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Christchurch, New Zealand
March 30 - Arrive in Christchurch & Explore
Land at 5:30 PM, pick up rental car at the airport.
Check into accommodation.
Explore Christchurch:
Riverside Market for lunch.
Hagley Park & Botanic Gardens.
Christchurch Adventure Park (5km hike up, free gondola down).
Evening drinks at The Church Pub or Pegasus Arms.
Stay: Hostel or budget motel in Christchurch.
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Kaikoura Beach, New Zealand
March 31 - Drive to Kaikoura (2.5 hrs)
Morning: Leave early, scenic drive up the coast.
Midday: Explore Kaikoura:
Walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.
Coopers Catch for fish & chips.
Evening: Sunset Dolphin Watching/Swimming Tour ($120/$220).
Stay: https://thestorecamp.checkfront.com/reserve/?inline=&header=&options=tabs&src=&ssl=1&provider=droplet
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
April 1 - Kaikoura → Lake Tekapo (5 hrs drive)
Morning: Optional Whale Watching Tour ($150, if interested).
Midday: Drive to Lake Tekapo (via Christchurch).
Evening:
Relax by Lake Tekapo.
Church of the Good Shepherd at sunset.
Stargazing (Tekapo is a Dark Sky Reserve).
Stay: lakes edge holiday park,
-2 lakeside drive, lake Tekapo, lake tekapo 7999
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Queenstown, New Zealand
April 2 - Tekapo & Drive to Queenstown (3 hrs drive)
Morning:
Swim in Lake Tekapo (if brave).
Hooker Valley Track (easy 3hr return hike) near Mt. Cook.
Afternoon: Drive to Queenstown via Lindis Pass.
Evening:
Patagonia Ice Cream (hazelnut flavor a must!).
Explore Queenstown's nightlife.
Stay: Qbox creek path
Option 2- Moke lake campsite
April 3 - Queenstown & Bob’s Cove
Morning: Drive to Bob’s Cove (short scenic hike & lake swim).
Afternoon:
Gondola ride & Luge (optional).
Relax by Lake Wakatipu.
Evening: Explore bars/pubs or chill.
Drive to Te Anu leave Queenstown as 5:00 ish.
Stay: Deer Flat Campsite DOC
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Te Anau, New Zealand
April 4 - Drive to Te Anau (2 hrs) & Milford Sound
Early Morning: Drive Queenstown → Te Anau (2 hrs).
Midday: Start the Milford Road Drive (one of NZ’s most scenic drives).
Stops at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and Eglinton Valley.
Afternoon: Milford Sound Boat Tour ($110).
Evening: Drive back to Te Anau (or stay at a DOC campsite near Milford if keen for a nature night).
Stay: Henry Creek Campsite DOC
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Wānaka, New Zealand
April 5 - Te Anau → Wanaka (3 hrs drive)
Morning: Drive back towards Queenstown.
Midday: Quick stop in Arrowtown (cute gold mining town).
Afternoon: Arrive in Wanaka, explore the lakeside.
Evening: Relax or swim in Lake Wanaka.
Stay: Wanaka hostel or budget motel.
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Roys Peak, New Zealand
April 6 - Roy’s Peak & Explore Wanaka
Early Morning: Hike Roy’s Peak for sunrise (~5-6 hrs return).
Afternoon: Relax after the hike, lake swim if keen.
Evening: Chill in town, enjoy Wanaka’s quiet vibe.
Stay: Wanaka.
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Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
April 7 - Wanaka → Franz Josef (4.5 hrs drive)
Morning: Scenic drive via Haast Pass.
Midday: Arrive in Franz Josef.
Afternoon:
Robert’s Point Track (hike to a great glacier viewpoint).
Explore the town.
Stay: Hostel/motel in Franz Josef.
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Christchurch Airport, New Zealand
April 8 - Franz Josef → Christchurch (5 hrs drive + TranzAlpine Train option)
Option 1 (Cheaper): Drive Franz Josef → Christchurch (5 hrs) via Arthur’s Pass.
Option 2 (Scenic but $$):
Drive to Greymouth (2 hrs), return the car.
Take the TranzAlpine Train ($200) through the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch (final night).