Here’s my ultimate 10-day New Zealand South Island itinerary, starting from Queenstown. This city offers what seems like an impossible combination of adrenaline and peace. It boasts all kinds of adventure sports, while at the same time, the beauty of nature calms you and allows you to enjoy moments of tranquility.

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10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary

South Island in 10 days from Queenstown

Following our 5 days in New Zealand’s North Island, we arrived in Queenstown, which ended up being one of my favorite places during our two weeks in New Zealand. This itinerary was so packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and New Zealand has now earned a spot on the list of my all-time favorite destinations.

Day 1-4: Queenstown and Day Trips

Queenstown wins you over from the first sight with its impossible combination of adrenaline and tranquility. Believe me, very few cities around the world can compare to the unique experiences Queenstown offers its visitors. We stayed in Queenstown for four days to fully enjoy the area via day trips.

bespoke kitchen NZ Queenstown
Bespoke Kitchen in Queenstown

Milford Sound

Our first stop near Queenstown was Milford Sound, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on New Zealand’s South Island. This majestic landscape is unforgettable, and it’s easy to see why Rudyard Kipling referred to it as the “eighth wonder of the world.” The fjord stands as a testament to the idea that nature is the greatest architect. Once you’re there, you truly appreciate that some forces are beyond human understanding.

There are two main ways to get to Milford Sound: a 4-hour scenic road trip or a 40-minute scenic flight. We opted for the flight: it is more expensive, but it gives you much more time to explore the fjord. First, you’ll enjoy the monumental scenery from the sky. Then, you can take a Milford Sound cruise (about 1.5 hours) to experience the fjord from the ground. This combination gives you two completely different, but equally breathtaking, perspectives.

Flying over Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations
Milford sound 10 days South island new zealand
Milford Sound is a popular Queenstown day trip

Glenorchy and Paradise

Glenorchy and Paradise are must-do day trips from Queenstown for hiking enthusiasts and fans of The Lord of the Rings.

Our first stop of the day was Glenorchy, located just 45 minutes from Queenstown. Here, you can explore a variety of trails, ranging from short 30-minute walks to longer hikes that could take half the day. Be sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time, as there are many trails to choose from, but you’ll only have a few hours to enjoy the area.

The second stop was Paradise: the breathtaking scenery here truly lives up to its international fame – it’s a favorite filming location for Hollywood, and it’s easy to see why. Paradise is one of the top day trips from Queenstown for fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Wolverine. It’s an incredibly unique place with stunning natural beauty. However, keep in mind that half of the road from Glenorchy to Paradise is unsealed. If it’s raining, it might be best to reschedule your visit for another day.

Glenorchy, New Zealand
10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary from Queenstown

Arrowtown

Another unique location to visit near Queenstown is Arrowtown, a place that will transport you back to the 1860s. Arrowtown is a former gold-mining town where many people flocked in search of gold. Once the gold rush ended, people began to leave, and Arrowtown transformed into a farm service town. Everything here is beautifully restored, making it easy to forget what year it is. Arrowtown is considered one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, so it is definitely worth visiting!

Arrowtown, New Zealand
Arrowtown – a unique place to visit near Queenstown

Shotover Jet Experience

The Shotover Jet was such a fun experience we got to enjoy near Queenstown. You ride on a jet boat over a river canyon at speeds of up to 85 km/h (52 mph), experiencing thrilling 360-degree spins along the way. It might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a really fun and exciting adventure for people of all ages. There are several companies that offer this experience, but I chose the Shotover Jet because of its great reviews and its close proximity to Queenstown.

After your exhilarating ride with the Shotover Jet, you can take a hike nearby or head over to Lake Wakatipu. This is the third-largest lake in New Zealand, stretching 80 km (50 miles) in length. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation after a day full of unforgettable moments.

Shotover Jet New Zealand
Shotover Jet Experience

Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jumping

Whether it’s your first time trying bungee jumping or you’ve already experienced it, Kawarau Bridge should be on your new Zealand South Island bucket list. This iconic location is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, operating since 1988, and boasts a 100% safety record (which is definitely reassuring). If you’re nervous about doing it alone, AJ Hackett offers a tandem option, where you can jump with someone else. It’s truly a must-do experience. If the 43m (141ft) jump at Kawarau Bridge isn’t high enough for you, AJ Hackett has other locations, including the Nevis Bungy, which stands at a thrilling 134m (439ft). You’ll experience free-fall for 8.5 seconds, reaching speeds of 120km/h (75mph).

bungee jumping new zealand
Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jumping

Here the most top-rated Queenstown day trips to book in advance:

You can read more about all the cool Queenstown activities not to miss out in this post.

Day 5 Wanaka tree and Lake Tekapo

After staying a few days in Queenstown, on the fifth day of our South Island itinerary, we were ready to hit the road and make the most of our two weeks in New Zealand. Our first stop was the Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka, probably the most photographed tree in New Zealand, which offered such a unique and picturesque landscape.

Next, we headed to Lake Tekapo, which ended up being one of my favorite lakes ever. The area around the lake is recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve, and if you’re there during the new moon, you’ll have one of the best stargazing experiences of your life. So, if you’re planning a honeymoon or a romantic trip, spending a night under the stars at Lake Tekapo is a must-do. One of my most memorable experiences on this South Island itinerary was horse trekking at Lake Tekapo, which I highly recommend as well.

Lake Wanaka Tree New Zealand
The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka
New New Zealand queenstown 10 days Itinerary
Lake Tekapo

Day 6 Pukaki and Church of the Good Shepard

On the 6th day of our South Island itinerary, we headed to Lake Pukaki, a stunning New Zealand’s natural wonder known for its vivid turquoise waters. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

After enjoying the beauty of the lake, we made our way to the Church of the Good Shepherd, an iconic landmark of the South Island, located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. If you want to capture that perfect shot of the church with the night sky (which appears on many postcards from New Zealand), it’s best to book a tour. These tours often include a visit during the evening, when the stars above provide a magical view. However, you can also visit the church for free during the day and explore its serene grounds, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The church itself is small but charming, and it’s a peaceful spot to take in the natural beauty of the area.

New Zealand south island landscapes
10 days of unique landscapes in NZ South Island

Day 7 Ashburton lakes and Arthur´s pass

On the next day of our New Zealand trip, we headed to Ashburton Lakes for stunning scenery and some iconic Lord of the Rings movie locations. The area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, tranquil lakes, and the backdrop of the Southern Alps.

After visiting Ashburton Lakes, we made our way to Arthur’s Pass, a famous national park in New Zealand South Island. Here, you can choose from a variety of hiking trails, ranging from a short 1-hour walk to more challenging 8-hour treks. No matter which trail you choose, the views are spectacular, with dramatic alpine scenery, lush valleys, and dense forests. The hikes are well-maintained, offering an exciting way to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Day 8 Hokitika Gorge and Punakaiki

Besides the fact that it rains a lot on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island (almost constantly), Hokitika Gorge is one of the most epic places to visit during any New Zealand itinerary. The stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs create a truly magical atmosphere. To get the best experience, try to visit on a clear day when it’s not raining for the most vibrant and breathtaking scenery.

Another incredible stop nearby t is Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks. These uniquely layered limestone formations, which resemble stacks of pancakes, are a must-see Natural wonder. Scientists still can’t agree on exactly how these formations came to be, which only adds to their mystery and charm.

After enjoying these two natural wonders, we drove to Christchurch to catch a flight the following day back to Auckland on the North Island, as our flight back home was from there. If you plan to stay on the South Island, consider dedicating your final days to Christchurch and its surroundings.

Nature in New Zealand: Itinerary
Hokitika Gorge
2 Weeks in New Zealand: 10 days South Island
Punakaiki
Food New Zealand south island Pizza
Fat Pipi Pizzas in Hokitika

Day 9-10 Christchurch (or Auckland and Waiheke Island)

As I’ve previously mentioned, we returned to Auckland and dedicated our last day before our flight to visiting Waiheke Island. However, if you’re focusing on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is the perfect destination to end your itinerary. The city is full of charm, offering a blend of nature, history, and modern attractions. One of the must-see spots in Christchurch is the Botanic Gardens. In fact, this was the only place we managed to visit in Christchurch, as they are open until 9 pm. These peaceful and beautifully landscaped gardens with a wide variety of plants from around the world provide an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll.

For a unique perspective of the city, don’t miss a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. The gondola offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the expansive Canterbury Plains, and the majestic Southern Alps. Another epic experience not to miss in Christchurch is the Harbour Nature Cruise.

Unique day trips from Christchurch:

Top Places to Visit in New Zealand South Island

Read more about New Zealand:

  • 10 Must-Eat Places in New Zealand (read it)
  • 5-day New Zealand North Island Itinerary (read it)
  • 10 amazing experiences for an epic Queenstown holiday (read it)

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Epic 10-day New Zealand South Island Itinerary from Queenstown

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