7-Day Adventure Nature Rail/Train and Road Trip in New Zealand on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: City Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Federal Delicatessen, known for its delicious bagels and coffee.
Federal Delicatessen is located in the central business district, easily accessible by walking or local bus.
15 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Auckland Art Gallery

Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to admire a vast collection of New Zealand and international art.
A short walk from Federal Delicatessen, located in Albert Park.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Elliott Stables

Head to Elliott Stables for a diverse range of food options in a charming setting.
A 10-minute walk from the art gallery.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit SkyTower

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic SkyTower observation deck.
A short walk from Elliott Stables.
29 NZD, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at Depot Eatery, known for its fresh oysters and relaxed atmosphere.
Located in the Federal Street dining precinct.
30 NZD, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Adventure

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Third Place Cafe

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Third Place Cafe, known for its organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the city centre, easily reachable by local bus.
18 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Embark on a self-guided walk through the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, featuring hot springs and unique plant life.
Take a bus or drive 20 minutes from Rotorua city centre.
40 NZD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Head to Eat Streat, a vibrant dining hub with a range of cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine.
Located in central Rotorua, a short walk from Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Redwoods Treewalk

Experience the Redwoods Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges among the majestic Redwood trees, offering a unique perspective of the forest.
A 10-minute drive from Eat Streat, or take a local bus.
30 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Enjoy a cosy dinner at Atticus Finch, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
Located in the heart of Rotorua.
25 NZD, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Train Journey

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with a unique breakfast experience at C1 Espresso, known for its innovative pneumatic food delivery system.
Located in central Christchurch, easily accessible by walking or local bus.
20 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Board the TranzAlpine Train

Embark on a breathtaking train journey on the TranzAlpine, crossing the Southern Alps and enjoying stunning scenery.
Head to Christchurch Railway Station to board the train.
130 NZD, 5 hours

3:00PM

Arrive in Greymouth

Explore the small town of Greymouth on the West Coast, known for its rugged coastline and local history.
Disembark from the train at Greymouth Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kumara Box

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Kumara Box, offering affordable and delicious Kiwi cuisine.
Located in the town centre of Greymouth.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Exploration

Dunedin, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vogel Street Kitchen

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Vogel Street Kitchen, a popular local spot known for its artisanal dishes.
Located in the heart of Dunedin, easily reachable by walking or local bus.
15 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Tunnel Beach

Explore the stunning Tunnel Beach, known for its sea-carved sandstone cliffs and natural tunnel down to the beach.
Take a 15-minute drive or local bus to Tunnel Beach car park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Perc Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Perc Cafe, offering a range of gourmet sandwiches and salads.
Located in Dunedin city centre, a short distance from Tunnel Beach.
20 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Otago Peninsula

Discover the wildlife and scenic beauty of Otago Peninsula, home to albatross colonies and stunning coastal vistas.
Take a local bus or drive to the Otago Peninsula.
25 NZD, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Etrusco at the Savoy

Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Etrusco at the Savoy, a popular restaurant in Dunedin.
Located in the city centre, offering a cosy dining atmosphere.
30 NZD, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventure Capital

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Vudu Cafe, a local favourite known for its baked goods and coffee.
Located in central Queenstown, easily accessible by walking.
18 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Scenic Gondola Ride

Take a scenic gondola ride up Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
The gondola base is a short walk from Vudu Cafe.
44 NZD, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Treat yourself to a famous Fergburger, a must-try in Queenstown known for its delicious gourmet burgers.
Located in central Queenstown, near the gondola base.
20 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Stroll through the picturesque Queenstown Gardens, offering beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
A short walk from Fergburger, with various entry points around Queenstown.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Madam Woo

Enjoy a fusion of Malaysian and Chinese cuisine at Madam Woo, a popular dining spot in Queenstown.
Located in the town centre, offering a vibrant dining atmosphere.
25 NZD, 2 hours
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Day 6: Mountain Retreat

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Astro Cafe

Start your day with breakfast at Astro Cafe, offering stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.
Located near the Lake Tekapo township, easily accessible by walking.
20 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Mount John Observatory

Embark on a hike to Mount John Observatory for panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
The hiking trail starts near Astro Cafe.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kohan Japanese Restaurant

Enjoy a Japanese lunch at Kohan Restaurant, known for its fresh sushi and sashimi.
Located in Lake Tekapo village, a short walk from Mount John Observatory.
25 NZD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Tekapo Springs

Unwind at Tekapo Springs, offering hot pools and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
A 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the village centre.
30 NZD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Reflections Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Reflections Restaurant, known for its New Zealand cuisine and elegant setting.
Located in Lake Tekapo village, perfect for a relaxing evening.
40 NZD, 2 hours
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Day 7: Southern Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen, offering organic and locally sourced dishes.
Located in central Queenstown, near the waterfront.
20 NZD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Jet Boating on Shotover River

Experience the thrill of jet boating on Shotover River, with spins and turns in the narrow canyons.
Head to the Shotover Jet base for the adventure.
129 NZD, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Public Kitchen

Enjoy a casual lunch at Public Kitchen, a popular eatery known for its relaxed vibe and tasty meals.
Located in central Queenstown, a short walk from Shotover River.
25 NZD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping and Souvenirs

Explore Queenstown's shops for souvenirs and gifts, including local artwork, wool products, and Maori crafts.
Wander through the town centre's boutiques and gift shops.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Indulge in a farewell dinner at The Cow Restaurant, known for its Swiss-Italian cuisine and cosy ambience.
Located in a historic building in central Queenstown, perfect for a memorable evening.
35 NZD, 2 hours
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