Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in South Island, New Zealand (with Train Travel)

Viewed by 63 travelers

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

Take the TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth

Board the famed TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth.
Catch the train from Christchurch Railway Station; about a 2.5-hour ride.
NZD99, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Left Bank

Savour a relaxed dinner featuring local seafood and flavours at a modern eatery in Greymouth.
Short walk from Greymouth train station.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Scenic Wonders

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Clouds

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of eggs benedict and fresh coffee at The Clouds in Greymouth.
Short walk from your accommodation.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Enjoy the picturesque drive to Lake Tekapo through rolling hills and stunning landscapes.
Drive along State Highway 73 and 8; about a 3-hour drive.
NZD50 (fuel), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tekapo Village Café

Relish a delicious lunch of locally sourced produce while enjoying views of Lake Tekapo.
Located near the lake.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

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

3:00PM

Star Gazing Tour

Enjoy an evening guided star-gazing adventure to explore the dark sky reserve surrounding Lake Tekapo.
Meet at the stargazing centre in Tekapo.
NZD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Mountain Adventures

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hermitage Hotel

Start your day with a big breakfast featuring fresh local produce at the Hermitage Hotel.
Located just a short drive from Tekapo.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mount Cook National Park

Drive to one of New Zealand's most stunning national parks, surrounded by the Southern Alps.
Follow State Highway 8; approximately a 1-hour drive.
NZD30 (fuel), 1 hour

10:30AM

Hooker Valley Track

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

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

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

2:30PM

Lake Mueller Lookout

Take a short hike to the stunning Lake Mueller Lookout to admire the crystal-clear glacier waters.
Drive a short distance to the starting point of the hike.
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
Find Hotels in Mount Cook National Park

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 scenery all around.
Located at the top of the gondola.
NZD20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Have a delicious lunch with mountain views 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 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
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 5: Nature Wonder

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

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

7:00AM

Milford Sound Day Trip by Coach

Join a guided coach trip to Milford Sound, enjoying the scenic route with breathtaking stops along the way.
Meet at the designated coach pickup point.
NZD120, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

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

1:00PM

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

3:30PM

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

6:00PM

Return to Queenstown

After an adventurous day, return to Queenstown to relax.
Coach returns to Queenstown; about a 5-hour journey.
NZD120, 5 hours

8:30PM

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
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

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 attractions at Puzzling World, including optical illusions and 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
Find Hotels in Wanaka

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

Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing Glacier Hot Pools after your hike.
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
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

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
Find Hotels in Christchurch
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About South island new zealand

7-Day North & South Island, New Zealand — End of October 2025
Packing List
14‑Day New Zealand — North & South Island (October)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your South island new zealand Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go