South Island, New Zealand: A 7-Day Summer Itinerary

📍 Overview We skipped the North Island (heard it was underwhelming) and focused entirely on the South Island—aka "The Switzerland of the Southern Hemisphere"! 🗓️ When: Feb 23–29 (Summer, but pack for winter-like winds!) ✈️ Day 1: Sydney → Christchurch Flight: 3 hours, arrived at midnight. Stay: Central Christchurch hotel (logistics-only stop). 🌿 Day 2: Christchurch City Walk Highlights: Botanic Gardens & punting on the Avon River. Food: ⚠️ Avoid "Shun Feng Restaurant" (terrible!). ✅ Loved "Hai Shang Ren Jia" (even scored sweet red bean tangyuan for Lantern Festival!). #New Zealand #South Island