9-Day Adventure Nature Itinerary for New Zealand South Island

Day 1: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ferg Bakery

Start your day with a delicious pastry and coffee at this famous bakery, known for its iconic pies and baked goods.
Located in the heart of Queenstown, easily accessible by foot.
NZD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Glenorchy Road Scenic Drive

Enjoy a breathtaking drive along Lake Wakatipu with stunning views of the mountains, leading to the picturesque village of Glenorchy.
Drive 45 minutes from Queenstown.
NZD0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Glenorchy Café

Try the homemade pies paired with a fresh salad in this charming café overlooking stunning lake views.
On-site at Glenorchy.
NZD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the stunning Shotover River Canyons.
Return to Queenstown, jet boat departures are close to the town centre.
NZD150, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic gondola ride up to Skyline and savour delightful meals while soaking in panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin.
Gondola station is an easy walk from central Queenstown.
NZD70, 2 hours
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Day 2: Journey to Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Indulge in gourmet breakfasts at Vudu Café, famous for its fresh produce and homemade treats.
Back at Queenstown, before your drive.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Te Anau

Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills and picturesque farmland as you head to the charming town of Te Anau.
Just 2 hours south of Queenstown on SH94.
NZD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Explore the magical glowworm caves, where tiny luminous creatures create a starry ceiling within the dark caverns.
Tours depart from the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre.
NZD100, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sandfly Cafe

Relax with a light lunch featuring fresh local fare while enjoying views of Lake Te Anau.
Located near the waterfront.
NZD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Fiordland National Park

Spend your afternoon hiking one of the nearby trails, such as the Lake Te Anau circuit, and immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty.
Access trails from the town centre.
NZD0, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Redcliff Café

Enjoy steak or fresh seafood in a warm and welcoming atmosphere right by the lake.
Situated in Te Anau, easy to walk to.
NZD60, 2 hours
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Day 3: Milford Sound Excursion

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:30AM

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation or grab a coffee and muffin to go before the big day ahead.
Quick pit stop at Café at the Park.
NZD10, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Embark on a stunning drive through the mountains and lush landscapes, arriving at Milford Sound by mid-morning.
About 1.5 hours drive from Te Anau.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Set sail on a captivating cruise of the naturally stunning Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Cruises depart from the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD160, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Milford Sound Café

Enjoy a light lunch with spectacular views before heading back to Te Anau.
Located nearby the terminal.
NZD35, 1 hour

1:00PM

Return Drive to Te Anau

Make your way back to Te Anau, taking in the scenery you may have missed on your drive to Milford.
Next stop on your route back.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike in Fiordland National Park

Spend the afternoon on a short hike in Fiordland, soaking in the serene atmosphere and stunning vistas.
Access trails from the town centre.
NZD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Savour a delicious farm-to-table meal at this highly rated restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the heart of Te Anau.
NZD70, 2 hours
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Day 4: Relax and Explore Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kai Waho

Enjoy a health-conscious breakfast with delicious smoothies and amazing granola bowls.
Café located in Te Anau before departing.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Wanaka

Make the scenic drive from Te Anau to Wanaka, where majestic mountain landscapes will greet you.
Approximately 2 hours drive via SH94.
NZD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Lake Wanaka

Stroll along the shores of Lake Wanaka, taking in the tranquil beauty and perhaps enjoying a swim.
Located at Lake Wanaka.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cow Pizza Company

Indulge in renowned pizzas, made freshly in a cozy mountain-style setting.
Back towards the town centre of Wanaka.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike Roy's Peak Track

Challenge yourself with a breathtaking hike where the panoramic views at the summit are worth every step.
Trailhead is a short drive from Wanaka.
NZD0, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Gentil

Savor an exquisite dining experience that offers a mix of local seasonal dishes with a contemporary twist.
A scenic drive from the trailhead back to Wanaka.
NZD80, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Franz Josef

Franz Josef, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast prepared with fresh local ingredients before your drive to Franz Josef.
Located in Wanaka.
NZD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef

Travel through breathtaking landscapes en route to Franz Josef, making sure to stop and take pictures along the way.
Take the scenic route through SH6, approximately 3 hours.
NZD0, 3 hours

11:30AM

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Experience a guided walk on the incredible Glacier, marvelling at the ice formations and unique environment.
Guided tours depart from the visitor centre.
NZD130, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Landing

After your glacier adventure, sit down to a delicious lunch focusing on local produce and great coffee.
Located in Franz Josef.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Glacier Hot Pools

Unwind in the warm, natural hot pools surrounded by lush rainforest – a perfect way to relax after your adventurous day.
Only a short drive from the town centre.
NZD60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Alice May

Finish your day with a hearty dinner at this well-known local eatery offering a mix of Kiwi and international cuisine.
Located in Franz Josef, easily accessible.
NZD70, 2 hours
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Day 6: Hokitika & The West Coast

Hokitika, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Treetops

Enjoy a healthy breakfast served with fresh fruit and homemade recipes while soaking in the nature views.
Conveniently located in Franz Josef.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hokitika

Enjoy the scenic coastal drive along the West Coast before arriving in Hokitika.
Approximately 2 hours via SH6.
NZD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Hokitika Gorge

Explore the stunning Hokitika Gorge with its vibrant blue water, lush forest, and swing bridges – an Instagram-worthy stop.
Just a short drive from town to the gorge.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hokitika Café

Enjoy fresh, local cuisine with an innovative twist at this popular café.
Café located in the town centre.
NZD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Discover Hokitika's Pounamu (Greenstone) shops

Explore local jewellery shops specializing in Greenstone, a significant part of Māori culture and traditions.
Pounamu shops are located throughout the town centre.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hokitika Beach

Unwind with a stroll along the stunning beach as the sun sets over the Tasman Sea.
Beach access is a short walk from town.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Greenstone

Dine at this local favourite, known for its seasonal menu focused on fresh produce and seafood.
Located in Hokitika’s town centre.
NZD60, 2 hours
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Day 7: Explore Mount Cook

Mount Cook, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stumpers Bar & Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your journey to Mount Cook.
Conveniently located in Hokitika.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Travel through breathtaking landscapes into the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, experiencing some of New Zealand's finest scenery.
Approximately 2.5 hours drive via SH73.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook while you savour a delicious lunch at this iconic hotel.
Located within the national park.
NZD45, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hooker Valley Track Hike

Embark on a scenic hike along the Hooker Valley, featuring stunning mountain views and a glacial lake at the end.
Access to the track is just outside the Hermitage.
NZD0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Mount Cook Village

Wander through the village, visiting the visitor centre and enjoying the breathtaking scenery around you.
The village is easily navigable on foot.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Old Mountaineer Café

Savour a delightful meal with a rustic feel, featuring local delicacies amidst stunning mountain vistas.
Near the village centre.
NZD60, 2 hours
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Day 8: Visit Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mackenzie Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast while admiring the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Located in Mount Cook Village.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Enjoy a scenic drive through idyllic landscapes to Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and the iconic church by the lake.
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via SH8.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore the historic church, a picturesque spot perfect for photos overlooking Lake Tekapo.
The church is located on the shore of the lake.
NZD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Tekapo Tavern

Savor a fantastic meal with views of the lake, enjoying classic pub fare with a Kiwi twist.
Located just a short walk from the church.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

In the afternoon, take part in the Mt. John Observatory tour for stargazing in one of the world’s best locations for observing the night sky.
The observatory is easily reached from the main town.
NZD70, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax by Lake Tekapo

Spend the evening taking in the beautiful surroundings, perhaps with a walk along the lakeshore or a visit to the hot springs.
Easily accessible from the town centre.
NZD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Lake Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner with a focus on fresh, local ingredients while soaking in the stunning lake views.
Located centrally in Lake Tekapo.
NZD75, 2 hours
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Day 9: Return to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Rolling Dog Café

Fuel up with breakfast classics in a cozy setting before making your way back to Queenstown.
Located in Lake Tekapo.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Queenstown

Enjoy the beautiful scenery on your return journey to Queenstown, reflecting on your amazing adventure through South Island.
Approximately 3 hours via SH8.
NZD0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Remarkables Market

Visit this popular market for a selection of local food stalls and artisanal goodies, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch.
Located in Queenstown.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Queenstown Gardens

Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, taking in the views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Located near the town centre.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park

Experience the unique wildlife of New Zealand, including the iconic Kiwi bird, in a delightful conservation park.
Just a short walk from the town centre.
NZD50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Botswana Butchery

End your journey with a lavish dinner featuring exquisite cuisine and an extensive wine list in a charming setting.
Centrally located in Queenstown.
NZD100, 2 hours
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