Just returned from an incredible trip to the South Island of New Zealand! It was absolutely stunning! Whether you enjoy moderate hikes or prefer a busy itinerary with some downtime to relax, I've got you covered. So here's the details of our 8 days and 7 nights getaway.
 |
| Selfie at Roy's Peak |
Now if you want to just skip straight to the summary and a list of location names, just scroll all the way down to the summary section!
Day 1 (Queenstown > Te Anau)
We flew in from Melbourne to Queenstown, landing around 1:30 pm. After grabbing our luggage and picking up our rental car, we headed straight for Te Anau.
We made a pitstop in Kingston for a late lunch and were fortunate to catch a glimpse of the Kingston Flyer in action—the old steam train that only operates on Sundays. Afterward, we stretched our legs while admiring Lake Wakatipu.
Upon reaching Te Anau, we took a brief nap (early flight really knocked us out) before taking a leisurely stroll at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. With daylight still lingering at 8:30 pm, we lost track of time. It wasn't until we returned to the town center for dinner that we realized we had missed the usual dinner hours. Around 9 pm, we found a local pub, but they had already stopped serving mains, offering only snacks. Fortunately, that was okay with us since we had a late lunch.
Day 2 (Milford Sound Day Cruise)
After grabbing coffee at the Sandfly cafe, we set off for Milford Sound. Although the drive typically takes 2-2.5 hours from Te Anau, it's wise to allocate more time due to numerous worthwhile stops along the way.
Our first stop was at Mirror Lakes, where we enjoyed a 15-20 minute stroll on the boardwalk, followed by a quick selfie stop at Monkey Creek. Next on the list was The Chasm, a supposed 20-minute return loop that was cut short due to the track's closure for restoration work.
 |
| Selfie at Mirror Lakes |
 |
| Selfie at Monkey Creeks |
Finally made it to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal around midday. At the terminal, we discovered free parking with a 20-30 minute walk, or paid parking at approximately NZD$10 per hour for a shorter walk. A word of caution: be prepared for sandflies—never have I seen so many in my entire life! The cruise itself lasted nearly 3 hours. Milford Haven offered hot food and beverages on-board, enhancing the experience. We pre-booked our tickets online before the trip but there were so many other companies that you can approach at the terminal itself, you've got to be really unlucky not to be able to get a ticket.
Some argue that Milford Sound is more mystical in the rain, highlighting the waterfalls, but personally, I preferred the dry weather. How else could I enjoy a beer while sitting on the deck? *chef's kiss* An honest review of Milford Sound though: a one-time experience. The views are beautiful but can verge on monotonous. I even dozed off.
 |
| With my cuppa beer on Milford Sound Cruise |
On the return drive to Te Anau, we made one more stop at Lake Gunn Nature Walk (a 40-minute loop), appreciating its lush greenery.
 |
| Lake Gunn |
That night, somewhat inexplicably, both of us were craving rice. However, my advice is to avoid Asian food in the area. Both the meat dishes felt like it was heavily tenderised yikes.
Day 3 (Te Anau > Queenstown)
On the journey back from Te Anau to Queenstown, a must-stop is the
Athol Shop! They boast the finest sandwiches, featuring their delectable homemade smoked meat.
 |
| Lunch at Athol Shop |
Another noteworthy pitstop is the
Devils Staircase Lookout point—a fantastic spot with breathtaking views and an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs.
Upon reaching Queenstown, paragliders in the sky and bustling traffic greeted us. While Queenstown is undeniably gorgeous, I had already discovered a preference for the outskirts with fewer people. Despite the crowds, today marked our first hike of the trip so that got me excited —the
Queenstown Hill Walking Track. It took 2.5 hours, leading to an absolutely stunning view at the summit. Along the way, we even encountered a few mountain goats.
 |
| At the top of Queenstown Hill Summit |
Post-hike, we checked in at
The Dairy Private Hotel (such a cute name!), and here's a hot tip: they offer happy hour from 5-6 pm, featuring FREEFLOW DRINKS with light snacks like nuts, chocolate, and lollies. Needless to say, I went a little crazy.
As dinner time rolled around, Queenstown offered a plethora of options. Ferburger had an overwhelming line, but a helpful tip was that you could apparently order online (we didn't bother). Instead, we opted for a lamb pie next door at Ferbaker (too good!) and eventually found ourselves at a random restaurant by the wharf with a gorgeous view for our dinner. The night concluded with a delightful cookie ice cream sandwich at
Cookie Time.
 |
| Lamb pie at Ferbaker |
Day 4 (Queenstown > Lake Tekapo)
Exploring Queenstown wouldn't be complete without a touch of adventure. I kicked off the day by leaping from a plane at 15,000 feet over Queenstown. Yet, it turned out to be a "once and done" experience. Despite reaching
NZOne at 8 am, I wasn't back in Queenstown until 11:45 am, and the considerable logistical time involved for just a few minutes in the air left me with mixed feelings. Coupled with my severe motion sickness, the astonishing view at the top was overshadowed by my relief at making it back to solid ground without any airborne mishaps. Moreover, it was quite an expensive experience. Nevertheless, I'm still glad to check it off my bucket list.
 |
| Pre-skydive at the drop zone |
After reuniting with Jen in Queenstown, we both felt satisfied with our Queenstown experiences and decided to have lunch on the drive to Lake Tekapo. We ended up at a random Mexican restaurant in
Cromwell.
A noteworthy pitstop on the drive to Lake Tekapo is
Lindis Pass!
 |
| Selfie at Lindis Pass Viewpoint |
Upon checking in at our Airbnb, the host suggested Mount John, claiming it was just a 30-minute stroll. Little did we know, he likely meant driving to the top for the
summit circuit track. We hiked all the way up via the lakeshore, which took us three hours. Starting at 7:30 pm, we chased the sunset and made it down at 9:30 pm, with part of the trail in darkness.
 |
| Selfie at Mount John Summit |
 |
| Selfie at Mount John Summit |
Unfortunately, we missed dinner as most shops were closed by then. Our makeshift dinner consisted of devouring two granola bars each and some chips. *insert crying emoji.
Lake Tekapo, part of the dark sky reserve, offered a perfect setting for stargazing free from light pollution. Despite a day full of adventures, we booked a 10 pm slot at
Tekapo Springs. The weather, however, wasn't on our side that night—it was extremely cloudy. The initial outdoor guided tour had to be moved indoors to a virtual reality session. Despite the setback, the guide provided an excellent storytelling session while we were soaking in the hot pool, sharing fascinating Maori stories about the formation of New Zealand's dramatic landscape.
Day 5 (Day trip to Mount Cook)
The main reason for turning Mount Cook into a day trip instead of an overnight stay was our inability to secure accommodation in the area; everything was fully booked! So, for those who like to plan ahead, this destination requires some advance preparation. Mount Cook Village looked like something straight out of a postcard.
The drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook takes 1.5-2 hours. It's worth being behind the wheel to fully appreciate the stunning views, preventing any risk of dozing off in the passenger seats.
The day's primary activity was the
Hooker Valley Track, a 3-hour return journey. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for all, even kids! Featuring a swing bridge over the Hooker River, it provides a unique perspective of the glacial river and the surrounding mountains. The glacial landscape was undeniably mesmerizing.
While Mum completed the route effortlessly, I felt defeated, emerging with a sore leg. Despite its accessibility due to the flat terrain, it can feel quite lengthy.
Although we initially entertained the idea of attempting the Sealy Tarns track, it wasn't in the cards. However, for the exceptionally fit, I highly recommend giving it a try, as I've heard nothing but positive reviews (aside from its difficulty).
With some time to spare upon returning to Lake Tekapo, we made a quick visit to the one and only
Church of the Good Shepherd. While it didn't necessarily live up to grand expectations, it was worth checking off the list of things to do in Lake Tekapo.
Later, we grabbed some ready-made food from a local supermarket and returned to our Airbnb to freshen up. The day wasn't over yet, even though I was comfortably tucked in by 9:30 pm.
As mentioned earlier, Lake Tekapo is part of the dark sky reserve. I had booked a guided stargazing tour with the
Dark Sky Project scheduled for 11 pm. Again, for those who plan meticulously, planning in advance is crucial.
Initially eyeing the Summit Experience, we settled for the Crater Experience, which turned out to be quite enjoyable. Upon checking in at the reception, we were informed that the weather, initially favourable, had deteriorated. We had the option to reschedule or get a refund, but being uncertain about returning to New Zealand anytime soon, we proceeded. Fortunately, the weather cleared, and we had a remarkable view of the Milky Way. The guides even taught us how to locate the Southern Cross (for you Melbourne folks, that's not referring to the train station) and showed us Orion, providing a truly eye-opening experience and instilling a sense of humility about the vastness of the universe.
Day 6 (Lake Tekapo > Wanaka)
Following an incredibly exhausting day, day 6 was all about recuperation—taking it easy and indulging in some hearty meals.
We also swung by
High Country Salmon, a short 10 mins drive away. In all honesty, it didn't quite match up to the other shop. However, if you're into catching your own salmon, this might be an interesting option.
Our journey also led us to a
Lavender farm in Wanaka. Admittedly, my primary goal was to grab some ice cream, but we ended up exploring the farm even though it wasn't quite lavender season.
The next destination on our list was the famed
Wanaka tree. Why it receives so much hype is beyond me. The place was swarming with tourists attempting to capture the perfect photo with this rather ordinary tree.
Wanaka proved to be a lively town with numerous dining options. Based on a friend's recommendation, we chose
Kika (booking recommended). While the food was fantastic, a word of caution—if there are only two of you, steer clear of the lamb shoulder. The portion was overwhelming, and as someone not particularly fond of excessive meat, it was a bit much.
Post-dinner, we stumbled upon
Sal's Authentic New York Pizza, initially intending to grab just 1-2 slices each for a late-night snack. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when we discovered an arcade console loaded with old-school games. With unlimited lives due to free credits, Jen and I spent the evening successfully completing Metal Slug 3.
Day 7 (Roy's Peak)
The moment I had eagerly awaited finally arrived. In fact, the entire itinerary had to be rearranged just to accommodate this hike!
Roy's Peak is closed annually from October 1 to November 10 for lambing season, and our visit fell on November 11—literally the first day post lambing season.
I was genuinely concerned about this hike, given its estimated duration of 6 hours. A significant portion, approximately 3 hours, involved an uphill climb with minimal flat paths. The terrain offered no shade, exposing us to the sun throughout the hike. I must confess, there were a couple of instances when Jen's complaints almost tempted me to consider giving up. Along the way, the views were already impressive, and I wondered if turning back would mean missing out on too much. However, I'm grateful we pressed on.
While we didn't make it all the way up to the peak, reaching the viewpoint was incredibly satisfying. The additional 30 minutes up to the peak and another 30 minutes down seemed daunting after the strenuous 3-hour uphill climb. At that point, the thought of extending the hike by another hour was simply unbearable.
Upon descending, it was time to treat ourselves with some well-deserved food! Opting to return to Sal's Authentic New York Pizza, we found ourselves unable to resist the allure of Metal Slug (not to mention the beer and pizza). After conquering yet another series of Metal Slug, we realized we had lingered at the venue for an extended period. It was high time to head back and unwind at our accommodation, blessed with a splendid view overlooking the lake. Satisfying our Asian cravings, we decided to grab some takeout from
Gusto (yes buffalo wings and pizza was not enough). While Asian cuisine might not be New Zealand's forte, it wasn't half bad, as long as you didn't draw comparisons to what you can get in Melbourne.
Day 8 (Wanaka > Queenstown airport)
Hold on, is it the final day already?
 |
| Coffee at the balcony from our accomodation in Wanaka |
Time certainly flies when you're away from work. Following check-out, we headed straight to Queenstown Airport, making one last pit stop at the
Crown Range Road lookout point.
 |
| One last photo opp at Crown Range Road lookout point |
A heartfelt thank you, New Zealand, for an absolutely incredible trip!
Summary
- Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau
- Arrive QT after midday
- Kingston for late lunch
- Admire Lake Wakatipu
- Check out Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
- Day 2: Milford Sound Day Cruise
- Pitstop - Mirror Lakes (20 mins return)
- Pitstop - Monkey Creeks (photo opp)
- Pitstop - The Chasm (20 mins return)
- Milford Sound 3 hours cruise (get lunch onboard)
- Lake Gunn Nature Walk (40 mins return)
- Day 3: Te Anau to Queenstown
- Lunch at the Athol Shop
- Pitstop - Devils Staircase Lookout Point
- Queenstown Hill Walking Track (2.5-3 hours return)
- Dinner by the wharf
- Day 4: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
- AM - Something crazy in Queenstown eg skydiving
- Lunch at Cromwell
- Pitstop - Lindis Pass Lookout Point
- Hike Mount John Summit Track via Lakeshore (2.5-3 hours return)
- Stargazing at Tekapo Springs
- Day 5: Day trip to Mount Cook
- Hooker Valley Track (3 hours return)
- Back at Lake Tekapo - Church of Good Shepard
- Stargazing tour with Dark Sky Project
- Day 6: Lake Tekapo to Wanaka
- Lunch stop - Mount Cook Alpine Salmon at Lake Pukaki Shop
- Lunch stop - High Country Salmon
- Visit Wanaka Lavender Farm
- Check out that wanaka tree
- Day 7: Hike Roys Peak in Wanaka
- Roy's peak (6 hours return)
- Day 8: Back to Queenstown Airport
- one last pitstop - Crown Range Road lookout point
- Check in your luggages!
Comments
Post a Comment