New Zealand

21 Aug 2026 – 1 Sept 2026 · by franceshz

Destinations

Christchurch, New Zealand

Staying at the Mayfair Hotel -booking.com
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Day 1 – Explore Lake Tekapo After arriving from Christchurch: Morning * Check in. * Walk along the lakefront. Lunch * Kohan Japanese Restaurant or Jack Rabbit Café. Afternoon * Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. * Walk to the famous sheepdog statue. * Browse the local shops. Evening * Relax at Tekapo Springs. * Soak in the hot pools while looking over the lake. * If conditions allow, enjoy the stargazing experience. ⸻ Day 2 – Mount Cook Adventure This is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park (about 1 hour 15 minutes each way). Along the way: * Stop at Lake Pukaki for incredible turquoise water and mountain views. * Visit the Alpine Salmon Shop. At Mount Cook: * Walk the Hooker Valley Track (allow 3 hours return; you can turn back early with younger children if needed). * Or choose the much shorter Kea Point Track (about 1 hour return), which is more suitable for families. * Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Return to Tekapo for dinner.
Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand

25 August * Explore Queenstown * Skyline Gondola & Luge * Fergburger * Queenstown Gardens 26 August * Arrowtown * Onsen Hot Pools * Winery (if interested) 27 August * Milford Sound day trip * Either self-drive or coach/cruise. * Return to Queenstown that night. 28 August * Glenorchy * Paradise Road * Short walks 29 August Choose one: * Wanaka (via Crown Range) * Roys Peak lookout * Puzzling World * Lavender Farm 30 August Adventure day: * Shotover Jet * Zipline * TSS Earnslaw * Relax by the lake 31 August Free day for shopping, cafés or anything you missed. 1 September Fly home from Queenstown (
Milford Sound, New Zealand