New Zealand South Island Adventure

Created Nov 18, 2025
Saved Nov 18, 2025
By Sam Chen

Epic outdoor adventure from mountains to fjords, camping and staying in budget lodges with hiking, kayaking, and stargazing.

5 days
4 destinations

Itinerary

Friday, April 17, 2026
06:00 - 10:00
Transportation
Drive to Milford
Scenic mountain route
08:00 - 10:00
Activity
Skyline Gondola
Views and luge
10:00 - 11:00
Transportation
Airport to Queenstown
Airport shuttle
11:00 - 14:00
Activity
Jet Boat Tour
Shotover River
12:00 - 14:00
Accommodation
Adventure Lodge
Budget hostel
15:00 - 17:00
Activity
Wine Tasting
Gibbston Valley
15:00 - 17:00
Activity
Lake Wakatipu Walk
Waterfront stroll
18:00 - 20:00
Dining
Fergburger
Famous burger joint
Saturday, April 18, 2026
08:00 - 11:00
Transportation
Milford to Wanaka
Mountain drive
10:30 - 12:30
Activity
Milford Sound Cruise
Fiord exploration
13:00 - 15:00
Activity
Kayaking
Paddle the fjord
18:00 - 20:00
Accommodation
Milford Lodge
Remote lodge
Sunday, April 19, 2026
08:00 - 11:00
Transportation
Wanaka to Mt. Cook
Alpine route
08:00 - 14:00
Activity
Roy's Peak Hike
Summit trek
12:00 - 14:00
Accommodation
Lakeside Camping
Campground setup
15:00 - 17:00
Activity
That Wanaka Tree
Iconic photo spot
15:00 - 17:00
Activity
Lake Swimming
Refreshing dip
18:00 - 20:00
Activity
Lakefront Sunset
Beach relaxation
19:00 - 21:00
Activity
Stargazing
Dark sky reserve
Monday, April 20, 2026
07:00 - 12:00
Activity
Mueller Hut Hike
Alpine climbing
08:00 - 11:00
Transportation
Tekapo to Christchurch
Return drive
09:00 - 10:30
Transportation
Mt. Cook to Tekapo
Scenic drive
11:00 - 13:00
Visit
Church of Good Shepherd
Iconic chapel
12:00 - 14:00
Accommodation
Mt. Cook Lodge
Mountain hostel
14:00 - 16:00
Activity
Lake Tekapo Hot Pools
Alpine spa
14:00 - 16:00
Activity
Tasman Glacier View
Glacier lookout
15:00 - 18:00
Activity
Hooker Valley Track
Glacier hike
17:00 - 19:00
Accommodation
Tekapo Camping
Lakeside camp
19:00 - 21:00
Activity
Star Gazing Tour
Astronomy session
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
09:00 - 11:00
Visit
Christchurch Rebuild Sites
City recovery tour
12:00 - 14:00
Accommodation
City Center Hostel
Budget accommodation
13:00 - 15:00
Transportation
Airport Departure
Return car and fly out
15:00 - 17:00
Visit
Botanic Gardens
Beautiful gardens
18:00 - 20:00
Activity
Riverside Walk
City exploration