Any New Zealand itinerary would not be complete without visiting Mt Cook and Queenstown.

Mt Cook, which lies in New Zealand's Southern Alps, is New Zealand's highest peak at 3,754 metres.

The World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park contains over 140 peaks that reach more than 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) in height. 27 of these reach over 3,000 metres. The region also contains 72 named glaciers, including Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier.

The region is popular with climbers and tourists, and provides stunning scenery.

Queenstown, which lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is often referred to as New Zealand's "Adventure Capital", and for good reason. Here you can bungy, white water raft, jetboat, para sail, hang glide, and much more. There seems to be a never ending supply of Queenstown activities.

But Queenstown is not just a place of white knuckle action. The area is visually stunning, and is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, which towers to over 2,000 metres in places.

Queenstown has, more than any other New Zealand location, something to suit everyone, and will be one of the most remembered places on your New Zealand itinerary.

Day 1.

Arrive in Christchurch and check in to your hotel.

If possible, choose accommodation close to the airport and your car rental company.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, with a population of 370,000, and is the gateway to the Southern Alps.

Day 2.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Mt Cook (around 4 hours drive).

There are several accommodation options in Mt Cook. The Hermitage hotel complex is large with a good range of room options.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located within the Hermitage complex, houses a 3D movie theatre, a planetarium, and a museum detailing the region's history.

There is lots to do in Mt Cook. A heli flight is a great way to see the region. How about heli-skiing? Or perhaps a guided walk, horse trek, or fly fishing? Or even a cruise on a glacial lake. Whatever you choose, you will be amazed by the natural beauty of the Mt Cook National Park.

Day 3.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Queenstown (3.5 hours drive).

Your accommodation options in Queenstown are endless. There is a huge variety to suit all budgets, from hostel, to hotels, motels, apartments, and luxury lodges.

If budget allows, a lake view room is recommended.

Days 4 & 5.

Today you are free to explore Queenstown, New Zealand's most popular destination. Here are a selection of Queenstown activities. Highly recommended are a bungy (just think how proud you will be when telling friends and family), a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, a jet boat ride, a trip to the top of Bob's Peak on the gondola (unbelievable views), and a visit to the historic township of Arrowtown.

But there is one thing that you must do whilst in the region, and which should be part of any New Zealand itinerary, and that's a trip to Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is a World Heritage area, and has been famously described as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is New Zealand's number one tourist destination, and with good reason. Towering peaks rise almost vertically to over 2,000 metres from the cold dark waters. Waterfalls cascade elegantly from the peaks, and snow covers the higher peaks for most of the year.

Milford is home to a wide range of marine wildlife including dolphins, seals, orca, and penguins.

The trip to Milford takes around 4 hours each way from Queenstown, which makes for a very long day if you drive yourself. In my opinion it is much better to take an organised bus tour and cruise , and let somebody else worry about the driving. The trip into Milford is one of the highlights, as you pass rugged rivers, waterfalls, snow capped peaks, and travel through the Homer Tunnel.

Milford Sound will be one of the highlights of your trip, and we believe, will be remembered as the favourite of all your Queenstown activities.

Day 6.

Today you drive back to Christchurch (about 6 hours drive).

To break the trip, stop at the beautiful lake side village of Lake Tekapo, which is around half way between Queenstown and Christchurch.

On a sunny day, the turquoise lake is absolutely amazing, and the colour is almost impossible to describe. The alps in the background provide you with some of the best photo opportunities in New Zealand. And while you are there, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, surely one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand.

Day 7.

Unfortunately all goods things must end. Today you fly home.

We hope that you have enjoyed this 7 day New Zealand itinerary, and that you return one day to see more of New Zealand.



View Larger Map





To find out more about the Queenstown and Fiordland regions shown in your New Zealand itinerary click here.