New Zealand 2026 South Island

 7th to 21st October = 14 nights

BOOKED Flights 97,600 + $495.16

PRICE FOR TWO IN AUS DOLLARS

7th-9th October
BOOKED Novotel Christchurch: $707.46 but check for cheaper closer to the time.

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram: $70.00

Hired car for 11 days 9th to 20th: Mazda CX3c: 112,891 frequent flyer points. Tried to change main driver unsuccessfully but $28.95NZ for extra driver which is fine.

Hotels daily seems to be around $200 a night anywhere in south island.

Therefore Hotels: $2,800
Food: $700 - $50 a day
Booze: $120 - $9 a day
Petrol: $400 - $36 a day
Hop on Tram: $70 Christchurch
Te Anau day tour Milford Sound: $400-$500
TOTAL maybe: $4,660

Suggested 14 day car itinerary for 77 year olds starting and finishing in christchurch new zealand. Miss out dunedin and include greymouth at the end
. 4 star hotels and prices.

Here’s a relaxed 14-day South Island self-drive itinerary starting/ending in Christchurch, designed specifically for 77-year-olds:

🚗 14-Day Christchurch Loop (Leisure Pace)
Days 1–2: Christchurch (2 nights)
Recover from travel + gentle sightseeing.
Highlights
Botanic Gardens, Avon River punt
Tram ride, Riverside Market
4⭐ Hotels
The George – NZ$350–500
Sudima Christchurch City – NZ$250–350

Days 3–4: Lake Tekapo / Mt Cook (2 nights)
Drive ~3 hrs (easy, scenic)
Highlights
Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd
Optional Mt Cook scenic drive (no long walks needed)
4⭐ Hotels
Peppers Bluewater Resort – NZ$280–400
The Hermitage Hotel – NZ$300–450

Day 5: Queenstown. FORGET IT. Not worth it.

Day 6-8: Te Anau (3 nights)
Drive ~2 hrs
Highlights
Gateway to Fiordland
Relaxed lakeside stay
4⭐ Hotels
Distinction Luxmore Hotel – NZ$200–300

Milford Sound Day Trip
Return to Te Anau (long but manageable day)

Highlights
Coach + cruise recommended (no driving fatigue)
👉 A Milford Sound cruise is one of NZ’s top experiences.

Days 9–10: Wanaka (2 nights)
Drive ~4 hrs via Queenstown
Highlights
Lake Wanaka waterfront
Café/rest day

4⭐ Hotels
Edgewater Hotel – NZ$280–400
Oakridge Resort Wanaka – NZ$220–320

Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier (1 night)
Drive ~5 hrs (longest day, but spectacular West Coast)
Highlights
Glacier viewpoints (short walks)
Optional scenic helicopter (no hiking needed)
4⭐ Hotels
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier – NZ$250–350

Day 12, 13: Greymouth (1 or 2 nights) - Obviously stay with Val and Ken.
Drive ~2.5–3 hrs via Hokitika
Highlights
Coastal scenery
Hokitika Gorge stop

Day 14: Christchurch (1 night / departure)
Relax, shopping, depart next day.