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

Viewed by 54 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine Laboratory

Start your adventure with excellent coffee and unique breakfast options in the heart of Christchurch.
Located centrally.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and enjoy the serenity of its lush surroundings.
Just a short drive or a bus ride from Café.
NZD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Press Cafe

Recharge with a delicious lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.
Located near the gardens.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Head off to beautiful Lake Tekapo, famous for its clear blue waters and stunning landscape.
An approximately 3-hour scenic drive.
NZD0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your lakeside lodge and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Various lodges available near Lake Tekapo.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Brown Pub

Enjoy classic Kiwi cuisine featuring local lamb and vegetables with gorgeous lake views.
Located conveniently in Tekapo Village.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Explore Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Tearooms

Indulge in a traditional breakfast while enjoying views of the stunning lake.
Short walk from your lodge.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Admire this iconic church located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, perfect for photos.
A quick stroll from breakfast.
NZD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stargazing Tour (optional)

Marvel at the magnificent starry skies of Tekapo with an evening stargazing tour.
Various tours available at night, not during the day.
NZD75, 2 hours (evening)

1:00PM

Lunch at The Godley Hotel

Enjoy a nice lunch featuring fresh ingredients and local wines overlooking the lake.
Situated nearby the lake.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hike Mount John

Take a hike up to Mount John for incredible panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Access from the car park and hiking trail.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mackenzie’s Cafe

Savour a delightful dinner featuring seasonal local dishes in a quaint setting.
Short drive back into Tekapo.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Mount Cook Adventure

Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast while enjoying beautiful views of the lake.
Onsite at your lodge.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Embark on a scenic drive towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for breathtaking views.
About a 1 hour and 45 minutes drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:15AM

Hike the Hooker Valley Track

Immerse yourself in nature as you walk this popular track with stunning glacier views.
Meet at the Hooker Valley car park.
NZD0, 3 hours

1:15PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Rest and enjoy lunch at this historic hotel with spectacular mountain views.
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

2:45PM

Visit Lake Pukaki

Stop by stunning Lake Pukaki for more photographic opportunities and a walk along the shore.
On the way to Queenstown.
NZD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Drive to Queenstown

Continue your drive to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.
About 2 hours drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Relax at your hotel and prepare for an evening of excitement.
Various hotels available in Queenstown.
NZD200, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Fergburger

Taste the world-renowned Fergburger for dinner, a must-do in Queenstown.
Located in the central area.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki

Day 4: Adventures in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Begin your day with breakfast overlooking the stunning scenery.
Onsite at your hotel.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ride the Skyline Gondola

Take a scenic ride up the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views of the region.
A short walk from your hotel.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Jack's Point Walk

Enjoy the incredible landscapes on this iconic walking track along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Drive to Jack's Point car park.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Remarkable Sweet Shop

Refuel with lunch and treat yourself to something sweet afterward.
Back to Queenstown.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Moonlight Track Hike

Hike the Moonlight Track for stunning vistas and a taste of the region's natural beauty.
Access from Glenorchy Road, about 20 minutes from Queenstown.
NZD0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring locally sourced dishes and an extensive wine list.
Located in Queenstown’s waterfront.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 5: Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound & Fiordland, New Zealand

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Grab breakfast before a day filled with exploring stunning fiords.
Onsite at your hotel.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Embark on a scenic drive to Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience a breathtaking cruise through Milford Sound, surrounded by magnificent mountains and waterfalls.
Board the cruise at Milford's terminal.
NZD120, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Enjoy a quick lunch before the return journey to Te Anau.
Located near the cruise terminal.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive back to Te Anau

Head back to Te Anau for a relaxing evening after a day of adventure.
Around a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Te Anau and relax.
Various options available in Te Anau.
NZD150, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Indulge in a flavoursome meal at this popular local restaurant offering hearty options.
Located centrally in Te Anau.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound & Fiordland

Day 6: Gateway To Nature

Te Anau & Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel overlooking Lake Te Anau.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking in Fiordland National Park

Explore one of the many fantastic hiking trails within Fiordland for the day.
Access point varies, ask at your hotel for suggestions.
NZD0, Half-day

1:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Cottage

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

2:00PM

Visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Explore and learn about local bird species in this lovely sanctuary.
Short drive or walk from downtown.
NZD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre

Discover exhibits about local wildlife and ecosystems to enrich your visit.
Close to the town centre.
NZD0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to your hotel

Enjoy the evening by relaxing at your hotel or taking a walk along the lake.
Short drive or walk back.
NZD0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Carvery

Savor a hearty meal and indulge in local flavours in a warm atmosphere.
Located in Te Anau’s main area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Te Anau & Fiordland National Park

Day 7: Wanaka Wonders

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Wanaka.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Journey towards Wanaka, known for its stunning lakes and mountains.
Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Te Anau.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Admire the famous lone tree in Lake Wanaka, a popular photoshoot location.
Drive to the lakefront park.
NZD0, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Blue Pools Visit

Take a short drive to see the stunning Blue Pools, where you can walk the suspension bridge.
A 30-minute drive away from Wanaka.
NZD0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Landing

Savor a gourmet lunch featuring fresh local ingredients with lake views.
Near the lakefront.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Puzzling World

Enjoy quirky visual illusions and interactive exhibits in this fun-filled attraction.
Short drive from The Landing.
NZD30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Relax in your hotel or lodge, taking in the beautiful views.
Various options available in Wanaka.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Gentil

Indulge in a fine dining experience with an exceptional seasonal menu.
Located near your accommodation.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 8: Glacier Wonders

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for an adventurous day ahead.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Make your way to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
A scenic 3-hour drive.
NZD0, 3 hours

11:30AM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join a guided glacier hike to explore the ice formations and stunning landscape.
Meet your guide near the glacier.
NZD200, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Landing Cafe

Refuel with a tasty lunch at this popular local café.
Located in the glacier area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Glacial Hot Pools

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

6:30PM

Check-in to your accommodation

Settle into a 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 featuring locally sourced dishes.
Located in the Glacier area.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

Day 9: Cultural & Cosmic Finish

Marlborough & Omaka Observatory, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy one last meal at your lodge before heading to Marlborough.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Marlborough

Head towards the renowned Marlborough wine region with scenic landscapes along the way.
A 5-hour drive from the glacier region.
NZD0, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Winery

Savour fresh cuisine complemented by exquisite local wines at a vineyard.
Choose a winery along the Marlborough Wine Trail.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Explore historic aviation exhibits and World War I aircraft.
Located near Blenheim in Marlborough.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Christchurch or Airport

Conclude your adventure with a drive back to Christchurch or the airport, reflecting on the journey.
Approximately a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner farewell at Your Choice

Enjoy your last dinner in New Zealand at a restaurant of your choice before departing.
Choose a restaurant available in Christchurch.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Marlborough & Omaka Observatory
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