Days 7 Nights Ultimate Self-Drive Itinerary for New Zealand’s South Island Adventure
🕙 Travel Time: February / 8 days 7 nights
💰 Travel Cost: Approximately 30,000 RMB for two people, excluding airfare
📍 Pre-travel Tips:
1️⃣ Overseas Internet: OnePlus, OPPO, Honor, and vivo users can easily purchase New Zealand data packages through the Red Tea Mobile International Internet APP on their phones, ensuring seamless connectivity upon arrival.
2️⃣ When renting a car, it’s highly recommended to opt for full insurance and unlimited mileage. This will give you the freedom to stop and capture breathtaking photos at any moment.
3️⃣ The weather in New Zealand is notoriously fickle, so be sure to pack windproof and waterproof jackets to stay comfortable and dry.
DAY 1: Shanghai ✈️ Auckland ✈️ Queenstown
🏨 Check-in at the Hilton by the lake, where the stunning lake views are simply mesmerizing and come highly recommended!
🍽️ For dinner, head to Flame Grill & Bar, a popular and bustling restaurant in Queenstown. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
🔹 Tips – It’s wise to rent a car in advance and pick it up at Queenstown Airport.
If you prefer not to drive, you can buy a Bee Card at the airport visitor center, which is convenient for water taxis or buses.
DAY 2: Queenstown
☕️ Start your day with a scenic water taxi ride to the city center, followed by a cable car journey to the mountain top. Enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the panoramic view of Queenstown.
🛍️ Downtown Queenstown is a shopper’s paradise, with duty-free shops and outdoor gear stores. Lululemon, in particular, offers a wide range of high-quality products.
🍽️ For dinner, indulge in the exquisite steak and lamb chops at Botswana Butchery. Reservations are a must!
DAY 3: Queenstown 🚗 Mount Cook
♨️ Don’t miss the Onsen hot springs, a must-visit experience that requires booking one month in advance.
🏨 After a 3.5-hour drive, check into the Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook. The continuous mountain views from your window are nothing short of spectacular.
🍽️ The hotel’s main dining area offers a more refined atmosphere than the buffet, with dishes that are sure to please your palate.
DAY 4: Mount Cook 🚗 Tekapo
🥾 Embark on the Hooker Valley Track, an easy and picturesque hike that takes less than an hour round trip. The photo opportunities here are abundant.
🍣 Stop by a local salmon farm and savor the incredibly fresh and melt-in-your-mouth salmon.
🏨 Stay at a charming homestay by Lake Tekapo, within walking distance to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
Unfortunately, stargazing was canceled due to the weather, but the serene ambiance still made it a memorable stay.
🍽️ For dinner, try the delicious Korean fish and chips, paired with a refreshing passion fruit ice cream.
DAY 5: Tekapo 🚗 Wanaka
☕️ Depart for the mountain top at 9:30 am and check-in at Astro Café, which offers a stunning overlook of Lake Tekapo.
🏨 Drive 2 hours to Wanaka and stay at Edgewater Resort, where you can step out onto a lakeside lawn right from your room.
DAY 6: Wanaka 🚗 Te Anau
🍷 Enjoy a wine tasting experience at Cloudy Bay winery, a reservation is required to ensure a spot.
🏨 Head to Te Anau for a restful night, preparing for the next day’s adventure to Milford Sound.
DAY 7: Te Anau 🚗 Milford Sound
🚢 Explore the unique fjord landscape of Milford Sound, a natural wonder not found in China. A rainy day reveals cascading waterfalls, while a sunny day offers expansive views. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sea lions and penguins. The tour is long, so remember to bring snacks.
DAY 8: Queenstown ✈️ Auckland ✈️ Shanghai
