21 day itinerary
New Zealand South Isksnd
Personalized with:Include easy to moderate hiking trails, Include cultural activities Build it for car travelInclude highly rated accommodations Include highly rated restaurants
Itinerary
New Zealand's South Island is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delightful culinary experiences. Buckle up for an exciting 21-day itinerary that balances easy to moderate hikes, cultural activities, and some of the best accommodations and dining options. Let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrive in
- Accommodation: The George Hotel (luxury, centrally located)
- Dining: Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar (great for dinner)
- Activity: Explore the Botanic Gardens and take a stroll along the Avon River. Visit the Canterbury Museum for a taste of local culture.
Day 2: to
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Accommodation: Village Inn
- Dining: The Little Bistro (highly rated for dinner)
- Activity: Enjoy a harbor cruise to see the Hector's dolphins. Take a short hike on the Heritage Walk.
Day 3: to
- Drive: 3 hours
- Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Resort
- Dining: Mackenzies Café Bar & Grill
- Activity: Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and take a leisurely walk along the lake. Stargazing at night is a must!
Day 4: to
- Drive: 1 hour
- Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel
- Dining: The Panorama Room (great views!)
- Activity: Hike the Hooker Valley Track (3-4 hours, easy to moderate). Enjoy the stunning views of Aoraki/.
Day 5: to
- Drive: 2.5 hours
- Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel
- Dining: Bistro Gentil
- Activity: Stop at the Tasman Glacier for a short walk. In , take a stroll around the lake and visit the famous Tree.
Day 6:
- Activity: Hike the Roys Peak Track (moderate, 5-6 hours). The views are absolutely worth it!
- Dining: The Cow Pizza & Spaghetti House (casual and cozy)
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local shops.
Day 7: to
- Drive: 1 hour
- Accommodation: The Rees Hotel
- Dining: Rātā (fine dining)
- Activity: Explore ’s vibrant waterfront and take the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views.
Day 8:
- Activity: Take a day trip to (consider a scenic flight for a unique perspective). Enjoy a cruise on the sound.
- Dining: The Boatshed Café (great for lunch)
- Evening: Return to for a relaxed dinner at your hotel.
Day 9:
- Activity: Hike the Ben Lomond Track (moderate, 6-8 hours). Alternatively, try the Hill Time Walk for a shorter option.
- Dining: Botswana Butchery (excellent for dinner)
- Evening: Enjoy the nightlife or a quiet evening by the lake.
Day 10: to
- Drive: 2 hours
- Accommodation: Distinction Hotel & Villas
- Dining: Redcliff Café
- Activity: Explore and take a short walk to the Glowworm Caves.
Day 11: to
- Activity: Hike the Kepler Track (choose a section for an easy to moderate hike).
- Dining: The Fat Duck (great for dinner)
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation.
Day 12: to
- Drive: 3.5 hours
- Accommodation: Larnach Castle (unique experience)
- Dining: The Esplanade (great seafood)
- Activity: Visit the Otago Peninsula for wildlife spotting (albatross, seals).
Day 13:
- Activity: Explore the city’s Scottish heritage. Visit the Railway Station and the Otago Museum.
- Dining: The Press Club (highly rated)
- Evening: Take a stroll through the beautiful Botanic Garden.
Day 14: to
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Accommodation: Blue Penguin Colony
- Dining: The Last Post (great for lunch)
- Activity: Explore the Victorian Precinct and visit the blue penguin colony in the evening.
Day 15: to
- Drive: 2 hours
- Accommodation: The George Hotel
- Dining: The Monday Room
- Activity: Visit the International Antarctic Centre for a unique experience.
Day 16: to
- Drive: 2 hours
- Accommodation: Alpine Motel
- Dining: The Wobbly Kea (casual dining)
- Activity: Hike the Devil's Punchbowl Track (easy, 1-2 hours).
Day 17: to
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel
- Dining: The Sandwich Company
- Activity: Visit the Gorge for a short walk and stunning views.
Day 18: to Franz Josef
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Dining: The Landing Restaurant
- Activity: Take a guided walk on the (easy to moderate).
Day 19: Franz Josef to
- Drive: 3.5 hours
- Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel
- Dining: The Spice Room (great Indian cuisine)
- Activity: Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Day 20: to
- Drive: 1 hour
- Accommodation: The Rees Hotel
- Dining: The Bunker (intimate dining)
- Activity: Spend the day at leisure, perhaps shopping or enjoying a spa day.
Day 21: Depart from
- Activity: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final stroll around the lake or visit any last-minute attractions.
- Dining: Grab a farewell brunch at Vudu Café & Larder before heading to the airport.
And there you have it! A delightful 21-day adventure through the South Island of New Zealand, filled with breathtaking hikes, cultural experiences, and delicious dining. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✨