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:
- Arrive in Christchurch.
- Visit Cathedral Square and, if it interests you, the Aquarium of Discovery.
- Drive to the port of Lyttelton and and take the gondola to the top of Port Hills.
- The following day, take the TranzAlpine Express to Greymouth or drive via Arthur's Pass.
- Stop over at Greymouth, then proceed south to the glaciers.
- Stay the night at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.
- The following day, head inland to Queenstown.
- Go Queenstown sightseeing.
- Proceed to the base of Mt Cook through Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.
- Take a scenic helicopter flight over Mt Cook and land on the ice.
- Return to Christchurch on the fifth day, then say E noho ra (goodbye) to the South Island.
- Have a map and chart out your route. You may need to travel before daybreak and after nightfall.
- Rent a car so you can visit particular places at will.
- This is a basic guide, so check out other South Island attractions you may want to visit.
Related Features:
- Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Club
- How to See the North Island in Five Days
- Waitangi: Birthplace of a Nation
- Getting a New Zealand Visa
- Touring New Zealand

