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Family-Friendly Campervan Journey: South Island New Zealand Adventure

Viewed by 236 travelers

Day Day 0: Arrival & Hotel Stay

Christchurch, New Zealand on September 20, 2025

Late Night

Arrive in Christchurch & Hotel Stay

Arrive late at Christchurch Airport and transfer to a comfortable hotel such as the Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel, ideal for a restful night after your flight.
NZD150 per room approx., Overnight
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Day Day 1: Campervan Pickup & Scenic Sights

Christchurch – Akaroa – Lake Tekapo on September 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Cook in Campervan

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or start fresh by picking up your campervan and preparing breakfast using the campervan kitchen facilities.
Included or NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Pickup Campervan

Collect your campervan from the rental location ensuring you have everything ready for your adventure ahead.
Prepaid, 1h

10:30am

Christchurch Gondola and Summit Experience

Drive to the gondola base (30 minutes). Ride the gondola for stunning panoramic views and easy summit walks suitable for kids.
NZD30 per adult, kids under 5 free, 2h

12:30pm

Drive to Akaroa with Lunch Stop

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Akaroa. Stop en route at ‘The Little Bistro’ or ‘The YellowCup’ café for well-reviewed casual lunch options.
NZD15-20 per person, 2h including lunch

2:30pm

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

Enjoy a 1.5-hour wildlife cruise to spot dolphins and other marine life; family-friendly and exciting for kids.
NZD50 per adult, kids under 4 free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Drive to Lake Tekapo Campsite

Settle in for the night at Lake Tekapo Holiday Park offering powered sites and great facilities for families.
NZD40 per night powered site, 2.5h

6:30pm

Cook Dinner at Campsite

Use your campervan kitchen to prepare a cozy dinner while enjoying the beautiful evening lake views.
Included, 1h
Find Hotels in Christchurch – Akaroa – Lake Tekapo

Day Day 2: Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook

Lake Tekapo – Mount Cook – Wanaka on September 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Campsite

Start the day with a nourishing homemade breakfast at your campervan campsite.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Explore Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd

Visit the famous church and enjoy the turquoise lake surrounds; perfect for family photos and gentle walks.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Mount Cook National Park

Enjoy a 1 hour 15-minute scenic driving journey. Make video/photo stops along the way.
Free, 1h 15m

10:45am

Hooker Valley Track Walk

Take an easy 2-hour return walk suitable for children with spectacular mountain and glacier views.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Mount Cook National Park

Enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by scenic mountain views in designated picnic areas.
Included, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Wanaka

Travel 2.5 hours to Wanaka, stopping for breaks as needed especially with children.
Free, 2h 30m

4:30pm

Settle into Wanaka Campground

Book a family site at Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park which provides playground and amenities for kids.
NZD45 per night, Evening

6:30pm

Cook Dinner

Enjoy cooking dinner in the campervan kitchen and relaxing by the lakeside.
Included, 1h
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo – Mount Cook – Wanaka

Day Day 3: Wanaka to Queenstown to Te Anau

Wanaka – Queenstown – Te Anau on September 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Campsite

Prepare and have breakfast in your campervan with fresh local produce.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Wanaka Lake & Puzzling World

Explore the playgrounds around the lake and enjoy Puzzling World for a fun and engaging family outing.
NZD30 per adult, kids under 5 free, 2h

10:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Short 1-hour scenic drive to adventurous Queenstown.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Fergburger or Lakeside Café

Taste New Zealand’s famous burgers or enjoy kid-friendly meals at nearby cafés.
NZD15-20 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Queenstown Speedboat Adventure

Exciting boat ride on Lake Wakatipu, thrilling and fun for older kids (check age restrictions).
NZD70 per adult, confirm child suitability, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Te Anau

Scenic 2 hour 15 minute drive, make sure to stop for breaks and scenery with kids.
Free, 2h 15m

5:00pm

Check-in at Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park

Stay in a well-facilitated park with playgrounds and family amenities.
NZD45 per night, Evening

6:30pm

Cook Dinner at Campsite

Prepare dinner in your campervan and unwind.
Included, 1h
Find Hotels in Wanaka – Queenstown – Te Anau

Day Day 4: Milford Sound & Glowworm Caves

Te Anau & Milford Sound on September 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast Campervan

Have an early nutritious breakfast to fuel your Milford Sound adventure.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Milford Sound

Scenic 2-hour drive with breaks at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm for family photo stops.
Free, 2h

9:30am

Milford Sound Cruise

A 7-hour cruise exploring fiords, waterfalls, and wildlife, a spectacular and relaxing family experience.
NZD75 adult, kids under 5 free, 7h

4:30pm

Return to Te Anau & Glowworm Caves

If energy allows, visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves (book ahead). The gentle boat ride and caves fascinate all ages.
NZD50 adult, kids under 4 free, 2h

7:00pm

Relax and Cook Dinner

Enjoy a calm evening meal at the campsite.
Included, 1h
Find Hotels in Te Anau & Milford Sound

Day Day 5: Te Anau to Queenstown

Te Anau – Queenstown on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Cook Breakfast

Prepare a wholesome breakfast at your campervan before departure.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Drive back to Queenstown

Enjoy the 2 hour 15 minute scenic drive with stops to stretch legs.
Free, 2h 15m

12:00pm

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

Take a family-friendly boat cruise and enjoy the farm tour with animals and activities kids will adore (booking essential).
NZD60 adult, kids under 5 free, 2h

2:30pm

Visit Kiwi Birdlife Park

Experience New Zealand’s unique wildlife with an easy walk and animal encounters; park closes by 5pm.
NZD20 adult, 1.5h

4:00pm

Leisure Time in Queenstown

Explore Queenstown Gardens or have a casual stroll through town with kid snacks nearby.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Cook Dinner at Campsite

Make your dinner in your camper and enjoy quality family time.
Included, 1h
Find Hotels in Te Anau – Queenstown

Day Day 6: Final Day & Campervan Return

Queenstown on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Campsite

Enjoy your last breakfast in the campervan.
Included, 30m

10:00am

Return Campervan

Head to your rental return location, finalize all paperwork and pack.
Included in rental, 1h

11:00am

Optional Activities in Queenstown

Spend remaining day leisure time shopping or taking a relaxed walk with your family.
Varies, Flexible
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Day Day 7: Departure

Queenstown to Melbourne on September 27, 2025

Morning

Flight to Melbourne

Transfer to Queenstown Airport and fly home with wonderful memories.
N/A, Flexible depending on flight time
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