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Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip in New Zealand's South Island

Viewed by 206 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with innovative breakfast options like their famous pneumatic food delivery system, then visit the Botanic Gardens to admire the beautiful flora and fauna.
Walk or drive to C1 Espresso from your accommodation. From there, it's a short drive to the Botanic Gardens.
30 NZD, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Market

Enjoy a variety of local cuisines and artisanal products in a vibrant market setting.
It's a short drive or walk from the Botanic Gardens to Riverside Market.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Learn about the history and culture of New Zealand through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
A quick drive or walk from Riverside Market to the museum.
15 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Indulge in a fine dining experience with a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients.
A short drive or walk from the museum to the restaurant.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Lake Tekapo Serenity

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Tekapo, known for its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings.
Take State Highway 1 and State Highway 8 for about 3.5 hours from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo.
Gasoline cost, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Reflections Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
Located by the lake, a perfect spot for lunch after your drive.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore the iconic church by the lake and take in the breathtaking scenery.
A short walk from Reflections Restaurant to the church.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory

Experience the clear night skies and observe the stars at one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
Drive up to Mt. John Observatory for the stargazing tour.
100 NZD, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Adventures in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Scenic Drive to Queenstown

Enjoy the picturesque drive to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Take State Highway 8 and State Highway 6 for about 3.5 hours from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown.
Gasoline cost, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Savor the famous gourmet burgers at Fergburger, a must-visit spot in Queenstown.
Head to Fergburger in the heart of Queenstown for a delicious lunch.
20 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jet Boating on Shotover River

Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of Shotover River.
Drive or take a short walk to the jet boating departure point.
150 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy and rustic Italian dining experience at The Cow Restaurant in Queenstown.
A short walk from the jet boating location to the restaurant.
40 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Embark on a scenic drive to Wanaka, a charming town surrounded by mountains and Lake Wanaka.
Take State Highway 6 for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Queenstown to Wanaka.
Gasoline cost, 1.25 hours

10:00AM

Wine Tasting at Rippon Vineyard

Sample award-winning wines while taking in the stunning vineyard views at Rippon Vineyard.
Drive to Rippon Vineyard for a delightful wine tasting experience.
30 NZD, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Relishes Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch with fresh local produce at Relishes Cafe in Wanaka.
Head to Relishes Cafe for a satisfying lunch after wine tasting.
25 NZD, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the Roy's Peak Track

Challenge yourself with a rewarding hike up Roy's Peak for panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.
Drive to the Roy's Peak Track starting point for the hike.
Free, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kika Restaurant

Indulge in a modern European dining experience at Kika Restaurant in Wanaka.
A short drive or walk from Roy's Peak Track to the restaurant.
50 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 5: Glacier Exploration in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Embark on a scenic drive to Franz Josef Glacier, a unique glacier that descends from the Southern Alps to rainforest.
Take State Highway 6 for about 3 hours from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier.
Gasoline cost, 3 hours

12:00PM

Helicopter Tour over Franz Josef Glacier

Experience a breathtaking helicopter tour over the glacier and witness its icy beauty from above.
Head to the heliport for your scheduled helicopter tour.
350 NZD, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Glacier Valley Walk

Take a guided walk through the glacier valley to see stunning ice formations and learn about the glacier's history.
Join the Glacier Valley Walk tour for an informative exploration.
80 NZD, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Landing Bar & Restaurant

Relax and enjoy a meal with a view of the glacier at The Landing Bar & Restaurant in Franz Josef.
A short walk or drive from the glacier valley to the restaurant.
40 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

Day 6: Jade Crafting in Hokitika

Hokitika, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Hokitika

Embark on a scenic drive to Hokitika, known for its stunning coastline and greenstone (jade) crafting.
Take State Highway 6 for about 2.5 hours from Franz Josef Glacier to Hokitika.
Gasoline cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit a Greenstone (Jade) Gallery

Explore the art of greenstone carving and shop for unique jade souvenirs at a local gallery.
Head to a greenstone gallery in Hokitika town center for a cultural experience.
50 NZD, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fat Pipi Pizzas

Treat yourself to delicious wood-fired pizzas at Fat Pipi Pizzas, a popular spot in Hokitika.
Enjoy a casual lunch at Fat Pipi Pizzas after your jade gallery visit.
20 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Beachcombing at Hokitika Beach

Take a leisurely stroll along Hokitika Beach, known for its driftwood art and stunning sunsets.
Walk or drive to Hokitika Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hokitika Regent Theatre

Dine in a historic theater setting at Hokitika Regent Theatre, offering a unique dining experience.
A short walk or drive from Hokitika Beach to the Regent Theatre for dinner.
30 NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hokitika

Day 7: Nature's Beauty in Nelson & Marlborough Sounds

Nelson & Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Nelson

Embark on a scenic drive to Nelson, a vibrant coastal town known for its arts and crafts scene.
Take State Highway 6 and State Highway 60 for about 3 hours from Hokitika to Nelson.
Gasoline cost, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery in Nelson.
Head to Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery for a delicious lunch by the waterfront.
35 NZD, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Abel Tasman National Park

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park with options for hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the golden beaches.
Drive to the park entrance for your chosen activities in Abel Tasman National Park.
20 NZD (park entry fee), 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner Cruise in Marlborough Sounds

Embark on a scenic dinner cruise in the tranquil waters of Marlborough Sounds, known for its stunning fjords and marine life.
Drive to the cruise departure point in Marlborough Sounds for a memorable dining experience on the water.
100 NZD, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson & Marlborough Sounds
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