New Zealand's Most Stunning Lakes and Mountains

This summer, I finally checked off my dream destination—New Zealand! Blue skies, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes... every shot is like a painting, absolutely breathtaking 😍 Our 9-day self-drive itinerary was perfect, covering all the highlights of the South Island, and best of all, it was relaxing and not exhausting! 🚗 Itinerary Highlights: Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (3h drive) 📍 Lake Tekapo: One of the world's best stargazing reserves 🌌—don’t miss the stargazing tour at night! The salmon at The Greedy Cow by the lake is a must-try. Day 2: Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook (1.5h drive) 📍 Hooker Valley Track: A 3-hour round-trip hike with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lakes 🏔️ Day 3: Mount Cook → Wanaka (2.5h drive) 📍 That Wanaka Tree: The iconic photo spot by Lake Wanaka 📸 Day 4: Wanaka → Queenstown (1h drive) 📍 Queenstown Skyline Gondola: A must-do! Book the buffet at the summit restaurant in advance. Day 5: Queenstown day trip 📍 The TSS Earnslaw steamship offers a super retro experience, and the farm afternoon tea is utterly delightful 🐑 ✨ Tips: 1. Get full insurance for your rental car! The South Island has many gravel roads that can scratch the undercarriage. 2. Bring a thick jacket even in summer—temperatures in the alpine areas can drop to around 10°C. 3. Don’t miss Cookie Time’s cookies and Fergburger’s legendary burgers. Running low on vacation days? Then it’s even more important to choose the right itinerary for maximum enjoyment!