Family-Friendly South Island New Zealand Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with quirky breakfast served through pneumatic tubes at C1 Espresso in Christchurch.
Drive to C1 Espresso, located in the Christchurch city centre.
NZD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, perfect for family outings.
A short drive from C1 Espresso, park your car near the entrance to the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at the family-friendly Little High Eatery.
Drive to Little High Eatery in central Christchurch.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Canterbury Museum

Explore the fascinating exhibits and artefacts at the Canterbury Museum, fun for both kids and adults.
A short drive from Little High Eatery to the museum.
NZD 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

End your day with a delicious dinner at Twenty Seven Steps, offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
Drive to Twenty Seven Steps in Christchurch.
NZD 40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Coastal Beauty in Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Store

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the ocean at The Store in Kaikoura.
Drive to The Store in Kaikoura.
NZD 25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Embark on a scenic walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, offering stunning views of the coastline and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Drive to the start of the walkway in Kaikoura.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk

Indulge in fresh seafood at the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk, a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts and families.
Drive to the kiosk in Kaikoura.
NZD 20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Experience a thrilling whale watching tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura, where you may spot magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Drive to the Whale Watch Kaikoura office for your scheduled tour.
NZD 150, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hapuku Kitchen

Enjoy a lovely dinner at Hapuku Kitchen, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Drive to Hapuku Kitchen in Kaikoura.
NZD 45, 2 hours
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Day 3: Wine Tasting in Blenheim

Blenheim, New Zealand

8:30AM

Breakfast at Ritual

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Ritual, offering delicious dishes to kickstart your day in Blenheim.
Drive to Ritual in Blenheim.
NZD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tour at Wither Hills

Embark on a family-friendly wine tasting tour at Wither Hills, where adults can enjoy wine tastings and kids can indulge in grape juice tastings.
Drive to Wither Hills for your scheduled wine tour.
NZD 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hans Herzog Estate

Experience a gourmet lunch at Hans Herzog Estate, known for its fine dining experience amidst the vineyards.
Drive to Hans Herzog Estate for your lunch reservation.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Explore the fascinating aviation history at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, featuring immersive exhibits for all ages.
Drive to the aviation centre in Blenheim.
NZD 25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Arbour

Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Arbour, offering innovative dishes crafted from local produce.
Drive to Arbour restaurant in Blenheim.
NZD 50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery, a popular spot for locals and travellers alike.
Drive to Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery in Nelson.
NZD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Abel Tasman National Park

Spend the day exploring the pristine beaches and lush forests of Abel Tasman National Park, perfect for family hikes and picnics.
Drive to the park entrance and begin your adventures.
NZD 30 (park entry fee), Full day

6:00PM

Dinner at Hopgoods

Enjoy a memorable dinner at Hopgoods, known for its creative dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Drive to Hopgoods restaurant in Nelson.
NZD 40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Glacier Exploration in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

8:30AM

Breakfast at Full of Beans

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Full of Beans, offering delicious hot beverages and breakfast options to fuel your glacier adventures.
Drive to Full of Beans in Franz Josef village.
NZD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Franz Josef Glacier Guides Tour

Embark on a guided glacier tour with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, where you can marvel at the icy landscapes and learn about the glacier's natural history.
Drive to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides office for your tour.
NZD 150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Alice May

Recharge with a delicious lunch at Alice May, offering wholesome meals with a view of the glacier.
Drive to Alice May restaurant in Franz Josef.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hot Pools at Glacier Hot Pools

Relax and unwind in the soothing hot pools at Glacier Hot Pools, perfect for a family relaxation session amidst nature.
Drive to Glacier Hot Pools for your reserved time slot.
NZD 60, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Landing Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Landing Bar & Restaurant, offering a cosy atmosphere to end your day.
Drive to The Landing in Franz Josef village.
NZD 45, 2 hours
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Day 6: Adventures in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Vudu Cafe in Queenstown, known for its delectable food and great coffee.
Drive to Vudu Cafe in Queenstown.
NZD 25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Skyline Gondola

Take a scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountain range, offering family-friendly activities at the top.
Drive to the Skyline Gondola base station.
NZD 50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in the famous Fergburger for lunch, a must-try iconic burger joint in Queenstown loved by locals and visitors alike.
Drive to Fergburger in Queenstown.
NZD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jet Boating with Shotover Jet

Experience an adrenaline-filled jet boating adventure with Shotover Jet, speeding through the stunning Shotover River canyons.
Drive to the Shotover Jet office for your booked ride.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Cow Restaurant, known for its Italian cuisine and relaxed setting.
Drive to The Cow Restaurant in Queenstown.
NZD 35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Beauty of Tekapo

Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Greedy Cow

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Greedy Cow, offering hearty meals with a view of Lake Tekapo.
Drive to The Greedy Cow restaurant in Tekapo.
NZD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Lake Tekapo

Explore the stunning Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters, surrounded by mountains, and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
Drive to Lake Tekapo and enjoy the scenic views.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kohan Japanese

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Kohan Japanese, where you can savour delicious Japanese cuisine in the heart of Tekapo.
Drive to Kohan Japanese restaurant in Tekapo.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Mount John Observatory

Visit the Mount John Observatory for stunning panoramic views of the night sky and the surrounding landscapes, great for family exploration.
Drive to Mount John Observatory for a guided tour.
NZD 40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure to Christchurch

Start your journey back to Christchurch, enjoying the scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of South Island to conclude your family road trip.
Drive back to Christchurch to end the trip.
Free, 4 hours
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