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How to See the South Island in Five Days

Have a sampling of New Zealand's South Island attractions by traveling through Christchurch, the West Coast, Queensntown and Mt Cook. If you have more than five days take a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Difficulty Level: Average      Time Required: Five days


Here's How:
  1. Arrive in Christchurch.
  2. Visit Cathedral Square and, if it interests you, the Aquarium of Discovery.
  3. Drive to the port of Lyttelton and and take the gondola to the top of Port Hills.
  4. The following day, take the TranzAlpine Express to Greymouth or drive via Arthur's Pass.
  5. Stop over at Greymouth, then proceed south to the glaciers.
  6. Stay the night at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.
  7. The following day, head inland to Queenstown.
  8. Go Queenstown sightseeing.
  9. Proceed to the base of Mt Cook through Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.
  10. Take a scenic helicopter flight over Mt Cook and land on the ice.
  11. Return to Christchurch on the fifth day, then say E noho ra (goodbye) to the South Island.
Tips:
  1. Have a map and chart out your route. You may need to travel before daybreak and after nightfall.
  2. Rent a car so you can visit particular places at will.
  3. This is a basic guide, so check out other South Island attractions you may want to visit.

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