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, and wildlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: push the limits with an extreme tour, have some family-friendly fun at Fear Factory Queenstown, race across the water with a speed boat tour, and take in nature's colorful creations at Queenstown Gardens.

To find traveler tips, maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Queenstown trip planner.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to Queenstown is an approximately 15-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 4 hours traveling from Bandar Seri Begawan to Queenstown. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can drive 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), take in the dramatic natural features at Franz Josef Glacier and then hike along Moraine Walk.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Fox Glacier trip tool.

Drive from Queenstown to Fox Glacier in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can drive 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 enjoy breathtaking views from Christchurch Gondola. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at International Antarctic Centre, then take an in-depth tour of Canterbury Museum, then take in nature's colorful creations at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Cardboard Cathedral.

To see more things to do, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Christchurch online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Fox Glacier to Christchurch takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in December, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Mt. Cook Village.

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

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): get outside with Aoraki/Mt. Cook, tour the pleasant surroundings at Hooker Valley Track, and then trek along Kea Point Track. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: trek along Sealy Tarns Track, then trek along Glencoe Walk, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Tekapo.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Mt. Cook Village online trip planner.

Getting from Christchurch to Mt. Cook Village by car takes about 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.

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

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Te Anau trip builder site.

Explore your travel options from Mt. Cook Village to Te Anau with the Route module. On the 1st (Wed), you'll travel back home.