Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring the South Island of New Zealand

Viewed by 50 travelers

Day 1: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Skyline Gondola

Start your day with a scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
The Skyline Gondola is located in the town centre, a short drive or walk from most accommodations.
45 NZD, 2 hours

12:00PM

Fergburger

Indulge in a famous Fergburger for lunch, known for its delicious and oversized burgers.
Fergburger is located in the heart of Queenstown, easily accessible on foot.
20 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jet Boating on Shotover River

Experience the thrill of jet boating on the Shotover River, speeding through narrow canyons and braided river channels.
Take a short drive to the Shotover Jet base for your adventure.
129 NZD, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Botswana Butchery, known for its premium cuts of meat and elegant ambiance.
Botswana Butchery is located by the lakefront in Queenstown.
80 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 2: Cruise through Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

8:00AM

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through the majestic fjords of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls.
Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound (approx. 4 hours).
80 NZD, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at The Chasm

Stop by The Chasm on your way back for a picnic lunch amidst lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls.
The Chasm is a short walk from the car park along the Milford Road.
15 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Nature Walk at Lake Gunn

Take a tranquil nature walk around Lake Gunn to admire the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Gunn is a short drive from The Chasm along the Milford Road.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Relax and enjoy a hearty dinner at Redcliff Cafe, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious local cuisine.
Redcliff Cafe is located in Te Anau, the nearest town to Milford Sound.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

Day 3: Explore Wanaka's Beauty

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Roy's Peak Track

Embark on an early morning hike up Roy's Peak Track for panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Drive from Milford Sound to Wanaka (approx. 4.5 hours).
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Relishes Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Relishes Cafe, known for its fresh and seasonal menu with stunning lake views.
Relishes Cafe is located in Wanaka town centre.
30 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Puzzle World

Have fun exploring the quirky illusions and maze at Puzzle World, a unique attraction for all ages.
Puzzle World is a short drive from Wanaka town centre.
35 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kika

Indulge in a modern New Zealand cuisine experience at Kika, offering a fusion of local flavours and global influences.
Kika is a popular restaurant in Wanaka with a vibrant atmosphere.
70 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 4: Discover Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

8:00AM

Fox Glacier Guided Walk

Embark on a guided walk to explore the stunning Fox Glacier, a unique opportunity to witness a dynamic glacier up close.
Drive from Wanaka to Fox Glacier (approx. 3.5 hours).
120 NZD, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matheson Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Matheson Cafe, offering views of Lake Matheson and the Southern Alps.
Matheson Cafe is located near Lake Matheson, a short drive from Fox Glacier.
25 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lake Matheson Walk

Take a leisurely walk around Lake Matheson to capture the famous mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Lake Matheson is a short drive from Fox Glacier township.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Last Kitchen

Experience a cozy dinner at The Last Kitchen, known for its warm hospitality and delicious seasonal menu.
The Last Kitchen is a popular dining spot in Fox Glacier village.
60 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fox Glacier

Day 5: Adventure at Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

8:00AM

Helicopter Tour of Franz Josef Glacier

Embark on an exhilarating helicopter tour to marvel at the icy landscapes and dramatic formations of Franz Josef Glacier.
Drive from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier (approx. 30 minutes).
400 NZD, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Alice May

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Alice May, a charming cafe offering a variety of fresh and tasty dishes.
Alice May Cafe is located in Franz Josef township.
35 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Glacier Hot Pools

Relax and unwind at the Glacier Hot Pools, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning views of the Franz Josef Glacier.
The Glacier Hot Pools are located in Franz Josef township.
30 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at King Tiger East Asian Cuisine

Savour the flavours of East Asian cuisine at King Tiger, known for its authentic dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
King Tiger is a popular restaurant in Franz Josef village.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

Day 6: Experience Punakaiki's Charm

Punakaiki, New Zealand

8:00AM

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Explore the unique rock formations and powerful blowholes at Pancake Rocks, a natural wonder on the West Coast.
Drive from Franz Josef to Punakaiki (approx. 2.5 hours).
15 NZD, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pancake Rocks Cafe

Enjoy a meal with a view at The Pancake Rocks Cafe, overlooking the stunning coastline and rock formations.
The Pancake Rocks Cafe is situated near the Pancake Rocks.
25 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Truman Track Walk

Take a leisurely walk along the Truman Track to discover lush rainforest, hidden caves, and a beautiful beach.
The Truman Track is located near the Pancake Rocks.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Punakaiki Tavern

Enjoy a casual dinner at Punakaiki Tavern, a local favourite serving delicious pub-style meals with a laid-back atmosphere.
Punakaiki Tavern is a popular dining spot in Punakaiki village.
40 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Punakaiki

Day 7: Explore Christchurch City

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Begin your day with a stroll through the tranquil Christchurch Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Drive from Punakaiki to Christchurch (approx. 4 hours).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Market

Indulge in a variety of gourmet foods at Riverside Market, a vibrant hub of local eateries and artisanal products.
Riverside Market is located in the heart of Christchurch city.
40 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Quake City Museum

Learn about the impact of earthquakes on Christchurch at Quake City Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and informative displays.
Quake City Museum is located near Riverside Market in Christchurch.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Pescatore

Conclude your South Island adventure with a memorable farewell dinner at Pescatore, an award-winning restaurant offering fine dining with ocean views.
Pescatore is situated in The George Hotel overlooking Hagley Park.
100 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About New Zealand south island'

7-Day North & South Island, New Zealand — End of October 2025
Packing List
14‑Day New Zealand — North & South Island (October)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your New Zealand south island' Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go