12 days in South Island Itinerary

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

Queenstown is known for fun & games, adventure, wildlife, nature, and spas. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, admire the natural beauty at Queenstown Garden, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

To find reviews, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Queenstown route maker app .

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to Queenstown is an approximately 15-hour flight. Traveling from Bandar Seri Begawan to Queenstown, you'll lose 4 hours due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can go by car to Fox Glacier.

A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.

On the 25th (Wed), explore the striking landscape of Fox Glacier, then explore the striking landscape at Franz Josef Glacier, and then trek along Moraine Walk.

To find where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Fox Glacier trip maker site .

Traveling by car from Queenstown to Fox Glacier takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can go by car to Christchurch.

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

On the 26th (Thu), take a memorable ride with TranzAlpine Train and then take in panoramic vistas at Christchurch Gondola. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at International Antarctic Centre, then get engrossed in the history at Canterbury Museum, then admire the natural beauty at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and finally make a trip to Cardboard Cathedral.

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Christchurch day trip planning website .

You can drive from Fox Glacier to Christchurch in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. December in Christchurch sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) so you can travel to Mt. Cook Village.

Siting under towering peaks of New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): get outside with Aoraki/Mt. Cook, then hike along Hooker Valley Track, and then hike along Kea Point Track. On the next day, hike along Sealy Tarns Track, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Glencoe Walk, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Tekapo.

For more things to do and other tourist information, read our Mt. Cook Village trip planner .

Traveling by car from Christchurch to Mt. Cook Village takes 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Te Anau.

Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): trek along The Chasm Walk, contemplate the waterfront views at Milford Sound, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Lake Gunn. On the 31st (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the waterfront views at Te Anau Glowworm Caves and then identify plant and animal life at Doubtful Sound.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Te Anau trip maker tool .

The Route module can help you plan travel from Mt. Cook Village to Te Anau. On the 1st (Wed), you're off tohome.