12-day South Island family holiday itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Christchurch

   After arrival at Christchurch Airport, take your pre-arranged transfer service to your hotel. The central city is only a short drive away, so kick back and relax into your South Island family holiday. Depending on your flight arrival time, you'll have some time to explore Christchurch.

   Stay: City Centre Motel (opens in a new tab)

   • RecommendedChristchurch Botanic Gardens (opens in a new tab)
   • RecommendedChristchurch Tramway Restaurant (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraInternational Antarctic Centre (opens in a new tab)
2. Day 2

   Lake Tekapo

   Pick-up a rental car and drive the Inland route (via the scenic Rakaia Gorge) through South Canterbury to Geraldine. Continue into the Mackenzie country to Lake Tekapo and Twizel Village ( 4 hours). See the turquoise colour of Lake Tekapo, visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mount John Observatory. The southern hemisphere's equivalent of the Northern Lights is best seen at Lake Tekapo, between April and September.

3. Day 3

   Queenstown

   The Mount Cook area offers 4WD safaris, boating on the glacier lakes, horse treks, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous hikes. The Glacier Explorers company operates up to 7 trips per day from early September to late May. This tour include a coach ride, a 20-minute walk, then a boat cruise through the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Touch and taste the ice crystals from the floating icebergs. This is great fun for children and parents alike!

   Stay: Garden Court Suites Information (opens in a new tab)

4. Day 4

   Queenstown

   Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy for the day (50 min). Remember to stop along the way to take photos. Join the Dart River Safaris and travel up the river on a jet boat. Get a firsthand experience of the Lord of the Rings movies locations. This is a real highlight for LOTR fans!

   Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightDart River Safaris (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraShotover Jet (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraSkyline Queenstown (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraQueenstown Rafting Kawarau River (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraNzone Skydive Queenstown (opens in a new tab)
5. Day 5

   Queenstown

   There is so much to see and do in the Queenstown region - so spend another day exploring. Consider a thrilling Fly-Cruise-Fly to the beautiful and dramatic Milford Sound! This is a highlight trip for any family travelling through the South Island.

   Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)

   • Optional extraMilford Sound Scenic Flight (opens in a new tab)
6. Day 6

   Fox Glacier

   Drive to the beautiful rugged West Coast (Queenstown to Fox: 5.5 hours). From Haast to Jackson Bay you'll see shingle beaches, lakes and wetlands - plus the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Take a helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier - a definite highlight is landing on the snow! Do the scenic Lake Matheson Walk (just over 1 hour) or the glacier face walk in the Fox Glacier valley - a family-friendly activity for all children over the age of 6 years.

   Stay: Sunset Motels F (opens in a new tab)

7. Day 7

   Punakaiki

   Continue travelling north along the West Coast road. Explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop by the shores of Lake Ianthe. For young families, a must-do is a visit to Shantytown near Greymouth. For an awesome nature experience, consider a visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa. The town of Hokitika is famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and gold. Arrive at Punakaiki in the afternoon. Note: do all your supply shopping before you arrive in Punakaiki.

   Stay: Hydrangea Cottag (opens in a new tab)

8. Day 8

   Abel Tasman National Park

   The Great Coast Road as one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world! Drive alongside the limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park, home to the world's smallest penguin. Go underground rafting at Charleston or caving at Fox River. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Stop by the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Plan on having lunch at Westport and enjoy some great home-cooked food. Continue via the Buller River Gorge to the Abel Tasman-Nelson region.

   Stay: Mapua 41 (opens in a new tab)

9. Day 9

   Abel Tasman National Park

   When it comes to lush native bush and and sea views, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is unsurpassed! This great New Zealand walk passes through golden beaches and coastal forests. If you are keen on nature and wildlife, join an Eco tour in a small party group. Another popular option is a guided sea kayaking tour for a half or full day. For a higher level of comfort, take your family on the Abel Tasman Charter yacht trip.

   Stay: Mapua 41 South (opens in a new tab)

   • Good to knowAbel Tasman National Park Included (opens in a new tab)
10. Day 10

    Kaikoura

    Continue driving the loop around the South Island to Kaikoura via Blenheim. If you love fine wines and vineyard lunches, then Blenheim is worth a few hours stop. Before or after lunch, do take your family to visit the Omaka Aviation Museum at the Omaka Air Field - your kids will love it! Remember, Kaikoura is only about 2.5 hours drive from Blenheim.

    Stay: Kincaid Cottage (opens in a new tab)

    • Good to knowBlenheim
    • RecommendedOmaka Aviation Heritage Centre (opens in a new tab)
11. Day 11

    Kaikoura

    Kaikoura is the centre of Whalewatching in New Zealand. Please Note: these tours are very much dependent on sea conditions (it has to be calm before the boats go out). Therefore, the best tour time is early morning. By going early, you will have time to check out other local sites in the afternoon.

    Stay: Kincaid Cottage (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightWhale Watch Kaikoura (opens in a new tab)
    • Optional extraDolphin Encounter Kaikoura (opens in a new tab)
    • Optional extraAlbatross Encounter Kaikoura (opens in a new tab)
    • Optional extraWings Over Whales Kaikoura (opens in a new tab)
12. Day 12

    Kaikoura

    Drive back to Christchurch (about 2.5 hours) Depending on your flight time, you may have ample time to explore the Christchurch region before leaving.

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