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Comprehensive 16-Day Itinerary Covering New Zealand's South Island Camper Van Adventure and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne Cricket Stadium, and Great Ocean Road

Viewed by 63 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Camper Van Setup

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 6, 2025

10:00am

Arrival in Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and collect your camper van rental for your 8-day South Island adventure.
NZD 0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Bicycle Thief, popular for their modern fusion cuisine and local produce.
NZD 25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Take a relaxing walk and admire native and exotic plants at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens open 7:00am to 7:30pm.
NZD 0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Savour Kiwi cuisine with local ingredients in a cozy setting perfect for your first dinner in New Zealand.
NZD 40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

South Island, New Zealand on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Start your day with strong coffee and freshly baked pastries at the popular Black Betty Cafe.
NZD 15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Drive about 3 hours to Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise lake and starry skies.
NZD 0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Reflections Cafe & Restaurant

Dine with lake views offering fresh, locally sourced meals.
NZD 30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mount John Observatory Visit

Visit the observatory and enjoy panoramic views; it's open from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.
NZD 15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at the Astro Cafe

Relax with cafe-style meals before stargazing at Mount John.
NZD 20, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tekapo to Queenstown

South Island, New Zealand on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de Montana

Enjoy breakfast with a view and energize for a scenic drive ahead.
NZD 18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Around 3 hours drive through picturesque landscapes.
NZD 0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Try Queenstown’s famous gourmet burgers at Fergburger, open 8:00am to late night.
NZD 20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Queenstown Gondola

Ride the gondola for stunning views and optional luge rides. Open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
NZD 44, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bunker

Enjoy intimate dining with contemporary New Zealand dishes, reservations recommended.
NZD 50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Queenstown Exploration Day

Queenstown, New Zealand on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Start your day with organic coffee and fresh bakery items.
NZD 15, 1h0m

9:00am

Day trip to Milford Sound

Take an early morning 4-hour coach or scenic flight to Milford Sound with a cruise. Be sure to book in advance; cruise lasts around 2 hours.
NZD 150 - 250, 8h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Devil Burger

Casual dinner for carnivores craving hearty burgers, open till late.
NZD 20, 1h0m
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Day 5: Queenstown to Wanaka

South Island, New Zealand on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Joe’s Garage

Hip spot serving fresh coffee and breakfast favorites.
NZD 20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Wanaka

Short scenic drive about 1 hour from Queenstown to Wanaka.
NZD 0, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Puzzling World

Explore the illusion rooms and mazes, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD 25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Cow

Rustic Italian eatery famous for cozy ambiance and pizza.
NZD 30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Wanaka Walk

Relax with a lakeside walk or kayaking in the afternoon.
NZD 0 - 30 rental, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Big Fig

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals with a casual vibe.
NZD 28, 1h0m
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Day 6: Wanaka to Mt Cook National Park

South Island, New Zealand on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Relishes Cafe

Choose from a wide range of artisan breads and coffee.
NZD 20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Mt Cook Village

Drive about 2.5 hours to Mt Cook National Park for alpine views and hiking.
NZD 0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge

Enjoy lunch at the lodge with mountain views.
NZD 35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hooker Valley Track Hike

Scenic 3-hour return walk, open year-round, ideal for glacier and mountain views.
NZD 0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at PT Armstrong’s Restaurant

Casual dining with great local and international menu options.
NZD 40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mt Cook to Christchurch

South Island, New Zealand on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start with breakfast overlooking the mountains.
NZD 18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Christchurch

Return to Christchurch, approx 4 hours drive preparing for departure to Australia.
NZD 0, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Enjoy a variety of local food options in a vibrant community space.
NZD 25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rest and prepare camper van return

Relax or do last minute sightseeing and return the camper van.
NZD 0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Inati

Upscale dining with innovative New Zealand cuisine, book ahead.
NZD 60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Fly to Cairns

Australia on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A quick breakfast before your flight to Australia.
AUD 15, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Christchurch to Cairns

Flight from Christchurch to Cairns, Australia to begin the Great Barrier Reef experience.
AUD 300 approx, 6h0m

4:00pm

Check into Cairns Hotel

Settle in and prepare for next day's reef adventure.
AUD 0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Relax with waterfront dining and Australian seafood specialties.
AUD 50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Tour

Cairns, Australia on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading out to the reef.
AUD 20, 1h0m

8:30am

Full-day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving

Join a full-day certified reef tour from 8:30am to around 5:00pm including snorkeling, diving, and onboard lunch included.
AUD 220, 8h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Taste modern Australian cuisine influenced by indigenous ingredients.
AUD 60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Cairns to Melbourne

Australia on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before the flight to Melbourne.
AUD 15, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight Cairns to Melbourne

Fly south to Melbourne, approximately 3.5 hours.
AUD 150 approx, 3h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check into Melbourne hotel followed by lunch at Hardware Societe (8:00am-3:00pm).
AUD 30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour

MCG guided tours run from 10:00am to 4:00pm; explore Australia's iconic cricket stadium.
AUD 33, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinatown Melbourne

Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine with vibrant evening atmosphere.
AUD 40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Great Ocean Road Day Tour

Melbourne, Australia on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Market Lane Coffee

Specialty coffee and light bites to fuel your day.
AUD 15, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart for Great Ocean Road Tour

Join a full-day guided Great Ocean Road tour visiting landmarks like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, returning about 6:00pm.
AUD 120, 10h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Movida

Celebrated Spanish tapas restaurant in Melbourne's city center for relaxation after a long day.
AUD 50, 1h30m
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Day 12: Explore Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Proud Mary

Award-winning coffee and breakfast favorites.
AUD 20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Federation Square and ACMI Museum

Explore Melbourne cultural hub and Australian Centre for the Moving Image, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
AUD 0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Delicious modern Thai dining in a lively atmosphere.
AUD 35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping at Bourke Street Mall

Explore shopping arcades and boutiques along Melbourne’s premier retail street.
AUD 0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Fine dining with panoramic views of the city, reservation essential.
AUD 150, 2h0m
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Day 13: Melbourne Leisure & Departure Prep

Melbourne, Australia on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Industry Beans

Trendy cafe with inventive coffee and breakfast options.
AUD 22, 1h0m

9:30am

Relax at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A peaceful morning walk within the scenic gardens open 7:30am to sunset.
AUD 0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Kettle Black

Contemporary Australian brunch in a stylish setting.
AUD 30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free time for packing and last-minute sightseeing

Use this time to pack and perhaps revisit favourite local spots.
AUD 0, 4h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Cutler & Co

Enjoy a modern Australian menu with dedication to seasonal produce.
AUD 90, 2h0m
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Day 14: Departure

Melbourne, Australia on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast before departure.
AUD 15, 1h0m

9:00am

Airport Transfer and Check-in

Take transport to Melbourne Airport for your onward journey.
AUD 50, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Melbourne
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