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

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & City Tour

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Kick off your adventure with a delicious breakfast and expertly brewed coffee at this local favourite.
Located in the heart of Queenstown.
NZD30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ride the Skyline Gondola

Ascend the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
A short walk from breakfast.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in these beautiful gardens, perfect for a morning walk.
Located close to the town centre.
NZD0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Taste the world-famous Fergburger for an unforgettable meal in Queenstown.
Just a short walk away.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Adventure Activities (Optional)

Choose from biking, bungee jumping, or jet boating to inject some adrenaline into your day.
Various activity operators around Queenstown.
Varies, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Relax at your hotel after a fun-filled day in Queenstown.
Various hotels available in Queenstown.
NZD200, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring seasonally inspired dishes and local wines.
Located on Queenstown’s waterfront.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 2: Fiordland Exploration

Te Anau, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast with stunning views of Queen Wakatipu before setting off to Te Anau.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Te Anau

Drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Approximately a 2-hour drive from Queenstown.
NZD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Explore the unique birdlife native to New Zealand at this lovely sanctuary.
A short drive from downtown Te Anau.
NZD10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fat Duck

Savour a tasty meal featuring hearty options at this local favourite.
Located centrally in Te Anau.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking in Fiordland National Park

Explore one of the famous trails like the Kepler Track for stunning views and nature.
Access point varies, ask for suggestions at your lunch spot.
NZD0, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Relax at your hotel in Te Anau after a rewarding day of exploration.
Various options available.
NZD150, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Coffee Bell

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a tasty dinner before resting for the night.
Located in town.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Te Anau

Day 3: Milford Sound Adventure

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Rise early and fuel up with breakfast for a day filled with stunning sights.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Milford Sound

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

10:30AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience a stunning cruise through Milford Sound, surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
Board the cruise at the terminal.
NZD120, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Cafe

Grab a relaxing lunch with a view after your memorable cruise.
Café located near the terminal.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return Drive to Te Anau

Drive back to Te Anau, reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.
Around a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Unwind and recharge at your hotel in Te Anau.
Various options located in Te Anau.
NZD150, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Carvery

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring local flavours at this cozy restaurant.
Located conveniently in Te Anau.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

Day 4: Explore Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have breakfast while relishing the views of Lake Te Anau before driving to Wanaka.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Experience a scenic drive to Wanaka, known for its breathtaking scenery.
Roughly 1.5 hours from Te Anau.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Take a photo of the iconic lone tree positioned beautifully in Lake Wanaka.
A quick stop by the lakefront.
NZD0, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Hike to Mount Iron

Enjoy a short hike with rewarding views over Wanaka and its surrounding mountains.
Starting point is easily accessible by car.
NZD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Landing

Savour a delicious lunch made from local ingredients with lovely lake views.
Short drive from the Mount Iron track.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Blue Pools Visit

Experience the beauty of the stunning Blue Pools, famous for their vibrant blue waters.
A 30-minute drive from Wanaka.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Relax in your hotel or lodge, soaking in the evening atmosphere of Wanaka.
Various options available in Wanaka.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Gentil

Enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Located near your accommodation.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 5: Glacier View

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Experience a beautiful drive towards Franz Josef, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Approximately a 4-hour scenic drive.
NZD0, 4 hours

12:30PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join an exciting guided hike on the glacier to explore its majestic features.
Meet at the glacier's base.
NZD200, 3 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at The Landing Cafe

Indulge in a delicious meal at this popular local café.
Located in the glacier area.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Glacial Hot Pools

Relax in the soothing warmth of glacial hot pools after your glacier trek.
Close to the glacier area.
NZD60, 2 hours

7:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into a comfortable lodge for the night.
Various options available in Franz Josef.
NZD150, 30 minutes

8:00PM

Dinner at The Restaurant at Waldhaus

Enjoy an exquisite dining experience with locally sourced dishes.
Located in the Franz Josef area.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

Day 6: Lake Tekapo Discovery

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your lodge, preparing for the journey ahead.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Head to the stunning Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters.
A scenic 5-hour drive.
NZD0, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Godley Hotel

Enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking Lake Tekapo.
Located by the lake.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore this iconic church located on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
A short drive from the café.
NZD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hike Mount John

Hike to the summit of Mount John for stunning views of the lake and the Southern Alps.
Access from the car park.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation at Lake Tekapo.
Various options available near the lake.
NZD150, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at The Blue Water Bistro

Indulge in casual dining with local flavours and beautiful views of Lake Tekapo.
Located near your accommodation.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 7: Mount Cook Wonders

Mount Cook, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast while admiring the stunning views of Lake Tekapo.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscape.
About a 1.5-hour drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hike the Hooker Valley Track

Take a leisurely hike on the Hooker Valley Track, which offers stunning views of Mt. Cook.
Meet at the Hooker Valley car park.
NZD0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

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

2:30PM

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Learn about the famous mountaineer and the incredible history of climbing in New Zealand.
Located in the village.
NZD25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Scenic Drive to Christchurch

Begin your drive to Christchurch, enjoying views along the way.
About a 4-hour drive.
NZD0, 4 hours

7:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Relax at your chosen hotel in Christchurch.
Various options available in the city.
NZD200, 30 minutes

8:00PM

Dinner at The Press Cafe

Enjoy a delicious dinner at this modern café offering fresh dishes in a stylish setting.
Located in the city centre.
NZD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook

Day 8: Christchurch Exploration

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast to start your day exploring Christchurch.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Wander through the beautiful gardens and take a relaxing walk by the Avon River.
Short drive or a tram ride from your hotel.
NZD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Discover the cultural history and natural wonders of the region in this fascinating museum.
Located within the Botanic Gardens vicinity.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Restart Mall

Dine at various pop-up eateries offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
Easy walking distance from the museum.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Cardboard Cathedral

Visit the innovative and stunning Cardboard Cathedral, symbolizing the city’s resilience.
A short drive or walk from the mall.
NZD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Quake City

Learn about Christchurch’s journey and recovery after the major earthquakes.
Also walkable from the cathedral.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to your hotel

Take some time to relax before your final dinner.
Short drive or walk back.
NZD0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner farewell at The Oxford Club

Enjoy a farewell dinner at this trendy restaurant with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.
Located in the city centre.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 9: Departure

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have one last breakfast in beautiful Christchurch before your departure.
Onsite at your accommodation.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Head to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home, cherishing the memories made.
Short drive or shuttle to the airport.
NZD0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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