Ultimate 12-Day South Island Self-Drive Adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown Itinerary

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at The Monday Room, a popular spot for its cozy ambiance. After breakfast, experience the charm of the city with a ride on the Christchurch Tram.

For lunch, head to 27 Steps Bistro & Bar and enjoy a relaxed dining experience. In the afternoon, visit the Orana Wildlife Park for a unique opportunity to see and interact with a variety of animals.

Conclude your day with a memorable dinner at Inati, a restaurant known for its modern New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the Avon River.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Lotus-Heart Vegetarian Restaurant, known for its organic and vegetarian dishes. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the wonders of the Antarctic at the International Antarctic Centre.

For lunch, head to Town Tonic and enjoy a meal made from locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, take a relaxing Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo.

Dine at Saggio di vino, a restaurant offering a fine selection of wines to complement its Italian cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll in the vibrant Cashel Street precinct.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bessie, known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu. After breakfast, embark on a From Christchurch Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Pescatore Restaurant, known for its innovative and elegant dishes. After lunch, continue your wine tasting experience in the picturesque Waipara Valley.

For dinner, savor the culinary creations at Twenty Seven Steps, a restaurant housed in a historic building. After dinner, relax and unwind at a local bar or cafe.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, known for its relaxed atmosphere. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the charming town of Akaroa, known for its French influence and stunning harbor.

Indulge in a seafood lunch at The Bicycle Thief, offering panoramic views of the Akaroa waterfront. After lunch, explore the town's art galleries, boutique shops, and the beautiful coastal scenery.

For dinner, enjoy a taste of Italy at Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the waterfront.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Dux Central - The Brewery Floor and Brew Bar, a historic building with a modern twist. After breakfast, board the iconic TranzAlpine Train for a scenic journey through the Southern Alps.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning alpine scenery of Arthur's Pass National Park. After lunch, take a guided walk to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Return to Christchurch in the evening and dine at King of Snake, a restaurant known for its contemporary Asian cuisine. After dinner, relax and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Cook 'N' With Gas, a popular spot for its hearty meals. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Hanmer Springs, a picturesque alpine village known for its thermal pools and spa.

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the rejuvenating thermal waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. After your spa experience, enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding forest.

For dinner, savor the flavors of local cuisine at 27 Steps Bistro & Bar, known for its seasonal menu and warm hospitality. After dinner, stargaze in the clear night sky before retiring to your accommodation.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bacon Bros, a popular spot for its bacon-centric dishes. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Banks Peninsula, a region known for its rugged coastline and picturesque bays.

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the stunning Sumner Beach, a popular spot for surfing and beachcombing. After lunch, explore the charming town of Akaroa and take a nature cruise to spot the local wildlife.

For dinner, dine at The Lotus-Heart Vegetarian Restaurant, known for its organic and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the Akaroa waterfront.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Town Tonic, a restaurant known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu. After breakfast, embark on a From Christchurch Kaikoura Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise.

Indulge in a seafood lunch at The Bicycle Thief, offering panoramic views of the Kaikoura coastline. After lunch, visit a local seal colony and continue your wildlife spotting experience.

For dinner, savor the flavors of local cuisine at Little High Eatery, offering a variety of food options. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the Kaikoura waterfront.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bessie, known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu. After breakfast, embark on a From Christchurch Mount Cook One-Way Discovery Tour.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Pescatore Restaurant, known for its innovative and elegant dishes. After lunch, continue your journey to Mount Cook and take in the breathtaking alpine scenery.

For dinner, dine at Twenty Seven Steps, a restaurant housed in a historic building. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, with the option to stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki along the way. Arrive in Queenstown in time for a late lunch.

After checking in to your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and explore the vibrant town center. In the afternoon, take a TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour.

For dinner, dine at The Grille by Eichardt's, a restaurant known for its premium cuts of meat and stunning lake views. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at a local bar or lounge.

Start your day with an adrenaline-pumping activity such as Bungee Jumping or Skydiving. After your thrill-seeking adventure, enjoy a relaxed brunch at Vudu Cafe & Larder.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Central Otago region, known for its vineyards and stunning landscapes. Visit a local winery for a tasting and enjoy the scenic drive.

Conclude your South Island adventure with a farewell dinner at Amisfield Winery & Bistro, known for its award-winning wines and locally sourced cuisine. Raise a glass to the memories made on your journey through the heart of New Zealand.