Family-Friendly South Island Road Trip: Queenstown to Christchurch

Day 1: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fergburger

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the iconic Fergburger, known for its mouth-watering burgers.
Fergburger, Shotover Street, Queenstown
NZD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Skyline Queenstown Gondola Ride

Enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from the Skyline Gondola. Perfect for all ages!
Brecon Street, Queenstown
NZD 44, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Winery

Indulge in a delicious lunch paired with local wines at The Winery in Queenstown.
14 Beach Street, Queenstown
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Jet Boat Tour on Shotover River

Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride on the Shotover River, fun for the whole family!
Shotover River, Queenstown
NZD 129, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Cow Restaurant, famous for its hearty Italian dishes.
17 Arrow Lane, Queenstown
NZD 40, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring Te Anau and Milford Sound

Te Anau, New Zealand

9:00AM

Scenic Drive to Te Anau

Embark on a scenic drive to Te Anau, a charming town on the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Queenstown to Te Anau - Approximately 2.5 hours
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fat Duck

Enjoy a tasty lunch at The Fat Duck, known for its hearty meals and cozy ambiance.
42 Town Centre, Te Anau
NZD 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cruise on Milford Sound

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise, marvel at waterfalls and wildlife.
Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Milford Sound Highway
NZD 90, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Relax and unwind over dinner at Redcliff Cafe, offering delicious local cuisine.
91 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau
NZD 35, 1 hour
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Day 3: Wonders of Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

9:00AM

Morning Stroll at Lake Wanaka

Start your day with a peaceful stroll around the crystal-clear Lake Wanaka, a perfect spot for family photos.
Lake Wanaka, Wanaka
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Puzzling World Visit

Explore the quirky and mind-bending illusions at Puzzling World, a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
188 Wanaka-Luggate Highway, Wanaka
NZD 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Big Fig

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Big Fig, a cozy cafe known for its fresh and flavorful dishes.
105 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
NZD 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike up Mount Iron

Embark on a family-friendly hike up Mount Iron for stunning panoramic views of Wanaka and its surroundings.
Mount Iron Track, Wanaka
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Urban Grind

Savor a satisfying dinner at Urban Grind, offering a diverse menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
72 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
NZD 30, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discovering Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

9:00AM

Scenic Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Embark on a scenic drive to Franz Josef Glacier, a natural wonder with opportunities for hiking and glacier exploration.
Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier - Approximately 4 hours
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Landing Bar & Restaurant

Fuel up with lunch at The Landing, offering a variety of dishes to suit every taste.
19 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier
NZD 25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and a guided glacier hike, a memorable adventure for the family.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier
NZD 450, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Full of Beans

Relax and enjoy a hearty dinner at Full of Beans, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
30 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier
NZD 35, 1 hour
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Day 5: Scenic Drive to Punakaiki

Punakaiki, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive from Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki

Embark on a scenic drive along the stunning West Coast to Punakaiki, home to the famous Pancake Rocks.
Franz Josef Glacier to Punakaiki - Approximately 3 hours
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pancake Rocks Cafe

Enjoy a meal at The Pancake Rocks Cafe with views of the unique limestone formations that give the area its name.
Punakaiki Main Road, Punakaiki
NZD 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Exploring Punakaiki Rocks

Stroll along the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Walk to marvel at the fascinating rock formations shaped by the sea.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Walk, Punakaiki
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Punakaiki Beach

Unwind at Punakaiki Beach, a beautiful spot for a leisurely afternoon with the family.
Punakaiki Beach, Punakaiki
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hydrangea Cottages Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Hydrangea Cottages Restaurant, offering a cozy setting and tasty local cuisine.
8403 Coast Road, Punakaiki
NZD 40, 1 hour
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Day 6: Journey to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive from Punakaiki to Christchurch

Embark on a leisurely drive through the scenic Canterbury region to Christchurch, known as the Garden City.
Punakaiki to Christchurch - Approximately 3.5 hours
Free, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at C1 Espresso

Experience quirky dining at C1 Espresso, home to the famous pneumatic food delivery system and delicious treats.
185 High Street, Christchurch
NZD 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Discover the beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll with the family.
Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Pedal Pusher

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Pedal Pusher, a popular spot for hearty meals and local craft beers.
286 Lincoln Road, Christchurch
NZD 35, 1 hour
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