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South Island New Zealand Exploration
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South Island New Zealand Exploration
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Day 1: Scenic Drive to Akaroa
Christchurch, New Zealand on August 28, 2024
8:00AM
Breakfast at C1 Espresso
Start your day with delicious pancakes and coffee served through pneumatic tubes in this quirky cafe.
Head southeast on State Highway 75 to reach Akaroa, enjoy the picturesque drive with views of Banks Peninsula along the way.
30NZD, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at The Little Bistro
Indulge in French-inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients at this charming bistro in Akaroa.
Explore the quaint town and enjoy the waterfront views before lunch.
50NZD, 1 hour
4:00PM
Akaroa Harbour Cruise
Embark on a relaxing cruise in the stunning Akaroa Harbour, home to dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Head to the Akaroa Wharf for the cruise departure.
100NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at The Trading Rooms
Enjoy a fine dining experience with New Zealand cuisine and a selection of wines at this elegant restaurant.
Relax and dine in the cozy ambiance of The Trading Rooms.
80NZD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Lake Tekapo
Akaroa, New Zealand on August 29, 2024
9:00AM
Breakfast at The Little Bistro
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before departing for Lake Tekapo.
Hit the road on State Highway 77 towards Lake Tekapo, enjoy the stunning landscapes along the way.
25NZD, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Reflections Restaurant
Relish in a meal with breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps at this renowned restaurant.
Take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront before having lunch.
60NZD, 1.5 hours
4:00PM
Stargazing at Mount John Observatory
Experience the mesmerising night sky through telescopes at one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
Drive up to Mount John Observatory for the stargazing tour.
80NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Kohan Japanese Restaurant
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a serene setting with views of the lake at Kohan Restaurant.
Relax and unwind with a delicious dinner after stargazing.
70NZD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Akaroa
Day 3: Wanaka Exploration
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on August 30, 2024
8:00AM
Breakfast at Astro Cafe
Start your day with a hearty breakfast while overlooking Lake Tekapo at Astro Cafe.
Embark on State Highway 8 and State Highway 6 towards Wanaka, enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains.
20NZD, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Relishes Cafe
Enjoy a light lunch with fresh local produce at Relishes Cafe in Wanaka.
Stroll around Lake Wanaka and discover the quaint cafes and shops before lunch.
40NZD, 1 hour
3:00PM
Puzzle World
Visit Puzzling World to explore quirky illusions and mind-bending puzzles for a fun experience.
Head to Puzzling World for an entertaining afternoon.
30NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Kika
Indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Kiwi twist at the vibrant Kika Restaurant in Wanaka.
Relax and enjoy a delightful dinner at Kika.
65NZD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo
Day 4: Queenstown Adventures
Wanaka, New Zealand on August 31, 2024
9:00AM
Breakfast at Federal Diner
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Federal Diner before setting off for Queenstown.
Drive along State Highway 6 to reach Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
25NZD, 2 hours
12:00PM
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
Head to the Skyline Queenstown Gondola for a thrilling ride.
50NZD, 1 hour
2:00PM
Thrilling Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River.
Embark on the Shotover Jet Boat ride for an exhilarating adventure.
150NZD, 1.5 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Fergburger
Treat yourself to the famous Fergburger, a must-try gourmet burger joint in Queenstown.
Join the locals and queue up at Fergburger for a satisfying dinner.
20NZD, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wanaka
Day 5: Milford Sound Exploration
Queenstown, New Zealand on September 1, 2024
7:00AM
Scenic Drive to Milford Sound
Embark on an early morning drive to Milford Sound, one of the most stunning natural wonders in New Zealand.
Take State Highway 94 for a picturesque journey to Milford Sound.
50NZD (for fuel), 4 hours
12:00PM
Milford Sound Cruise
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise, marvel at waterfalls, seals, and towering cliffs.
Embark on the Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience.
120NZD, 2 hours
5:00PM
Drive to Franz Josef Glacier
Hit the road towards Franz Josef Glacier for your next exciting destination.
Enjoy the scenic drive from Milford Sound to Franz Josef Glacier.
50NZD (for fuel), 5 hours
8:00PM
Dinner at The Landing Bar & Restaurant
Relax and unwind with a delicious meal at The Landing Bar & Restaurant in Franz Josef, known for its hearty dishes.
Enjoy a warm and comforting dinner at The Landing Bar & Restaurant.
60NZD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 6: Exploring Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand on September 2, 2024
9:00AM
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Embark on an exhilarating heli-hike adventure to explore the magnificent glaciers from the sky and on foot.
Prepare for your Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike tour for an unforgettable experience.
400NZD, 4 hours
2:00PM
Relaxing Hot Pools at Glacier Hot Pools
Unwind and rejuvenate in the natural hot pools overlooking the rainforest after the glacier hike.
Indulge in a blissful relaxation session at Glacier Hot Pools for the ultimate unwind.
50NZD, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Alice May
Dine at Alice May for a delicious meal with a casual atmosphere and warm hospitality in Franz Josef.
Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Alice May to end your day.
40NZD, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7: Return to Christchurch
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand on September 3, 2024
8:00AM
Scenic Drive back to Christchurch
Embark on a scenic road trip back to Christchurch, savoring the beautiful landscapes of the South Island one last time.
Drive back via State Highway 73 for a picturesque journey to Christchurch.
50NZD (for fuel), 6 hours
2:00PM
Lunch at Roots Restaurant
Stop for lunch at the award-winning Roots Restaurant in Lyttelton for a culinary experience with locally-sourced ingredients.
Indulge in a delightful lunch at Roots Restaurant before continuing your journey.
80NZD, 1.5 hours
4:00PM
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Explore the serene beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a peaceful end to your South Island adventure.
Stroll through the gardens and enjoy the tranquillity before departing from Christchurch.
Free, 2 hours
8:00PM
Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Twenty Seven Steps, known for its seasonal menu and charming ambience.
Enjoy a wonderful dinner at Twenty Seven Steps to conclude your memorable trip.
100NZD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
May 31, 2024
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Plan Your South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch Trip
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