Discover Dunedin’s Retro Charm & Oamaru Penguins: Days 7-9 Itinerary

🌟16-Day In-Depth New Zealand Itinerary
A Comprehensive Guide in 5 Chapters! Conquer All of South Island’s Nature and North Island’s Culture
—Detailed Itinerary + Pitfall Avoidance Guide + Niche Activities + Food Red List—

📍Day7: Queenstown → Arrowtown → Queenstown (60km)
🌄Morning: Time Capsule in Arrowtown
– Arrowtown Gold Mine Site: The maple leaf avenue is divine in autumn (April-May), wear a camel-colored trench coat for photos 🍁
– Lakes District Museum: Ticket 15 NZD, immerse in the history of the gold rush, children’s interactive area
– Coffee Recommendation: Wolf Coffee flat white + carrot cake, overlooking Arrow River
🌿Afternoon: Slow Life in Queenstown
– Queenstown Gardens: Free lawn picnic, feed swans by the lake with breadcrumbs, rent SUP boards
– Skyline Luge: Make up for not playing on Day 5!

Fewer people in the evening, 3 rides package is cost-effective 🎢
– Dinner Surprise: Pier19 Seafood Restaurant, mussels with garlic butter sauce, watch the steamship return to the harbor from the window 🦪
⚠️Pitfalls to Avoid:
Parking in Arrowtown is difficult! Navigate to Buckingham Street Carpark, first 2 hours free

📍Day8: Queenstown → Dunedin (State Highway 1, 280km)
🛣️Highlights:
– Cromwell Fruit Sculptures: Giant fruit landmark 🍑
– Alexandra Historic Tunnel: Use your phone’s flashlight to capture the “Gate of Light” effect at the end of the tunnel 📸
🏰Dunedin Activities:
– Otago Museum: Free Maori culture exhibition + giant moa skeleton, top-floor café with a panoramic view of the city
– Tunnel Beach Walkway: 1-hour round trip, pass through sea caves during low tide
– Dinner Recommendation: Etrusco Italian Restaurant, truffle pizza + tiramisu, full of vintage atmosphere 🇮🇹
⚠️Note: Narrow single-lane road on Otago Peninsula, sheep may block the way in the evening, drive slowly

📍Day9: Dunedin → Oamaru (110km)
🌊Oamaru:
– Victorian Historic Precinct: Free limestone architecture + antique shopping, recommend Steampunk HQ ticket 15 NZD, super cool gear and machinery maze 🤖
– Moeraki Boulders: Arrive 1 hour before low tide, wear waterproof shoes! Nearby Moeraki Boulders Cafe for hot chocolate ☕
– Blue Penguin Colony: Regular ticket 35 NZD, VIP ticket for closer viewing
🍴Food: Reserve Fleur’s Place, eat freshly caught blue cod in a seaside cabin, around 40 NZD per person 🐟
⚠️No flash photography at the penguin center, keep phones on silent!

Strong winds in Oamaru at night, wear a scarf 🧣

💡Highlights of the Comprehensive Guide💡
✅Each chapter detailed to hourly itinerary, notes on self-driving precautions + location of gas stations!
✅Restaurant recommendations include average price + must-try dishes, avoid internet-famous pitfalls!
✅Niche photo spots + ticket-saving tips (e.g., difference between free stargazing vs. paid tours)