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Oceania · Return gateway loop · 13 NIGHTS

Christchurch gateway and southern lakes

Longer intermediate stays and a return buffer

Submitted by Under Open Skies
Use this itinerary

Route and nights

  1. Christchurch3 nights
  2. Queenstown4 nights
  3. Wānaka4 nights
  4. Christchurch2 nights

Trip format: Return gateway loop · One hotel or guesthouse per overnight base

Tradeoff: An extra night in each middle base gives you room for a missed connection, weather or a second interest.

Compare: Drive or coach to compare

Trip stats

Trip days
14
Nights
13
Home Bases
3

Days by place

Christchurch
6
Queenstown
4
Wānaka
4

Hotels and other stays

Christchurch
5 nights
Queenstown
4 nights
Wānaka
4 nights

Day-by-day agenda

Jump to Calendar View
Day 1 Christchurch
  1. Plan note Check in and keep the first evening near your base.
OvernightChristchurch
Day 2 Christchurch
  1. Plan note Christchurch Art Gallery
OvernightChristchurch
Day 3 Christchurch
  1. Plan note City history and heritage buildings
OvernightChristchurch
Day 4 Queenstown
  1. Plan note Transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
OvernightQueenstown
Day 5 Queenstown
  1. Plan note Lakefront public spaces and hillside streets
OvernightQueenstown
Day 6 Queenstown
  1. Plan note Lake Wakatipu paths and mountain views
OvernightQueenstown
Day 7 Queenstown
  1. Plan note Choose one guided outdoor activity if conditions suit
OvernightQueenstown
Day 8 Wānaka
  1. Plan note Transfer from Queenstown to Wānaka. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
OvernightWānaka
Day 9 Wānaka
  1. Plan note Town and regional settlement history
OvernightWānaka
Day 10 Wānaka
  1. Plan note Lakeshore paths and mountain views
OvernightWānaka
Day 11 Wānaka
  1. Plan note Local food and cafés
OvernightWānaka
Day 12 Christchurch
  1. Plan note Transfer from Wānaka to Christchurch. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
OvernightChristchurch
Day 13 Christchurch
  1. Plan note Botanic Gardens and Avon River paths
OvernightChristchurch
Day 14 Christchurch
  1. Plan note Check out and leave time for the trip to your departure point.

Trip calendar

Itinerary map Print itinerary

Times are local when shown.

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Open map for Christchurch
    1. Plan note Check in and keep the first evening near your base.
    OvernightChristchurch
  2. Day 2

    Christchurch

    Open map for Christchurch
    1. Plan note Christchurch Art Gallery
    OvernightChristchurch
  3. Day 3

    Christchurch

    Open map for Christchurch
    1. Plan note City history and heritage buildings
    OvernightChristchurch
  4. Day 4

    Queenstown

    1. Plan note Transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
    OvernightQueenstown
  5. Day 5

    Queenstown

    Open map for Queenstown
    1. Plan note Lakefront public spaces and hillside streets
    OvernightQueenstown
  6. Day 6

    Queenstown

    Open map for Queenstown
    1. Plan note Lake Wakatipu paths and mountain views
    OvernightQueenstown
  7. Day 7

    Queenstown

    Open map for Queenstown
    1. Plan note Choose one guided outdoor activity if conditions suit
    OvernightQueenstown
  8. Day 8

    Wānaka

    1. Plan note Transfer from Queenstown to Wānaka. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
    OvernightWānaka
  9. Day 9

    Wānaka

    Open map for Wānaka
    1. Plan note Town and regional settlement history
    OvernightWānaka
  10. Day 10

    Wānaka

    Open map for Wānaka
    1. Plan note Lakeshore paths and mountain views
    OvernightWānaka
  11. Day 11

    Wānaka

    Open map for Wānaka
    1. Plan note Local food and cafés
    OvernightWānaka
  12. Day 12

    Christchurch

    1. Plan note Transfer from Wānaka to Christchurch. Allow time for luggage, check-in and any connections.
    OvernightChristchurch
  13. Day 13

    Christchurch

    Open map for Christchurch
    1. Plan note Botanic Gardens and Avon River paths
    OvernightChristchurch
  14. Day 14

    Christchurch

    Open map for Christchurch
    1. Plan note Check out and leave time for the trip to your departure point.