Explore New Zealand’s South Island: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour Averaging $1.6k Per Person

🌟Back from the South Island of New Zealand, and I’m thrilled to share this travel guide after a 2-month delay! It was an incredible journey with an average cost of 15k RMB per person. Save it for your next adventure!👇

**Day 1️⃣:**
🔹 Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
Arrive in the afternoon, pick up a rental car at the airport, and set off for the stunning Lake Tekapo.

**Day 2️⃣:**
🔹 Lake Pukaki – Mt John Walkway Hike – Queenstown
✨Must-experience: The mesmerizing milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki! Enjoy a 1-hour hike to the top of Mt John for a cup of Astro Cafe’s out-of-this-world coffee. In the afternoon, head to Queenstown for the Skyline Gondola + Luge 🎢—the panoramic views of Queenstown are simply breathtaking!

**Day 3️⃣:**
🔹 Queenstown – Bungee Jumping – Jet Boat – Te Anau
✨Must-experience:
– Indulge in a Fergburger giant burger 🍔
– Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of bungee jumping! Follow it up with some off-road driving in Gibbston and a 360-degree spin on the jet boat, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

**Day 4️⃣:**
🔹 Milford Sound – Queenstown (return trip)
Start early at 6:00 am 🚗 and drive for 3.5 hours to Milford Sound. Catch the 10:00 am cruise 🛳️ and enjoy 1 hour and 40 minutes of majestic fjord scenery. Drive back to Queenstown in the afternoon, a 5-hour journey.
✨Must-experience:
– Savor the delicious beef and venison pies at Te Anau Miles Better Pie 🥧
– Marvel at the waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and playful seals on the Milford Sound cruise.

**Day 5️⃣:**
🔹 Queenstown – Wanaka – Mount Cook
✨Must-experience:
– Get a real gun experience at REAL GUNS
– Capture the iconic “lonely tree” in Wanaka
– Buy fresh salmon in Twizel
– Stargaze under the starlit sky at Mount Cook Hotel 🏔️

**Day 6️⃣:**
🔹 Tasman Glacier Helicopter – Christchurch
✨Must-experience:
– Take a helicopter ride over the Tasman Glacier and feel the awe-inspiring power of nature!
– Hike at the foot of Mount Cook and soak in the breathtaking views.

**Day 7️⃣:**
🔹 Half-day tour of Christchurch – Return
Spend the morning exploring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Museum, then return the car in the afternoon.

**Top 5 Must-Experience**
1. Jet Boat 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
2. Queenstown Luge 🩵🩵🩵
3. Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jumping 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
4. Milford Sound Cruise 🩵🩵🩵
5. Tasman Glacier Helicopter 🩵🩵🩵🩵

💰Cost Summary:
Total for 2 people is 32,250 RMB, about 16k RMB per person. See the detailed breakdown in pic 1️⃣3️⃣.

📒Tips:
1. For self-driving: New Zealand uses right-hand drive, so familiarize yourself with the traffic rules!
2. Weather: The weather in the South Island can be unpredictable, so pack wind and rain protection gear 👕

Ladies, New Zealand is a paradise of natural beauty! Save this guide and follow it for your next adventure. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks! 💖