12-day South Island family holiday
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Queenstown → Fox Glacier → Punakaiki …
PDF planner for 12-day South Island family holiday (opens in a new tab)Family itinerary · by Michael Nees
14-day New Zealand family itinerary
This 14 days New Zealand family itinerary is classic Kiwi family holiday for everyone. Dig on the famous hot beach, explore Waitomo Caves and and much more.
Highlights
- Explore the Coromandel Peninsula, its stunning beaches and hidden coves.
- Go 'underground' at Waitomo and see the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Caves.
- Visit the 'Hobbiton' village, the only place with LOTR film setting still left.
- Explore the world of Maoridom in Rotorua and hear their stories.
- Visit a real New Zealand farm - meet the animals and those hardworking farm dogs!
- Glide over the Dart River on a fun jet boat ride into LOTR film country!
- Fly by helicopter to the top of a NZ glacier - see a snow-covered Alpine world.
- Kick back and relax on a scenic coast-to-coast TranzAlpine train journey.
Day by day
- Day 1
Auckland
Your transfer driver will meet you at the arrival gate at Auckland Airport. After transfer to your hotel for check-in, go out and explore the America's Cup village. You'll get wonderful views of the city and harbour from the Sky Tower. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or head over to the pretty village of Devonport. Visit the shops and cafes of Parnell Village.
Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraSky Tower
- Day 2
Auckland
Explore more of Auckland today. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get a bit of sun and exercise - time to beat that jet lag!
Stay: Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraThe Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraExplore America's Cup Sailing Auckland (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraKelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Day 3
Hahei
Collect your rental car and drive to the eastern coast on the Coromandel Peninsula (2.5 hours). The Coromandel has golden beaches, great swimming and refreshing bush walks. The Hahei Beach area is famous for it's Hot Water Beach. Your whole family can enjoy a soak in a natural thermal spring - remember to go at low tide! At Cathedral Cove, see marine wildlife at the Hahei Marine Reserve. Choose your adventure from scenic boat trips, sea kayaking, scuba diving and surfing.
- Day 4
Hahei
Take a picnic lunch and go exploring the beaches to the north. Do include Hot Water Beach - dig your own Spa Pool in the sand at Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Cooks Beach. From Cooks Beach, drive to the Ferry and park your car. Then take a short ferry ride across to Whitianga for good cafes and shopping. Walk along Buffalo Beach or drive to the eastern side of Hahei Beach and walk through the Te Pare Reserve. Join a guided kayaking tour ex Hahei Beach - it's easy and fun!
- Day 5
Rotorua
Travel through the Waikato region to the famous Waitomo caves (3 hours). See the stunning architectural forms of the stalactites. Today, your family will join a guided tour into the Ruakuri Cave. However, if you prefer the more adventurous 'Black Water Rafting' or abseiling (4 or 7 hours), let us know and we'll include this in your itinerary. It will take you about 2 hours to get to Rotorua in the afternoon.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua (opens in a new tab)
- HighlightRuakuri Cave Tour (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraWaitomo Black L
- Day 6
Rotorua
Rotorua is characterized by bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs. Families can also enjoy being pampered in a luxurious spa. Rotorua offers a spiritual journey into Maori culture with village and performance experiences. For outdoor adventures, try rejuvenating with a spot of kayaking, hiking or mountain biking. If it's adrenaline you crave, go sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing.
- Day 7
Queenstown
Travel to Auckland airport and take a domestic flight to Queenstown. Collect another rental car at Queenstown Airport. Queenstown is New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital, with breath-taking scenery and adrenalin-rush activities. The Queenstown environment is majestic and has a great night life.
Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)
- Good to knowQueenstown (opens in a new tab)
- Day 8
Queenstown
Go exploring the Queenstown region today. Alternatively, take a scenic flight connection between Queenstown and Milford Sound - there is no better way to enjoy the drama of New Zealand's alpine country. Fly both ways or travel the overland route on a luxury coach and then back again.
Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraMilford Sound Scenic Flights (opens in a new tab)
- HighlightDart River Safaris (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraParadise Discovery Tour (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraSkyline Queenstown (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraReal Journeys Walter Peak Farm Tour (opens in a new tab)
- Day 9
Queenstown
Enjoy another day of exploring the beautiful Queenstown surrounds. The Shotover Jet boat company is the only jetboat company operating in the Shotover River canyon and is definitely an iconic Queenstown experience. Their powerful jet boats are dwarfed by the Shotover Canyon walls towering above. If you are travelling with adult children, consider a wine tour of this famous wine area - the Pinot Noir is a stand-out!
Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraShotover Jet (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraZiptrek MOA
- Day 10
Fox Glacier
Drive into the lush rainforests and beaches, to Fox Glacier in the beautiful West Coast. (5.5 hours). From Haast to Jackson Bay there are empty shingle beaches, dunes, lakes and wetlands. If you have young children, remember to take plenty of refreshments. For an authentic tour, join the Waiatoto River Jet Boating Safari - this is the perfect activity for families wanting to see a pristine wilderness area.
Stay: Sunset Motels Fox Glacier (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraWayne's Waiatoto River Safari (opens in a new tab)
- Day 11
Fox Glacier
A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier is an absolute must-do. It is worth it to pay a little extra to include a snow landing - your kids will love it! Do the Lake Matheson loop walk (1 hour) or the glacier face walk in the Fox Glacier valley.
Stay: Sunset Motels Fox Glacier (opens in a new tab)
- HighlightThe Helicopter Line Fox Glacier (opens in a new tab)
- Optional extraFlying Fox Helihike (opens in a new tab)
- Day 12
Christchurch
Drive north in the morning to Greymouth and check out all those scenic and historic spots on the way. In the afternoon leave Greymouth for Christchurch via the TranzAlpine train ride (Greymouth to Christchurch, 4.5 hours). From the comfort of modern carriages, view the Canterbury Plains and the beautiful Waimakariri River. After your arrival at the Christchurch Railway Station, you'll be driven to your accommodation.
- Day 13
Christchurch
During your stay in Christchurch, spend your time doing a range of family activities. Think about taking a day tour to Akaroa, The Akaroa Harbour is set within picturesque and sheltered Banks Peninsula. In the summer months, you can go on dolphin tours inside the harbour. You will actually get to swim with the world's smallest dolphins in the world's largest ocean!
- Day 14
Canterbury
Depending on your flight time, you might have plenty of time to explore the Christchurch region further, before leaving.
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