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New Zealand South Island

Australia / New Zealand

New Zealand South Island

A 8-day island escape through New Zealand South Island, New Zealand — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.

Ideal stay
8 days
Best season
December
From
$3,480–$8,792 pp

The place

About this destination

A 8-day island escape through New Zealand South Island, New Zealand — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.

My experience

This is Rachana's own 8-day itinerary for New Zealand South Island, New Zealand — the version she'd plan for a close friend. It threads together stays she rates like The George Hotel and Peppers Bluewater Resort, a day-by-day plan, and the meals worth booking ahead. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
LuxuryBeaches & Islands

Through the lens · 6 frames

Photo journal

01

Day by day

The itinerary

  1. Day 01

    Christchurch – Urban Charm & Garden City

    • 01Explore the Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum.
    • 02Stroll along the Avon River or take a punt ride.
    • 03Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery and Quake City Museum.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Hot air ballooning over the Canterbury Plains.
    • 06Day trip to Akaroa for dolphin watching and harbor cruises.
    • 07Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 08Portershed Specialty Café & Store – 100% vegan café offering a diverse menu of Kiwi-style vegan dishes.
    • 09The Lotus-Heart – Vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a focus on organic ingredients.
    • 10Inati – Fine dining with a shared plate concept; offers vegetarian tasting menus.
    • 11Dux Dine - vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a garden setting.
    • 12Bunsen – Café located in the historic Arts Centre, offering vegetarian options.
  2. Day 02

    Lake Tekapo – Stargazing & Scenic Beauty

    • 01Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
    • 02Relax at Tekapo Springs with hot pools and spa treatments.
    • 03Explore the Lupin fields (seasonal: November–January).
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Stargazing tours at the Mount John Observatory in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
    • 06Hiking trails around Lake Tekapo and Mount John.
    • 07Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 08Astro Café – Located at the summit of Mount John, offering panoramic views and vegetarian options.
    • 09Reflections Café & Restaurant – Offers a range of vegetarian dishes with lake views.
    • 10Kohan Restaurant – Japanese cuisine with vegetarian sushi and bento boxes.
    • 11Tin Plate Kitchen & Bar – Modern eatery with vegetarian-friendly menu items.
    • 12Lake Tekapo Tavern – Casual dining with vegetarian options available.
  3. Day 03

    Aoraki/Mount Cook – Alpine Adventures

    • 01Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
    • 02Explore the Hooker Valley Track for breathtaking glacier views.
    • 03Scenic flights over the Southern Alps.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier.
    • 06Ski plane landing on the glacier.
    • 07Guided alpine walks and mountaineering experiences.
    • 08Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 09The Panorama Room – Fine dining with vegetarian options and mountain views.
    • 10The Alpine Restaurant – Buffet-style dining with a variety of vegetarian dishes.
    • 11Old Mountaineers Café – Casual dining with vegetarian-friendly menu items.
    • 12Chamois Bar & Grill – Offers vegetarian options in a relaxed setting.
    • 13Hermitage Café – Quick bites with vegetarian selections.
  4. Day 04

    Wanaka – Lakeside Leisure

    • 01Visit Puzzling World and the Wanaka Lavender Farm.
    • 02Stroll along the lakefront and see the famous Wanaka Tree.
    • 03Explore local art galleries and boutiques.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Hike Roy’s Peak for panoramic views.
    • 06Jet boating on the Clutha River.
    • 07Skydiving over Lake Wanaka.
    • 08Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 09Big Fig – Offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes with a Middle Eastern influence.
    • 10Kai Whakapai Café – Popular café with vegetarian options and lake views.
    • 11Bistro Gentil – French-inspired fine dining with vegetarian menus.
    • 12Federal Diner – Cozy spot with a range of vegetarian breakfast and lunch options.
    • 13Alchemy Café & Restaurant – Modern eatery with vegetarian-friendly dishes.
  5. Day 05

    Queenstown – Adventure Capital

    • 01Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views.
    • 02Explore Arrowtown’s historic streets.
    • 03Wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
    • 06Jet boating on the Shotover River.
    • 07Paragliding over Lake Wakatipu.
    • 08Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 09Vudu Café & Larder – Trendy café with a variety of vegetarian options.
    • 10Beside the Lake – Offers vegetarian-friendly dishes with lake views.
    • 11Rata – Fine dining by celebrity chef Josh Emett with vegetarian menus.
    • 12The Bunker – Intimate restaurant offering vegetarian tasting menus.
    • 13Yonder – Modern eatery with a focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes.
  6. Day 06

    Te Anau & Milford Sound – Fiordland Wonders

    • 01Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
    • 02Explore the Fiordland Cinema.
    • 03Stroll along the lakefront.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Cruise Milford Sound to see waterfalls and wildlife.
    • 06Kayaking in Doubtful Sound.
    • 07Hiking the Kepler or Routeburn Tracks.
    • 08Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 09Redcliff Café – Offers a range of vegetarian dishes in a cozy setting.
    • 10Sandfly Café – Popular spot with vegetarian breakfast and lunch options.
    • 11La Toscana – Italian restaurant with vegetarian pasta and pizza options.
    • 12The Fat Duck – Modern eatery offering vegetarian-friendly dishes.
    • 13Miles Better Pies – Bakery offering vegetarian pies and pastries.
  7. Day 07

    Fox Glacier – Glacial Majesty

    • 01Visit Lake Matheson for mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
    • 02Explore the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway for glacier views.
    • 03Experience the Minnehaha Walk, especially enchanting at night with glowworms.
    • 04Outdoor & Adventure
    • 05Embark on a heli-hiking adventure on Fox Glacier, exploring ice caves and formations.
    • 06Take a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier and surrounding landscapes.
    • 07Enjoy quad biking through ancient glacial pathways.
    • 08Vegetarian-Friendly Dining
    • 09Matheson Café – Offers vegetarian options with stunning views of Lake Matheson.
    • 10Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar – Provides dishes that can be made vegan, including vegetable wok, burgers, and warm salads.
    • 11The Last Kitchen – Serves a variety of dishes with vegetarian options available.
    • 12Cook Saddle Café & Saloon – Offers hearty meals with vegetarian choices in a rustic setting.
    • 13Café Nevé – Cozy café with a selection of vegetarian-friendly items.
  8. Day 08

    Kaikōura Coastal Encounters

02

Where to sleep

Hotels worth booking

Hotel · 01

The George Hotel

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

A 5-star boutique hotel renowned for its personalized service and gourmet dining.

Hotel · 02

Peppers Bluewater Resort

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

Offers stunning lake views and modern amenities.

Hotel · 03

The Hermitage Hotel

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

Located in Mount Cook Village with rooms offering views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Hotel · 04

Mahu Whenua

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

A luxury eco-lodge set on a high-country station with stunning landscapes.

Hotel · 05

Matakauri Lodge

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

A luxury lodge offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Hotel · 06

Fiordland Lodge

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

A luxury lodge offering panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and Fiordland National Park.

Hotel · 07

Te Weheka Boutique Hotel

New Zealand South Island, New Zealand

A 4-star luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations in Fox Glacier village.

What to order

Local cuisine

Must try

Kumara (roast sweet potato)

Local speciality

Kumara (roast sweet potato)

Vegetarian hangi
Must try

Local speciality

Vegetarian hangi

Manuka honey
Must try

Local speciality

Manuka honey

Hokey pokey ice cream
Must try

Local speciality

Hokey pokey ice cream

Central Otago wine
Must try

Local speciality

Central Otago wine

04

Logistics

Getting there & around

01 · Seaplane / speedboat transfers

Resorts are reached by scenic seaplane or private speedboat from the main airport.

02 · On-island

Buggies, bicycles or on foot — distances are short and unhurried.

03 · Airport arrival

A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.

The numbers

Budget breakdown

Total · per person

$3,480–$8,792 pp

USD

Breakdown

Accommodation
$300–$700 / night
Food & dining
$54–$154 / day
Transportation
$36–$105 / day
Activities
$45–$140 / day