Highlights
- Board a helicopter and fly to Tasman Glacier for an afternoon hike
- Take to the slopes for a day of skiing at either Treble Cone or Cardrona
- Enjoy a happy hour cruise on Lake Wanaka
- Carve out some time to relax in a hot pool under the stars in Queenston
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch, Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 2 | Drive to Lake Tekapo, Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike, Stargazing Experience | Lake Tekapo |
| Day 3 | Drive to Twizel via Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Cruise Tasman Lake | Twizel |
| Day 4 | Drive to Wānaka via Ōmarama, Hot Tub Experience | Wānaka |
| Day 5 | Ski at Cardrona or Treble Cone, Lake Wānaka Happy Hour Cruise | Wānaka |
| Day 6 | Drive to Queenstown & Outdoor Activities, Onsen Evening Session | Queenstown |
| Day 7 | Explore Queenstown on Your Own | Queenstown |
| Day 8 | Depart Queenstown |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Explore
Day 2: Drive to Lake Tekapo, Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike, Stargazing Experience
Turn inland from Christchurch and drive toward Lake Tekapo, a turquoise lake in Mackenzie Country. The route takes you through the pastoral Canterbury Plains, and you can opt to take a break in Geraldine, a small town by the woods with plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants. Continuing, you'll pass by stunning scenery, like the aptly-named Beautiful Valley. Once you've arrived at your destination, settle into your accommodation and prepare for a special activity: a three-hour helicopter ride and hike on Tasman Glacier.
Land at 3,937 feet (1,200 m) above sea level and spend up to two hours on a guided ice trek, covering gentle rolling terrain in a fantastic landscape of fluted ice and winding streamlets. Then, in the evening, travel to Mount John Observatory to learn about the southern sky. Your guide will point out the Milky Way Galaxy, Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri, and Sirius—one of the brightest visible stars.
Day 3: Drive to Twizel via Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Cruise Tasman Lake
Spend today in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park as you make your way to Twizel. Start by driving along the shores of stunning Lake Pukaki. On a fine day, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire length of the lake and into the national park, so take a brief break at the lookout and put your camera to work! At 12,316 feet (3,754 m) high, Aoraki / Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain—get a great view of it from the visitor's center, or even opt for a sightseeing flight over its peak. There are also many hikes in and around the park: take the scenic Tasman Glacier Viewpoint track for an easy walk.
Stop for lunch, then visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Named for New Zealand's most illustrious alpine climber, the center is a great place to learn about the region's climbing history and the achievements and philanthropic work of the man himself. Afterward, take a cruise around Tasman Glacier Lake to see Aoraki / Mount Cook's 500-year-old icebergs up close. A guide will point out key landmarks as you glide across the water, surrounded by towering ice cliffs. A short drive south along the Aoraki / Mount Cook Highway will take you onward to Twizel, where you'll be spending the night.Day 4: Drive to Wānaka via Ōmarama, Hot Tub Experience
A short drive from Twizel, set off to see the clay cliffs just west of Ōmarama. These stunning natural landforms are a geological wonder, with their sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines. Once you've had a look and snapped some photos, head to the Ōmarama Hot Tubs for a pleasant soak in a private tub filled with clear high-country water.
Later, continue your journey to Wānaka as you head through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, with its summit reaching 3,186 feet (971 m). The tussock-covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass through the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. Once you've arrived in Wānaka, spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. This scenic resort town sits on Lake Wānaka and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. In winter, its population more than triples as snow sports enthusiasts flock to the ski fields at Treble Cone and Cardrona.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Ski at Cardrona or Treble Cone, Lake Wānaka Happy Hour Cruise
Go skiing at either Cardrona or Treble Cone today with a one-day lift pass that includes access to either ski field, plus equipment rentals. Once you've enjoyed your day on the slopes, warm up with a happy hour cruise from the Wānaka lakefront. Relax with a glass of local wine or beer and a selection of cheeses onboard (plus more drinks available for purchase). The cruise will take you toward the Wānaka Tree before continuing to Waterfall Creek and Ruby Island. You'll then head to Stevensons Peninsula before returning via Beacon Point and Eely Point.
Day 6: Drive to Queenstown & Outdoor Activities, Onsen Evening Session
Leaving Wānaka, you'll drive to Queenston via New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road. Along the way, take a detour to Gibbston, where you can stop in one of the region's notable wineries to taste Gibbston's specialty—pinot noir. Once you arrive in Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, you'll have soaring views of The Remarkables Mountain Range, an area popular for skiing, skydiving, river rafting, and bungee jumping.
You can try many activities in Queenstown: ride a 100-year-old steamship, book a jet boat ride through the Shotover River Canyons, dive off the Nevis Bungy, or relive scenes from "The Lord of The Rings" on a 4WD tour, among other options. But this evening, carve out some time to relax in a hot pool under the stars. Enjoy an hourlong soak accompanied by a drink and snack as you take in the alpine scenery. The water temperature averages 101.3°F (38.5°C), but one of the summer pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of an icy plunge!
Day 7: Explore Queenstown on Your Own
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. It's the self-proclaimed adventure capital of the world, with many adrenaline-inducing activities available in the area. Start with a walk, jog, or bike ride around Lake Wakatipu for a more relaxing day. Then, check out nearby Arrowtown or brave the steep, winding trip to Macetown to learn more about New Zealand's 19th-century gold rush.
Oenophiles may consider embarking on a tasting tour of the region's best boutique vineyards. Take a self-guided excursion through Bannockburn and Cromwell—two subregions known for their cool-climate wines, which are generally more acidic and lighter than other varieties. Pick your favorite wine to pair with lunch, and take a walk through historic Old Cromwell to end your journey among some of the most picturesque vineyards in New Zealand. Other activities include skiing at Coronet Peak, enjoying a craft beer tour, or bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge.
Day 8: Depart Queenstown
More Great New Zealand Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in New Zealand, or discover the best time to visit New Zealand.
Map
