Curator’s statement
Among many things, New Zealand is an expert at humbling you, making you feel small and making the world feel big. From the waterfalls misting on your face in Milford Sound to the wind in your hair at the Ben Lochmond summit, the south island is exactly all it's cracked up to be and more. If you want to give your heart a snack, book your airfare stat to Queenstown, New Zealand.
I proceeded this leg of the trip with a week in Australia (think Phillip Island penguin parade, wild kangaroo sightings and seriously good Sancerre on the Sydney harbor), but a week in the North Island for hot springs and Māori culture would also do the trick! Sit back and take in my perfect 1-week itinerary, including things to do and places to eat on the southern island of New Zealand.
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Day 1: Arrive to Queenstown, Transfer to Te Anau
After flying into Queenstown, pick up your rental car and start your scenic drive to Te Anau. This drive is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty of pull-off spots to take in the beauty of the region. You’ll pass sheep stations, lakes, mountains and communities where everyone knows their neighbors. Stop for lunch at the Kingston Flyer, set in the small town of Kingston before arriving in Te Anau. Once you’re checked into your hotel in Te Anau, take a leisurely walk around the lake or a champagne sunset cruise! Round out the evening with a dinner reservation at Fat Duck and a bottle of wine on your balcony overlooking the lake.
Day 2: Milford Sound
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a hotel pick-up for your day out at Milford Sound! It’s an absolute must-see in the region. Starting a tour from Te Anau ensures you aren’t spending the entire day in transit. Many attempt to do the day from Queenstown, which is around 4.5 hours one way. It also gives you more flexibility to wait out the rain and go on a later cruise if the weather isn’t cooperating! This day was a highlight of our trip, led by incredible guides with professional insight into the geology of the region. Finish the evening with a cozy dinner reservation at the Redcliff and ask for a table in the front bar.
Day 3: Cave Tour, Kepler Track, Transfer to Queenstown
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel overlooking the lake. From there, head to the center of town for your cave tour. You’ll take a scenic boat ride around the lake and then follow your guides deep into the caves on the other side. You’ll see waterfalls within the caves and take a small boat deep into the darkness to see glow worms up close. Be sure to bundle up for this visit!
After the morning tour, head over to the local golf course and casually play the back nine for absolutely stunning views and true Te Anau hospitality. Top it off with a short (or long) hike along the beautiful Kepler Track to round out your time in Te Anau. When you’re ready to bid adieu to this lovely community, pack up the car and head to buzzy Queenstown for your dinner reservation, sunset cruise or bottle of wine on your hotel patio.
Day 4: Ben Lochmond Hike
Today, knock off one of the tougher trails in the region, the Ben Lochmond Trail! Head into town to Arthur’s Gourmet Sandwiches to pack for your scenic, well deserved picnic in a few hours’ time. You can do the entire hike by starting in town, or you can take the gondola to give yourself a headstart. Be sure to pack water for this intense hike! The views are absolutely worth the effort and be sure to listen closely for the bleating of mountain goats on this epic trail. After making your way back to town, stop by Atlas for your brew of choice. Regroup at the hotel and end the day with a reservation at Public for dinner on the water.
Day 5: Winery Tour
Enjoy a pick-up from your hotel and head into the Central Otago/Gibbston wine region! Explore several top wineries in the area, learning along the way with your sommelier guide and onsite vineyard experts. Enjoy a multi-course lunch from a boutique winery restaurant with sweeping views of the region. After your return to Queenstown, head to The Winery in town to continue a self-led wine tasting! There, you’ll get a punch card at the front, and you can pour small tastes (or large pours) of dozens available onsite. Tonight, have a dinner reservation queued at Fenz on the water.
Day 6: Queenstown Walkway, TSS Earlslaw
For your last day, take a more leisurely hike along Queenstown Walkway for a beautiful view of Queenstown. Afterwards, head into town for a well deserved brunch. We liked OddSaint for a true sit-down brunch and Bespoke for a more casual, order at the counter brunch. Head back to your hotel to regroup, pack up (meh!) and if you’re lucky, hit the daily free wine hour at the hotel (our charming hotel did this by the roaring fire each night). For your last night, head out to the TSS Earlslaw for a beautiful turn around the lake and be sure to take a pop downstairs to experience the inner workings of this historic ship. Cap off the week with a reservation at Botswana Butcher and be certain to request a table on the first floor. Floor two is great if you have a large group for a private room. Floor three should be avoided.
Day 7: Depart
Head home with plans to return!
This guide is part of our ongoing series on Travel to New Zealand. For more travel tips, check out my Itinerary, 1 Week Itinerary from Queenstown, New Zealand: Hiking, Wine, Milford Sound.