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park
Days 7, 8 & 9: Queenstown
Queenstown is a beautiful lakeside town known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” It’s also where I live, and I love it here—and I hope you will, too!
While Queenstown might be famous for its adrenaline-rushing activities like skydiving and bungy jumping, there’s a lot more to this town than that. For me, Queenstown is all about easy access to gorgeous outdoor scenery.
You’ll find water-based activities here, and fantastic hiking and biking trails. There’s also a good food, craft beer, and wine scene. In short, there’s plenty to do here, and you certainly won’t be bored!
Driving from Te Anau to Queenstown
🚙 Drive time from Te Anau to Queenstown: 171 km / 2 hours 10 minutes
Heading back to Queenstown from Te Anau is straightforward and easy.
There aren’t many stops I’d recommend along the way, but Garston is a good spot for a coffee at the Coffee Bomb.
You also might want to pull over at one of the scenic lookouts on the Devil’s Staircase to snap some photos of the lake and winding road.
What to do in Queenstown
- Walk through the Queenstown Gardens, which are free to visit and located just a short walk from the town centre. The peninsula track around the gardens is one of my favourite easy walks in Queenstown.
- Visit Arrowtown, a historic gold mining village that packs charm in spades. It takes just 20 minutes to drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown and it’s well worth the trip!
- Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, where you can access the Ben Lomond Track (a challenging but beautiful hike), hop on the luge, or simply soak up the incredible views.
- Day trip to Glenorchy for gorgeous scenery and hiking opportunities. The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is something I think every visitor should experience, and is easily one of the best mini road trips from Queenstown!
I also highly recommend driving beyond Glenorchy into Mount Aspiring National Park, where you can go on a day hike on the Routeburn Track to Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls. Or, or an easy (but very beautiful) walk, I’d opt for the Lake Sylvan Track. - Visit Moke Lake for beautiful scenery and the lovely Moke Lake Loop Track.
- Go wine tasting in Gibbston Valley. Mt Rosa and Kinross are my favourite cellar doors here.
- Cruise on Lake Wakatipu—the TSS Earnslaw cruise is awesome, especially when paired with the amazing BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station.
- Enjoy delicious food around Queenstown. For breakfast or brunch, go to Bespoke Kitchen, Vudu, Odd Saint, or the Boat Shed. For dinner, I recommend Sundays, Saigon Kingdom, or Slow Cuts (which is in Arrowtown). You’ll likely want to try a famous Fergburger, too, and I say go for it!
Where to stay in Queenstown
- $ – Tahuna Pod Hostel
- $$ – Garden Court Suites & Apartments
- $$$ – Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- Camping in Queenstown – the Driftaway
Best time of year for this 9-day South Island itinerary
You can do this trip year-round, but November through March are the best months for hiking and long daylight hours.
If you want to see lupins in the South Island, the best time of year for that is late November through December.
Mid-summer from late December through early February is an extremely busy time of year along this route, so if you’re visiting then, you should book everything well in advance.
For autumn colours and (usually) mild weather, April is a gorgeous time to do this trip. April in Queenstown and Arrowtown, in particular, is a wonderful time to see autumn leaves.
And if you’d like to see snow-capped mountain scenery or go skiing, winter is the time for that (July and August are the most reliable for snow).
That said, if you visit in winter, you’ll need to carry chains in your vehicle and stay flexible with your plans in case the conditions aren’t safe to drive. Roads like Milford Road and the Crown Range Road can sometimes be unsafe to drive in winter.
Also, some hikes may not be accessible in winter unless you’re an experienced winter hiker with proper alpine gear.
Thanks for reading my 9-day South Island itinerary!
I truly hope this has helped you plan your visit to the South Island.
As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me—I really love hearing from you!
More South Island itineraries for you
- Have less time? Try my 7-day Christchurch to Queenstown road trip or 7-day South Island itinerary from Queenstown.
- Have a little more time? My 10-day South Island itinerary from Christchurch includes the West Coast in an efficient loop, while my 12-day South Island itinerary gives you even more breathing room.
- Prefer a loop from Queenstown? See my 10-day South Island itinerary from Queenstown.
