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10-Day Scenic and Cultural Adventure in Christchurch and Wellington, New Zealand

Viewed by 67 travelers

Day 1: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day at C1 Espresso, a vibrant café known for its innovative coffee techniques and delicious breakfast options including avocado smash and eggs Benedict.
NZD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Visit these beautiful gardens featuring native and exotic plants, perfect for a relaxing morning stroll amidst nature and stunning floral displays.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Inati

Enjoy a contemporary New Zealand lunch with a focus on local ingredients at Inati, a renowned restaurant offering creative shared dishes.
NZD40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Canterbury Museum

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region including Maori artifacts, natural history, and Antarctic exploration exhibits.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening walk along Avon River

Take a relaxing punting trip or a leisurely walk along the picturesque Avon River in the heart of Christchurch.
NZD30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Little High Eatery

Dine at this lively food hall offering diverse options with excellent local and international flavors in a casual atmosphere.
NZD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Akaroa Day Trip

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a quick breakfast before setting out for your day trip to Akaroa.
NZD15, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Akaroa

Travel approximately 1.5 hours south-east along the scenic coastal route to the historic French-inspired town of Akaroa.
NZD60 fuel/tolls approx., 1h30m

10:00am

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Join a harbor cruise to see rare Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural environment.
NZD70, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Little Bistro

Savor fresh seafood and New Zealand cuisine in a charming setting by the harbor.
NZD40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Akaroa Village

Walk through the quaint streets, browse art galleries, and visit the Akaroa Museum to learn about the town's history.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return drive to Christchurch

Drive back to Christchurch to prepare for the next day.
Included in earlier fuel/tolls cost, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Enjoy casual dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients in this stylish central Christchurch restaurant.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Christchurch Art & City

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Supremo Coffee

Grab a hearty and energizing breakfast with great coffee to start your day exploring Christchurch.
NZD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery

Discover a broad collection of local and international artworks including contemporary and traditional art exhibitions.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

New Regent Street Walk

Stroll through the historic New Regent Street full of colorful Spanish Mission-style architecture and boutique shops.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Monday Room

Enjoy a modern New Zealand lunch menu featuring seasonal, fresh ingredients in a trendy setting.
NZD40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Quake City

Learn about the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and the city’s rebuilding efforts at this informative museum.
NZD17, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at New Brighton Pier

Take a short drive to New Brighton Beach and enjoy a relaxing walk along the iconic pier with ocean views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dux Dine

Experience innovative New Zealand cuisine at this stylish restaurant with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Arthur's Pass

Christchurch / Arthur's Pass, New Zealand on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to fuel up for the mountain day trip.
NZD15, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Arthur’s Pass National Park

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive into the Southern Alps, crossing mountain passes and stopping at lookout points.
NZD60 fuel approx., 2h0m

10:00am

Hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Choose from short walks like the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall track or longer hikes like Avalanche Peak for alpine views.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Wobbly Goat Cafe

Relax at this cozy café offering hearty meals made from local ingredients, perfect after hiking.
NZD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre

Learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of the national park from helpful staff and informative displays.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Christchurch

Drive back to Christchurch to rest and prepare for next day’s travel.
Included in earlier fuel costs, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Publica

Enjoy a stylish dinner with a varied menu focusing on fresh and sustainable New Zealand dishes.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Christchurch to Wellington Travel

Christchurch / Wellington, New Zealand on June 14, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight to Wellington.
NZD15, 0h45m

7:00am

Fly Christchurch to Wellington

Take a 1.5-hour domestic flight from Christchurch to Wellington. Flights depart frequently in the morning.
NZD150, 1h30m

9:00am

Check in to hotel Wellington

Drop off your luggage and freshen up at your centrally located Wellington accommodation.
Varies, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe

Enjoy a late breakfast or brunch at Fidel’s, a popular Cuban-inspired café known for its vibe and quality food.
NZD20, 1h0m

11:30am

Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum, with interactive and culturally rich exhibits open 9am-6pm.
Free, 3h0m

3:00pm

Cable Car to Kelburn

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views and visit the Botanic Garden at the top.
NZD9, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Wellington Waterfront

Take a scenic walk along the harborfront, enjoying public art and cozy cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Experience fine dining with a focus on quality NZ produce in this elegant, award-winning restaurant.
NZD65, 2h0m
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Day 6: Wellington Culture & Nature

Wellington, New Zealand on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolate Fish Coffee

Enjoy artisan coffee and tasty breakfast options at this popular local café.
NZD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Wellington Zoo

Visit New Zealand's oldest zoo open from 9am-5pm, home to native and exotic animals with conservation programs.
NZD25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ortega Fish Shack

Dine on fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere favored by locals and visitors alike.
NZD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mount Victoria Lookout

Take a short drive or walk up to this lookout offering iconic views over Wellington city and harbor.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Explore this unique fenced sanctuary dedicated to restoring native wildlife and habitats, open until 5pm.
NZD25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Floriditas

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dinner in one of Wellington’s most atmospheric restaurants located near the waterfront.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Wellington Museums and Markets

Wellington, New Zealand on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hangar

Start with industry-quality coffee and a breakfast menu featuring fresh, local produce.
NZD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Wellington Museum & City Gallery

Visit the Wellington Museum showcasing local history followed by a stop at the City Gallery, open 10am-5pm, for contemporary art.
Museum Free / City Gallery NZD10, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shed 5

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in this popular waterfront eatery with harbor views.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Cuba Street

Wander through Wellington’s most vibrant street with boutiques, cafes, street art, and music.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit the New Zealand Parliament Buildings

Take a guided tour of the Beehive and Parliament grounds; tours start at 2pm and last one hour.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Boulcott Street Bistro

Experience fine dining with innovative New Zealand cuisine in a sophisticated ambiance.
NZD60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Wellington Coastal Walks

Wellington, New Zealand on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Midnight Espresso

Enjoy excellent coffee and fresh pastries to prepare for a day outside.
NZD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Drive 20 minutes to this scenic coastal reserve to walk along the rugged coastline and see seals basking on rocks.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Scorching Bay Cafe

Relax at this beachfront café known for its fresh and tasty menu, close to the coastal walk.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Zealandia (Return if desired)

Option to revisit Zealandia for more wildlife viewing or explore Wellington city center.
NZD25 (optional), 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest at your accommodation before evening activities.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack (Repeat Visit)

Revisit this beloved seafood restaurant for a relaxed dinner featuring local catches.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Wellington Film & Local Flavors

Wellington, New Zealand on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Palate Restaurant

Enjoy a refined breakfast with locally sourced ingredients to start your last full day in Wellington.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Weta Workshop Tour

Take a guided tour of the famous Weta Workshop, known for its film effects and props in movies like Lord of the Rings, open 9am-5pm.
NZD60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Olive

Enjoy a well-curated menu with Mediterranean influences in a cozy setting.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk through Botanical Garden

Enjoy a calm walk through Wellington’s native and exotic plant collections in the Botanical Garden.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore local craft breweries

Visit several craft breweries like Garage Project or Tuatara Brewery with tastings and tours available in the afternoon.
NZD20-30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown (Repeat Visit)

Celebrate your last evening with an elegant dinner featuring New Zealand’s best ingredients.
NZD65, 2h0m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Wellington, New Zealand on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a relaxed breakfast reflecting on your New Zealand trip before departure.
NZD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Check out and travel to Wellington Airport

Allow enough time for airport transfer to catch morning flights.
NZD30 taxi approx., 1h0m
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