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Nature / Oceania / 8-14 Days
Van Trip Through New Zealand’s Wild South
A scenic South Island road trip through turquoise lakes, alpine hikes, glaciers, fjords, surf towns, and rugged southern coastlines — from Christchurch to Milford Sound and back.
Experience Overview
13 days
13 Places
36 Activitys
This South Island van journey blends iconic New Zealand landscapes with slow travel moments and outdoor adventure. Swim in glacier-fed lakes beneath the Southern Alps, camp under some of the clearest night skies in the world, hike around Aoraki Mount Cook, cruise through Milford Sound, taste fresh Bluff oysters at the edge of the country, and explore laid-back towns like Wānaka and Queenstown. Designed for travelers who love nature, freedom, road trips, and unforgettable scenery.
Why travelers love it
Stargazing at Lake Tekapo Hiking beneath Aoraki Mount Cook Milford Sound cruise in Fiordland Bluff oysters at New Zealand’s southern tip Lakeside camping & alpine swims
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Christchurch & Stargazing at Tekapo
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo
Pick up the van and begin the journey toward the Mackenzie Basin for lakeside camping and dark sky stargazing.
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Scenic Drive to Lake Tekapo, quick swim and lakeside camp dinner
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Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve
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Day 2
Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mount Cook
Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mount Cook
Follow the shores of Lake Pukaki, enjoy fresh salmon by the water, and arrive beneath New Zealand's highest mountain.
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Drive Along Lake Pukaki & Salmon Sushi Lunch by the Lake
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Scenic drive to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
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Day 3
Hiking Around Aoraki Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook
Spend a full day exploring alpine landscapes, suspension bridges, glaciers, and mountain views.
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Hooker Valley Track Hike, Suspension Bridges & Glacier River Views
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Picnic in the National Park and Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
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Evening at White Horse Hill Campground
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Day 4
Tasman Glacier & Wānaka
Tasman Glacier & Wānaka
Visit New Zealand's largest glacier before heading through Lindis Pass to beautiful Wānaka.
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Visit Tasman Glacier Lake
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