8-Day Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in South Island, New Zealand with Public Transport from Sydney

Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

3:00PM

Arrival in Queenstown

Arrive at Queenstown Airport and take the bus to your accommodation in the city centre.
Local bus service from the airport to central Queenstown.
NZD15, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Check-in and Refresh

Check into your accommodation and take some time to refresh after your journey.
At your hotel or hostel.
NZD100 (average accommodation cost), 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Walk Around Lake Wakatipu

Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the stunning evening views.
Walk from the accommodation along the lakefront.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Fergburger

Savour an iconic burger at Fergburger, famous for delicious and generous portions.
Short walk from the lakefront.
NZD20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Milford Sound Adventure

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out early.
At your hotel or hostel.
NZD20, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Bus to Milford Sound

Take a scenic bus journey to Milford Sound, enjoying the stunning views along the way.
Board the bus from Queenstown’s bus terminal.
NZD90, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Grab a quick and easy lunch at the café near the ferry terminal.
At Milford Sound.
NZD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Experience a breathtaking boat cruise through the famous fjords of Milford Sound.
Board at the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return Bus to Queenstown

Board the return bus to Queenstown, reflecting on the stunning landscapes you've seen.
Catch the bus from the return bus terminal at Milford Sound.
NZD90, 5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at a Local Pub

Enjoy a casual meal at a local pub in Queenstown, offering meals that won't break the bank.
Several options around Queenstown.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Lakeside Exploration

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy breakfast at a café in Queenstown, fuel up for the day ahead.
Cafe options available in Queenstown.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Wanaka

Travel from Queenstown to Wanaka via a scenic bus ride, as you enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Depart from Queenstown’s bus terminal.
NZD40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Wanaka Tree

Take a photo of the iconic Wanaka Tree standing beautifully in the lake.
Short walk from the bus stop.
NZDFree, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Explore Puzzling World

Have fun at Puzzling World, where optical illusions and maze activities await.
Short drive from the town centre; shuttle bus available.
NZD20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kai Whakapai

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch with views of the lake at Kai Whakapai.
Café in Wanaka's town centre.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lake Wanaka Walk

Take a relaxing lakeside walk to soak in the enchanting natural beauty around Lake Wanaka.
Just walk along the lakefront.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Glacier Adventure

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Fuel up for a day of glaciers with breakfast at a local café in Wanaka.
Café options available in Wanaka.
NZD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Franz Josef Glacier

Travel to Franz Josef Glacier via an intercity bus, enjoying the scenic journey.
Board at the Wanaka bus terminal.
NZD50, 3 hours

11:30AM

Hike Around the Glacier

Take a self-guided hike along trails around Franz Josef Glacier to see stunning views.
Begin at the visitor centre.
NZDFree, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Landing

Stop for lunch at The Landing Café after your glacier exploration.
Located in Franz Josef town.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax in Glacier Hot Pools

Unwind in the natural hot pools, soothing any sore muscles after your hiking.
A short walk from the glacier.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Bus to Hokitika

Take a bus from Franz Josef to Hokitika for your overnight stay.
Board at the Franz Josef bus terminal.
NZD40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Scenic Wonders

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy breakfast at a café in Hokitika to power up for the travel ahead.
Local café options available.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Lake Tekapo

Travel to Lake Tekapo via an intercity bus, marveling at the changing landscapes.
Depart from Hokitika bus terminal.
NZD50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore this historic stone church with amazing lakeside views, perfect for photos.
Short walk from the bus terminal.
NZDFree, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Tin Plate

Enjoy a delicious, affordable lunch with stunning views at The Tin Plate by the lake.
Located near the lakeside.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Free Time at Lake Tekapo

Spend your afternoon relaxing by the lake, enjoying its picturesque sceneries.
Just enjoy the area.
NZDFree, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Mount Cook Experience

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel

Indulge in breakfast with a view at The Hermitage Hotel, the gateway to Mount Cook.
Located in Mount Cook National Park.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Mount Cook

Take a bus from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook and enjoy the scenic drive.
Depart from Lake Tekapo bus terminal.
NZD40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike the Hooker Valley Track

Embark on a scenic hike along the Hooker Valley Track to see breathtaking views of Mount Cook.
Begin your hike from the visitor centre.
NZDFree, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Ideal at the Hooker Valley.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Mount Cook Visitor Centre

Learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the region at the visitor centre.
Short walk from the track.
NZDFree, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bus to Christchurch

Catch the bus from Mount Cook to Christchurch and reflect on the amazing sights you’ve seen.
Board from the visitor centre.
NZD50, 4 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Kickstart your day with breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café in Christchurch.
At your hotel or café.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Explore the lovely Botanic Gardens, which offers free entry and stunning floral displays.
Short walk from the city centre.
NZDFree, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Discover interesting exhibits showcasing the unique natural history of the area at the Canterbury Museum.
Just a short walk from the Botanic Gardens.
NZDFree, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch of delicious pasta and salads at The Bicycle Thief.
Just a short walk away.
NZD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the City Centre

Take a leisurely walk through the revitalised city centre and explore shops and cafés.
Walking distance from the café.
NZDFree, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Little High Eatery

Grab a casual meal at Little High Eatery featuring various affordable food options.
Centrally located in Christchurch.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Relaxation Day in Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and plan for the day ahead.
At your hotel.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit New Brighton Beach

Spend the morning unwinding at New Brighton Beach, enjoying the beautiful coastline.
Take the local bus to New Brighton.
NZD5, 1 hour

11:30AM

Brunch at The Beach Café

Stop by this beachfront café and enjoy a light meal with ocean views.
Located at New Brighton.
NZD25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Browse local shops or markets to find memorable souvenirs from your journey.
Return to Christchurch city centre.
NZD25, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at a Local Park

Spend some time relaxing in one of Christchurch's local parks, reflecting on your adventure.
At any park within the city.
NZDFree, 1 hour

5:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport for your flight back home, filled with wonderful memories.
Use the local bus to the airport; approximately a 30-minute journey.
NZD15, 30 minutes
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