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7-Day Nature and Relaxation Road Trip in South Island, New Zealand

Viewed by 53 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with a unique breakfast experience at C1 Espresso, known for its pneumatic food delivery system.
C1 Espresso is located in the city center. It's a 20-minute drive from the airport.
30 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Botanic Gardens

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, home to a diverse range of plant species.
The Botanic Gardens are a short walk from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at Little High Eatery, a bustling food court with options for everyone.
Little High Eatery is located in the city center.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

International Antarctic Centre

Visit the International Antarctic Centre to learn about the icy continent and experience an Antarctic storm.
The International Antarctic Centre is a 15-minute drive from the city center.
60 NZD, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Twenty Seven Steps, known for its seasonal menu and cozy atmosphere.
Twenty Seven Steps is located in the city center.
80 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Coastal Escape in Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Akaroa

Embark on a scenic drive to Akaroa, a charming coastal town known for its French influence and stunning harbor views.
It's a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch to Akaroa.
Gasoline cost, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Harbour Cruise

Take a relaxing harbor cruise to spot dolphins, penguins, and other marine wildlife in the tranquil waters of Akaroa Harbour.
The harbor cruise departs from the main wharf in Akaroa.
80 NZD, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Trading Rooms

Savor fresh seafood and local delicacies at The Trading Rooms, a cozy restaurant overlooking the harbor.
The Trading Rooms is located in the heart of Akaroa.
40 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Giant's House

Wander through the whimsical Giant's House, a unique garden filled with colorful mosaics and sculptures.
Giant's House is a short walk from the town center.
30 NZD, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bully Hayes, known for its waterfront location and great seafood dishes.
Bully Hayes is located along the main street of Akaroa.
70 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Akaroa

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Embark on a picturesque drive to Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
It's a 3-hour drive from Akaroa to Lake Tekapo.
Gasoline cost, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kohan Restaurant

Enjoy a Japanese-inspired lunch with a view at Kohan Restaurant, overlooking Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
Kohan Restaurant is located near the lakefront.
50 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Church of the Good Shepherd

Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a picturesque stone church that offers stunning views of the lake and mountains.
The church is a short drive from Kohan Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Tekapo Springs

Unwind and relax at Tekapo Springs, where you can soak in hot pools and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Tekapo Springs is located near the lakefront.
60 NZD, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Reflections Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Reflections Restaurant, known for its New Zealand cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Reflections Restaurant is located within Lake Tekapo village.
100 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 4: Exploring Mount Cook Village

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Mount Cook Village

Embark on a scenic drive to Mount Cook Village, nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps and home to New Zealand's highest peak.
It's a 1.5-hour drive from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook Village.
Gasoline cost, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hooker Valley Track

Embark on the famous Hooker Valley Track, a stunning hike that offers panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine landscapes.
The trailhead for Hooker Valley Track is located near the village.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Old Mountaineers' Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at The Old Mountaineers, a cozy spot with delicious food and breathtaking views of Mount Cook.
The Old Mountaineers is located within Mount Cook Village.
40 NZD, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Tasman Glacier Boat Tour

Experience a unique boat tour on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, where you can marvel at icebergs and rugged landscapes.
The tour departure point is a short drive from the village.
150 NZD, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chamois Bar & Grill

Savor a delicious dinner at Chamois Bar & Grill, known for its casual atmosphere and tasty Kiwi dishes.
Chamois Bar & Grill is located in the village.
60 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook Village

Day 5: Relaxation in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Embark on a scenic drive to Wanaka, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka with stunning mountain views.
It's a 2-hour drive from Mount Cook Village to Wanaka.
Gasoline cost, 2 hours

11:30AM

Puzzle World

Explore the mind-bending illusions and puzzles at Puzzle World, a fun attraction for all ages.
Puzzle World is located on the outskirts of Wanaka.
40 NZD, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Big Fig

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Big Fig, a cozy cafe known for its fresh and seasonal menu.
Big Fig is located in Wanaka town center.
30 NZD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Ruby's Cinema & Bar

Unwind with a movie or live performance at Ruby's Cinema & Bar, a unique entertainment venue in Wanaka.
Ruby's Cinema & Bar is located in Wanaka town center.
20 NZD, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Francesca's Italian Kitchen

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Francesca's, a popular restaurant with a cozy ambiance and delicious pasta dishes.
Francesca's is located in Wanaka town center.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 6: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Embark on a scenic drive to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, surrounded by stunning mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
It's a 1.5-hour drive from Wanaka to Queenstown.
Gasoline cost, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown, then enjoy a thrilling luge ride down the mountain.
The Skyline Gondola base station is located in Queenstown town center.
80 NZD, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Treat yourself to a famous Fergburger, a must-try iconic burger joint in Queenstown known for its delicious burgers.
Fergburger is located in the heart of Queenstown.
20 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jet Boat Ride on Shotover River

Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride on the Shotover River, zooming past canyons and rocky cliffs.
The jet boat departure point is a short drive from Queenstown town center.
150 NZD, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll along Lake Wakatipu

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, taking in the scenic beauty and fresh mountain air.
The lakefront is easily accessible from Queenstown town center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Rata

Indulge in a culinary experience at Rata, a renowned restaurant owned by a celebrity chef with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
Rata is located in Queenstown town center.
100 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 7: Cruise to Milford Sound and Visit Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Embark on an early morning drive to Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning fjords and waterfalls.
It's a 4-hour drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with breathtaking scenic views along the way.
Gasoline cost, 4 hours

12:00PM

Milford Sound Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, marveling at towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sightings.
The cruise departure point is in Milford Sound Visitor Center.
150 NZD, 2 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Te Anau

After the cruise, drive to Te Anau, a charming town on the shores of Lake Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
It's a 2-hour drive from Milford Sound to Te Anau.
Gasoline cost, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe & Bar

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Redcliff, a cozy cafe with views of Lake Te Anau and a menu featuring local produce.
Redcliff Cafe & Bar is located near the lakefront in Te Anau.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Te Anau

Day 8: Exploring Dunedin

Dunedin, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Dunedin

Embark on a scenic drive to Dunedin, a vibrant city known for its Scottish heritage, wildlife, and historic architecture.
It's a 3-hour drive from Te Anau to Dunedin.
Gasoline cost, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vogel Street Kitchen

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Vogel Street Kitchen, a trendy cafe serving up fresh and seasonal dishes in a stylish setting.
Vogel Street Kitchen is located in Dunedin city center.
40 NZD, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour

Embark on a wildlife tour of Otago Peninsula to spot albatross, seals, penguins, and other native species in their natural habitat.
The tour departure point is in Dunedin city center.
120 NZD, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Etrusco at the Savoy

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Etrusco, a popular restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious pasta dishes.
Etrusco at the Savoy is located in Dunedin city center.
70 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dunedin
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