South Island 3-Week Mountain Adventure

Day 1: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

After picking up the Polaris 2 in Christchurch, we set off towards Lake Tekapo and stopped at the famous Fairlie Bakehouse for a delicious bite on the way. Once we arrived, we walked along the lakefront in the evening and visited the Church of the Good Shepherd. The view at Lakes Edge Holiday Park was worth every extra dollar spent on a lakeview powered site, simply stunning.

Tip: Make sure to stock up on groceries in Christchurch before heading out. The selection is much better (and cheaper) than what you’ll find in Lake Tekapo!

Day 2: Exploring Lake Tekapo

We decided to leave the motorhome parked for the day in Lake Tekapo. We hiked from our campsite up to Mount John Observatory where we had a coffee with an amazing view at the Astro Cafe. Afterward, we soaked in the hot pools at Lake Tekapo Springs. We definitely recommend the sauna and cold plunge add-on!

Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook National Park

Today we ventured to Mount Cook National Park, where we hiked to the iconic Mueller Hut. Along the drive, we couldn’t help but stop at several roadside lookout points to capture the breathtaking views. We spent the night in the Mueller Hut, a spot that needs to be booked well in advance.

Tip: If you're not interested in staying overnight or you don’t get a spot at Mueller Hut, you can hike up and back in a day (although it is a long day). Then camp at Whitehorse Hill campground which is at the trailhead.

Day 4 & 5: Mount Cook National Park

We hiked down from Mueller Hut in the morning, then tackled the renowned Hooker Valley Track. The stunning views along the way made it a must do!

The next day we visited Tasman Lake and hiked to the river mouth to see the icebergs. Later in the day we explored the Blue Pools trail. The free museum at the Visitor Centre was also a nice way to relax and learn more about the area. A shout-out to the Hermitage Hotel’s Cafe for their unbeatable salmon and bacon pies, so good!

We stayed at Whitehorse Hill Campsite for both days, right by the trailheads, which made exploring Mount Cook National Park even easier.

Day 6: Mount Cook to Wanaka

After an active few days, we hit the road toward Wanaka. We stopped at Lindis Pass for scenic views and the Omarama Clay Cliffs before arriving in Wanaka. We explored the famous Wanaka Tree and stopped by The Big Fig for a quick, healthy lunch. We stayed at Wanaka Holiday Park, we chose to stay here because it’s an easy walk into town.

Day 7: Wanaka

The day began with an early morning hike up Roy's Peak. The panoramic views were worth every step. Afterward, we headed into Mount Aspiring National Park to see Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools. Later, we enjoyed a pub meal at Kai Whakapai Eatery before returning to Wanaka Holiday Park for the night.

Day 8: Wanaka to Glendhu Bay

We really enjoyed doing Wildwire Wanaka (via Ferrata) in the morning. It was such an exhilarating experience! Afterward, we cooled off with a swim at Glendhu Bay, basking in the sunshine. The beauty of the area made it the perfect spot to unwind. We stayed at the Glendhu Bay Campsite, where the peaceful surroundings made for a great evening.

Day 9 & 10: Glendhu Bay to Milford Sound

We journeyed to Milford Sound, stopping at the Cardrona Hotel for lunch and taking a detour to Te Anau for a lakeside stroll and a boat tour of the glowworm caves. A highlight of the drive was the Mirror Lakes on the way to Milford. We stayed at Cascade Creek Campsite that night.

The next day, we hiked the Lake Marian Track and visited Lake Gunn and Monkey Creek. In the evening, we boarded the Fiordland Jewel for an unforgettable overnight cruise through Milford Sound. It was one of the highlights of the trip, I highly recommend it!

Day 11: Milford Sound to Queenstown

After a morning at Cascade Creek, we drove to Queenstown, making a pit stop in Te Anau for lunch. We stayed at Hampshire Holiday Park in Queenstown.

Day 12: Queenstown to Glenorchy

We drove to Glenorchy, stopping by Bob’s Cove along the way. We visited the Glenorchy Wharf and enjoyed lunch at Mrs. Woolly’s Cafe, which was the perfect refuel before setting off on the Routeburn Track. We hiked to the Routeburn Flats campsite for the night, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Tip: If you’re planning on doing a Great Walk like the Routeburn Track, be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up fast!

Day 13 & 14: Routeburn Track

We hiked on the Routeburn Track to the beautiful Lake Mackenzie Campsite, where we spent the night. The next day, we hiked to the Greenstone McKeller Campsite. The highlight of the track was the Harris Saddle and the incredible scenery along the way.

Day 15 & 16: Greenstone Track

Today was spent exploring the Greenstone Track. A cool swimming spot was just a short walk from Greenstone Hut, offering a refreshing break. The next day we hiked out of the Greenstone and took a shuttle back to our motorhome at the Routeburn Trailhead. We then drove to Kinloch Campsite, where we had a scenic spot overlooking the lake.

The glenorchy Pub became our go to for a beer and meal after several days of hiking.

Day 17 & 20: Queenstown Exploration

We headed back to Queenstown, stopping by Moke Lake on the way. Once in town, we indulged in a Ferg Burger and cocktails at Ferg’s Bar, don’t miss their peanut butter cherry whisky cocktail!

The next was spent exploring Queenstown further with a visit to Gibbston Valley Winery for a wine cave tour and then we spent some time in the Queenstown Gardens, where we enjoyed disc golf. A memorable dinner at Blue Kanu topped off the day, though be sure to book a reservation in advance as it fills up quickly in peak season.

We explored Arrowtown, hiking Big Hill and stopping for lunch at Provisions Cafe. We also visited Shotover Canyon and enjoyed a craft beer at Canyon Brewing on our way back.

The next day was all about the Skyline Gondola, where we took the lift up, raced on the luge, and hiked the Ben Lomond Track. Taking the gondola up and back cuts a couple of hours off the Ben Lomond Track and is well worth it.

Day 21: Queenstown to Christchurch

On the final day, we made the drive back to Christchurch to drop off the Polaris 2. Though the journey was over, the memories of our South Island adventure will last a lifetime.

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To read more about our experiences, the highlights, and what it meant to us to explore Australia's northwest, check out our Star Story.