10-Day New Zealand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day New Zealand tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  This 10-day Premium route from Christchurch to Queenstown links 8 South Island destinations including Franz Josef, Wanaka, and Milford Sound. The drive takes you through Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill, where Lord of the Rings was filmed, before stopping at the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust in Makarora. Lunch happens at Criffel Station in Central Otago during the journey. Boutique properties accommodate up to 12 guests, with meals showcasing local wine and produce from Canterbury and Otago regions.

  

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  • Day 1

    Christchurch

    Begin in Christchurch, the garden city rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake. Visit the innovative Transitional Cathedral and take a peaceful walk through Hagley Park. In the evening walk down New Regent Street to see its beautiful Spanish Mission architecture and find a spot at one of the local wine bars featuring Canterbury produce.

    
  • Days 2-3

    West Coast Adventure

    Drive through Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki. Stop at Castle Hill, a filming location from Lord of the Rings. One traveler said: "The Pancake Rocks at sunset are incredible - time your visit for high tide when the blowholes are most active." Head to Franz Josef with a stop at Monteith's Brewery in Greymouth along the way.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Spend time exploring the glacier area. The valley walk takes about 1.5 hours round trip. Go early in the morning to get the best photos before clouds appear. If you're up for it, try a heli-hike but know that weather often causes cancellations. The hot pools make a good backup plan on rainy days.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Wanaka

    Head south to Lake Wanaka near Mount Aspiring National Park. Take the 2-hour Mount Iron Track loop for great views. Start early before it gets too hot. Visit Criffel Station for lunch and a real farm experience. Want a perfect photo? The famous #ThatWanakaTree looks best at sunrise when the lake is still.

    
  • Day 7

    Gibbston Valley Wine Region

    Start in historic Arrowtown to see the Chinese settlement before going to wine country. Gibbston Valley is perfect for tasting the area's excellent pinot noir. Book a stay at a vineyard to get the full experience. A recent visitor noted: "The mountain views from the hot tubs at Kinross Winery were magical, especially with a glass of local pinot noir."

    
  • Day 8

    Milford Sound

    Leave early for Milford Sound. It's a 4-hour drive from Queenstown with few stops, so pack food and fill your gas tank. Book a nature cruise between 11am-2pm for the best light and wildlife viewing. Bring rain gear - Milford gets lots of rain but that's when the waterfalls look most impressive.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Queenstown

    Finish your trip in the adventure capital. Take the TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu for dinner at Walter Peak Station. Use your last morning for shopping on Shotover Street or having coffee by the lake. Give yourself 30 minutes to reach the airport from town due to traffic.

    

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• 10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown

  This 10-day South Island route connects 8 destinations: Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, and Franz Josef. A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi passes Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, then continues into UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Jet boating across Lake Manapouri reaches Pomona Island, while the TranzAlpine train provides views of the Southern Alps. Franz Josef Glacier gets up-close viewing, and coastal walks lead around the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.

  

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  • 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.

    

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