8-Day Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in South Island, New Zealand

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Explore the Botanic Gardens

Start your trip surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant floral displays at the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Walk from City Centre to the gardens, about 15 minutes.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Canterbury Museum

Delve into the rich natural and cultural history of the region at the Canterbury Museum, located just next to the gardens.
Short walk from Botanic Gardens.
NZD10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gardens Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch of locally sourced produce right in the heart of the Botanic Gardens.
Located within the Botanic Gardens.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Take a Punt on the Avon River

Relax as you glide gently down the Avon River on a traditional punt, guided by experienced river operators.
Short walk back to the river.
NZD45, 1 hour

4:00PM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Depart for Lake Tekapo, a stunning blue lake spectacularly framed by mountains.
Drive along State Highway 1 and then State Highway 8; about a 3-hour drive.
NZD50 (fuel), 3 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Wonders

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tekapo Village Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of eggs benedict and fresh coffee at the charming Tekapo Village Café.
Located 5 minutes from most accommodations.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Marvel at this iconic stone church with breathtaking views over the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
5-minute walk from the café.
NZDFree, 30 minutes

10:15AM

Stargazing Tour

Enjoy a morning stargazing session exploring the dark sky reserve surrounding Lake Tekapo.
Meet at the stargazing centre in Tekapo.
NZD80, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Greedy Cow

Savour some locally made burgers or wraps while soaking in lake views at The Greedy Cow.
Short drive from the main area.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Scenic Walk to Mount John Observatory

Take a gentle walk up to the observatory for panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.
Drive 10 minutes to the base and start the walk.
NZDFree, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Mount Cook National Park

Journey towards one of New Zealand's most stunning national parks, surrounded by the Southern Alps.
Follow State Highway 8 and then State Highway 80; about a 1-hour drive.
NZD30 (fuel), 1 hour
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Day 3: Mountain Adventures

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hermitage Hotel

Start your day right with a big breakfast featuring fresh local produce at the Hermitage Hotel with stunning mountain views.
Located just a stone's throw away from your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hooker Valley Track

Embark on the iconic Hooker Valley Track for a scenic hike that leads to the base of Mount Cook.
The trailhead starts near the Hermitage Hotel.
NZDFree, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch amid the breathtaking scenery of Mount Cook National Park.
Enjoy it anywhere along the track or back at the hotel.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lake Mueller Lookout

A short hike to the stunning Lake Mueller Lookout to admire the crystal-clear glacier waters.
Drive a short distance and then hike to the lookout point.
NZDFree, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Queenstown

Head over to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world.
Follow State Highway 8 and then State Highway 6; around a 3-hour drive.
NZD50 (fuel), 3 hours
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Day 4: Adventure Hub

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Delight in a delicious breakfast with fresh, local ingredients paired with exceptional coffee at Vudu Cafe.
Located conveniently in the town centre.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:15AM

Skyline Gondola Ride

Take a breathtaking gondola ride up to Bob's Peak for stunning views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.
Walk to the gondola base from the café, approximately 10 minutes.
NZD45, 2 hours

11:15AM

Skyline Luge

Experience the thrill of riding the luge down the mountain with stunning views all around.
Located at the top of the gondola.
NZD20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy an extraordinary lunch with a mountain view at Stratosfare Restaurant after your luge adventure.
At the top of the gondola.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Unwind with a relaxing scenic cruise across the pristine Lake Wakatipu, offering breathtaking landscapes.
Depart from Queenstown’s Lakefront.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening Stroll and Dinner at Fergburger

Take a stroll through the vibrant town centre before enjoying famously mouth-watering burgers at Fergburger.
Short walk from the Lake Wakatipu cruise drop-off.
NZD30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature Wonder

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab an early breakfast at your hotel before your big day at Milford Sound.
At your accommodation in Queenstown.
NZD25, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Leave early for a scenic drive to Milford Sound, known for its dramatic landscapes and towering fjords.
Drive via State Highway 94; about a 2.5-hour drive.
NZD50 (fuel), 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound with a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord.
Board the cruise from the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD90, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Enjoy convenient café lunch with stunning views of the fjord at the Milford Sound Café.
Right at the cruise terminal.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kayaking Experience

Engage in an unforgettable kayaking experience to explore hidden corners of Milford Sound.
Meet at the kayaking centre in Milford Sound.
NZD120, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive back to Queenstown

Return to Queenstown, reflecting on the incredible sights of Milford Sound.
Drive back via State Highway 94; about 2.5 hours.
NZD50 (fuel), 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Indulge in a delectable dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients in a fine dining atmosphere.
Located in Queenstown centre.
NZD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Lakes and Wonders

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your Queenstown accommodation before heading to Wanaka.
At your hotel.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Set out towards Wanaka, another stunning lakeside town, known for its beauty and tranquillity.
Drive along State Highway 6, about a 1-hour drive.
NZD30 (fuel), 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Walk to the famous Wanaka Tree, a picturesque willow tree standing alone in the lake.
Drive into Wanaka town and park near the lake.
NZDFree, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Deep Dive into Puzzling World

Experience the fun and quirky attractions at Puzzling World, including optical illusions and puzzling mazes.
A short drive from the Wanaka Tree.
NZD20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kai Whakapai

Grab a healthy lunch at Kai Whakapai while overlooking the stunning lake.
Located in Wanaka town centre.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lake Wanaka Cruise

Take a scenic cruise to admire the majestic beauty surrounding Lake Wanaka.
Board the boat from Wanaka town centre.
NZD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Relaxation at the Lake

Unwind at the lakefront, soaking in the beautiful sunset with a picturesque backdrop.
Just relax at the lakefront.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Mint Bar & Restaurant

Savour a mouthwatering dinner with a selection of local wines included.
Located near the Wanaka lakefront.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Glacier Exploration

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your Wanaka accommodation before heading out to Franz Josef.
At your hotel.
NZD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Embark on the scenic drive to Franz Josef Glacier, home to spectacular ice formations.
Follow State Highway 6; about a 3-hour drive.
NZD50 (fuel), 3 hours

11:30AM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join a guided hike to explore the impressive glacier and nearby landscapes.
Meet at the Franz Josef Glacier base camp.
NZD200, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at the Glacial Café

Enjoy a hearty lunch at the Glacial Café after your adventurous hike.
Located near the glacier base.
NZD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Glacier Hot Pools

After your hike, relax and rejuvenate in the soothing Glacier Hot Pools.
Located a short drive from the glacier.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Christchurch

Drive back to Christchurch, soaking in the incredible nature you've experienced.
Follow State Highway 6 and then State Highway 1; about a 5-hour drive.
NZD70 (fuel), 5 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at The Monday Room

Enjoy a delightful dinner with seasonal specialties at The Monday Room in Christchurch.
Located in the city centre.
NZD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Final Reflections

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Indulge in a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, reminiscing about your journey through South Island.
At your hotel.
NZD25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Christchurch Art Gallery

Discover the contemporary art exhibitions and the stunning architecture of the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Short walk from your hotel.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Sample delicious street food options at the Little High Eatery, providing a fantastic selection.
Short drive from the art gallery.
NZD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at New Brighton Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of New Brighton Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and ocean sounds.
Drive to New Brighton from the city centre; about 20 minutes.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Christchurch Gondola

Conclude your trip with an unforgettable ride on the Christchurch Gondola for stunning city views.
Drive to the gondola base; about 30 minutes from the beach.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The George

Finish your South Island adventure with a luxurious dinner at The George, overlooking the Avon River.
Located near the city centre.
NZD70, 1.5 hours
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