New Zealand 7-Day Itinerary

In this story I’ve outlined our exact New Zealand 7-day itinerary, and any additional information I thought you might need to plan your own New Zealand South Island road trip.

We had a lot of hikes planned for this trip so we decided to start off easy with a 1-hour loop hike for the first day.

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH AND HIKE THE SUGARLOAF

As we approached Lake Tekapo the drive became more scenic and even if it wasn’t highway anymore and with more bends it was still an easy drive.

DAY 2 ROAD TRIP TO LAKE TEKAPO

We drove past Lake Pukaki, another stunning lake with turquoise water, and reached Aoraki Mount Cook Village by 10AM.

DAY 3 DRIVE TO MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK AND HIKE THE HOOKER VALLEY TRACK

Wanaka and the surrounding lakes but even being above the clouds was very beautiful.

DAY 4 HIKE IN WANAKA AND DRIVE ON TO QUEENSTOWN

The whole peak was shrouded in clouds, I couldn’t even see the gondola right beneath me. I was glad I hadn’t paid 50 NZD just to see some clouds!

DAY 5 ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN QUEENSTOWN

Close to Queenstown is Milford Sound; a fjord that has been acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous travel destination and the 8th wonder of the natural world.

DAY 6 MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

There is a first viewpoint where the trails meet again at a metal sculpture called the “Basket of Dreams”.

DAY 7 LAST HIKE AND FLY OUT FROM QUEENSTOWN

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