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5-Day Ultimate South Island Adventure

Viewed by 50 travelers

Day 1: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Black Betty

Start your day at Black Betty, known for its delicious and hearty breakfast options like the classic Eggs Benny with smoked salmon.
Located in the Central City, easily reachable by car or on foot.
NZD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse array of plants and flowers.
The gardens are a short 5-minute drive from Black Betty.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Tannery

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Tannery, which offers a variety of local cuisines with a focus on fresh ingredients.
A 10-minute drive from the gardens will get you to The Tannery.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Antarctic Centre

Visit the Antarctic Centre to learn about the fascinating icy continent and experience real snow!
It's a 15-minute drive from The Tannery.
NZD 40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Cap off the day with dinner at Fiddlesticks, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes and a great wine selection.
Head back to the city centre, a drive of about 15 minutes.
NZD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Journey to Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading off, taking advantage of some local cuisine.
Check with your hotel's dining options.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Set off for Kaikoura, a scenic coastal drive taking around 2.5 hours along the stunning Pacific coast.
Drive along State Highway 1.
Fuel NZD 20, 3 hours

11:30AM

Kaikoura Seal Colony

Visit the Kaikoura Seal Colony for an up-close look at New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat.
A short 10-minute drive from the main town!
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pier Hotel

Dine at The Pier Hotel for fantastic seafood – try the fresh local crayfish, a regional specialty.
Located near the beach, just a 5-minute drive.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an exhilarating whale-watching tour and see giant sperm whales directly off Kaikoura's coast.
Tours leave from the local harbour; it's a short drive or walk.
NZD 140, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The upokongaro

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The upokongaro, famed for its inviting atmosphere and hearty meals.
A quick 5-minute drive back into town.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kaikoura

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Strawberry Tree

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Strawberry Tree, known for its fresh options and local produce.
It's within the heart of Kaikoura, easy to reach.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Nelson

Leave Kaikoura headed for Nelson, taking the scenic route passing through vineyards and breathtaking landscapes for about a 3-hour drive.
Follow State Highway 1 then turn onto State Highway 6.
Fuel NZD 30, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cod & Crab Corner

Enjoy a casual lunch at Cod & Crab Corner, offering local seafood dishes and stunning harbour views.
Located on the Nelson waterfront, just a short drive from your accommodation.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Nelson Market

Wander through the vibrant Nelson Market if visiting on a Saturday, local artisans and food vendors create a delightful experience.
A quick 5-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free (shopping at own expense), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Abel Tasman National Park

Take a short drive to Abel Tasman National Park and explore the stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches.
A scenic 30-minute drive from Nelson.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Boat Shed

Dine at The Boat Shed for delightful meals with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Head back to Nelson, just a 30-minute drive.
NZD 60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier Excursion

Franz Josef, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the stunning glaciers.
Check specific hotel dining hours and options.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Franz Josef

Make your way to Franz Josef, enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery on your drive, which takes roughly 5 hours.
Follow State Highway 6 passing through Hokitika.
Fuel NZD 60, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Landing

Upon arrival, refuel at The Landing with meals made from local and organic ingredients.
It's conveniently located near the glacier access.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Set off for a guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier, experiencing the majestic ice formations and stunning ice caves.
Tours operate from the nearby glacier base, easily reachable.
NZD 250, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The White Pub

Enjoy dinner at The White Pub for a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of local beers and hearty meals.
A short 5-minute drive from the glacier village.
NZD 40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef

Day 5: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a lovely breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for the adventurous day ahead.
Check with your hotel's dining options.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Head to Queenstown, with a 4-hour stunning drive through the Southern Alps, filled with scenic stops.
Follow State Highway 6 south.
Fuel NZD 40, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Dive into a world-famous burger at Fergburger, where you should definitely try the 'Ferg' burger.
It's centrally located in Queenstown; easy to find.
NZD 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Adventure Activities

Choose between bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating for an adrenaline rush in the adventure capital of New Zealand!
Book your activity in advance for convenience; all are located near central Queenstown.
NZD 200+ (depending on activity), 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Rātā

End your South Island adventure with an exquisite dinner at Rātā, offering a contemporary twist on classic New Zealand cuisine.
Located in central Queenstown, a short drive from your earlier activities.
NZD 70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
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