Ultimate 16-Day South Island Adventure in New Zealand Itinerary

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast at Blue Lake Eatery & Bar. Spend your morning exploring the Mt. Cook (Aoraki) area, taking in the majestic alpine scenery and perhaps embarking on a short hike.

Have a picnic lunch by the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, admiring the reflection of the Southern Alps. Afterward, visit the Tasman Glacier (Haupapa) and witness the grandeur of New Zealand's longest glacier.

Return to Lake Tekapo and dine at The Landing Restaurant & Bar, enjoying local cuisine with a view. Cap off the night with a guided stargazing tour at the Mt. John Observatory, where you'll be amazed by the clarity of the southern skies.

Begin your day with breakfast at Giants Bar & Restaurant in Lake Tekapo. Then, take a scenic drive to Wanaka, making a stop at the iconic Mt. Sunday, also known as Edoras from "The Lord of the Rings" movie.

Arrive in Wanaka and have a leisurely lunch at The Ranch Bar & Grill. Afterward, visit the famous Puzzling World to test your perception with mind-boggling illusions and puzzles.

As the sun sets, enjoy a fine dining experience at The Bistro Gentil, where the menu is inspired by the fresh, seasonal produce of Central Otago. Pair your meal with a local wine and relax in the elegant ambiance.

Fuel up with breakfast at The Spice Room before heading to the Lake Wanaka waterfront. Choose to start your day with a tranquil kayak or paddleboard session on the crystal-clear waters.

For lunch, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas at The Cow Restaurant. Post lunch, embark on a thrilling jet boat ride with Wanaka River Journeys, exploring the pristine Matukituki Valley and learning about the area's natural and cultural history.

Dine at The Landing, a restaurant with a focus on sustainability and local produce. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront or enjoy a nightcap at one of Wanaka's cozy bars.

Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder, known for its delectable pastries and coffee. Then, take a scenic drive to the majestic Milford Sound (Piopiotahi).

Enjoy a cruise on the serene waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and the possibility of spotting local wildlife such as seals and dolphins. Have a picnic lunch on board as you soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Return to Queenstown and dine at The Grille by Eichardt's, a waterfront restaurant offering a sophisticated dining experience. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Queenstown Gardens, enjoying the evening ambiance and views of Lake Wakatipu.

Start your adrenaline-pumping day with breakfast at Jack's Point Clubhouse Restaurant, overlooking the stunning Remarkables mountain range. Then, gear up for a morning of adventure with a bungy jump at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Centre, the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping.

After the jump, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro, located by the lake in the historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office Building. Post lunch, take a scenic drive to Glenorchy, a gateway to the Fiordland National Park and the stunning landscapes of Middle-earth.

Return to Queenstown and treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at Rata Dining, owned by MasterChef judge Josh Emett. The restaurant focuses on seasonal and local produce, offering a true taste of the region. End the evening with a visit to Skyline Queenstown, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, located in a stunning vineyard setting. After breakfast, take a guided wine tour to the renowned Central Otago Wine Region, visiting multiple wineries and tasting the award-winning pinot noirs and other varietals.

Have a gourmet lunch at Peregrine Winery Restaurant, where you can pair your meal with their exceptional wines. After lunch, continue the wine tour or choose to visit the Arrowtown historic village for a stroll through its charming streets and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the fine dining at Saffron Restaurant, known for its innovative and contemporary New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take a serene cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and enjoy a farm tour and a sheepdog demonstration.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bathhouse, offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Skippers Canyon, a historic and breathtaking gorge with narrow, winding roads.

Enjoy a packed lunch from The Exchange, a local favorite, and have a picnic at the picturesque Moke Lake. Spend the afternoon hiking or simply relaxing by the tranquil waters.

Return to Queenstown and dine at The Bunker Restaurant, a hidden gem known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat at Patagonia Chocolates, where you can sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates and ice creams.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro. Then, gear up for an action-packed morning with a quad biking adventure at Off Road 4WD Queenstown, exploring the rugged backcountry and enjoying panoramic views.

After the thrill of the ride, unwind with a leisurely lunch at The Grille by Eichardt's, where you can enjoy the lakeside setting and a menu featuring the best local produce. Post lunch, take a scenic drive to Arrowtown and spend the afternoon exploring this charming historic village, known for its gold mining heritage and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious Asian fusion cuisine at Madam Woo, a popular Queenstown eatery. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Queenstown Waterfront, enjoying the evening lights and the views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro, located by the lake. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Coronet Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Wakatipu Basin. If visiting during the winter season, consider starting your day with a few runs on the ski slopes.

For lunch, head to The Exchange, a local favorite known for its innovative dishes and relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, take a leisurely drive to Skippers Canyon, a historic and breathtaking gorge with narrow, winding roads. Explore the canyon and its gold mining heritage, and be sure to stop at the famous Skippers Bridge for some memorable photos.

Dine at The Bunker Restaurant, a hidden gem known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat at Patagonia Chocolates, where you can sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates and ice creams.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, located in a stunning vineyard setting. After breakfast, embark on a guided wine tour to the renowned Central Otago Wine Region, where you'll visit multiple wineries, taste the award-winning pinot noirs, and learn about the region's viticulture.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Peregrine Winery Restaurant, where you can pair your meal with their exceptional wines. After lunch, continue the wine tour or choose to visit the Arrowtown historic village for a stroll through its charming streets and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the fine dining at Saffron Restaurant, known for its innovative and contemporary New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take a serene cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and enjoy a farm tour and a sheepdog demonstration.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro. Then, gear up for an action-packed morning with a quad biking adventure at Off Road 4WD Queenstown, exploring the rugged backcountry and enjoying panoramic views.

After the thrill of the ride, unwind with a leisurely lunch at The Grille by Eichardt's, where you can enjoy the lakeside setting and a menu featuring the best local produce. Post lunch, take a scenic drive to Arrowtown and spend the afternoon exploring this charming historic village, known for its gold mining heritage and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious Asian fusion cuisine at Madam Woo, a popular Queenstown eatery. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Queenstown Waterfront, enjoying the evening lights and the views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro, located by the lake. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Coronet Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Wakatipu Basin. If visiting during the winter season, consider starting your day with a few runs on the ski slopes.

For lunch, head to The Exchange, a local favorite known for its innovative dishes and relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, take a leisurely drive to Skippers Canyon, a historic and breathtaking gorge with narrow, winding roads. Explore the canyon and its gold mining heritage, and be sure to stop at the famous Skippers Bridge for some memorable photos.

Dine at The Bunker Restaurant, a hidden gem known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat at Patagonia Chocolates, where you can sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates and ice creams.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, located in a stunning vineyard setting. After breakfast, embark on a guided wine tour to the renowned Central Otago Wine Region, where you'll visit multiple wineries, taste the award-winning pinot noirs, and learn about the region's viticulture.

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Peregrine Winery Restaurant, where you can pair your meal with their exceptional wines. After lunch, continue the wine tour or choose to visit the Arrowtown historic village for a stroll through its charming streets and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the fine dining at Saffron Restaurant, known for its innovative and contemporary New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take a serene cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and enjoy a farm tour and a sheepdog demonstration.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro. Then, gear up for an action-packed morning with a quad biking adventure at Off Road 4WD Queenstown, exploring the rugged backcountry and enjoying panoramic views.

After the thrill of the ride, unwind with a leisurely lunch at The Grille by Eichardt's, where you can enjoy the lakeside setting and a menu featuring the best local produce. Post lunch, take a scenic drive to Arrowtown and spend the afternoon exploring this charming historic village, known for its gold mining heritage and boutique shops.

For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious Asian fusion cuisine at Madam Woo, a popular Queenstown eatery. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Queenstown Waterfront, enjoying the evening lights and the views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at The Boatshed Cafe & Bistro, located by the lake. After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Coronet Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Wakatipu Basin. If visiting during the winter season, consider starting your day with a few runs on the ski slopes.

For lunch, head to The Exchange, a local favorite known for its innovative dishes and relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, take a leisurely drive to Skippers Canyon, a historic and breathtaking gorge with narrow, winding roads. Explore the canyon and its gold mining heritage, and be sure to stop at the famous Skippers Bridge for some memorable photos.

Dine at The Bunker Restaurant, a hidden gem known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. After dinner, indulge in a sweet treat at Patagonia Chocolates, where you can sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates and ice creams.