The Best Way To Spend 7 Days Within The South Island

You’ll likely fly into New Zealand’s largest airport in Auckland just a 25-minute drive to the town heart. I’d advocate getting an Uber for ease or a shuttle to save cash. Visit out of peak season — it’s much cheaper, for instance, to hire a campervan in winter than it is in summer. If you’re traveling by campervan use the app Rankers Campers NZ which has an offline map and navigator to find nearby facilities/campsites. We’re Cec & Ari, two experience-loving Canadians who love to explore and have enjoyable.

new zealand 7 days itinerary

It’s spectacular to see the element that went into this set. Cathedral Cove is certainly one of my favorite beaches in New Zealand, with its gentle white sand and clear blue water, the excitement of a few hours here is unbeatable. It’s a popular spot so if you’re hoping to beat the crowds get right here for sunrise. It’s an 8-hour drive to Cathedral Cove so cease for relaxation breaks or keep in a single day at the halfway point. Popular spots to stop embrace 90-Mile Beach, Kai Iwi Lakes, Muriwai Beach, Te Henga Walkway, Bethells Beach, and Piha. Go slowly the place appropriate, there are lots of tight windy roads so don’t take these too quick or extensive.

Day 10: Wellington

Not solely will you have a great view, but you will also be close to a lot of local eateries, restaurants, and bars. There can also be a cool little movie show referred to as Cinema Paradisowhere you probably can catch a movie. There is an assortment of upscale hotels and budget hostels that may work for any price range. One of my favorite sights was Christchurch’s Botanic gardens. Even in the course of the wintertime, there might be nonetheless tons to look at.

How can I spend 7 days in South Island?

  1. DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE TEKAPO. three HOURS DRIVING, 244KM.
  2. DAY 2: LAKE TEKAPO TO WANAKA. 2.5 HOURS DRIVING, 220KM.
  3. DAY four & 5: DRIVE THE MILFORD ROAD TO MILFORD SOUND. 2 HOURS DRIVING, 120KM.
  4. DAY 6: MILFORD SOUND TO MANAPOURI. 2 HOURS 15 MINs DRIVING, 140KM.

End the exploration at Rotorua Museum—the grounds of a former, famous spa house. Rhea of Rhea’s Travels contributed this submit — I would recommend reaching out to her. I imagine plenty of the accommodations are camping/parking/hostels alongside the way to maintain it very budget-friendly. That mentioned, I’m certain there are plenty of different lodging options, relying on what you’re after. I’m Rhea, a twenty-something Londoner living in New Zealand. My love for journey began with a 3-month street journey around the US after university.

Most individuals use Queenstown as a place to begin to go to Milford Sound. If you’re doing this itinerary on your own, consider taking a Milford Sound Day journey with Viator from Queenstown. Hereis an inventory of different tours that operate in and round Queenstown.

It is simply $5 NZD roundtrip for the shuttle and the jolly driver likes to crack a few jokes. In off-season from May 1 – Sept 30 the highest car park is open so you will not need to take the shuttle. The van could have a blue sticker on the window if licensed. We completely suggest getting a self-contained camper, as a end result of with out one, your freedom tenting options are limited. You should stay at dearer, crowded camping sites that have shower and washroom amenities.

South Island Day 1: Christchurch And Queenstown

We will focus on that in this blog, but have additionally written extensively on the subject in our guide to one of the best time to visit New Zealand. I personally beloved the views in New Zealand, it’s definitely a country I wish to visit again one day. From right here you possibly can hold mountaineering to a more elevated viewpoint, which provides you with an epic 360° view over each Queenstown and the surrounding valleys and mountains. We decided to do a tour in order that we might sit again and benefit from the stunning views, instead of having to focus on driving and ensuring we have been on the right street.

Which island is better in NZ?

New Zealand's South Island is bigger than the North Island and customarily thought of extra stunning. It also has a gorgeous shoreline, however it’s best known for the many mountains and fjords that outline its inland.

Everyone should cease by the Visitor Center before heading to Milford Sound space. Learn concerning the various climbing trails, things that you can do around the area, and ask any questions that you’ve. Rocky Mountain Summit Track is a enjoyable place to go on a hike when you’re within the Wanaka space. You’ll see this funky building with crooked homes and a Leaning Tower of Wanaka clock tower off Highway eighty four when heading in path of downtown Wanaka. We observed that the meals in downtown was on the pricier facet. During our go to, there have been cheaper eats off of Mackenzie Drive and the golf course.

Journey Guide

Honestly, there are excursions you can do from Queenstown to Wanaka, however I suggest just driving your self and utilizing the blogs linked to above to assist plan your itinerary. After your lake cruise head out for an evening of relaxing at Queenstown’s only sizzling swimming pools. The Onsen Hot Pools are positioned solely a 10-minute drive from Queenstown and provide amazing mountain views.