Itinerary
- Day 1
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
You'll drive out of Queenstown through the Lindis Pass with nice scenery unfolding as you go. There's a stop planned at Lake Pukaki to see Mt Cook, then you'll arrive at Lake Tekapo beneath the snow-capped mountains. The evening is yours to spend however you like - take a scenic walk around the lake, relax by the water, or head to the hot springs. The dark sky reserve here means you'll get clear starry skies if the weather cooperates.
- Start point
- Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand (Nomads queenstown, 09:00)
Optional Activities
- Relax at the lakeside
- Soak in the hot springs at Lake Tekapo
- Explore scenic walkways
- Stargazing in the dark sky reserve
Landmarks Lindis Pass Mt Cook Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo 
- Day 2
Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura
This morning takes you through Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. You'll see how the city has rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake, with street art and botanical gardens showing the recovery. From there you'll continue on to Kaikoura, which is well-known for whale watching and the marine wildlife that makes it such a draw for visitors.
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch's street art
- Visit the Christchurch Botanical Gardens
- Learn about the city's earthquake recovery history
Landmarks Christchurch Christchurch Botanical Gardens 
- Day 3
Kaikoura
You'll arrive in Kaikoura, and this is where you get to do the marine activities you came for. Whale watching or swimming with dolphins are the main options available, depending on conditions and what appeals to you. By evening you can relax on the beach or grab some fresh local seafood to eat.
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Swimming with dolphins
- Relax on the beach
- Sample local seafood for dinner
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 4
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Heading north, you'll travel along the dramatic Kaikoura coastline with a stop to see seals on the rocks. After that the route takes you through vineyards on the way to Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand. You'll finish the day at Kaiteriteri, which sits right at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park.
Optional Activities
- View seals at the Kaikoura coastline
- Explore vineyards en route
Landmarks Kaikoura coastline Nelson Abel Tasman National Park Kaiteriteri - Day 5
Abel Tasman
Your morning in Abel Tasman offers a choice - either kayak out to Split Apple Rock through the golden bays looking for marine life, or take a water taxi to explore the native forest. In the afternoon you'll stop at Nelson Lakes to get some photos, then head toward Westport, the local surf town.
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock
- Kayaking along golden bays
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park bays
- Morning stroll in native New Zealand forest
- Visit Nelson Lakes for photos
Landmarks Split Apple Rock Abel Tasman National Park Nelson Lakes - Day 6
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
You'll drive south on State Highway 6, winding through different landscapes along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The route includes a walk at Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony, time to explore some rugged beaches, and a stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, which are quite something to see.
Optional Activities
- Cape Foulwind seal colony walk
- Explore rugged beaches
- Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Landmarks State Highway 6 Cape Foulwind Punakaiki Pancake Rocks - Day 7
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
It's a short drive to Franz Josef this morning. Franz Josef is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. You'll have the rest of the day free, so you can do whatever interests you most in the area.
Landmarks Franz Josef Te Wahipounamu - Day 8
Franz Josef
Another free day in Franz Josef gives you options for the glacier. If you want the full experience, there's a heli hike tour that gets you up in a helicopter and onto the glacier itself. Otherwise you can spend the day on foot, walking the various trails in the region.
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike tour
- Franz Josef Glacier walking trails
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier - Day 9
Franz Josef to Wanaka
You'll head south from Franz Josef to Wanaka, and the scenery shifts from glaciers to lakes and from rugged coastline to alpine views. The drive takes you over Haast Pass, and along the way you'll stop at That Wanaka Tree for photos - it's pretty iconic. After that you can walk around Wanaka's vibrant lakefront and soak in what the town has going on.
Optional Activities
- Stop at 'That Wanaka Tree' for photos
- Stroll the Wanaka lakefront
Landmarks Haast Pass That Wanaka Tree Wanaka 
- Day 10
Wanaka to Queenstown
You'll wake up in Wanaka and have time for your own adventure before heading to Queenstown. If you're up for it, an early start on Roy's Peak gives you those iconic views from the top. After that you'll drive toward Queenstown with a stop at Kawarau Bridge if you want an adrenaline rush before arriving at your destination.
- End point
- Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand (Nomads queenstown)
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike for sunrise views
- Adrenaline activities at Kawarau Bridge
Landmarks Roy's Peak Kawarau Bridge Queenstown
