2 week South Island driving itinerary
 

Despite popular opinion here, we are spending 17 days in early February on a south island driving trip for our 25th anniversary. Since it is a busy time we are booking flights and accommodations soon. Here is where we are with our itinerary. Please let me know if you see major problems or have revision suggestions. I know there are some long(ish) drives, but we are looking forward to spending some leisurely days driving and exploring and enjoying the sites along the way.

D1 - flight from Chicago to Auckland
D2 - lost
D3 - fly to Nelson, drive 30 minutes to lodge (2N)
D4 - Explore Abel Tasman National Park
D5 - Drive to Punakaiki (1N)
D6 - Drive to Fox Glacier (1N)
D7 - Drive to Wanaka (2N)
D8 - Explore Wanaka
D9 - Drive to Te Anau (2N)
D10 - Milford road drive and Milford Sound cruise
D11 - Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise (1N)
D12 - Drive to Queenstown (3N)
D13 - Explore Queenstown area
D14 - Explore Queenstown area
D15 - Drive to Lake Pukaki (2N)
D16 - Explore Mt. Cook area (including glacier heli-hike here)
D17 - Drive to Christchurch with Evening flight to Auckland, then home