The Journey
Starlit Tekapo skies, Milford Sound fiords and Wanaka's lakefront
SOUTH ISLAND SCENIC ESCAPE CIRCUIT
Christchurch → Tekapo → Queenstown → Wanaka → Christchurch
Duration
Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown and Wanaka scenic loop
Cities
Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka
Best Time
-
For
2 Adults, Twin Sharing
What's Included
Land-only package, twin sharing; excludes international/domestic flights unless noted
9 nights accommodation across Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown and Wanaka
Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as per itinerary
Church of the Good Shepherd visit and evening stargazing at Lake Tekapo
Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown
Glenorchy or Gibbston wine-country excursion
Scenic drives via Lindis Pass and the Crown Range road
Private airport transfers and inter-city road transfers
Day-by-Day Plan
Every moment of your journey, planned to perfection.
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
International arrival into Christchurch, transfer and check-in, welcome dinner in the city.
Day 2
Drive to Lake Tekapo; Church of the Good Shepherd and stargazing
Scenic Canterbury drive to Lake Tekapo, visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd before an evening of stargazing.
Activities
Church of the Good Shepherd
20 min · Free
Mount John Observatory
1 hr 45 min · From NZD 219 adult (Dark Sky Project Summit Experience guided stargazing tour) · separate self-drive summit-road access fee applies for daytime visits
Day 3
Continue to Queenstown
Scenic drive through Mackenzie Country and Lindis Pass into Queenstown.
Day 4
Queenstown city and lake
Skyline Gondola ride and a stroll along the Lake Wakatipu waterfront.
Activities
Skyline Gondola Queenstown
2 hr · From NZD 69 adult return
Day 5
Milford Sound
Full-day excursion through Fiordland to cruise the waterfalls and cliffs of Milford Sound.
Activities
Milford Sound Cruise
2 hr · From NZD 175 adult (RealNZ Signature Cruise, ex Milford)
Day 6
Free/adventure day
A free day in Queenstown for optional bungy, jet boating or hiking.
Day 7
Glenorchy or wine-country experience
Scenic drive to Glenorchy village or the vineyards of Gibbston Valley.
Activities
Glenorchy
2 hr · Free
Gibbston Valley Wines
1 hr 30 min
Day 8
Drive to Wanaka; lake and town
Scenic Crown Range road to Wanaka, with time to explore the town and lakefront.
Activities
Lake Wanaka
1 hr · Free
Puzzling World
2 hr · From NZD 32.50 adult combo (Illusion Rooms + Great Maze) · NZD 26.50 Illusion Rooms only
Day 9
Wanaka scenic day; return toward Christchurch
Morning views of Lake Wanaka, then a scenic drive back through Mackenzie Country to Christchurch.
Day 10
Departure from Christchurch
Free time until check-out, then transfer to Christchurch Airport for the departure flight.
Where You'll Stay
9 nights across 5 cities.
1 nightChristchurch
1 nightTekapo
4 nightsQueenstown
2 nightsWanaka
1 nightChristchurch
