How many days do you need in South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch?

This itinerary covers 7 days in South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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.

NZD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, perfect for family outings.

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.

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.

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.

NZD 40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Christchurch

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NZD 25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Arbour

Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Arbour, offering innovative dishes crafted from local produce.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NZD 45, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 4 hours

Find Hotels in Tekapo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family-Friendly South Island New Zealand Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring Christchurch

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 2: Coastal Beauty in Kaikoura

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:30PM

Day 3: Wine Tasting in Blenheim

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Adventure in Nelson

8:00AM

10:00AM

6:00PM

Day 5: Glacier Exploration in Franz Josef

8:30AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Adventures in Queenstown

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 7: Scenic Beauty of Tekapo

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Plan Your South Island New Zealand starting and ending at Christchurch Trip