10-Day South Island Adventure: Christchurch to Queenstown Skiing, Glacier Helicopter Tour, and Scenic Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on July 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with a delicious coffee and breakfast at this popular, award-winning café known for its innovative menu and quick service.
NZD 20, 1h

10:30am

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens featuring native and exotic plants right in the heart of Christchurch.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine for lunch with a focus on fresh local ingredients and a warm ambiance.
NZD 40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Canterbury Museum

Explore fascinating exhibits detailing New Zealand’s natural and cultural history, including Antarctic exploration.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at 27 Steps

Dine at this cosy spot offering modern New Zealand cuisine with a comfortable atmosphere to unwind after your travels.
NZD 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Caffeine Laboratory

Enjoy specialty coffee and a tasty breakfast to fuel your drive to Lake Tekapo.
NZD 20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

A scenic 3-hour drive through Canterbury farmland and into the Mackenzie Basin.
Fuel approx. NZD 30, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Astro Café

Overlooking the stunning turquoise lake, this café offers light meals and great views.
NZD 25, 1h

1:30pm

Church of the Good Shepherd

Visit the iconic stone church on the lakefront, a top photo spot with panoramic Southern Alps views.
Free, 30m

2:00pm

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Relax in the natural hot pools, perfect for warming up in winter and admiring lake and mountain views.
NZD 22, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kohan Restaurant

Enjoy Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes just a short walk from the lakefront.
NZD 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mount Cook National Park Exploration

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local café

Fuel up early for a day of nature and short hikes around NZ’s highest peak.
NZD 20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook Village

Enjoy the scenic 1-hour drive heading northwest into the heart of the Southern Alps.
Fuel approx. NZD 10, 1h

9:30am

Hooker Valley Track Walk

A spectacular 3-hour return walk with views of Mount Cook, glaciers, and the Hooker Glacier lake.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy casual dining with alpine views, offering New Zealand favourites and daily specials.
NZD 35, 1h

2:00pm

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Learn about mountaineering history and Mount Cook’s geography through engaging exhibits.
NZD 20, 1h

4:00pm

Scenic drive and return to your accommodation

Relax and enjoy alpine views as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mt Cook Lodge Restaurant

Savour hearty meals in a mountain lodge style setting perfect after a day of walking.
NZD 45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mt Cook accommodation

An early start breakfast before the long scenic drive westward.
NZD 20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Mount Cook Village to Franz Josef Glacier

Approximately 5-hour journey through stunning alpine and rainforest scenery across the Haast Pass.
Fuel approx. NZD 60, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch stop at Haast Junction or local café

Take a break with a casual meal and stretch your legs.
NZD 25, 45m

4:00pm

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Short walk to glacier viewpoint to admire the amazing ice formations. The walk is open until daylight fades.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Snakebite Brewery

Enjoy a relaxed brewery atmosphere with local beer and a hearty menu.
NZD 45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Glacier Helicopter & Travel to Wanaka

Franz Josef to Wanaka, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Blue Ice Café

Light breakfast before your exciting helicopter flight.
NZD 20, 1h

9:30am

Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

An unforgettable 1-hour helicopter tour over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier with a snow landing on the ice; book in advance to ensure availability.
NZD 600, 1h

11:00am

Relax after flight and quick snack

Enjoy a light snack and freshen up before departure.
NZD 15, 30m

11:30am

Drive Franz Josef to Wanaka

Approximately 4.5-hour scenic drive through Haast Pass and along the lake, perfect for photography opportunities.
Fuel approx. NZD 50, 4.5h

4:00pm

Check into Wanaka accommodation and rest

Settle in and prepare for a relaxed afternoon.
Varies, Rest of afternoon

6:30pm

Dinner at Kika

Upscale dining offering bold flavours and seasonal ingredients, great for a restful evening.
NZD 60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Rest Day in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Relishes Café

Enjoy fresh, wholesome dishes and excellent coffee to start your leisure day.
NZD 25, 1h

10:00am

Wanaka Lavender Farm

Visit the picturesque lavender fields and enjoy walking trails with mountain views. Open 9am to 5pm in winter.
NZD 10 donation suggested, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Gentil

A relaxed French-style bistro offering excellent wine and fresh local produce.
NZD 40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Puzzling World

Enjoy quirky illusions, puzzles, and a great way to have fun off the snow. Open 9am-5pm.
NZD 25, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House

Famous for hearty Italian favourites served in a cosy, lodge-style atmosphere.
NZD 35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Queenstown Skiing Day 1

Queenstown, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café & Larder

Fuel up early with hearty breakfast options and great coffee.
NZD 25, 1h

8:30am

Drive Wanaka to Queenstown

Scenic 1-hour drive to your ski destination.
Fuel approx. NZD 15, 1h

9:30am

Ski at Coronet Peak

One of Queenstown’s premier ski fields with varied runs suitable for all levels. Lift operations generally 9am-4pm in July.
NZD 130 ski pass, 6h

4:00pm

Rest and refresh at accommodation

Recover from your day on the slopes before dinner.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bespoke Kitchen

Stylish eatery offering vibrant, fresh dishes perfect after an active day.
NZD 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Queenstown Rest Day

Queenstown, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fergbaker

Famous bakery that offers fantastic breakfast pastries and coffee.
NZD 15, 1h

10:00am

Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge

Enjoy panoramic views from the gondola and fun rides on the luge track. Operates 9am-4pm in winter.
NZD 60 combined ticket, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Madam Woo

Vibrant Malaysian-inspired dishes in a colourful setting, great for a relaxed midday meal.
NZD 30, 1h

2:00pm

Walk around Lake Wakatipu

Leisurely walk along the lakeside to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rata

Renowned for sophisticated contemporary New Zealand cuisine by celebrity chef Josh Emett.
NZD 70, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Queenstown Skiing Day 2

Queenstown, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Joe’s Garage

Industrial-style café offering great coffee and a hearty breakfast menu.
NZD 25, 1h

8:30am

Ski at The Remarkables

Another top ski area offering great terrain for all abilities and spectacular views. Open 9am-4pm in winter.
NZD 120 ski pass, 6h

4:00pm

Return to accommodation and rest

Time to relax after a full day on the slopes.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Public Kitchen & Bar

Trendy spot offering casual dining with locally sourced New Zealand fare.
NZD 50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Christchurch

Queenstown to Christchurch, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your Queenstown accommodation or nearby café

Relaxed breakfast before the drive back to Christchurch.
NZD 20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Queenstown to Christchurch

A scenic 6-hour drive crossing the Lindis Pass and Canterbury plains; plan stops along the way.
Fuel approx. NZD 70, 6h

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Omarama or Geraldine

Take a break at a local café or restaurant to rest and recharge.
NZD 25, 1h

3:00pm

Arrive in Christchurch and Check-in

Get comfortable in your accommodation and prepare for departure or explore more if time permits.
Varies, Rest of day

6:30pm

Dinner at King of Snake

Enjoy an Asian fusion dinner with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for your final night in Christchurch.
NZD 45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability