
24/04/2025
๐ 20-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip! ๐ฟ๐๏ธ
Hereโs your perfect 20-day itinerary with approximate driving distances and times. Letโs hit the road! ๐๏ธ
๐ Stop 1: Christchurch โ Lake Tekapo
๐ Distance: 230 km (3 hours)
๐ธ Start your journey in Christchurch! Explore the Botanic Gardens, enjoy local flavors at Riverside Market, and learn about history at the Canterbury Museum.
๐ Head to Lake Tekapo, famous for its breathtaking Dark Sky Reserve and the charming Church of the Good Shepherd.
๐ Stop 2: Lake Tekapo โ Mount Cook National Park
๐ Distance: 105 km (1.5 hours)
๐๏ธ Travel to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to the spectacular Ho**er Valley Track and the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier.
๐ Stop 3: Mount Cook National Park โ Wanaka
๐ Distance: 200 km (2.5 hours)
๐ณ Arrive in Wanaka, a tranquil lakeside town known for the iconic , scenic hikes like Royโs Peak, and plenty of lakeside charm.
๐ Stop 4: Wanaka โ Queenstown
๐ Distance: 70 km (1 hour)
๐ข Experience the thrill of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world! Try bungee jumping, jet boating, and explore the charming streets of Arrowtown.
๐ Stop 5: Queenstown โ Fiordland National Park (Milford Sound)
๐ Distance: 290 km (4.5 hours)
๐ Take in the stunning fjords of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, where towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create one of the most awe-inspiring sights in New Zealand.
๐ Stop 6: Fiordland National Park โ The Catlins Coast
๐ Distance: 210 km (3 hours)
๐ Explore the wild beauty of The Catlins, featuring Nugget Point Lighthouse, waterfalls, and rare wildlife like penguins and sea lions.
๐ Stop 7: The Catlins Coast โ Dunedin
๐ Distance: 150 km (2 hours)
๐ฐ Discover the historic charm of Dunedin, home to the grand Larnach Castle, the scenic Otago Peninsula, and the impressive Royal Albatross Centre.
๐ Stop 8: Dunedin โ Franz Josef Glacier
๐ Distance: 500 km (7.5 hours)
๐ง Journey up the West Coast to witness the icy wonders of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Take a scenic helicopter tour or hike to the glacier viewpoints.
๐ Stop 9: Franz Josef Glacier โ Abel Tasman National Park
๐ Distance: 470 km (6.5 hours)
๐๏ธ Relax at the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy kayaking, coastal hikes, and scenic boat cruises in this paradise.
๐ Stop 10: Abel Tasman National Park โ Christchurch
๐ Distance: 300 km (4 hours)
๐๏ธ Complete your journey back in Christchurch, reflecting on an incredible road trip filled with unforgettable moments.
โจ Pro Tips for Your Road Trip:
๐ Road Conditions: Be prepared for winding roads, especially in mountainous areas.
๐
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (October-April) for the best weather.
๐ธ Must-Have: A camera to capture every jaw-dropping moment.
Whoโs ready for this once-in-a-lifetime South Island adventure? Tag your travel buddies and start planning! ๐๐