What you will find in this post:
- Day 1: Touchdown in Christchurch – A City Straight Out of a Painting
- Day 2: Road Trip to Dunedin – A Journey Through Scenic Wonders
- Day 3: A Journey Through Bluff & Invercargill to Te Anau
- Day 4: Milford Sound & Arrival in Queenstown
- Day 5: Glenorchy & Exploring Queenstown
- Day 6: Arrowtown & Wanaka
- Day 7: Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier – A Journey into the Stars
- Day 8: Hooker Valley Trek & Arrival in Lake Tekapo
- Day 9: A Rainy Journey to Fox Glacier
- Day 10: Waiting Out the Rain & Journey to Greymouth
- Day 11: Greymouth to Christchurch via Pancake Rocks & Arthur’s Pass
- Day 12: Farewell South Island, Hello Auckland – A Day of Transitions
- South Island Summary– Where Roads Unfold Like Poetry, A Chapter of Mountains, Fiords & Magic
Date: 31st October 2024
Day 1: Touchdown in Christchurch – A City Straight Out of a Painting
After a long journey, we finally landed in Christchurch at 6 PM, greeted by a breathtaking landscape that looked like it had been plucked straight from a painting. As we made our way to the baggage claim, the sheer beauty of the city left us in awe.
With heavy luggage and travel fatigue setting in, we grabbed some information pamphlets to get a sense of the city and booked an Uber to reach our accommodation—Sandy Feet Lodge. However, our first adventure in New Zealand came sooner than expected! On the way, our Uber got into a minor accident, with the other car’s mirror breaking. I was too busy admiring the charming homes with their lush gardens to figure out whose fault it was.
Upon arrival, we lugged our familiar travel companions—one heavy blue suitcase, a lighter black one, and our two trusty backpacks—up the stairs and into what would be our little sanctuary for the night. With only a microwave and kettle available, we made ourselves a simple meal—tea and pasta—before repacking our luggage strategically. We decided to keep our blue suitcase in the trunk, packing three days’ worth of clothes in the black suitcase, snacks and food in the one backpack, and all handy essentials like caps, chargers, and toiletries in the other backpack. This system worked well, as the backseat of our car would soon be occupied by another suitcase.
With an early start ahead—our car pickup scheduled for 8 AM—we called it a night, excited for the road trip that awaited us.
Must-Visit Places in Christchurch
If you ever find yourself in Christchurch, here are some incredible spots to explore:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens – A lush oasis with stunning floral displays and peaceful walking trails.
- Hagley Park South – A sprawling green space perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Air Force Museum of New Zealand – A fascinating dive into aviation history.
- Orana Wildlife Park – Get up close with exotic animals in this open-range zoo.
- Victoria Square – A charming spot in the heart of the city, ideal for unwinding.
Date: 1st November 2024
Day 2: Road Trip to Dunedin – A Journey Through Scenic Wonders
total distance covered = 360 km; total time taken = 4 hr 30 mins
With an early start at 8 AM, we took an Uber to Omega Rental to pick up our car—a Toyota Aqua Hybrid. Adjusting to the hybrid system took Harshit a moment, but soon enough, we were on our way to Dunedin, embarking on one of the most scenic routes in New Zealand.
The route—stretching from Christchurch to Dunedin and further through Bluff and Invercargill to Te Anau—is easily one of the most scenic stretches in all of New Zealand. Endless coastlines, rolling hills, and sun-drenched skies made every kilometer feel like a postcard coming to life. One mobile was mounted on a small handheld tripod, ready to capture fleeting moments. Our journey was fueled not just by wanderlust, but meticulous planning. Before even boarding our flight from India, we had mapped each day’s route on Google Maps—pinning every scenic lookout and hidden gem between our start and end points. That preparation became our lifeline; as the miles piled on and fatigue crept in, our mapped-out plans kept us steady and on course.
Stops Along the Way
- Moeraki Boulders – These massive, spherical stones scattered along the beach were a fascinating sight. The strong winds made our visit brief, but we managed to snap some great pictures.
- Penguin Colony – Watching penguins from a distance was delightful, though Harshit joked they looked more like a bunch of crows. The unpredictable New Zealand weather lived up to its reputation—sunshine, wind, rain, and back to sunshine, all within a few hours!
- Lunch by the Shore – We’d started the day with just a couple of protein bars for breakfast—quick and easy, but not exactly filling. By 1 p.m., we were definitely feeling it. We scouted the area for a proper meal and stumbled upon a cozy café right by the shoreline—nestled next to the penguin colony, no less. With waves crashing nearby and curious penguins waddling in the distance, we devoured a piping hot pizza that tasted like pure salvation.
Most days on this trip followed a familiar rhythm. We’d wake up, freshen up, and munch on protein bars or snacks to kick things off. Lunch usually meant grabbing a pizza somewhere affordable—simple, tasty, and easy on the wallet. Come evening, we’d wind down by cooking rice or a ready-to-eat MTR meal wherever we were staying. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked—and gave our days a comforting kind of flow.
Exploring Dunedin
Upon reaching Dunedin, the drizzle welcomed us, but that didn’t stop us from exploring:
- Baldwin Street – The steepest street in the world! Though I couldn’t help but think we might have roads just as steep back in India, walking it in boots was no joke. Just as I was catching my breath, a guy casually pedaled up on a bicycle—goals!
- Lilliput Library – On the same street, I saw a charming little box on a tree with a quote: “Pick any book and keep any book.” I picked a mindfulness book, promising myself I’d return someday to leave another book behind.
- Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle, perched on a hill with stunning views of the city. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived.
- Tunnel Beach Walk – We’d originally planned to explore this, but between the weather and the drive, we decided to give it a miss and head to our apartment instead.
Settling In & Local Discoveries
Before heading to our apartment, I looked for supermarkets to substitute our usual Dmart. We discovered Pak’nSave, The Warehouse, Four Square, and Woolworths. Another quiet ritual took root during our travels—visiting at least one local supermarket in every city we stayed in. It all began in Dunedin, sparked by a wave of tiredness and the simple craving for pav bhaji. We figured we’d just grab some bread, but Pak’nSave’s tempting aisles had other plans. Bigger than Dmart, and—according to Harshit—the only place left to match now was Walmart. We walked out with Coke, snacks, and enough groceries to last the next leg of the trip. One cool thing about shopping in New Zealand? Their products come with health ratings, making it easier to pick between brands.
Our apartment had a unique layout—kitchen, hall, and bathroom downstairs, while rooms were upstairs. The bathtub was a nice touch, though the room heater wasn’t great, but exhaustion made it irrelevant. We cooked pav bhaji, turned on the hot AC, and relaxed on the sofa, wrapping up another incredible day.
What I loved most about our holiday rhythm was how naturally it steered us away from screens. Early mornings, early nights, and barely any scrolling. With sunsets painting the sky around 8 p.m., we’d usually be home by 9 or 9:30 and fast asleep not long after. That kind of peace? Unmatched.
Must-Visit Places in Dunedin
If you’re exploring Dunedin, don’t miss:
- Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle, offering breathtaking views and Victorian-era charm.
- Baldwin Street – The world’s steepest street, a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
- Tunnel Beach – A stunning coastal walk with dramatic cliffs and a hidden tunnel.
- Dunedin Botanic Garden – A peaceful retreat with beautiful flora.
- Otago Peninsula – Home to rare wildlife, including penguins and albatrosses.
- Dunedin Public Art Gallery – A cultural gem showcasing incredible artwork.
- Toitu Otago Settlers Museum – A deep dive into the region’s fascinating history.
Date: 2nd November 2024
Day 3: A Journey Through Bluff & Invercargill to Te Anau
total distance covered = 408 km; total time taken = 5 hr 5 mins
With a long day ahead, we started early—though Harshit managed to sneak in some bathtub time before we hit the road at 8/9 AM. Armed with protein snacks, we embarked on another scenic drive, heading towards Te Anau, a breathtaking village nestled near Fiordland National Park.
Stops Along the Way
- Bluff – The southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island, where the first tribes settled. The Tasman Sea was roaring, and despite the heavy rain, we visited the lighthouse and Bluff Point. There’s something deeply calming about the chaos of the ocean—it silences the noise within.
- Fueling Up – Petrol prices varied across stations, so we tracked rates via an app. As Indians, we weren’t used to self-service fueling, so it took some guidance!
- Scenic Stops & Lunch – We paused at various lookout points, capturing countless photos and videos. The best part? No need for detailed maps—NZ’s road signs guide you to all the scenic spots. Lunch was a much-needed break before continuing our journey.
Highway 95 & Arrival in Te Anau
After lunch, we continued our journey to Te Anau, cruising along New Zealand’s scenic Highway 95. What we didn’t realize then was that this stretch of road would quietly rewrite our definition of beauty—our neural networks forever recalibrated by the sheer magic of the views.
When we reached Te Anau, it felt like stepping into a dream. On one side of the road stood our hostel; on the other, an endless lake framed by towering, cloud-kissed mountains. A seaplane rested near the shore like it, too, was pausing to take in the view. We checked in and were delighted to find a glass wall in our room—those mountains now felt like quiet guests, keeping us company.
After nearly eight hours on the road, we were understandably worn out. But a warm meal with a view helped recharge us. Te Anau, more a charming village than a bustling town, invited us to slow down. After dinner, we wandered through its scenic paths, soaking in the peace. We capped off the evening with ice cream in hand and contentment in our hearts, before heading back to prepare for one of the most anticipated parts of the trip tomorrow: Milford Sound — a 2-hour drive from Te Anau and one of the most scenic routes in New Zealand. We repacked our blue bag for the next three days, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights. Unfortunately, the sky wasn’t clear that night, so we called it a day, ready for an early 6 AM start.
Must-Visit Places in Te Anau
If you’re exploring Te Anau, here are some incredible spots to check out:
- Kepler Track – A stunning hiking trail through Fiordland.
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves – A magical underground experience.
- Ivan Wilson Park – A peaceful retreat with scenic views.
- Te Anau Lion Lookout Point – A breathtaking vantage point.
- Fiordland i-SITE Visitor Centre – Perfect for planning your adventures.
- Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – Home to rare native birds.
- Te Anau Trout Observatory – A unique spot to observe local trout.
From Office Blues to Worldly Views 