Southern Lakes - Touring Itineraries

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Below are suggested touring itineraries for the Southern Lakes Region, with 5 day (4 night) and 9 day (8 night) options. Remember that the region is subject to alpine weather in winter. Care should be taken on our roads and if in doubt check conditions before departure. See: www.aaroadwatch.co.nz

DAY 1
Arrive Queenstown Airport
Enjoy Queenstown and the surrounding area's activities
Overnight in Queenstown

Don't Miss
• Historic gold town of Arrowtown
• Glenorchy – Lord of the Rings land
• Jet boating
• A trip in the Skyline Gondola

DAY 2
Queenstown to Te Anau
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight in Te Anau

Don't Miss
• Kingston Flyer
• Lake Manapouri
• Glow Worm Caves
• Classic walking tracks through lush rainforests

DAY 3
Te Anau to Queenstown
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight in Queenstown

DAY 4
Queenstown to Lake Wanaka
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Enjoy the many activities available in and around Lake Wanaka
Overnight in Lake Wanaka

Don't Miss
• Rippon Vineyard
• Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring National Park
• Walks around the lake
• Climb Mount Iron or Mount Roy for amazing views

DAY 5
Lake Wanaka to Queenstown
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Travel over New Zealand's highest public highway, the Crown Range, to fly out of Queenstown Airport
Download this itinerary

Don't Miss
• Historic Cardrona Hotel
• Wine tasting at Amisfield in Lake Hayes

DAY 1
Arrive Queenstown Airport
Enjoy Queenstown and surrounding area's activities as below
Overnight in Queenstown

DAY 2
Queenstown
Overnight in Queenstown

Don't Miss
• Historic gold town of Arrowtown
• Glenorchy – Lord of the Rings land
• Jet boating
• A trip in the Skyline Gondola
• Vineyards of Gibbston Valley
• Bungy jumping
• Ride the TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak Station

DAY 3
Queenstown
Overnight in Queenstown

DAY 4
Queenstown to Te Anau
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight in Te Anau

Don't Miss
• Kingston Flyer
• Lake Manapouri
• Glow Worm Caves
• Classic walking tracks through lush rainforests

DAY 5
Te Anau
Explore either Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound
Overnight in Te Anau or on a boat cruise

DAY 6
Te Anau to Wanaka
Driving time: 5 hours
Overnight in Lake Wanaka

Don't Miss
• Roaring Meg Power Station
• Vineyards of Bannockburn
• Old Cromwell Town
• Orchards of Cromwell
• Luggate Hotel

Day 7
Lake Wanaka
Enjoy the many activities available in and around Lake Wanaka
Overnight in Lake Wanaka

Don't Miss
• Rippon Vineyard
• Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring National Park
• Day walks around Lake Wanaka
• Climb Mount Iron or Mount Roy for amazing views
• Glendhu Bay
• Kayaking, rock climbing, canyoning and mountain biking
• A trip to Mou Waho Island

DAY 8
Lake Wanaka
Overnight in Lake Wanaka

DAY 9
Lake Wanaka to Queenstown
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Travel over New Zealand's highest public highway, the Crown Range, to fly out of Queenstown Airport
Download this itinerary

Don't Miss
• Historic Cardrona Hotel
• Wine tasting at Amisfield in Lake Hayes