07 Day South Island Must Do Package

Explore the highlights around Queenstown with holiday packages including must-do activities, accommodation, and a rental car. Visit Te Anau, Milford Sound, and Wanaka and explore a range of stunning landscapes.

If you have just one week in New Zealand, our 7 day Queenstown holiday packages are exciting yet comfortably paced.

Read on for more details on the 7 Day South Island Must Do Package.

7 Day South Island Must Do Package | Queenstown Holiday Packages

Day 1 Arrive Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Collect your rental car from the airport and make your way to your accommodation.

Relax and explore Queenstown. You have the option to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, the Underwater Observatory, or the Ivan Clarke Gallery; ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin, or simply enjoy a lakefront stroll.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 2 Queenstown

Choose from an exciting range of optional activities including rafting, scenic flights, 4WD safaris, winery tours and more.

In the evening, relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard a vintage steamship. The TSS Earnslaw is the only coal fired passenger vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Step aboard – watch the stokers fueling the fireboxes and hear the hiss of the steam engines working as the TSS Earnslaw takes you on a nostalgic cruise over beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will enjoy a stunning gourmet BBQ dinner. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. On your return cruise, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along with the ship’s pianist.

Day 3 Queenstown

Today, you have the option to take a day trip to Glenorchy. At the Head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is nestled between the Richardson (east) and Humboldt (west) Mountain Ranges and overlooked by the mighty snow-capped Mount Earnslaw in the north. From Glenorchy, you can travel on to a number of fantastic valleys, including Rees Valley, Paradise Valley, Dart Valley, and Routeburn Valley. These valleys border both Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, and they are ringed by some of the most dramatic mountains in New Zealand. The tiny Kinloch township lies further along the road; this is an excellent spot to enjoy a coffee while taking in views over the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu.

The two main industries in Glenorchy are farming and tourism. These have enabled the town to thrive while still maintaining its unique qualities and southern kiwi culture. Home to approximately 200 people, Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant town offering a range of cafés, restaurants, bars, shopping, hiking, fishing, and much much more. Glenorchy’s surrounding landscape has become a prime location for film scouts. Most famously, the region was chosen to depict many scenes in the award-winning Lord of the Rings movies. More recently, the area has featured in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, Hercules, and countless adverts.

Day 4 Te Anau

Driving time Queenstown to Te Anau 172 km / 106  miles, 2.5 hours

Journey alongside Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu and through lush green farmland to reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

In the afternoon, join Fiordland Jet!

Enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout-filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri. Step foot into ancient beech forests and learn all about this unique location among Fiordland National Park. Your journey begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride down the Waiau river. A picturesque spot, the Waiau river is lined by ancient beech tree forest and is the Anduin River; the great river of Middle Earth! Featured in the opening scene from The Lord of the Rings! Get the inside-story on The Lord of the Rings filming locations, and the crazy logistics involved in filming. Experience the thrill and excitement as you cruise down the powerful, surging, Waiau River. Stop in quiet and tranquil spots to soak up the amazing surrounds, spot a few trout, and learn about the unique environment and fascinating history. 

Suddenly, the river ends and you find yourself out on the breathtaking Lake Manapouri. This lake is surrounded by towering mountains that have been carved by snow and ice over centuries. Experience a sense of wonderment as you gaze at the magnificent scenery.

Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Day 5 Te Anau > Milford Sound

Driving time Te Anau to Milford Sound 119 km / 75 miles, 2.5 hours

Today, enjoy the stunning Milford Sound Nature Cruise! The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a diverse glimpse into New Zealand’s alpine zone.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, and wildlife. Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.

Relax and explore Te Anau for the afternoon.

Day 6 Wanaka

Driving time Te Anau to Wanaka 227 km / 141 miles, 3 hours

Drive through historic Central Otago—past farmland, orchards and vineyards—to reach Wanaka, an alpine paradise with views so good it’s hard to put down your camera.

Explore Wanaka this afternoon, you might like to make a visit to Wanaka Lavender Farm. Wander through 10 acres of beautiful lavender fields, meet their friendly farm animals, play garden games and enjoy a hot or cold drink at the café; Wanaka Lavender farm is a great place to unwind!

The more adventurous might like to check out Wildwire – a Ferrata course on a rocky Wanaka hillside, showcasing some of the best waterfall views in Wanaka! Clip ‘N Climb is also available, as well as Crossfire gaming centre if you haven’t paid a visit yet.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 7 Wanaka

Relax and explore Wanaka – you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction, or the National Toy and Transport Museum. Other options include strolling along one of Wanaka’s stunning walking tracks, relaxing on the lake’s edge or browsing through Wanaka’s boutique shops.

You could also visit Rippon Vineyard and Tasting Room to sample local wines, or catch a film at Cinema Paradiso, Wanaka’s quirky local theatre.

Day 8 Depart Queenstown

Driving time Wanaka to Queenstown 69 km / 43 miles, 1.5 hours

Drive over the Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, where you will drop your rental car off at Queenstown Airport and depart Queenstown.

Planning Queenstown Holiday Packages

Queenstown is conveniently located close to many of the highlights of the South Island. This 7 Day South Island Must Do Package allows travellers to explore Fiordland National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, and more.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups, this South Island holiday package is fully customisable. Your personal travel consultant will work with you to tailor the itinerary to match your preferences.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable South Island holiday.