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Exploring the South Island of New Zealand
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Exploring the South Island of New Zealand
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Day 1: Adventure in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand on June 4, 2024
8:00AM
Breakfast at Fergburger
Start your day with a delicious meal at Fergburger, a popular spot known for its gourmet burgers.
Fergburger is located in the town centre, easily accessible by walking or a short drive from most accommodations.
15 NZD, 1 hour
10:00AM
Skyline Queenstown
Head to Skyline Queenstown for panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range. You can take the gondola or hike up for a more active approach.
Skyline Queenstown is a short drive from the town centre, and there are shuttle services available.
40 NZD, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Public Kitchen
Enjoy a tasty lunch at Public Kitchen, offering a variety of dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
Public Kitchen is located in the heart of Queenstown, within walking distance from many attractions.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Jet Boat Ride with Shotover Jet
Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride with Shotover Jet through the canyons of the Shotover River.
Shotover Jet departure point is a short walk from the town centre.
150 NZD, 1 hour
6:00PM
Dinner at Rata Dining
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Rata Dining, known for its modern New Zealand cuisine.
Rata Dining is located in the town centre, reservations recommended.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 2: Exploring Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand on June 5, 2024
9:00AM
Breakfast at Vudu Cafe
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Vudu Cafe, known for its great coffee and fresh pastries.
Vudu Cafe is located in the town centre, a short walk from many accommodations.
20 NZD, 1 hour
10:00AM
Queenstown Gardens
Explore the serene Queenstown Gardens, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic by Lake Wakatipu.
Queenstown Gardens are within walking distance from the town centre.
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Bespoke Kitchen
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Bespoke Kitchen, offering seasonal dishes in a charming setting.
Bespoke Kitchen is a short walk from Queenstown Gardens.
30 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Wine Tasting at Gibbston Valley
Embark on a wine tasting tour at Gibbston Valley, known for its world-class Pinot Noir.
Gibbston Valley is a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, or you can join an organized tour.
50 NZD, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Cow Restaurant
Savour Italian cuisine at The Cow Restaurant, a cosy eatery with a relaxed atmosphere.
The Cow Restaurant is located in the town centre, reservations recommended.
40 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 3: Wine & Views in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand on June 6, 2024
9:00AM
Breakfast at Big Fig
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Big Fig, a local favourite known for its delicious food and friendly service.
Big Fig is located in Wanaka town centre, easily accessible by walking.
18 NZD, 1 hour
10:00AM
Puzzle World
Visit Puzzling World for a fun and mind-bending experience with optical illusions and puzzles.
Puzzling World is a short drive from Wanaka town centre.
30 NZD, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Kai Whakapai
Enjoy a casual lunch at Kai Whakapai, a popular cafe overlooking Lake Wanaka.
Kai Whakapai is located near the lakefront in Wanaka.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Rippon Vineyard
Visit Rippon Vineyard for a wine tasting experience with stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.
Rippon Vineyard is a short drive or a scenic walk from Wanaka town centre.
40 NZD, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Francesca's Italian Kitchen
Enjoy dinner at Francesca's Italian Kitchen, offering authentic Italian dishes in a cosy setting.
Francesca's Italian Kitchen is located in Wanaka town centre, reservations recommended.
35 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka
Day 4: Glacier Adventure in Franz Josef
Franz Josef, New Zealand on June 7, 2024
8:00AM
Breakfast at Full of Beans
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Full of Beans, a cosy cafe serving delicious coffee and homemade pastries.
Full of Beans is located in Franz Josef town centre, a short walk from many accommodations.
15 NZD, 1 hour
10:00AM
Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier
Embark on an unforgettable heli-hike experience on Franz Josef Glacier, exploring ice caves and pristine landscapes.
The heli-hike departure point is in Franz Josef town centre.
400 NZD, 4 hours
2:00PM
Lunch at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant
Relax and refuel with lunch at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, offering a diverse menu with Asian fusion cuisine.
Monsoon Bar & Restaurant is located in Franz Josef town centre.
30 NZD, 1.5 hours
4:00PM
Glacier Hot Pools
Unwind at Glacier Hot Pools, a natural thermal spa nestled in the rainforest with views of the glacier.
Glacier Hot Pools are a short drive from Franz Josef town centre.
50 NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Alice May
Enjoy dinner at Alice May, a charming restaurant known for its local ingredients and cosy ambience.
Alice May is located in Franz Josef town centre, reservations recommended.
45 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef
Day 5: Return to Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand on June 8, 2024
9:00AM
Drive to Queenstown
Travel back to Queenstown, enjoying the scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of the South Island.
Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown takes approximately 5 hours.
Petrol cost, 5 hours
2:00PM
Lunch at Atlas Beer Cafe
Have a relaxed lunch at Atlas Beer Cafe, a popular spot offering craft beers and hearty meals.
Atlas Beer Cafe is located in the town centre of Queenstown.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours
4:00PM
Explore Arrowtown
Visit the charming historic town of Arrowtown, known for its gold mining heritage and quaint streets.
Arrowtown is a short drive from Queenstown.
Free, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Bunker
Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Bunker, offering a unique blend of European and Kiwi cuisine.
The Bunker is located in the heart of Queenstown, reservations recommended.
60 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Tekapo
Tekapo, New Zealand on June 9, 2024
9:00AM
Drive to Tekapo
Embark on a picturesque drive to Tekapo, known for its turquoise lake and stunning mountain backdrop.
Drive from Queenstown to Tekapo takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Petrol cost, 3.5 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Reflections Restaurant
Enjoy lunch with a view at Reflections Restaurant, overlooking Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
Reflections Restaurant is located near the lakefront in Tekapo.
35 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Tekapo Springs
Relax at Tekapo Springs, offering hot pools, day spa, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Tekapo Springs is within walking distance from Reflections Restaurant.
50 NZD, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Kohan Restaurant
Dine at Kohan Restaurant, known for its Japanese fusion cuisine and serene atmosphere.
Kohan Restaurant is located in Tekapo village, reservations recommended.
45 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tekapo
Day 7: Scenic Drive to Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand on June 10, 2024
9:00AM
Drive to Christchurch
Embark on a scenic drive to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, known for its English heritage and beautiful gardens.
Drive from Tekapo to Christchurch takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Petrol cost, 3.5 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at C1 Espresso
Enjoy a quirky lunch experience at C1 Espresso, a unique cafe known for its pneumatic tube food delivery system.
C1 Espresso is located in the central city of Christchurch.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Explore the lush Christchurch Botanic Gardens, featuring a variety of plant collections and peaceful river walks.
The Botanic Gardens are located in the city centre, easily accessible by foot or public transport.
Free, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps
End your South Island adventure with a memorable dinner at Twenty Seven Steps, offering modern European cuisine in a historic setting.
Twenty Seven Steps is located in the city centre of Christchurch, reservations recommended.
55 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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More About New Zealand South Island
7-Day North & South Island, New Zealand — End of October 2025
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14‑Day New Zealand — North & South Island (October)
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
March 9, 2024
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