Explore New Zealand’s South Island: 10-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for $2,500 Per Person

New Zealand, a land of breathtaking beauty, is divided into the North Island and the South Island. Due to limited time and a desire to avoid exhaustion, we focused our journey on the South Island, a destination often hailed as the Switzerland and Xinjiang of the Southern Hemisphere. This trip was truly unforgettable! 🌟

📅 **Itinerary: 24.09.30-24.10.10**

🌟 **Day 1: Hong Kong – Sydney – Christchurch**
– Landed in the early morning, picked up our rental car at the airport, and settled in for some rest.
– 🏨 Stayed in downtown Christchurch (Airbnb)

🌟 **Day 2: Christchurch City Walk**
– Explored the charming Christchurch Botanic Gardens, strolled down the picturesque New Regent Street, marveled at the unique Cardboard Cathedral, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant Arts Centre.
– 🏨 Stayed in downtown Christchurch (Airbnb)

🌟 **Day 3: Tekapo (3-hour drive)**
– Drove to the stunning Lake Tekapo and visited the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. The lake’s serene beauty is mesmerizing, and the night sky from the church or right in front of our homestay was a star-studded spectacle ✨
– 🏨 Stayed in Tekapo (Airbnb) – A beautifully designed homestay

🌟 **Day 4: Lake Pukaki – Twizel – Mount Cook (1-3 hour drive)**
– Started the day with a visit to the incredibly blue Lake Pukaki, followed by an exhilarating 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 5: Tasman Glacier – Wanaka (2.5+1.5 hour drive)**
– Enjoyed a delicious meal at a popular salmon restaurant, then embarked on the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier Trail. The glacier was a jaw-dropping marvel 🤩
– Wanaka town offered a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere, perfect for daydreaming by the tranquil lake.
– 🏨 Stayed in Queenstown (Airbnb) – Highly recommended homestay with a view of the golden mountain

🌟 **Day 6-7: Queenstown**
– Engaged in thrilling activities like paragliding and luge, explored the historic Arrowtown, and enjoyed the scenic surrounding town parks.
– One of the highlights was discovering a community park where only residents gather, playing zipline and swinging under the majestic snow-capped mountains, a truly relaxing experience ❤️
– 🏨 Stayed in Queenstown (Airbnb)

🌟 **Day 8: Dunedin City Walk (3.5-hour drive)**
– Relaxed on the beach and took a leisurely walk through the charming downtown area.
– 🏨 Stayed in Dunedin (Airbnb) – A beautiful hillside homestay, highly recommended

🌟 **Day 9: Oamaru – Christchurch (1.5+3 hour drive)**
– On the way to Oamaru, we stopped at Shag Point and Katiki Lighthouse to see seals. Katiki Lighthouse is a must-visit spot ❗️
– 🏨 Stayed in Christchurch (Booking) – A very affordable and comfortable house, recommended

🌟 **Day 10: Christchurch – Melbourne – Hong Kong**
– Returned the car at the airport and flew back home, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.

💰 **Total Expenses:**
– Five people self-driving, each person spent approximately $17,000. Detailed expenses are provided in Figure 18.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments [Golden Potato R]