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Ultimate South Island Adventure in 11 Days Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

City Exploration and Botanic Gardens

Morning

Start your South Island adventure by exploring the vibrant city of Christchurch. Begin with a delightful breakfast at C1 Espresso, known for its unique pneumatic food delivery system. After breakfast, take a leisurely punt along the Avon River to admire the city's stunning botanical beauty.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to the iconic The Curator's House, a historic restaurant offering a fine dining experience. Spend the afternoon visiting the innovative and interactive Quake City to learn about the city's resilience after the earthquakes. Take a walk around the city center to see the street art and the Cardboard Cathedral.

Evening

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Smash Palace, a quirky bar and food truck hub with a unique atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant New Regent Street and pop into the local bars for a drink.

Bedtime

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French-Inspired Seaside Charm

Morning

Embark on a scenic drive to the charming town of Akaroa, known for its French influence and stunning harbor. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Little Bistro, a cozy restaurant with a focus on local produce. Explore the town's art galleries, boutique shops, and the historic lighthouse.

Afternoon

For lunch, savor the fresh seafood at The Trading Rooms Restaurant & Pantry. In the afternoon, take a harbor cruise to see the local wildlife, including the rare Hector's dolphins. After the cruise, relax at the beach or take a kayak out on the water.

Evening

Indulge in a romantic dinner at Vangionis Trattoria, a family-run Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. Enjoy a glass of local wine as you watch the sunset over the harbor.

Bedtime

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Turquoise Waters and Stargazing

Morning

Travel to the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Greedy Cow, a cozy cafe with a view of the lake.

Afternoon

Visit the Mt. John Observatory for a unique stargazing experience. Enjoy a guided tour of the observatory and learn about the southern night sky. For lunch, try the delicious pies at The Run 76.

Evening

Have a special dinner at Peppers Bluewater Resort, where you can enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. After dinner, take a quiet walk along the lakefront and admire the starlit sky.

Bedtime

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Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park Exploration

Morning

Journey to the majestic Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak. Start your day with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps with Mt. Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters.

Afternoon

After the flight, have a well-deserved lunch at the The Old Mountaineers' Cafe, Bar and Restaurant, a historic alpine retreat. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the many trails in the national park, such as the Hooker Valley Track.

Evening

Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Hermitage Hotel Panorama Room, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If the weather permits, take a guided stargazing tour to witness the clear southern skies.

Bedtime

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Adventure Capital of the World

Morning

Arrive in the adrenaline-pumping town of Queenstown and start your day with a thrilling jet boat ride with KJet Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu.

Afternoon

For lunch, try the famous Fergburger at Fergburger, a must-visit in Queenstown. In the afternoon, take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge for panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Evening

Dine at the award-winning Rātā Restaurant, known for its innovative New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Queenstown.

Bedtime

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4.00
Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge
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Scenic Drive and Dart River Adventure

Morning

Take a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Glenorchy, stopping at the viewpoints along the way to capture the beauty of the landscapes. Have a relaxed breakfast at The Trading Post, a charming cafe in the heart of Glenorchy.

Afternoon

Embark on a Dart River jet boat safari with Dart River Adventures to explore the untouched wilderness of the Dart River. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the stunning surroundings of Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Evening

Return to Queenstown for dinner at Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, a renowned winery restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Savor the stunning views of Lake Hayes as you enjoy a fine dining experience.

Bedtime

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5.00
Dart River Adventures
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Gateway to Fiordland National Park

Morning

Travel to the scenic town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Start your day with a cruise on the serene Lake Te Anau to the Glowworm Caves.

Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Fat Duck, a cozy restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood. In the afternoon, explore the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and take a nature walk along the lakefront.

Evening

Dine at La Dolce Vita, a family-run Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the lake and enjoy the tranquility of the evening.

Bedtime

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Cruise and Waterfalls

Morning

Embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Milford Sound, known for its dramatic fjords and waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at the Eglinton Valley, with its towering peaks and ancient forests.

Afternoon

Take a cruise on the pristine waters of Milford Sound with Real Journeys to see the iconic Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board as you marvel at the beauty of the fiord.

Evening

Return to Te Anau for a relaxed dinner at The Ranch Bar & Grill, a western-themed restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. After dinner, take a short walk to the Te Anau Glowworms and experience the magical glowworms in their natural habitat.

Bedtime

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4.66
Real Journeys
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Scottish Heritage and Wildlife

Morning

Explore the charming city of Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage and wildlife. Start your day with a visit to the Otago Peninsula to see the albatross and penguin colonies.

Afternoon

For lunch, enjoy the fresh seafood at Fleur's Place, a renowned restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand.

Evening

Dine at Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant, a sophisticated eatery with an extensive wine list. After dinner, take a walk through the historic streets of Dunedin and admire the Victorian architecture.

Bedtime

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4.83
Otago Peninsula
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Victorian Architecture and Blue Penguins

Morning

Visit the town of Oamaru, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Start your day with a visit to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony to see the smallest penguins in the world return from their day at sea.

Afternoon

For lunch, try the local delicacy, the Riverstone Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on fresh produce. In the afternoon, explore the Oamaru Victorian Precinct and visit the various artisan shops and galleries.

Evening

Dine at Scotts Brewing Co., a craft brewery and restaurant known for its innovative beers and delicious food. After dinner, take a stroll along the Oamaru Harbour and watch the sunset over the water.

Bedtime

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Farewell to the South Island

Morning

Spend your last morning in the South Island exploring the vibrant city of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre to learn about the continent of Antarctica and experience a simulated storm.

Afternoon

For lunch, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Pedal Pusher, a gastropub with a focus on craft beer. After lunch, take a leisurely punt on the Avon River or visit the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Evening

End your South Island adventure with a farewell dinner at Corogate Cafe, a local favorite known for its hearty New Zealand cuisine. Raise a glass to the memories made on this unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the South Island.

Bedtime

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