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Exploring the Beauty of South Island, New Zealand
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Exploring the Beauty of South Island, New Zealand
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Day 1: City Discoveries
Christchurch, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at C1 Espresso
Start your day with innovative breakfast options served through pneumatic tubes at C1 Espresso.
Head to C1 Espresso on High Street, Christchurch.
NZD 20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Botanic Gardens
Spend the morning strolling through the vibrant and beautifully landscaped Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Walk to the Botanic Gardens from C1 Espresso.
Free, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Little High Eatery
Enjoy a variety of cuisines from different vendors at the bustling Little High Eatery.
Little High Eatery is located at 255 St Asaph Street, Christchurch.
NZD 30, 1 hour
3:00PM
Visit the Canterbury Museum
Learn about the natural and human heritage of New Zealand at the informative Canterbury Museum.
Canterbury Museum is on Rolleston Avenue in Christchurch.
NZD 15, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar
Indulge in a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar.
Fiddlesticks is located at 48 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch.
NZD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Aoraki Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Mountain Café
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast while taking in stunning views of the Southern Alps at Mountain Café.
Head to Mountain Café at Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
NZD 25, 1 hour
10:00AM
Hooker Valley Track Hike
Embark on the picturesque Hooker Valley Track, offering incredible views of glaciers and Mount Cook.
Start the hike at the White Horse Hill Campground in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Free, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Old Mountaineers' Café
Relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by alpine beauty at Old Mountaineers' Café.
Old Mountaineers' Café is in Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
NZD 20, 1 hour
3:00PM
Tasman Glacier Cruise
Experience the grandeur of Tasman Glacier up close with a scenic boat cruise.
Book the cruise at the Aoraki Mount Cook Visitor Centre.
NZD 150, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Hermitage Hotel
Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Hermitage Hotel with spectacular mountain views.
The Hermitage Hotel is within Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
NZD 70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Day 3: Adventure in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Vudu Café
Kickstart your day with a tasty breakfast and great coffee at the popular Vudu Café.
Vudu Café is located at 23 Beach Street, Queenstown.
NZD 20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Skyline Gondola Ride
Take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountain range.
Head to the Skyline Queenstown Gondola at Brecon Street.
NZD 44, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Fergburger
Savour the famous gourmet burgers at Fergburger, a must-visit spot in Queenstown.
Fergburger is on 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown.
NZD 15, 1 hour
3:00PM
Jet Boat Ride on Shotover River
Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the dramatic landscapes of the Shotover River.
Book your jet boat experience at Shotover Jet, 3 Arthurs Point Road.
NZD 129, 1.5 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Botswana Butchery
Treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at Botswana Butchery, known for its fine dining experience.
Botswana Butchery is at 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown.
NZD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 4: Cruise to Milford Sound
Milford Sound, New Zealand
7:00AM
Morning Departure to Milford Sound
Embark on a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound for a morning cruise.
Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound (approximately 4 hours).
Cost of fuel, 4 hours
12:00PM
Milford Sound Cruise
Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound with a cruise along the fiord, surrounded by majestic cliffs and waterfalls.
Board the cruise at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.
NZD 80, 2 hours
3:00PM
Kayaking or Scenic Flight
Opt for an adventurous kayak tour or a scenic flight over Milford Sound for a different perspective.
Book your activity with a local tour provider.
NZD 100-300, 3 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at Pio Pio Restaurant
Relax and enjoy delicious New Zealand cuisine with a view of the Sound at Pio Pio Restaurant.
Pio Pio Restaurant is in Milford Sound.
NZD 60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound
Day 5: Relaxation in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand
9:00AM
Breakfast at Big Fig
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast and excellent coffee at Big Fig.
Big Fig is located at 105 Ardmore Street, Wanaka.
NZD 18, 1 hour
10:00AM
Puzzling World
Explore the intriguing illusions and puzzles at Puzzling World for a fun and mind-bending experience.
Head to 188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wanaka.
NZD 25, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar
Enjoy a casual lunch with lake views at Kai Whakapai, known for its relaxed atmosphere.
Kai Whakapai is at 69 Ardmore Street, Wanaka.
NZD 30, 1 hour
3:00PM
Stroll along Lake Wanaka
Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Wanaka, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Walk to Lake Wanaka from Kai Whakapai.
Free, 1.5 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Urban Grind
Enjoy a delicious dinner in a relaxed setting at Urban Grind, offering a variety of dishes.
Urban Grind is located at 72 Ardmore Street, Wanaka.
NZD 45, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka
Day 6: Glacier Adventure
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Full of Beans
Fuel up for the day with a tasty breakfast and good coffee at Full of Beans.
Head to Full of Beans at 50 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier.
NZD 22, 1 hour
10:00AM
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and hike on Franz Josef Glacier with knowledgeable guides.
Book your tour with a local operator in Franz Josef Glacier.
NZD 450, 4 hours
2:00PM
Lunch at Alice May
Relax and enjoy a meal at Alice May, a cosy café offering delicious food and great views.
Alice May is at 5 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier.
NZD 28, 1 hour
4:00PM
Hike in Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Explore the stunning landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park with a leisurely hike.
Drive to the park entrance from Franz Josef Glacier.
Free, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at King Tiger East Asian Restaurant
Indulge in delicious Asian cuisine at King Tiger, known for its variety of dishes and flavours.
King Tiger is situated at 33 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier.
NZD 40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7: Coastal Drive and Farewell
Punakaiki, New Zealand
9:00AM
Breakfast at Pancake Rocks Café
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the stunning Pancake Rocks formations at Pancake Rocks Café.
Pancake Rocks Café is at 10 Owen Street, Punakaiki.
NZD 20, 1 hour
11:00AM
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Explore the unique limestone rock formations and powerful blowholes along the Punakaiki coastal walk.
Start the walk at the Punakaiki Visitor Centre.
Free, 1.5 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at The Punakaiki Tavern
Enjoy a meal at The Punakaiki Tavern, a local favourite known for its seafood dishes.
The Punakaiki Tavern is at 5-9 Owen Street, Punakaiki.
NZD 35, 1 hour
3:00PM
Relax at Paparoa National Park
Spend the afternoon relaxing amidst the lush rainforest and limestone landscapes of Paparoa National Park.
Drive to Paparoa National Park from Punakaiki.
Free, 2 hours
6:00PM
Farewell Dinner at The Bay House
Indulge in a memorable farewell dinner at The Bay House, offering a delightful dining experience and ocean views.
The Bay House is on 4170 Coast Road, Punakaiki.
NZD 70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Punakaiki
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More About south island new zealand
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
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July 18, 2024
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