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South Island New Zealand 22-Day Drive Itinerary

South Island New Zealand 22-Day Drive Itinerary Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

City Introduction and Culinary Delights

Morning

Start your South Island adventure with a hearty breakfast at The Ranch Bar & Grill, known for its farm-fresh ingredients. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens, admiring the diverse flora and fauna.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to The Landing Restaurant & Bar and savor their signature seafood dishes with a view of the Avon River. Spend your afternoon exploring the innovative architecture of the Cardboard Cathedral (Christchurch Transitional Cathedral), a symbol of the city's resilience after the earthquake.

Evening

Dine at The Foredeck Restaurant, where you can enjoy a fine meal while watching the sun set over the Port Hills. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the Cashel Street Re:START Mall, an outdoor retail space with a vibrant atmosphere.

Bedtime

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4.49
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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4.06
Cashel Street Re:START Mall
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Historic Tram Ride and Cultural Exploration

Morning

Enjoy a classic Christchurch experience with breakfast at Redcliff Cafe, followed by a ride on the Christchurch Tramway. Hop on and off at various stops to explore the city's iconic landmarks and attractions.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to Blue Lake Eatery & Bar and indulge in their gourmet burgers. Spend your afternoon immersing yourself in the rich history of the region at the Canterbury Museum, home to a wide range of exhibits and collections.

Evening

Dine at Railway Tavern Rakaia, a charming restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, take a relaxing evening walk along the New Brighton Beach, listening to the sound of the waves.

Bedtime

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4.97
Christchurch Tramway
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4.49
Canterbury Museum
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Day Trip to Hanmer Springs

Morning

Start your day with a scenic drive to Hanmer Springs, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating morning at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Take your time to relax and soak in the natural hot springs.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Stadium Tavern and try their delicious pub-style dishes. Afterward, explore the surrounding area with a walk through the Hanmer Forest, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Evening

Head back to Christchurch and have dinner at Yonder, a vibrant eatery with a focus on local and seasonal produce. End your evening with a live music performance at the Blue Smoke, a popular venue for both local and international acts.

Bedtime

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4.59
Hanmer Springs
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4.59
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
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Wildlife Encounters and Conservation Efforts

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Clink Restaurant & Bar before embarking on a journey to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Spend your morning observing and learning about New Zealand's native wildlife, including the iconic kiwi bird.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to Giants Bar & Restaurant and enjoy a meal with a view of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, visit the Orana Wildlife Park, where you can see a wide range of exotic animals and learn about the park's conservation efforts.

Evening

Dine at Paulina's Bar, known for its relaxed atmosphere and innovative cocktails. After dinner, take a guided evening tour to Ko Tāne, an interactive Māori cultural experience where you can learn about the traditions and history of the indigenous people.

Bedtime

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4.64
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
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4.72
Orana Wildlife Park
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Day Trip to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Morning

Start your day with a drive to the charming town of Akaroa, nestled in the heart of the Banks Peninsula. Enjoy breakfast at Portobello Hotel & Bistro before exploring the town's French-inspired architecture and the beautiful Akaroa Harbour.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit True South Dining Room and indulge in their gourmet cuisine with a view of the Southern Alps. Afterward, take a nature cruise to see the local wildlife, including the rare Hector's dolphins.

Evening

Return to Christchurch and have dinner at Monteith's Brewery, where you can pair your meal with a selection of their award-winning craft beers. End your evening with a leisurely walk around the Sumner Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of the waves.

Bedtime

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4.49
Akaroa
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Sumner Beach
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Culinary Tour of the Canterbury Plains

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Christchurch Farmers' Market, where you can sample and purchase a wide range of local produce and artisanal products. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon

Take a scenic drive through the Canterbury Plains, stopping at Geraldine for lunch at The Green Man at Peel Forest. Afterward, continue to Burkes Pass and explore the historic buildings and stunning alpine scenery.

Evening

Return to Christchurch and dine at The Old Vicarage, a restaurant housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. Enjoy a meal that celebrates the best of Canterbury's produce and culinary traditions.

Bedtime

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4.51
Geraldine
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4.29
Burkes Pass
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Day of Relaxation and Reflection

Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Bicycle Thief, a popular spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and great coffee. Afterward, take a morning walk around the tranquil Riccarton House and Bush, a historic homestead set in beautiful gardens.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to The Monday Room, a stylish eatery with a menu that showcases the best of local and seasonal produce. Spend your afternoon at the Quail Island, a short ferry ride from Christchurch, where you can explore the island's walking tracks and historic sites.

Evening

Dine at The Tannery, a unique dining and shopping destination housed in a beautifully restored industrial building. After dinner, catch a performance at The Court Theatre, one of New Zealand's premier professional theatre companies.

Bedtime

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Day Trip to Arthur's Pass National Park

Morning

Start your day with a drive to Arthur's Pass National Park, one of the most stunning alpine regions in New Zealand. Enjoy breakfast at The Bealey Hotel before embarking on a morning of hiking and exploring the park's diverse landscapes.

Afternoon

For lunch, stop at The Wobbly Kea Cafe & Bar and refuel with a hearty meal. Afterward, visit the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall and take a short walk to witness the impressive cascade.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Castle Hill, a unique rock formation that has become a popular spot for climbers and photographers. Enjoy the otherworldly landscape as the sun sets, and then have dinner at The Blue Pub, a cozy establishment with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Bedtime

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4.77
Arthur's Pass National Park
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4.00
Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall
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Day of Art and Culture

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Brown Pub, a historic establishment in the heart of Methven. Afterward, visit the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru, where you can explore one of New Zealand's most important public art collections.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to The Oxford Workingmen's Club, a local favorite with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that caters to all tastes. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pleasant Point Museum and Railway, where you can learn about the region's railway history and explore the museum's collection of vintage vehicles and machinery.

Evening

Dine at The Old Bank Restaurant & Bar in Timaru, housed in a beautifully restored bank building. Enjoy a meal that combines classic dishes with innovative flavors, and then take a leisurely evening walk around the Caroline Bay, known for its beautiful gardens and sandy beach.

Bedtime

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4.66
Caroline Bay
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Day Trip to the Banks Peninsula

Morning

Start your day with a drive to the Banks Peninsula, and enjoy breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa. Afterward, take a guided kayak tour with Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris, where you can explore the stunning coastline and encounter the local marine wildlife.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pohatu Penguins, where you can join a tour to see the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Barrys Bay Cheese and The SiloStay in Little River. Sample some of the region's finest cheeses and explore the unique accommodation made from repurposed grain silos. End your day with dinner at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.83
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris
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Day of Gardens and Galleries

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then spend your morning exploring the town's charming streets and boutiques. Visit the Akaroa Museum to learn about the area's history, and then take a stroll through the Akaroa Lighthouse reserve for panoramic views of the harbor.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to The Hilltop Tavern and enjoy a meal with stunning views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pohatu Penguins, where you can join a tour to see the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Barrys Bay Cheese and The SiloStay in Little River. Sample some of the region's finest cheeses and explore the unique accommodation made from repurposed grain silos. End your day with dinner at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.11
Akaroa Museum
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4.21
Akaroa Lighthouse
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Day Trip to the Waimakariri River

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to the Akaroa Farmers Market to sample and purchase a variety of local produce and artisanal products. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Waimakariri River, where you can enjoy a morning of fishing or birdwatching.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a leisurely drive along the Inland Scenic Route 72, stopping at the Cheviot Hills and Gore Bay for some stunning coastal views.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before returning to the city.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.69
Akaroa Farmers Market
Book Now

4.38
Waimakariri River
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Day of Adventure and Adrenaline

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris for a morning of paddling and exploring the stunning coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pohatu Penguins, where you can join a tour to see the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Barrys Bay Cheese and The SiloStay in Little River. Sample some of the region's finest cheeses and explore the unique accommodation made from repurposed grain silos. End your day with dinner at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.83
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris
Book Now

Day Trip to the Southern Alps

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to the Akaroa Farmers Market to sample and purchase a variety of local produce and artisanal products. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Waimakariri River, where you can enjoy a morning of fishing or birdwatching.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a leisurely drive along the Inland Scenic Route 72, stopping at the Cheviot Hills and Gore Bay for some stunning coastal views.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before returning to the city.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.69
Akaroa Farmers Market
Book Now

4.38
Waimakariri River
Book Now

Day of Exploration and Discovery

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris for a morning of paddling and exploring the stunning coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pohatu Penguins, where you can join a tour to see the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Barrys Bay Cheese and The SiloStay in Little River. Sample some of the region's finest cheeses and explore the unique accommodation made from repurposed grain silos. End your day with dinner at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.83
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris
Book Now

Day Trip to the Southern Alps

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to the Akaroa Farmers Market to sample and purchase a variety of local produce and artisanal products. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Waimakariri River, where you can enjoy a morning of fishing or birdwatching.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a leisurely drive along the Inland Scenic Route 72, stopping at the Cheviot Hills and Gore Bay for some stunning coastal views.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before returning to the city.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.69
Akaroa Farmers Market
Book Now

4.38
Waimakariri River
Book Now

Day of Exploration and Discovery

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris for a morning of paddling and exploring the stunning coastline. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Pohatu Penguins, where you can join a tour to see the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at Barrys Bay Cheese and The SiloStay in Little River. Sample some of the region's finest cheeses and explore the unique accommodation made from repurposed grain silos. End your day with dinner at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.83
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safaris
Book Now

Day Trip to the Southern Alps

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaroa, and then head to the Akaroa Farmers Market to sample and purchase a variety of local produce and artisanal products. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Waimakariri River, where you can enjoy a morning of fishing or birdwatching.

Afternoon

For lunch, visit The Hilltop Tavern and savor a meal with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and bays. Afterward, take a leisurely drive along the Inland Scenic Route 72, stopping at the Cheviot Hills and Gore Bay for some stunning coastal views.

Evening

As you head back to Christchurch, stop at The Laboratory, a popular spot in Lincoln known for its craft beers and innovative cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before returning to the city.

Bedtime

Find amazing hotels in Christchurch.

4.69
Akaroa Farmers Market
Book Now

4.38
Waimakariri River
Book Now

Day of Exploration and Discovery

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at The Little Bistro in Akaro

Afternoon

Evening

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