Planning trip to NZ in October 2025. 14 days (will also be in Australia).
Welcome comments on proposed itinerary
3 nights Christchurch
2 nights Tekapo/Aoraki/Twizel (would like recc on where to stay, and see that Hooker track is closed beyond first bridge)
1-2 nights Dunedin (mostly to do the Otago peninsula wildlife tours)
2-3 nights Te Anau (Milford Sound tour one day)
1-2 nights Queenstown
1 night Fox/Frans Josef
1 night Hokita (and drive back to Christchurch for late afternoon flight)

Most days of travel would be no more than 3 hours though know roads can be slow. We dropped going to Abel Tasman

Thanks

Oh, that's too bad about the closing of the second suspension bridge. Obviously, it's necessary. But what a disappointment. The Hooker Valley Track was one of the highlights of our trip to NZ last November. Can you hike up to the first bridge? There are other hikes, such as the Kea Point hike, which we didn't have time to do but I understand are beautiful as well and give you great views. We enjoyed our stay at Aoraki Court Motel in Mt. Cook Village. Highly recommend.

Even though Christchurch is lovely, I wouldn't spend 3 nights there. Stay there your first night and allocate the other 2 nights somewhere else, such as Aoraki, Fox/Franz Josef, Queenstown or Dunedin. I haven't been to Dunedin but the extra night in all of these places give you a buffer in case of bad weather. I would definitely stay in Te Anau 3 nights. We originally scheduled 2 nights, and our Milford Sound Tour was cancelled due to rain. We added an extra night which necessitated eliminating a night from Wanaka, so that we could do the Milford Sound Cruise, a highlight of our trip.

OR you could spend your last night in Christchurch. I know the drive from Hokitika to Christchurch is supposedly 3 hours but the Arthus Pass drive is beautiful, and I am sure you will want to stop many times for photos.

I am sure that others who have more experience than I have will respond.

Here is the link to my TR if you are interested.
Trip Report Six Weeks Down Under - the Never-ending Beauty of New Zealand - Part 2 - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Agree with Karen that three nights in CHC could be used better elsewhere, especially since you have so many short stays. Keep in mind that one night isn't even a full day, so this is more of a driving itinerary than an in-depth exploring itinerary.

Thanks! I am visiting a friend in Christchurch hence the multiple days.
I read Karens trip report. Am now planning

2 nights Aoraki Court Motel
2 nights Dunedin (Lanarch Castle with 5 hour wildlife tour)
3 nights Te Anua (with one day Milford sound tour)
1 night Cardrona/Wanaka
1 night Frans Josef (Legacy Te)
1 night Awatuna (near Hokita)
Will leave Awatuna early for late flight to Melbourne from Christcurch

Ditto above

You may want to rethink staying on the West Coast the night before you fly out of Christchurch, as any road delays and closures could impact your ability to make your flight.