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Looking back to a trip to New Zealand in January 2019

Updated: Aug 31, 2022

As I was looking through my stock of photos, I realized I had not processed my recent photos from New Zealand yet (from our trip in January 2019).


We went only to the southern island of New Zealand, because our time was limited and I believe that this part of the New Zealand is the most scenic for the purpose of photography. I had been to New Zealand before in 2005, but for my husband and our friends it was a new experience.


We had booked a self drive tour from a local travel agency (New Zealand Self Drive Tours, which I recommend), so we would be free to stop anywhere and anytime we would want to (important if you like to take photos like me). Beforehand I had already done my little research into possible photo locations and nice places to visit and things to do. For an example itinerary I will post our itinerary at the end of this blog post.


We had a great time, and the scenery was again (for me) beautiful and amazing. We did some small hikes, and even went on a small wildlife trip in Dunedin.


These are the photos I got during this trip:




And if you are looking for a sample itinerary for the southern island of New Zealand, here is what we did:


Day 1:

  • Arrival in Christchurch, transfer to hotel (afternoon and evening)

  • Free time and take a rest


Day 2:

  • Pickup of rental car at 09.00 am

  • Drive to Tekapo with stops along the way. (2hr50min if without stops, 223km)

  • Church of the Good Shepard (Lake Tekapo)


Day 3:

  • Drive to Lake Pukaki for photo stop and continue to Hooker Valley track near Mt Cook (1hr15m, 107km) for short hike with nice views

  • Moeraki boulders at the beach..

  • Fur seal viewing walk

  • Check in to Hotel in Dunedin (2 nights) (0hr58min, 69km)

  • Dinner and free time


Day 4:

  • Sunrise or morning visit to Nugget Point Lighthouse (1hr28min)

  • Back to Dunedin for lunch and free time till pickup at reception of hotel at 15.00 pm for Otago peninsula sundowner tour till evening (incl dinner)


Day 5:

  • Drive from Dunedin to Queenstown with possible stop in Alexandra or other stops.

  • Gibbston Valley Winery, Restaurant

  • Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge

  • Shotover Jet Queenstown

(Can also be combined on next day with trip to Arrowtown)

  • Check in to hotel in Queenstown (0hr9min, 6.2km)


Day 6:

  • Sunrise or morning visit to Wanaka lake

  • Arrowtown, old minerstown

  • Back to Queenstown for lunch and free time in Queenstown

  • TSS Earnslaw cruise, check in at 17.40 at the Real Journeys visitor center

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rkycAJPVp38697sd7 (incl. BBQ dinner, back at 22.00pm)


Day 7:

  • Milford sound nature cruise with luxury coach transfer, pickup at 7.15am at bus stop across the street from the hotel. Back to queenstown at 20.00 pm. (Bring comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm layer of clothes and insect repellent. Incl lunch box). See for details the travel app.

  • Dinner in Queenstown?


Day 8:

  • Wanaka tree if not done on day 6

  • Drive to the Blue Pools for a short walk

  • Drive to Fox Glacier (with stops along the way) for scenic helicopter flight, check in at 15.30pm (2hr21min, 190km)

*The Helicopter Line Fox Glacier

  • Check in to hotel at Fox Glacier (0hr2min, 550m), or check in before helicopter flight if time permits.


Day 9:

  • Lake Matheson walk at sunrise or early morning

  • Back to hotel for breakfast and checkout

  • Drive to Hokitika, a lot of craft stores here with stops on the way (2hr7min, 157km)

  • Drive to Greymouth train station (0hr32min, 39km) for tranzalpine scenic train at 14.05pm (check in at 13.30)

  • Arrive at christchurch train station around 18.30pm.

  • Transfer to hotel


Day 10:

  • Transfer to airport

  • End of trip


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