Suggested Itineraries
Check out some suggested itineraries for travelling around the South Island:
Take the whole family to enjoy New Zealand’s winter wonderland in the South Island. Check out a five day suggested itinerary for some family fun:
- Day one: Fly into Christchurch in the afternoon, grab your car and drive to Methven. Overnight in Methven and get ready for a big day on the slopes tomorrow.
- Day Two: Head to Mt Hutt for a day of fun on the slopes. Send the kids to the Mt Hutt Snowsports School to learn the latest techniques. Overnight Methven.
- Day Three: Drive from Methven to the Mackenzie region (about 2 hours’ drive time). Spend the day enjoying the hot pools, ice skating or an afternoon on the slopes at one of the three ski areas. Spend the night in the Mackenzie region.
- Day Four: Drive from Mackenzie region to Wanaka (about 2.5 hours’ drive time) at your leisure. On arrival into Wanaka the kids will be fascinated by the Wanaka Toy and Transport Museum or have them completely mesmerized at Puzzling World. Overnight in Wanaka.
- Day Five: Spend the day at Cardrona or Treble Cone for the day. Spend the night in Wanaka.
- Day Six: Drive from Wanaka to Queenstown (about 1.5 hours’ drive). Ski and board the snowy peaks of Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. If you are in town on Friday or Saturday nights try night skiing at Coronet Peak. Don’t forget the tubing at The Remarkables….a must for the family. Spend the night in Queenstown.
- Day Seven: Spend the morning having breakfast and a stroll along Lake Wakatipu or take the kids for a blast on a jetboat ride before taking your direct flight back to Australia. Home.
Head over to New Zealand to enjoy the long season and a great exchange rate. Check out a five day suggested itinerary for fun with your mates:
- Day one: Fly directly into Queenstown and hit the slopes at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. After a day skiing and boarding the slopes, get ready to have a big night out at the bars and nightclubs. Spend the night in Queenstown from the variety of backpackers available – great for meeting new people! Even better…if you are skiing on Friday or Saturday nights try night skiing at Coronet Peak. Great fun and enjoy a few bevies around the roaring outdoor fire (check out the entertainment as sometimes there are great bands at Coronet Peak). Stay Queenstown.
- Day two: When you hit the floor boards head outside for one of the thrilling adventure activities……jetboating, skydiving, bungy jumping, ziptrekking, luging and more! Stay Queenstown.
- Day three: Take a shuttle over to Cardrona and carve up the slopes whilst taking in the spectacular views of the Cardrona Valley. Cruise into Wanaka for a couple of drinks and a dinner before crashing in Wanaka.
- Day four: It’s tough choice today….ski Treble Cone, ski Cardrona or ride the Snow Park….mmmmmmm. Overnight Queenstown.
- Day five: Drive through the heart of the South Island, through the Mackenzie region and depart from Christchurch airport for home.
Romantic escapes
Fly over to New Zealand for a romantic weekend escape. Treat yourself to enjoy the finest New Zealand has to offer for a winter holiday.
- Day one: Fly into Wanaka and hit the slopes at Treble Cone or Cardrona to go skiing and snowboarding. Great choices of lessons and gear will get you on your way. This evening explore the cafes of Wanaka and share a bottle of Central Otago Wine. Spend the night at a luxurious retreat with view overlooking Lake Wanaka.
- Day two: Grab a taste of Wanaka on a food and wine tour to sample the wines, local produce, and delectable treats from Central Otago. Book a couple’s massage package to relax your muscles and pamper your body.
- Day three: Enjoy a second day skiing at Cardrona or Treble Cone. Alternatively try Nordic skiing at New Zealand’s only facility – Snow Farm on the Pisa range overlooking Wanaka.
- Day four: Fly home from Wanaka airport via Christchurch or alternatively drive to Queenstown and connect with your international flight.
- Day One: Fly directly into Queenstown International Airport and within the hour you could be on the slopes. Try Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Overnight accommodation in a luxury lodge or nestle away in a sumptuous hotel or bed and breakfast.
- Day Two: Private lesson for two on the slopes of Coronet Peak or The Remarkables and spend the rest of the day perfecting your turns. Take a hot pool or fantastic spa treatment end the day. Accommodation in Queenstown.
- Day Three: Spend the morning exploring the vineyards of the region – well known for its Pinot Noir and drop in for lunch in Arrowtown. Depart this afternoon on your direct flight home.
- Day One: Fly into Christchurch international airport during the middle of the day and enjoy a scenic drive (1 hour) to Akaroa – for a ‘taste’ of France!
- Day Two: Say farewell to Akaroa and drive directly to Mt Hutt ski area (about 2 hours). This afternoon enjoy a private lesson with your own instructor…what could be more perfect.
- Day Three: Perfect your turns on Mt Hutt before a leisure drive back to Christchurch. Overnight near Christchurch Airport.
- Day Four: Return home.
- Day one: Fly into Wanaka via Christchurch in the afternoon and grab a rental car to have the flexibility to explore both Queenstown and Wanaka on your holiday. Spend the night in Wanaka.
- Day two: Take the kids to hit the slopes at Cardrona Alpine Resort which caters for kids with the ski kindy and lessons available. Spend the night in Wanaka.
- Day three: Drive to Queenstown and spend the day on the slopes at The Remarkables. Take the kids to Ozone Tubing Park for some fun shooting down the tubing lanes. Spend the night in Queenstown.
- Day four: Enjoy some time off the slopes in Queenstown. Choose from a plethora of activities from jet boating, luging, or ice skating. Take a walk around town in the afternoon/early evening to buy some of the tasty treats at one of the sweet/dessert shops.
- Day five: Have a relaxing morning lounging around and then fly home from Queenstown Airport.
- Day one: Fly into Queenstown and book a night at one of the hostels in town. Explore the legendary nightlife at one of bars and clubs in town.
- Day two: Choose from carving the slopes at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Catch a shuttle from town to either resort. Get up early and try ‘First Tracks’ at Coronet Peak.
- Day three: Book adventure activity for the morning – try bungy jumping, skydiving or jet boating to get your heart pumping! Head up to Coronet Peak to go night skiing until 9 p.m(Friday and Saturday nights only).
- Day four: Catch an afternoon/evening flight home from Queenstown Airport.
- Day one: Fly into Christchurch International Airport and catch a bus to Methven, just a 90 minute ride. Grab a drink at one of the bars in town and spend the night in Methven.
- Day two: Ride the shuttle from Methven to go skiing and snowboarding at Mt Hutt. Grab your rental equipment on the mountain and go skiing and snowboarding all day! Spend the night in Methven.
- Day three: Hit the slopes for half the day at Mt Hutt or plan an early morning activity in Methven taking a scenic flight to see the mountains and landscape. Catch a shuttle back to Christchurch and fly out from Christchurch International Airport.
Check back next season for snow reports and webcams.
