What you'll do
Have you only got a week to see the best that the South Island offers?
This 5 night, 6 day itinerary is my FAVOURITE road trip route in New Zealand and takes you through some of the best scenery NZ has to offer in the central South Island, adventuring from Queenstown, to Wanaka, to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo before finishing. There will be lots of exploring the beautiful free nature of New Zealand with a few options for tourist activities.
Road Trip Prerequisites
The South Island towns and villages in this itinerary are some of the most popular destinations in New Zealand, particularly Mount Cook and Queenstown.
I highly recommend pre booking the activities, accommodations and eateries recommended in this itinerary to avoid disappointment.
Day 1
Welcome to Queenstown!
It's time to collect your rental car and spend a little bit of time exploring the tourist mecca of Queenstown. There is truly something for everyone in Queenstown and you could easily spend a week exploring here and its surrounds.
I've included a few of my favorite spots for you to choose from depending on your arrival time to Queenstown, interests and budget - Queenstown is expensive! You won't have time to do all of these, so choose carefully.
Then the late afternoon/evening is a great time to check into your hotel then wander the Queenstown lakefront and gardens before heading to dinner.
Deer Park Heights Queenstown
activiteit
Gobsmacking Views, Animals and Lord of the Rings Film Sites
One of my favourite things to do in Queenstown! Spectacular views, animals to feed and Lord of the Rings film sites.
Deer Park Heights is $75 NZD per car (you must have a car to visit) book your pass online.
Further information: Deer Park Heights Queenstown is a beautiful scenic drive and animal encounter situated in the heart of Queenstown. Just a 10 minute drive away from the airport, guests are welcomed to explore the stunning countryside complete with farm animals such as sheep, llamas and deer that guests can hand feed. Visitors can take in the scenery that serves as the backdrop for iconic movies such as ‘Lord of the Rings’ and even purchase sheep nuts from the green nut holders located throughout the property. Deer Park Heights is the perfect attraction for family trips, romantic dates and solo excursions!
Queenstown Lakefront
area
Queenstowns bustling lakefront
Queenstowns bustling lakefront, a beautiful but busy place to wander, take in the mountain views across the lake, people watch and decide what restaurants and shops you'd like to visit.
Queenstown Gardens
park
Beautiful Lakefront Park
The Queenstown Gardens is a beautiful public park located right by the lakefront in Queenstown. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and mountain ranges, as well as manicured gardens full of flowers, ponds with ducks, and spectacular scenery. Visitors can explore the trails that wind around the garden, have picnics by the lake, and play frisbee golf and ice skate at the Queenstown Ice Arena. The playground and events such as the iconic Queenstown Winter Festival and LUMA Light Festival add even more fun for those visiting the park. Whether it be spending time outdoors or soaking up the views, the Queenstown Gardens is the perfect place to go for an unforgettable experience.
You'll have no trouble finding a cuisine you like in Queenstown because it is PACKED with restaurants, but here are 3 of my favourites.
PS. Make sure you book in advance no matter where you decide to go.
Tanoshi - Some of the best Japanese I've had in New Zealand. This restaurant is very small and can be hard to find (it's a bit of a hidden gem) so make sure you book in advance.
Madam Woo - Delicious asian food great for sharing with rather strong cocktails.
Margo's - Really good mexican.
The Winery - Queenstown
winery
Pour your own Wine Tastings
The Winery in Queenstown is a top spot for wine lovers and casual drinkers alike and is my favourite place for an afternoon or after dinner drink. You pour all of your wine tastings yourself from dispensers along the walls! Though not as cheap as a tasting at a vineyard it's a fun way to try a large range of NZ wines (and kill a bit of time!)
If you're a hot pool fan I would recommend booking into Onsen Hot Pool for after dinner, particularly if you're visiting in Summer when the daylight stretches long into the evening. (I personally don't think it's worth doing in the dark, simply because you don't get the beautiful view which is half the price.)
Onsen Hot Pools
Warme lente
Hot Tub with River and Mountain Views
Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown is the iconic hot springs and day spa experience nestled in the Shotover River. Onsen has stunning views, natural hot pools, luxurious cedar-lined hot tubs, and each booking at Onsen includes complimentary car shuttle and refreshments.
Driftaway Queenstown
hotel
Lakefront Accommodation
Driftaway Queenstown is a relatively new and budget flexible accommodation in Frankton, 10 minutes from central Queenstown.
I LOVED staying here and having direct access to the lakefront for morning and evening walks. Frankton is a much quieter area of Queenstown where a lot of locals live, so you get the best of both worlds - beautiful views without all of the crowds!