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Ultimate 22-Day South Island Adventure in New Zealand

Ultimate 22-Day South Island Adventure in New Zealand Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

City Exploration and Botanic Gardens

Morning
Start your South Island adventure by exploring the vibrant city of Christchurch. Visit the iconic Christchurch Botanic Gardens and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to the popular The Curator's House for a delightful meal in a historic setting. Afterward, take a punt ride on the Avon River for a unique perspective of the city.
Evening
Enjoy a fine dining experience at Pescatore with panoramic views of the city. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Cathedral Square.
Bedtime
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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Cathedral Square

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Whale Watching and Seafood Delights

Morning
Embark on a memorable Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Afternoon
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at The Whaler's Inn overlooking the ocean. Afterward, take a scenic walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.
Evening
For dinner, savor the local flavors at The Craypot and try the famous crayfish. End the day with a relaxing drink at The Pier Hotel.
Bedtime
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Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour

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Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

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Wine Tasting in Marlborough

Morning
Take a scenic drive to the Marlborough region, known for its world-class wineries. Start your day with a Breakfast at Cloudy Bay Vineyards and enjoy the stunning vineyard views.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon wine tasting at Marlborough Vineyards. Visit iconic wineries like Brancott Estate and Cloudy Bay.
Evening
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Arusi Persian Restaurant in Blenheim, offering a unique culinary experience. Relax and unwind at The Gables with a selection of local wines.
Bedtime
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Marlborough Vineyards

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Cloudy Bay

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Art and Nature in Nelson

Morning
Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene in Nelson. Visit the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum for a unique display of art and fashion.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery for a taste of the local seafood. Afterward, take a leisurely walk in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Evening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Boat Shed Cafe & Restaurant overlooking the water. End the day with a visit to the Founders Heritage Park.
Bedtime
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Abel Tasman National Park

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Founders Heritage Park

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Pancake Rocks and Heritage Sites

Morning
Journey to the West Coast and visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. Marvel at the unique rock formations and the powerful blowholes.
Afternoon
For lunch, stop at The Star Tavern for a classic pub meal. Explore the Shantytown Heritage Park to learn about the region's gold mining history.
Evening
Dine at The Bay House in Tauranga Bay and enjoy a meal with ocean views. Relax at the Coaltown Museum and learn about the coal mining heritage of the area.
Bedtime
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Shantytown Heritage Park

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Coaltown Museum

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Glacier Adventure in Franz Josef

Morning
Embark on a Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the ice.
Afternoon
After the hike, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at The Landing Bar & Restaurant in Franz Josef. Take a short walk to the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint.
Evening
Relax at the Monsoon Bar & Restaurant and savor a blend of Asian and European cuisine. End the day with a soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.
Bedtime
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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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Franz Josef Glacier

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Adventure Capital of the World

Morning
Arrive in the adrenaline-pumping town of Queenstown. Start your day with a scenic Milford Sound Cruise.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the famous Fergburger at Fergburger. Explore the Skyline Queenstown and enjoy panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Evening
Dine at the award-winning Rata Dining for a taste of New Zealand cuisine. Take a leisurely walk along the Queenstown Gardens.
Bedtime
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Skyline Queenstown

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Thrills and Views in Queenstown

Morning
Experience the ultimate thrill with a Nevis Bungy Jump or Shotover Jet Boat Ride.
Afternoon
Enjoy a casual lunch at The Bathhouse on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Take a Dart River Wilderness Jet safari in the stunning Mt Aspiring National Park.
Evening
Dine at the iconic Skyline Restaurant and enjoy a buffet dinner with a view. End the day with a drink at The Bunker Restaurant & Bar.
Bedtime
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Shotover Jet Boat Ride

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Gateway to Fiordland

Morning
Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Take a Glowworm Cave Tour in the Te Anau Caves.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Fat Duck in Te Anau. Explore the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and take a walk along the lakefront.
Evening
Dine at La Dolce Vita for authentic Italian cuisine. Relax at the Fiordland Cinema and watch a film about the local area.
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Scottish Heritage and Wildlife

Morning
Explore the city of Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage. Visit the Larnach Castle and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the seafood chowder at Fleur's Place in Moeraki. Take a Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour to see albatross, seals, and penguins.
Evening
Dine at Plato in Dunedin for a modern New Zealand dining experience. Take a walk in the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Bedtime
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Victorian Architecture and Blue Penguins

Morning
Explore the historic town of Oamaru, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
Afternoon
Enjoy a light lunch at Star and Garter in Oamaru. Visit the Steampunk HQ and immerse yourself in the quirky world of steampunk.
Evening
Dine at Riverstone Kitchen in nearby Waitaki and savor a farm-to-table dining experience. End the day with a walk along the Oamaru Harbour.
Bedtime
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Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

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Oamaru Harbour

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Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Morning
Travel to the stunning Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Take a walk along the lakefront and enjoy the turquoise waters.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the famous Tekapo Springs overlooking the lake. Visit the Mt John Observatory for panoramic views and a glimpse of the southern night sky.
Evening
Indulge in a special dinner at Peppers Bluewater Resort and enjoy the serenity of the lake. Join a Earth and Sky Stargazing Tour for a memorable night under the stars.
Bedtime
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Church of the Good Shepherd

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Mt John Observatory

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Hiking and Alpine Beauty

Morning
Journey to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak. Embark on a Hooker Valley Track for stunning views of the mountains.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Take a Tasman Glacier Explorer Cruise to see the glacier up close.
Evening
Dine at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a meal with a view of the mountains. Relax in the Hot Tubs at Tekapo Springs.
Bedtime
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Lakeside Serenity and Adventure

Morning
Travel to the picturesque town of Wanaka. Visit the Puzzling World for a fun and interactive experience.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the wood-fired pizzas at The Cow Pizza and Spaghetti House. Take a Roys Peak Track for panoramic views of Lake Wanaka.
Evening
Dine at Ode Conscious Dining for a unique plant-based culinary experience. Take a leisurely walk along the Wanaka Tree.
Bedtime
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Puzzling World

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Wanaka Tree

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Remarkables and Bungy Jumps

Morning
Return to Queenstown and take a Remarkables Scenic Drive for breathtaking views of the mountain range.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the gourmet burgers at Erik's Fish and Chips. Experience the Nevis Swing, the highest swing in the world.
Evening
Dine at The Grille by Eichardt's for a luxurious dining experience. Enjoy a cocktail at The Bunker and take in the views of Lake Wakatipu.
Bedtime
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Nevis Swing

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Majestic Milford Sound

Morning
Embark on a Milford Track Guided Day Walk for a taste of New Zealand's most famous Great Walk.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Take a Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and marvel at the waterfalls and wildlife.
Evening
Dine at the Fiordland Lodge for a gourmet meal overlooking Lake Te Anau. Relax in the lodge's hot tubs and enjoy the starry night sky.
Bedtime
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Milford Track Guided Day Walk

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Historic Larnach Castle and Wildlife

Morning
Return to Dunedin and visit the Otago Museum for a glimpse into the region's natural and cultural history.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the artisanal dishes at Vogel Street Kitchen. Explore the Dunedin Street Art Trail and visit the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
Evening
Dine at The Press Club for a modern Greek dining experience. Take a Yellow-Eyed Penguin Tour to see these rare and endangered birds.
Bedtime
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Steampunk and Blue Penguins

Morning
Return to Oamaru and visit the Oamaru Steam Punk HQ for a quirky and creative experience.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the local specialties at Restaurant Cucina. Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony for a guided tour.
Evening
Dine at Riverstone Kitchen and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience. Take a walk along the Oamaru Harbour.
Bedtime
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Final Day in the Garden City

Morning
Return to Christchurch and visit the International Antarctic Centre for a unique polar experience.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the innovative cuisine at Roots Restaurant. Take a TranzAlpine Train Journey for stunning views of the Southern Alps.
Evening
Dine at The Monday Room for a relaxed and intimate dining experience. Take a walk in the Botanic Gardens.
Bedtime
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French-Inspired Delights and Dolphin Encounters

Morning
Travel to the charming town of Akaroa, known for its French influence. Take a Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise to see the Hector's dolphins.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Little Bistro with a view of the harbor. Explore the Akaroa Museum and the Giant's House.
Evening
Dine at Harbar Beach Bar & Kitchen for a taste of local seafood. Take a sunset walk along the Akaroa Beach.
Bedtime
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Relaxation in the Alpine Village

Morning
Travel to Hanmer Springs, a picturesque alpine village known for its hot springs. Spend the morning relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Afternoon
Enjoy a light lunch at The Powerhouse Cafe in the village. Take a Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Ride for a thrilling experience on the Waiau River.
Evening
Dine at Monteith's Brewery Bar and enjoy a selection of craft beers. Take a leisurely walk in the Hanmer Forest.
Bedtime
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Farewell to the South Island

Morning
Spend your last morning in Christchurch visiting the Quake City Museum to learn about the earthquakes that have shaped the city.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the seasonal menu at 27 Steps. Take a leisurely punt ride on the Avon River for a final farewell to the South Island.
Evening
Dine at Curators House Restaurant for a fine dining experience in a historic setting. Reflect on your South Island adventure and prepare for your journey home.
Bedtime
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