12 Days of Scenic Beauty and Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with an exhilarating experience at Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Experience. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate through narrow canyons at high speeds. This thrilling activity is sure to wake you up! Afterward, grab breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder, known for its delicious coffee and fresh pastries.

Spend your afternoon exploring Queenstown Hill. The hike up this hill offers spectacular views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It's a moderately challenging hike but well worth it for the panoramic scenery at the top. For lunch, head to Fergburger to try one of their famous burgers.

In the evening, unwind with a visit to Kiwi Birdlife Park. This conservation park is home to various native New Zealand wildlife, including the iconic kiwi bird. It's a great place for some peaceful evening photography. For dinner, dine at Rata, which offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a stylish setting.

Depart from Queenstown early in the morning and drive towards Wanaka (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, start your day with a visit to Lake Wanaka. The serene lake surrounded by mountains provides an excellent backdrop for painting or photography. Enjoy breakfast at Big Fig Wanaka, known for its wholesome food.

In the afternoon, explore Mt. Aspiring National Park. This park offers numerous hiking trails that lead you through diverse landscapes including forests, rivers, and alpine meadows. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to capture stunning natural beauty on camera or canvas. For lunch, stop by Francesca's Italian Kitchen Wanaka for some delicious Italian fare.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening cruise on Lake Wanaka with the Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise. Enjoy drinks and light snacks while taking in the beautiful sunset over the lake. For dinner, head to Kika, which offers innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Start your day with a visit to Mou Waho Island 3.5-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk. This unique island in the middle of Lake Wanaka offers stunning views and a chance to see the rare Buff Weka bird. Enjoy breakfast at Relishes Cafe, known for its delicious coffee and fresh pastries.

In the afternoon, take part in the Wanaka Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing. This scenic flight will give you unparalleled aerial views of Mt. Aspiring and its surrounding glaciers - perfect for photography enthusiasts! For lunch, dine at The Spice Room, which offers flavorful Indian cuisine.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at Wanaka Waterfall Climb and Canyon Tour. This guided tour will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, providing ample opportunities for photography. For dinner, head to Bistro Gentil, which offers innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook (approximately 2 hours). Start your day by exploring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. The park is home to New Zealand's highest peak and offers numerous trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Capture breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers as you hike through this pristine landscape.

In the afternoon, take part in an unforgettable experience with a scenic flight over Mount Cook via helicopter or ski plane (Mount Cook 55-Minute Scenic Flight in Helicopter or Ski Plane). This flight will give you unparalleled aerial views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and its surrounding glaciers - perfect for photography enthusiasts! Enjoy lunch at one of Mount Cook Village’s eateries such as The Old Mountaineers' Cafe which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.

Spend your evening stargazing in one of New Zealand’s best dark sky reserves (Lake Tekapo Stargazing Experience). Drive from Mount Cook Village towards Lake Tekapo (approximately 1 hour) where you'll join an expert guide who will help you explore constellations using telescopes under crystal-clear skies – an awe-inspiring way to end your day.

Mount Cook 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike is an excellent way to start your day. This guided tour takes you on a helicopter ride over Tasman Glacier followed by a hike on the glacier itself. Enjoy breakfast at one of Mount Cook Village’s eateries such as The Old Mountaineers' Cafe which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.

Mount Cook Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight provides an opportunity to explore Mount Cook from above. Learn about the unique alpine environment while capturing some unique photographs. For lunch, pack some snacks or enjoy a meal at one of Mount Cook Village's cafes.

Lake Tekapo Stargazing Experience offers an unforgettable evening experience. This guided stargazing tour takes you through lush rainforests and past cascading waterfalls before returning via boat cruise. For dinner, dine at one of Lake Tekapo's local eateries such as Blue Lake Eatery & Bar, which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This charming stone church is set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps, making it a perfect spot for photography and painting. Enjoy breakfast at Astro Cafe, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, embark on a Lake Tekapo Scenic 4WD Cass Valley Wilderness Tour. This guided tour will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, providing ample opportunities for photography. For lunch, dine at Reflections Cafe & Restaurant, known for its delicious food and beautiful lake views.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at Lake Tekapo Stargazing Experience. Join an expert guide who will help you explore constellations using telescopes under crystal-clear skies. For dinner, head to Kohan Restaurant, which offers a delightful mix of Japanese cuisine and stunning lake views.

Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and offers breathtaking scenery. Start your day early with a hike along this track, capturing stunning vistas of mountains, valleys, and rivers. For breakfast, pack some snacks or enjoy a meal at your accommodation before heading out.

Doubtful Sound awaits you in the afternoon. Take a scenic cruise through this remote fjord, known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The cruise provides excellent opportunities for photography. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the serene beauty of Doubtful Sound.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer a magical experience to end your day. Take a guided tour through these fascinating caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms. For dinner, dine at one of Te Anau's local restaurants such as Redcliff Cafe, which offers delicious meals in a cozy setting.

Begin your day with an exhilarating adventure on the Fiordland Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau. This thrilling jet boat ride takes you across Lake Te Anau followed by a guided nature walk where you'll learn about local flora and fauna while capturing beautiful photos along the way.

In the afternoon explore more hidden gems within Fiordland National Park by taking part in{ A-Te Anau Natural Landmarks & Lord Of The Rings Location Tour[395346]}. Visit iconic filming locations used during production while enjoying spectacular scenery throughout this guided tour .For lunch stop by{ R-Sandfly Cafe}which serves up tasty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

End your day with tranquil boat ride across{ A-Lake Te Anau[13775]}on{ A-Lake Te Anau3-Hour Boat Cruise With Guided Walk[168227]}. Relax onboard while taking in stunning sunset views over surrounding mountains before disembarking for short guided walk along lakeshore .For dinner head back into town dine at{ R-The Fat Duck}known its gourmet cuisine cozy atmosphere.

Te Anau Milford Sound Bus, Cruise, Observatory, & Lunch is an excellent way to start your day. This guided tour takes you through Fiordland National Park's majestic fjords, where you'll see waterfalls, rainforests, and possibly even dolphins or seals. Enjoy breakfast on board as you soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Te Anau River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide provides an opportunity to explore Fiordland National Park from below the water's surface. Learn about the unique marine life that inhabits this area while capturing some unique photographs. For lunch, pack some snacks or enjoy a meal at one of Te Anau's cafes.

Fiordland Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau offers an unforgettable evening experience. This guided hike takes you through lush rainforests and past cascading waterfalls before returning via boat cruise. For dinner, dine at one of Te Anau's local eateries such as The Fat Duck, which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran is an excellent way to start your day. This cruise takes you through Milford Sound's majestic fjords, where you'll see waterfalls, rainforests, and possibly even dolphins or seals. Enjoy breakfast on board as you soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory (Milford Sound Observatory) provides an opportunity to explore Milford Sound from below the water's surface. Learn about the unique marine life that inhabits this area while capturing some unique photographs. For lunch, pack some snacks or enjoy a meal at one of Milford Sound's cafes.

Milford Track Full Day Guided Hike and Nature Cruise offers an unforgettable evening experience. This guided hike takes you through lush rainforests and past cascading waterfalls before returning via boat cruise. For dinner, dine at one of Milford Sound's local eateries such as Pio Pio Restaurant, which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.

{ A-Milford Sound Nature Cruise on Modern Catamaran[188550]}is excellent way start your day .This cruise takes through Milford Sound’s majestic fjords ,where you'll see waterfalls ,rainforests ,and possibly even dolphins or seals .Enjoy breakfast board as soak breathtaking scenery .

{ A-Milford Discovery Centre Underwater Observatory (Milford Sound Observatory)[23986]}provides opportunity explore Milford Sound from below water’s surface .Learn about unique marine life that inhabits this area while capturing some unique photographs .For lunch pack some snacks or enjoy meal one Milford Sound’s cafes .

{ A-Milford Track Full Day Guided Hike Nature Cruise[109054]}offers unforgettable evening experience .This guided hike takes through lush rainforests past cascading waterfalls before returning via boat cruise .For dinner dine one Milford Sound’s local eateries such{ R-Pio Pio Restaurant}which offers hearty meals amidst stunning surroundings.