What is the best New Zealand South Island itinerary?

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Accepted Answer

The classic NZ South Island itinerary is a 10-14 day loop: Christchurch → Tekapo → Mt Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Te Anau → Catlins → Dunedin → back via the inland Lindis Pass, or extend up the West Coast via Fox/Franz Josef glaciers and back through Arthur's Pass.

**Days 1-2 Christchurch + Akaroa.**

**Days 3-4 Tekapo + Mt Cook (Hooker Valley track).**

**Days 5-6 Wanaka (Roy's Peak hike, Cinema Paradiso).**

**Days 7-9 Queenstown (Skyline Gondola, Shotover Jet, day trip to Glenorchy).**

**Day 10 Milford Sound overnight cruise from Te Anau.**

**Days 11-12 West Coast via Haast Pass to Franz Josef Glacier.**

**Days 13-14 Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch.**

Hire car is essential - public transport is minimal outside main cities.

What is the best New Zealand South Island itinerary?

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