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Epic 9-Day Adventure Road Trip Through New Zealand's South Island

Viewed by 54 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine Laboratory

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and delectable brunch options in the heart of Christchurch.
Located in the central city.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Wander through these beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene landscapes filled with notable flora.
A short drive or a bus ride from Caffeine Laboratory.
NZD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Press Cafe

Savour a delicious lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients before hitting the road.
Just a short walk from the gardens.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Tekapo, known for its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque views.
An approximately 3-hour drive towards the outskirts of Christchurch.
NZD0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Settle into a lovely lakeside lodge and unwind after your travel.
Various lodges available near Lake Tekapo.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Brown Pub

Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local lamb and fresh vegetables, perfect for recharging after a day of travel.
Located conveniently in Tekapo Village.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Scenic Lakeside Day

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tearooms

Indulge in a traditional Kiwi breakfast with a lakeside view to start your day perfectly.
Short walk from the lodge.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore this iconic church and take beautiful photos with the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo.
A quick stroll from breakfast.
NZD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stargazing Tour (optional)

Join a guided stargazing tour to marvel at the awe-inspiring Southern Hemisphere skies.
Led by local guides, meeting point varies.
NZD75, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Godley Hotel

Enjoy a delightful lunch with a variety of New Zealand dishes and local wines.
Nearby at the Lake Tekapo area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Mount John Observatory

Take a hike up to Mount John for stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
Drive to the observatory parking, then a short hike trail.
NZD0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mackenzie’s Cafe

Savour classic Kiwi fare with locally sourced ingredients while overlooking the lake.
A quick drive back into Tekapo.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Majestic Mountains

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge before checking out and heading to Mount Cook.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Mount Cook National Park

Head towards New Zealand's highest peak and stunning landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
About a 1 hour and 45-minute drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:15AM

Hooker Valley Track Hike

Experience one of the most popular hikes in the park with stunning views of glaciers and the peak.
Begin at the Hooker Valley car park.
NZD0, 3 hours

1:15PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Recharge with a splendid lunch at this historic hotel overlooking the mountains.
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

2:45PM

Explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Discover the legacy of climbing and the local alpine wildlife in this informative centre.
A short walk from the hotel.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

4:15PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Settle into a cozy lodge within the park and soak in the views.
Various lodgings available in the area.
NZD150, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mountaineer’s Cafe

Dine on hearty mountain fare and enjoy a majestic sunset view.
Onsite in Mount Cook Village.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook National Park

Day 4: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of the park one last time.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Queenstown

A scenic journey takes you through diverse landscapes as you make your way to thrilling Queenstown.
About a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Adventurous Activities

Choose from bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating for an adrenaline-filled morning!
Head to Queenstown’s adventure district.
NZD200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Taste the iconic New Zealand burger at this world-famous eatery, a must on every Queenstown itinerary.
Located in the heart of Queenstown.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Lake Wakatipu

Stroll along the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu or take a scenic cruise on the lake.
Walkable from Fergburger.
NZD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to your hotel

Settle in at a hotel with spectacular lake views for a comfortable stay.
Many options available downtown.
NZD200, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring seasonal dishes coupled with an extensive wine list.
Located nearby on the waterfront.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 5: Nature's Majesty

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before venturing to Fiordland National Park.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Te Anau

Enjoy beautiful alpine scenery on the way to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.
Around a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Take a boat across Lake Te Anau to explore the mystical glowworm caves.
Departs from Te Anau township.
NZD110, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Redcliff Cafe

Savor a lunch featuring homemade delights and fresh local produce.
Back in downtown Te Anau.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience stunning fjords and waterfalls during this iconic Milford Sound cruise.
Drive about an hour to Milford Sound to join the cruise.
NZD120, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Te Anau and check-in

Drive back and settle in at your accommodation for the night.
An easy drive back to Te Anau.
NZD150, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Enjoy a flavoursome meal at this popular local restaurant with hearty options.
Located centrally in Te Anau.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Fiordland National Park

Day 6: Serene Surroundings

Te Anau, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to fuel your exploration day.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Learn about and interact with local bird species at this conservation area.
Brief drive or walk from downtown.
NZD10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hiking the Kepler Track

Tackle part of the famous Kepler Track with stunning views and track options.
Accessed from the Te Anau control gates.
NZD0, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Cottage

Grab a delightful lunch at this quaint local café with excellent coffee.
Back to downtown Te Anau.
NZD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre

Learn about the unique ecosystems and history of Fiordland through impressive exhibits.
Close to the town centre.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps watching the sunset over the lake.
Short drive or walk back.
NZD0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Carvery

Enjoy classic Kiwi dishes with a twist while enjoying the local atmosphere.
Located in Te Anau’s main area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Te Anau

Day 7: Relaxing in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Refuel with breakfast before driving to Wanaka.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Head west towards Wanaka, known for its lakes and mountains.
About 1.5 hours drive from Te Anau.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Admire the famous tree in Lake Wanaka, a popular photo spot.
Drive to lakefront park.
NZD0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Puzzling World

Enjoy interactive exhibitions and optical illusions for a quirky and fun experience.
Short drive from the lake.
NZD30, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Landing

Savour gourmet local cuisine with beautiful views of the lake.
Near the lakefront.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at the Lake Shore

Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a coffee at one of the many lakeside cafés.
Walkable from your lunch spot.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Settle in and prepare for a relaxing evening by the lakeside.
Variety of lodges available.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Gentil

Indulge in a fine dining experience along the waterfront featuring fresh ingredients.
Located near your accommodation.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 8: Glacier Exploration

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with breakfast while enjoying views of Lake Wanaka.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Make your way towards the stunning Franz Josef Glacier, with picturesque landscapes along the way.
A scenic 3-hour drive.
NZD0, 3 hours

11:30AM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join a guided glacier hike for an unforgettable experience on this stunning glacial terrain.
Join your tour group at the meeting point near the glacier.
NZD200, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Landing Cafe

Grab a tasty lunch at this local café, refueling for your adventures.
Located near the glacier area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Glacial Hot Pools

Unwind and relax in the soothing glacial hot pools after a day of exploration.
Close to the glacier area.
NZD60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Settle into a rustic lodge with comfort in mind after a rewarding day.
Multiple options available.
NZD150, 30 minutes

8:00PM

Dinner at The Restaurant at Waldhaus

Indulge in a gourmet dinner with chef-inspired dishes featuring local produce.
Located in the Glacier area.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

Day 9: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy one last breakfast at your lodge before heading back to Christchurch.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive back to Christchurch

A scenic countryside drive to conclude your South Island adventure.
A 5-hour drive back to the city.
NZD0, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Pedal Pusher

Regain your energy with fresh, local flavours at this popular café upon your return to Christchurch.
Located in a central area.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Christchurch Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at New Zealand's most visited art gallery.
A short drive or walk from lunch.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Airport

Prepare for your journey home or onward adventure after an unforgettable trip around the South Island.
30-minute drive to Christchurch Airport.
NZD0, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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