New Zealand South Island: Alpine Lakes and Glaciers

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the South Island, from the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the peaks of Mount Cook to the fjords of Milford Sound and the adventure capital of Queenstown.

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Mount John Observatory
• Hooker Valley Track Trailhead
• That Wanaka Tree
• Milford Sound
• Skyline Queenstown
• Arrowtown Buckingham Street

1. Arrival in Christchurch and Garden City Exploration

   • Christchurch City Centre

     Christchurch City Centre, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ

   • Christchurch Botanic Gardens

     Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ

2. Turquoise Lakes and Starlit Skies of Tekapo

   • Church of the Good Shepherd

     Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, NZ

   • Mount John Observatory

     Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, NZ

3. Alpine Grandeur at Aoraki Mount Cook

   • Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

     Lake Pukaki Viewpoint, Pukaki, Canterbury, NZ

   • Hooker Valley Track Trailhead

     Hooker Valley Track Trailhead, Mount Cook Village, Canterbury, NZ

4. High Country Roads to Wanaka

   • Lindis Pass Viewpoint

     Lindis Pass Viewpoint, Lindis Pass, Otago, NZ

   • That Wanaka Tree

     That Wanaka Tree, Wanaka, Otago, NZ

5. The Majestic Journey to Milford Sound

   • Te Anau Lakefront

     Te Anau Lakefront, Te Anau, Southland, NZ

   • Milford Sound

     Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Southland, NZ

6. Adventure and Relaxation in Queenstown

   • Skyline Queenstown

     Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

   • Queenstown Gardens

     Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

7. Historic Arrowtown and Departure

   • Arrowtown Buckingham Street

     Arrowtown Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, Otago, NZ

   • Queenstown Airport

     Queenstown Airport, Queenstown, Otago, NZ

• Book Milford Sound cruises and popular activities in Queenstown at least 4 weeks in advance.
• Check road conditions for the Crown Range and Milford Road, especially during winter or heavy rain.
• Sandflies are common in Fiordland; carry high-quality insect repellent for outdoor stops.
• Driving times can be longer than expected due to winding alpine roads and scenic photo stops.