Long Road Trip Itinerary – New Zealand South Island

#mytraveldiary Nothing compares to a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island. Starting from Christchurch, drive through Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before reaching Mount Cook for stargazing. From there, continue to Queenstown for adventure sports, then detour to Milford Sound for a cruise among towering cliffs. The final stretch to Franz Josef Glacier and Hokitika Gorge rounds out a once-in-a-lifetime drive. Each stop offers hikes, photo ops, and unforgettable views. It’s the kind of journey that defines travel freedom. What would be your dream stop on a South Island road trip—Queenstown thrills or Milford Sound serenity?