During my New Zealand trip in 2025, I spent 8 days in New Zealand’s South Island with the family. It was beautiful, expensive, and honestly — I’m already planning a return trip. But I’d do a few things differently. Here’s what our trip looked like, what surprised us, and what I’d change next time.
The Route We Took
We drove from Christchurch down to Queenstown over 8 days:
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown
It’s the classic South Island route — you get a bit of everything. City, lakes, mountains, small towns, and finally Queenstown’s energy at the end. We rented a car from Christchurch Airport and dropped it off in Queenstown. One-way rental cost a bit extra, but because we were flying back to Auckland and from Auckland back to Singapore, this was the better arrangement.
The Highlights (and Honest Takes)
Christchurch: Fine, But Don’t Linger
Christchurch is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake. It’s peaceful, the Botanic Gardens are lovely, and the Cardboard Cathedral is an interesting architectural quirk — a temporary church built from cardboard tubes that’s somehow still standing.
We spent 2 nights here to recover from the flight and get sorted with our rental car but that was enough.
If I go again: I’d do 1 night max, or skip it entirely and drive straight to Lake Tekapo.
Lake Tekapo: The Star of the Trip
This was my favorite stop, period.
The lake is ridiculous turquoise blue — it looks photoshopped but it’s real. Something about glacial flour (fine rock particles) in the water creates the color. We stayed at a lakeside motel for about $250 SGD/night, and every morning we’d just sit outside with our supermarket bought coffee/tea staring at the water. It was very peaceful and healing. There’s something about beautiful nature that makes us happy as humans.
Here’ some other touristy places in this area:
Church of the Good Shepherd is a tiny stone church from 1935 right on the lakeshore. The window behind the altar perfectly frames the lake and mountains — clearly intentional. Go early morning to avoid the crowds.
We also caught the wild lupins in bloom (purple, pink, blue flowers) along the shore. Absolutely stunning, but only if you visit November-December.
The town itself is small — one main street with restaurants (Japanese, Indian, Kiwi food and lots of options more) and a grocery store. We cooked a few breakfasts (mostly eggs and toast) at the motel. Plenty of Singaporean tourists here, which surprised us! You can definitely hear the Singaporean accent here.
If I go again: 3 nights minimum instead of 2. Gotta soak in the beautiful nature!
Mount Cook: As beautiful as the Pacific North West
An hour from Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook Village sits at the base of New Zealand’s highest peak. I lived in Seattle for 9 months in 2024 and this place reminds me a lot of Mount Rainier National Park in the Pacific North West region.
We didn’t climb anything serious but the Kea Point Track (1.5 hours return) was perfect. Easy walk, massive payoff at the end with views of the glacier and mountain.
We also stopped at the Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre. Small visitor center, but interesting interior design, and toilets! Remember to go to toilet here before the hike.
The drive there is half the experience. Farms everywhere with free-roaming sheep, cows, and even elk just chilling by the road. Classic New Zealand scenery.
If I go again: Stay overnight in Mount Cook Village and do more tracks such as the Hooker Valley Track (3-4 hours) — it’s the famous one with swing bridges and glacier views. We skipped it because it was too long for us.
Wanaka: Pleasant, But Skippable
Wanaka is like Queenstown’s quieter younger sibling. We stopped here for two nights as a transition.
Wanaka Lavender Farm was a nice family morning — rows of lavender, kids running around, honey and ice cream for sale. Low-key and pleasant. You need to pay a small fee for the tickets, so be sure to check the website!
That Wanaka Tree — you’ve seen the photos. It’s the lone willow tree in the lake that’s all over Instagram. My honest take: Overrated. It’s a tree in water. Surrounded by tourists taking the same shot. Worth a 5-minute stop if you’re passing, but don’t build your day around it.
If I go again: Skip Wanaka entirely or just stay 1 night.
Queenstown: Expensive but Worth It
Queenstown is the big finale — adventure capital of New Zealand. Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boats, paragliding. Even if you’re not doing any of that, the town has an energy that’s hard to describe. The Remarkables mountain range in the background is stunning in any light.
We kept it chill:
- Queenstown Gardens — a park on a peninsula with these tall, perfectly spaced pine and fir trees. Something about walking through them felt almost magical. Great for a morning stroll.
- Queenstown Hill Track — we attempted this as a family. It’s a proper uphill hike, 2-3 hours return. We didn’t make it to the top (kids were done), but the views partway up were already rewarding.
- Food — Queenstown has the best dining options on the South Island. Lots of options in the city center.
The cost, though. Our Airbnb — a small apartment with lake views — was $700 SGD per night. December is peak season, so prices are brutal. Book months ahead, or stay in Arrowtown (20 mins away) for better rates.
If I go again: Coming back solo specifically for the adventure stuff. Paragliding looked incredible. Also, I’d book accommodation way earlier or stay outside the town center.
The Practical Stuff
Budget
New Zealand is not cheap. Budget around $600-700 SGD per day for a family if you want comfortable accommodation and decent meals. Consider saving a meal or two by cooking. New Zealand beef is ridiculously affordable compared to Singapore.
Getting Around
You need a car. No question. Public transport between towns is basically non-existent, and half the magic is stopping randomly when you see a beautiful viewpoint. Tip: Distances look short on maps but drives take longer than expected. The roads are winding and you’ll want to stop constantly for photos.
Visa & Driving
Singapore passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 3 months but you need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority NZeTA online a few days before entry, do not forget that!
What I’d Do Differently (Summary)
Here’s the short version:
| What We Did | What I’d Do Next Time |
|---|---|
| 2 nights Christchurch | 1 night or skip |
| 2 nights Lake Tekapo | 3 nights — it was the highlight |
| Day trip to Mount Cook | Stay overnight, do Hooker Valley Track |
| 2 night Wanaka | 1 night |
| 2 nights Queenstown | Keep, but book earlier or stay in Arrowtown |
| Family trip | Also do a solo trip for adventure activities |
The South Island delivered. It’s pricey but the beautiful nature alone is worth it.
I’ll be back. Probably solo next time, just me and a bungy cord.