<paragraph> This is a road trip for food lovers who chase more than just good meals. It’s for those who want the helicopter rides over volcanic craters, the whisky sipped at altitude, the high-country lunches, the lakefront hampers and the rainforest silence. Each day unfolds at the pace of the landscape around you, inviting you to stay a little longer. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 1 — CHRISTCHURCH </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery1.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Breakfast in the city </title> <paragraph> Ease into your trip with breakfast in the heart of Christchurch. Good coffee, bakery treats or a full cafe spread. It’s a gentle start and a reminder that Christchurch does mornings exceptionally well. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Helicopter to long lunch </title> <paragraph> From the city grid to an ancient volcanic harbour in minutes. The heli ride to Akaroa sweeps you over ridgelines and water so blue it won’t look real, before landing you among vines for some warm hospitality at <link url="https://www.calderaestate.com">Caldera Estate</link>. Lunch is unrushed, the wine local, and the views quietly outrageous. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery2.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Fine dining in style </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch, finish the day somewhere that celebrates flavour and flair in equal measure. <link url="https://inati.nz">Inati’s</link> shared plates, intimate atmosphere, and inventive use of Canterbury ingredients set the tone for the days ahead: thoughtful, surprising and unmistakably local. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 2 — GREYMOUTH </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery3.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Take a scenic train journey </title> <paragraph> Swap road for rails and cross the South Island in comfort. The <link url="https://www.greatjourneysnz.com/scenic-trains/tranzalpine-train">TranzAlpine</link> carries you from Canterbury’s patchwork plains into the high country before rolling down into the deep greens of the West Coast. On board, you can experience a culinary journey with ‘the paddock to plate’ inspired menu, focused on celebrating local ingredients, to enjoy as you sit back and relax. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> A night at the lake </title> <paragraph> Settle in at <link url="https://www.lakebrunner.co.nz">Lake Brunner Eco Lodge</link>, tucked among the stunning West Coast rainforest. It's everything you would imagine and more – surrounded by lush green bush and a chorus of native birdsong. Have dinner on site, then retreat to your comfortable oasis to wind down for the evening. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 4 — GERALDINE & FLOCKHILL </title> <title> On the road </title> <paragraph> Today you’ll travel from Lake Brunner to Geraldine, with a stop for lunch on the way. Take your time to meander, pause for photos and watch the landscape shift. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery4.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Lunch at Sugarloaf </title> <paragraph> Sugarloaf is the kind of place you’ll remember long after you’ve left. Home to high country scenery sweeping out in every direction and a kitchen that honours local produce, the restaurant onsite at <link url="https://www.flockhillnz.com/Sugarloaf">Flockhill</link> is something special. It’s refined yet not overly formal. Distinctly Canterbury with a lot of luxury. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> An evening in Geraldine </title> <paragraph> After arriving in Geraldine, a stroll to acquaint yourself with the charming village is in order before finding a spot for dinner. Whether you choose a cosy pub meal or something to go, you’re sure to find some small-town warmth wherever you land. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Rest your head at Ngā Whare Mānatu </title> <paragraph> Stay the night at <link url="https://www.ngawharemanatu.nz">Ngā Whare Mānatu</link>, where comfort meets calm. Warm timber, thoughtful details, and a connection to the surrounding landscape that make you breathe more deeply. With stainless steel cedar hot tubs, cosy rooms and nature all around, you’re in for a restorative night. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 5 & 6 — LAKE PUKAKI </title> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery5.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Soak up lakeside bliss </title> <paragraph> Arriving at Lake Pukaki is something to behold. The colour of the lake is nothing short of surreal, especially set against the magnificent mountain ranges and Aoraki Mount Cook. <link url="https://www.lakestonelodge.co.nz">Lakestone Lodge</link> sits perfectly in the landscape. It's luxurious yet understated. Enjoy exploring the stunning sights, dining onsite at the restaurant and of course, exploring the starry night sky once the sun has set. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> Sip whiskey on a mountain top </title> <paragraph> This has to be one of the Central South's most unique experiences. A short, spectacular heli-flight from Tekapo, <link url="https://www.mackenziehelicopters.com/experiences/high-altitude-whisky-hut-%26-golf">Mackenzie Helicopters</link> lifts you into the mountains where ‘The Bad Decision’ Whisky Hut awaits. Perched high on a mountain saddle amidst breathtaking scenery, this is New Zealand's most exclusive whisky hut. It’s remote, raw and ridiculously scenic. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <title> DAY 7 — CHRISTCHURCH </title> <title> Heading back to Christchurch </title> <paragraph> Today you return to Christchurch, but not before a road trip stop at <link url="https://www.fairliebakehouse.co.nz">Fairlie Bakehouse</link>. Absolutely iconic, this humble bakery produces top-notch pies worthy of lines out the door most days of the week. Trust us, it’s always worth the wait. </paragraph> <gap-small/> <gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/southern-512-gallery6.webp</image> </gallery> <title> Dinner in the city </title> <paragraph> Back in Christchurch for dinner, you’re spoilt for choice. <link url="https://www.kingofsnake.co.nz">King of Snake</link> is a firm local favourite for bold Asian fusion. <link url="https://manu.co.nz">Manu</link> offers refined Pacific Asian cuisine, or <link url="https://www.odeon.co.nz">Odeon</link> serves tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting. </paragraph>