10-Day New Zealand Tour Packages
Imagine New Zealand's South Island, from Lake Tekapo down to Milford Sound's dramatic fjords. Queenstown sits surrounded by mountains in the middle, while Franz Josef's glaciers meet rainforest in the west. Canterbury's in the high country, with the Southern Alps running down the spine. Fiordland’s waterways are a must-see. The South Island is dramatic, showing you the very best of nature.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day New Zealand tour itineraries
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown
This 10-day trip covers 8 spots including Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, and Franz Josef, with 9 breakfasts and 7 dinners. Cruise Milford Sound past Mitre Peak, jet boat on Lake Manapouri, ride the TranzAlpine train through Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and check out Arrowtown's gold mining sites.
- Day 1
Start your South Island adventure in Christchurch.
Arrive before 4 PM to skip rush hour traffic. Stay near Cathedral Square for easy access to everything. "Wonderful trip, the city's rebuild since the 2011 earthquake is inspiring," one traveler shared. Spend your first evening walking along the Avon River and through the Botanic Gardens.
- Day 2
Drive to Lake Tekapo through the Canterbury Plains.
Stop in Geraldine and visit Talbots Forest Cheese. Get there before 11 AM to avoid tour buses. The Church of the Good Shepherd offers great photo opportunities at sunset. Bring warm clothes. The lakes get cold even during summer.
- Day 3
Head to Oamaru, known for its Victorian buildings.
Take 2-3 hours to walk through the historic area before going to Dunedin. Visit Larnach Castle first thing at 9 AM when it's quieter.
- Day 4
Trip to Te Anau takes about 4 hours.
Break up your drive with stops in small towns like Gore. Try the Waiau River jet boat ride to see the wilderness up close. Book the glowworm cave tour for 7 PM. The caves look best when they're darkest.
- Day 5
Leave Te Anau by 7 AM for Milford Sound.
Catch the morning light. Stop at Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel for photos. In Queenstown, pick accommodation near the lake to make getting around easier.
- Day 6
Drive to Franz Josef, about 6 hours.
Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall in Cromwell between 9 AM and 5 PM for fresh fruit. Take a morning helicopter flight at Franz Josef before clouds appear.
- Day 7
Stop at Monteith's Brewery in Greymouth.
Take the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Book seats on the right side for mountain views. The train trip takes 4.5 hours through the Southern Alps.
- Day 8
Book flights after 10 AM on your last day.
Avoid rushing. This route hits all the major spots while keeping drive times reasonable. Most drives are 3-4 hours with plenty of stops.
10 Days in New Zealand's South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown
The South Island beckons with 7 key destinations across 406km. Visitors will see Christchurch's Botanic Gardens, Lake Tekapo's Church of Good Shepherd, Wanaka's #thatwanakatree, and Franz Josef's glacier panoramas, plus TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass.
- Days 1-2
Christchurch & Lake Tekapo
Start in Christchurch and explore the innovative rebuild after the earthquake. Visit the cardboard cathedral early in the morning for the best experience. On day 2, take the 3-hour drive to Lake Tekapo. Plan to arrive in the mid-afternoon to see the lupins surrounding the turquoise lake. Get to the Church of the Good Shepherd before 9 AM to avoid crowds and take peaceful photos.
- Days 3-4
Queenstown Adventure
Drive 4 hours through the Mackenzie Basin to reach Queenstown. Make a stop at Kawarau Gorge to see the original commercial bungy jumping site. Stay in central Queenstown to easily access everything. Take the Queenstown Gondola early in the morning to skip the lines and get the best views. Visit the Gibbston Valley wineries but book a driver or tour. The roads can be challenging after wine tasting.
- Days 5-6
Wanaka Exploration
Check weather conditions before taking the Crown Range road to Wanaka. It can get icy and steep. Get up early to photograph the famous Wanaka tree at sunrise when the lake is still. Book the Mou Waho Island trip ahead of time and wear good walking shoes. A recent visitor shared: "The hidden lake at the summit was incredible, but the track is steeper than expected. Bring lots of water and start early before it heats up."
- Days 7-8
Franz Josef Discovery
The drive to Franz Josef takes 4 hours with beautiful Southern Alps views along the way. Stop at Lake Hawea lookout on clear mornings for photos. Book helicopter glacier tours early as weather often affects schedules. Visit the hot pools after 7 PM when they're less busy. Look into pounamu carving sessions but book ahead since spots fill quickly.
- Days 9-10
TranzAlpine & Christchurch Return
The TranzAlpine train is a highlight of the trip. Get seats on the left side for the best mountain views. The train leaves Greymouth at 2:05 PM and arrives in Christchurch at 6:30 PM. Bring warm and cool layers for the changing temperatures through Arthur's Pass. Spend your last morning at the Botanic Gardens or Canterbury Museum if you missed them earlier.
New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (16 destinations)
North Island's charm spans 8 destinations over 10 days. The route includes Hobbiton Movie Set, traditional hangi dinner in Rotorua, Tongariro National Park hikes, and Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary, with 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners included.
Auckland New Zealand
57 miHot Water Beach New Zealand
19 miCoromandel New Zealand
666 miBridal Veil Falls New Zealand
587 miRaglan New Zealand
34 miWaitomo New Zealand
47 miMatamata New Zealand
6 miShow 4 more
Hobbiton Movie Set New Zealand
35 miRotorua New Zealand
37 miHuka Falls Resort New Zealand
1 miTaupo New Zealand
44 miTongariro National Park New Zealand
44 miTaupo New Zealand
44 miTongariro National Park New Zealand
44 miTaupo New Zealand
192 miWellington New Zealand
New Zealand 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
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New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (16 destinations)
Contrasts Of New Zealand
New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
Southern Wonders of New Zealand – 10 Day Journey
New Zealand's Northern Gems (Small Group)
New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
What people love about 10-day New Zealand tours
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
Our guide and itinerary were very good, but accommodations were uneven with the Bealey Quarter Hotel, where the tour began and ended, having substandard accommodations and services.
- Contrasts Of New Zealand
The trip was up to expectation. Well organized. Guides were great. Drivers were great. Overall it really was a wonderful experience.
- New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
Really great holiday! So much fun.Fantastic leadership and organisation by our guide and solid driving and coach management by our driver. One tip....just dont be late to the Bus!
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