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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: Nature in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand on June 4, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at Roy's Peak Track
Witness a mesmerising sunrise at Roy's Peak Track, offering surreal views of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains.
Begin the hike to Roy's Peak Track early morning to catch the sunrise.
Free, 4 hours
11:00AM
Breakfast at Alchemy
Savour a delicious breakfast at Alchemy, a cosy café known for its excellent coffee and homemade pastries.
Head to Alchemy café in Wanaka town for breakfast.
20 NZD, 1 hour
1:00PM
Explore Warbirds & Wheels Museum
Discover vintage aircraft and classic cars at the Warbirds & Wheels Museum, a fascinating attraction for history enthusiasts.
Drive to the Warbirds & Wheels Museum in Wanaka.
30 NZD, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Paddle Boarding on Lake Wanaka
Enjoy a refreshing paddleboarding session on the serene waters of Lake Wanaka, soaking in the natural beauty.
Rent a paddleboard from a lakeside operator in Wanaka.
50 NZD, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Urban Grind
Experience a culinary delight at Urban Grind, offering a mix of global cuisines with a cosy atmosphere.
Head to Urban Grind in Wanaka town for dinner.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka
Day 2: Lake Hawea & Drive to Franz Josef
Wanaka to Franz Josef on June 5, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at Lake Hawea
Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Hawea during sunrise, a perfect spot for peaceful reflection and photography.
Drive from Wanaka to Lake Hawea for the sunrise.
Free, 1 hour
9:00AM
Breakfast at Kai Whakapai
Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at Kai Whakapai, a popular lakeside café in Lake Hawea.
Head to Kai Whakapai in Lake Hawea for breakfast.
25 NZD, 1 hour
11:00AM
Drive to Franz Josef Glacier
Embark on a scenic drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier, enjoying the stunning West Coast landscapes on the way.
Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef (5 hours).
Petrol Cost, 5 hours
4:00PM
Explore Glacier Hot Pools
Relax and unwind in the natural geothermal Glacier Hot Pools, surrounded by rainforest and scenic views.
Visit the Glacier Hot Pools complex in Franz Josef town for relaxation.
50 NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Alice May
Enjoy a delightful dinner at Alice May, a cozy restaurant offering a blend of European and Kiwi cuisine.
Head to Alice May restaurant in Franz Josef town for dinner.
60 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka to Franz Josef
Day 4: Coastal Exploration in Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand on June 7, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at Tahunanui Beach
Witness a stunning sunrise at Tahunanui Beach, offering a peaceful start to the day with golden hues reflecting on the water.
Drive to Tahunanui Beach in Nelson for the sunrise.
Free, 1 hour
9:00AM
Abel Tasman National Park
Embark on an exploration of the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park, known for its pristine beaches and coastal beauty.
Drive from Franz Josef to Abel Tasman National Park (5.5 hours).
Park Entry Fee, Full Day
7:00PM
Dinner at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery
Savour delectable seafood dishes at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery, a renowned dining spot renowned for fresh flavours.
Head to Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery in Nelson for dinner.
60 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson
Day 5: Marine Wildlife in Kaikoura
Kaikoura, New Zealand on June 8, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at Kaikoura Peninsula
Start your day with a beautiful sunrise at Kaikoura Peninsula, offering stunning coastal views and a chance to spot wildlife.
Drive to Kaikoura Peninsula for the sunrise.
Free, 1 hour
9:00AM
Whale Watching or Swim with Seals
Embark on an exciting whale watching tour or opt for a swim with playful seals for a unique marine adventure.
Join a whale watching tour or seal swim experience in Kaikoura town.
Varies, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at The Pier Hotel
Relish fresh seafood specials at The Pier Hotel, a cozy waterfront eatery offering delectable dishes.
Head to The Pier Hotel in Kaikoura for lunch by the ocean.
30 NZD, 1 hour
3:00PM
Visit Ohau Point Seal Colony
Observe adorable seal pups at the Ohau Point Seal Colony, a heartwarming experience in their natural habitat.
Drive to Ohau Point Seal Colony near Kaikoura town.
Free, 1 hour
7:00PM
Dinner at The Green Dolphin
Dine at The Green Dolphin, a gourmet seafood restaurant known for its sustainability efforts and delicious dishes.
Head to The Green Dolphin restaurant in Kaikoura for dinner.
70 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kaikoura
Day 6: Coastal Charm in Akaroa
Akaroa, New Zealand on June 9, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at Akaroa Harbour
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over Akaroa Harbour, a tranquil start to the day amidst coastal beauty.
Head to Akaroa Harbour for the sunrise.
Free, 1 hour
9:00AM
Nature Cruise to Pohatu Marine Reserve
Embark on a scenic nature cruise to Pohatu Marine Reserve for bird watching and rugged coastal vistas.
Join a nature cruise to Pohatu Marine Reserve from Akaroa town.
100 NZD, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at The Trading Rooms
Indulge in French-inspired cuisine at The Trading Rooms, a charming eatery with a delightful menu in Akaroa.
Head to The Trading Rooms for lunch in Akaroa town.
35 NZD, 1 hour
3:00PM
Akaroa Museum Visit
Explore the rich history of Akaroa at the Akaroa Museum, showcasing Maori culture and colonial heritage.
Visit the Akaroa Museum located in the town centre.
10 NZD, 1 hour
5:00PM
Wine Tasting at Meniscus Wines
Enjoy a wine tasting session at Meniscus Wines, savouring unique and flavorful locally produced wines.
Head to Meniscus Wines for a wine tasting experience in Akaroa.
20 NZD, 1 hour
7:00PM
Dinner at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar
Savour delicious seafood at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar, offering a delightful dining experience with harbour views.
Indulge in dinner at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar in Akaroa.
55 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Akaroa
Day 7: Exploration in Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand on June 10, 2024
7:00AM
Sunrise at New Brighton Pier
Witness a magical sunrise at New Brighton Pier, a beautiful coastal spot offering panoramic views of the ocean.
Drive to New Brighton Pier for the sunrise.
Free, 1 hour
9:00AM
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Explore the lush Christchurch Botanic Gardens, home to a diverse range of flora and tranquil walking paths.
Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens located in the city centre.
Free, 2 hours
12:00PM
Lunch at C1 Espresso
Enjoy a quirky lunch experience at C1 Espresso, a unique café known for its pneumatic food delivery system and creative menu.
Head to C1 Espresso for lunch in Christchurch city.
25 NZD, 1 hour
2:00PM
Christchurch Tram Tour
Embark on a nostalgic Christchurch Tram Tour, exploring the city's heritage and top attractions with informative commentary.
Begin the tram tour from the city centre tram station.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours
4:00PM
Shopping at Riverside Market
Browse through a variety of local goods and treats at Riverside Market, a vibrant shopping destination in Christchurch.
Explore the Riverside Market for shopping and local delights in the city centre.
Variable, 1 hour
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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