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7-Day Adventure Nature Relaxation Road Trip in New Zealand South Island
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7-Day Adventure Nature Relaxation Road Trip in New Zealand South Island
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Day 1: Adventure in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
8:00AM
Skydiving at Nzone
Start your adventure with a thrilling skydiving experience over the Remarkables mountain range.
Nzone Skydive is located a 15-minute drive from Queenstown centre.
299, 2 hours
1:00PM
Scenic Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Feel the adrenaline on a jet boat ride through the Shotover River canyons.
Head to Shotover Jet terminal in Arthurs Point, a 10-minute drive from Queenstown.
149, 1 hour
7:00PM
Dinner at Fergburger
Indulge in the famous Fergburger for a delicious end to the day.
Fergburger is in the heart of Queenstown.
20, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 2: Nature in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
9:00AM
Hike up Queenstown Hill
Embark on a morning hike up Queenstown Hill for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The trailhead is a short drive from Queenstown centre.
0, 3 hours
1:00PM
Gondola Ride at Skyline Queenstown
Take a gondola ride up Bob's Peak for breathtaking views and enjoy lunch at the top.
Skyline Queenstown is a 5-minute drive from the town centre.
65, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Rata
Savour a fine dining experience at Rata, known for its New Zealand cuisine.
Rata is located in the town centre.
70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 3: Relaxation in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand
9:00AM
Visit Puzzling World
Start your day with mind-bending optical illusions and puzzles at Puzzling World.
Puzzling World is a short drive from Wanaka town centre.
25, 2 hours
1:00PM
Relax at Lake Wanaka
Unwind by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Lake Wanaka is a short walk from the town centre.
0, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Kai Whakapai
Enjoy a casual dinner at Kai Whakapai with views of the lake.
Kai Whakapai is located in Wanaka town centre.
30, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wanaka
Day 4: Glaciers in Franz Josef
Franz Josef, New Zealand
9:00AM
Helicopter Tour of Franz Josef Glacier
Experience the stunning Franz Josef Glacier from above on a helicopter tour.
The helicopter tour departure point is in Franz Josef town.
350, 2 hours
1:00PM
Relax in Glacier Hot Pools
Unwind in the rejuvenating Glacier Hot Pools surrounded by lush rainforest.
The hot pools are a short drive from Franz Josef town.
30, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at SnakeBite Brewery
Enjoy a hearty meal and craft beer at SnakeBite Brewery after a day of adventure.
SnakeBite Brewery is located in the town centre.
40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef
Day 5: Exploration in Franz Josef
Franz Josef, New Zealand
9:00AM
Guided Hike on Franz Josef Glacier
Embark on a guided hike on the glacier to explore its unique ice formations.
Meet your guide in Franz Josef town for the glacier hike.
150, 4 hours
1:00PM
Visit West Coast Wildlife Centre
Discover the native wildlife of the West Coast at the wildlife centre.
The wildlife centre is located in Franz Josef town.
30, 1.5 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at King Tiger Eastern Eating House
Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine at King Tiger, a popular restaurant in town.
King Tiger is situated in Franz Josef town.
45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
9:00AM
Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown
Enjoy a picturesque drive back to Queenstown, passing through stunning landscapes.
It's a 5-hour drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown.
0, 5 hours
3:00PM
Explore Queenstown Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens by Lake Wakatipu.
Queenstown Gardens are located near the town centre.
0, 1 hour
7:00PM
Dinner at The Cow Restaurant
Dine at The Cow for a cosy and rustic dining experience in Queenstown.
The Cow Restaurant is situated in the town centre.
50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 7: Nature in Tekapo
Tekapo, New Zealand
9:00AM
Visit Lake Tekapo
Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
Lake Tekapo is a short walk from the town centre.
0, 2 hours
1:00PM
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory
Experience a mesmerising stargazing tour at the Mt. John Observatory.
The observatory is a short drive from Tekapo town.
80, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Reflections Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views of Lake Tekapo at Reflections Restaurant.
Reflections Restaurant is located in the town centre.
60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tekapo
Day 8: Exploration in Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand
9:00AM
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Explore the lush greenery and colourful blooms of the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch.
The Botanic Gardens are located near the city centre.
0, 2 hours
1:00PM
Punting on the Avon River
Relax on a traditional punt ride along the tranquil Avon River through the city.
The punting departure point is in the city centre.
30, 1 hour
6:00PM
Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Twenty Seven Steps for a perfect end to your trip.
Twenty Seven Steps is located in the city centre.
80, 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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