Explore New Zealand’s South Island: 10-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for Under 17,000 RMB
New Zealand is a breathtaking country divided into the North Island and the South Island. Due to limited time and a desire to avoid exhaustion, we chose to explore only the South Island, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience! 🌟 It’s like a magical blend of Switzerland and Xinjiang in the Southern Hemisphere! 🌏
📅 **Itinerary: 24.09.30-24.10.10**
🌟 **Day 1️⃣: Hong Kong – Sydney – Christchurch**
We landed early in the morning, picked up our rental car at the airport, and settled into our hotel for some much-needed rest.
🏨: Stayed in downtown Christchurch (Airbnb)
🌟 **Day 2️⃣: Christchurch City Walk**
We explored the charming city, visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street, the unique Cardboard Cathedral, and the vibrant Arts Centre.
🏨: Stayed in downtown Christchurch (Airbnb)
🌟 **Day 3️⃣: Tekapo (3-hour drive)**
Our journey took us to the stunning Lake Tekapo and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. The lake’s beauty is mesmerizing, and the night sky from the church or right in front of our homestay was simply magical ✨
🏨: Stayed in Tekapo (Airbnb) – The homestay was absolutely enchanting!
🌟 **Day 4️⃣: Lake Pukaki – Twizel – Mount Cook (1-3 hour drive)**
We started with the breathtakingly blue Lake Pukaki, followed by a hike on the Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook. The snow-capped mountains were a sight to behold.
🏨: Stayed in Twizel (Motel) – Not recommended
🌟 **Day 5️⃣: Tasman Glacier – Wanaka (2.5-hour + 1.5-hour drive)**
We began the day with a visit to a popular salmon restaurant, then headed to the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier. The glacier was truly stunning 🤩
Wanaka town, with its serene and leisurely atmosphere, was perfect for daydreaming by the lake.
🏨: Stayed in Queenstown (Airbnb) – Highly recommended homestay with a view of the golden mountain
🌟 **Day 6️⃣-7️⃣: Queenstown**
We indulged in thrilling activities like paragliding and luge, explored the historic Arrowtown, and enjoyed the surrounding town parks. The local cuisine was a delightful surprise!
One of the highlights was discovering a community park where only residents go, playing on the zipline and swinging under the snow-capped mountains, which was incredibly relaxing ❤️
🏨: Stayed in Queenstown (Airbnb)
🌟 **Day 8️⃣: Dunedin City Walk (3.5-hour drive)**
We spent the day exploring the seaside and the charming downtown area of Dunedin.
🏨: Stayed in Dunedin (Airbnb) – The hillside homestay was very pretty and highly recommended
🌟 **Day 9️⃣: Oamaru – Christchurch (1.5-hour + 3-hour drive)**
On our way to Oamaru, we made stops at Shag Point and Katiki Lighthouse to see seals. Katiki Lighthouse was a must-see! ❗️
We also enjoyed a leisurely walk around Oamaru city.
🏨: Stayed in Christchurch (Booking) – A very affordable and comfortable house, recommended
🌟 **Day 10️⃣: Christchurch – Melbourne – Hong Kong**
We returned the car at the airport and flew back home, filled with unforgettable memories.
✈️ Back home
💰 **Total Expenses**
Five people self-driving, each person spent 17,000. Detailed expenses are attached in Figure 18.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments [Golden Potato R]
