10-Day New Zealand South Island Tour Packages
Ready to explore New Zealand's South Island? Indulge in Queenstown's adventure activities, Milford Sound's fjords (weather permitting—it rains a lot), Mount Cook area, the West Coast's glaciers like Franz Josef. You'll see Christchurch rebuilding itself, Dunedin's Scottish heritage, and Abel Tasman's beaches up north. Head to the wine regions around Marlborough, and try adventure stuff like bungee jumping if you're inclined.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day New Zealand South Island tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
10 Day New Zealand Itinerary, incl. Auckland and Queenstown
A South Island journey from Queenstown to Christchurch spans 5 days, featuring Milford Sound cruise, Franz Josef Glacier exploration, and TranzAlpine train ride. The tour takes in Mount Cook National Park, Hooker Valley Track, and Southern Alps' dramatic landscapes.
- Days 1-3
Auckland and Rotorua Region
Your journey begins in Auckland. Take a full day to adjust to the time zone and explore the City of Sails. Start with a harbor ferry to Devonport for city views early morning when the light is best for photos. On day 2 travel to Rotorua to experience Maori culture. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the traditional Maori performance at Mitai Village was incredible, but bring insect repellent for the evening show." Day 3 takes you to both Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. Visit Hobbiton first in the morning when crowds are smaller and lighting is better. For Waitomo pack sturdy shoes as cave paths can be slippery. Take a light jacket since the caves stay at 16°C (61°F) all year.
- Days 4-6
Queenstown Adventures
Book an early morning flight to Queenstown on day 4 to avoid afternoon wind turbulence. Get your bearings with the Queenstown Hill walk which takes 2-3 hours and offers great views. Days 5-6 feature key highlights: the Hooker Valley Track near Mt. Cook and Milford Sound cruise. The track is a 3-hour return walk on mostly flat terrain. Milford Sound requires a full day with 4 hours driving each way. A recent visitor noted: "The Milford Sound cruise was breathtaking. Pack layers - the temperature can change dramatically between Queenstown and the fiord."
- Days 7-8
Franz Josef Glacier Region
The drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef takes about 5 hours along Haast Pass with plenty of photo stops. Plan glacier activities for day 8 in the morning when weather is usually clearer. Skip helicopter tours if it's cloudy since visibility matters for the experience. Lake kayaking makes a good backup plan if weather isn't ideal.
- Days 9-10
TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
The scenic TranzAlpine train leaves Greymouth at 14:05 and arrives in Christchurch at 18:30. Book a left-side seat heading east for the best views. Spend your last morning exploring Christchurch's rebuilt center and Riverside Market.
10 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown
Travel through Fiordland National Park's native beech forests to Milford Sound, cruising past 1,692-meter Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls where fur seals surface in deep waters. Cross Haast Pass from Lakes Hawea and Wanaka into Franz Josef Glacier's rainforests, then jet boat the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri.
- Days 1-2
Christchurch & Lake Tekapo Region
Begin your South Island adventure in Christchurch. Take time to walk through the rebuilt city center. "The contrast between new architecture and preserved heritage buildings tells the story of the city's resilience." Visit the Canterbury Museum first thing to beat the crowds. On your second day drive through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo about 3 hours away. Get to the Church of the Good Shepherd before 9 AM to avoid tourist crowds and get better photos.
- Days 3-4
Dunedin & Te Anau
Drive to Dunedin through Oamaru (2.5 hours). Bring different clothing options since Dunedin weather changes quickly. Visit Larnach Castle for $40 but skip the guided tours. You can see just as much on your own. The next day takes you on a 4-hour drive to Te Anau your starting point for Fiordland. Book the glowworm cave tours well ahead because they fill up fast in busy seasons.
- Days 5-6
Milford Sound & Queenstown
Start early for Milford Sound. The first boat trips offer the best chances to see wildlife. Plan about 2.5 hours each way from Te Anau to Milford with photo stops. Bring motion sickness pills for the winding roads. Stay near the lake in Queenstown to be close to everything. "The TSS Earnslaw cruise was a highlight - request a window table at Walter Peak Station for dinner with mountain views."
- Days 7-8
Franz Josef & West Coast
The trip to Franz Josef is about 5 hours through Haast Pass. Schedule helicopter rides for morning when skies are usually clearer. Head north to see Punakaiki's blowholes at high tide when they're most impressive. Bring shoes with good traction for the Pancake Rocks walk since it gets slippery in wet weather.
- Days 9-10
TranzAlpine & Christchurch
Take the TranzAlpine train (4.5 hours) and book seats on the left side going east for the best views. Book early as seats sell quickly. Finish in Christchurch with dinner at Little High Eatery. Book morning flights out instead of afternoon ones to avoid weather delays.
Southern Spectacular
Natural wonders abound on this 10-day circuit of South Island including Fiordland National Park, Franz Josef Glacier, and Punakaiki Rocks. A TranzAlpine train journey and Milford Sound cruise complement all accommodations and 9 breakfasts at approx. $540 per day.
Christchurch New Zealand
113 miLake Tekapo New Zealand
25 miTwizel New Zealand
71 miOamaru New Zealand
58 miDunedin New Zealand
154 miFiordland National Park New Zealand
9 miManapouri New Zealand
11 miShow 9 more
Te Anau New Zealand
17 miFiordland National Park New Zealand
59 miMilford Sound New Zealand
43 miQueenstown New Zealand
8 miWalter Peak New Zealand
8 miQueenstown New Zealand
7 miThe Remarkables New Zealand
7 miArrowtown New Zealand
127 miFranz Josef New Zealand
59 miHokitika New Zealand
46 miPunakaiki New Zealand
24 miGreymouth New Zealand
41 miArthur's Pass National Park New Zealand
62 miChristchurch New Zealand
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What people love about 10-day New Zealand South Island tours
- NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
New Zealand and my itinerary was perfect! I had to be efficient since I only had 10 days and wanted to see both islands of NZ. The Highlights Tour put together by Bucket List Tours was exactly what I was hoping for and it exceeded my expectations. Before leaving the US, Bucket List Tours connected with me and made sure we were able to communicate throughout my trip via WhatsApp. And that was super helpful since there were a number of times where I was able to clarify logistical items on the itinerary to ensure such things as being at the right pickup locations for scheduled day tours. Bucket Lisr Tours was always very responsive and helped me do everything I had on my list for New Zealand. I would highly recommend Bucket List Tours to anyone and am already planning on using them again in the future!
I would highly recommend Isobel and driver Mark. They paid very good attention to detail and the comfort of the clients. I felt safe and secure as Mark's driving was very competent and Isobel was delightful, patient ans fun. She is a real people person with extensive knowledge of the areas visited, legends of the indigenous peoples, thinterpretation of place names and history. Mark and Isobel worked well together, meal times, departure times and other important information was provided well in advance. Good provision was made for frequent stops for toilet breaks and the purchase of refreshments. I likes the attention to time keeping.
Southern Spectacular
- NZ: South Island (Westbound)
Fantastic tour! The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.
More about New Zealand South Island
New Zealand North IslandMilford SoundSouthern AlpsAoraki Mount Cook