Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown
- Morning: Arrive in Queenstown and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Queenstown. Take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many excellent restaurants.
- Accommodation: Stay in Queenstown.
Day 2: Exploring Queenstown
- Morning: Take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River or go bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge.
- Afternoon: Visit Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town near Queenstown.
- Evening: Relax by Lake Wakatipu or explore Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife.
- Accommodation: Stay in Queenstown.
Day 3: Day Trip to Milford Sound
- Early Morning: Depart Queenstown early by tour bus for Milford Sound. Enjoy the scenic drive through Fiordland National Park.
- Late Morning: Arrive at Milford Sound and take a scenic cruise through the fjord, seeing waterfalls, wildlife, and Mitre Peak.
- Afternoon: Return to Queenstown by bus.
- Evening: Arrive back in Queenstown. Have dinner and relax.
- Accommodation: Stay in Queenstown.
Day 4: Queenstown to Aroraki/Mount Cook via Lake Wanaka
- Morning: Check out of your Queenstown hotel and drive to Lake Wanaka (about 1 hour).
- Late Morning: Spend a couple of hours exploring Lake Wanaka. Visit the famous Wanaka Tree and stroll along the lake.
- Afternoon: Continue your drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook, passing by Lake Pukaki (total drive time from Wanaka to Mount Cook is about 2.5 hours). Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Pukaki on your way.
- Evening: Arrive in Aoraki/Mount Cook. Check into your accommodation and have dinner.
- Accommodation: Stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Day 5: Exploring Aroraki/Mount Cook
- Morning: Take a hike on one of the many trails, such as the Hooker Valley Track for breathtaking views of Mount Cook and the surrounding glaciers.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the area, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or take a scenic flight for aerial views of the region.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the serene mountain environment.
- Accommodation: Stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Day 6: Aroraki/Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo via Lake Pukaki
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive to Lake Tekapo, stopping again at Lake Pukaki to enjoy the view and take photos (drive time from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo is about 1 hour).
- Late Morning: Arrive in Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog Statue.
- Afternoon: Relax at Tekapo Springs or take a short hike up Mount John for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Evening: Stargazing in one of the world’s best locations for night skies.
Day 7: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, with a visit to Glenorchy
- Morning: Check out of your Lake Tekapo accommodation and start your drive back to Queenstown (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: If time permits, drive to Glenorchy (about 45 minutes from Queenstown) and explore the beautiful landscapes often featured in films.
- Late Afternoon: Return to Queenstown. Do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in Queenstown.
- Accommodation: Stay in Queenstown or prepare for your departure the next day.
Notes:
- Driving: Ensure you have a reliable GPS or map, as some areas can have limited mobile coverage.
- Accommodation: Book in advance, especially in popular tourist spots.
- Tours: Book the Milford Sound tour and any other activities in advance to secure your spot.
Enjoy your trip to New Zealand! The landscapes and experiences will be unforgettable.