Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary for South Island, New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Little High Eatery

Start your day with delicious breakfast options at Little High Eatery, a vibrant communal food hub.
Located in the central city, easy drive or taxi from most hotels.
NZD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where your family can enjoy the vibrant blooms and stunning landscapes.
Short drive or 10-minute walk from breakfast location.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Press Café

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Press Café, offering various healthy and hearty meals.
Located close to the Botanic Gardens.
NZD 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Canterbury Museum

Explore the Canterbury Museum with fascinating exhibits on local history, including Maori culture.
Just a short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Punting on the Avon River

Experience a relaxing punting tour on the Avon River, perfect for families.
Short drive or 10-minute walk from the museum.
NZD 120, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Fiddlesticks, known for its fresh local produce and welcoming atmosphere.
Located in the city center.
NZD 180, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll in the City

Wrap up your first day with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit city streets.
Explore nearby attractions on foot.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Black Betty

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Black Betty, a local favorite café.
Short drive from your accommodation.
NZD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Lake Tekapo while taking in the breathtaking landscapes.
Follow State Highway 1 and then State Highway 8.
COST OF FUEL, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Greedy Cow

Savor a family-friendly lunch at The Greedy Cow, featuring fresh local produce and tasty burgers.
Located in Lake Tekapo.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, an enduring spiritual landmark set against a stunning backdrop.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 45 minutes

3:30PM

Tekapo Springs

Enjoy some family fun at Tekapo Springs, featuring hot pools and an ice skating rink.
Easily accessible by car.
NZD 150, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mackenzies Cafe

Relax at Mackenzies for dinner, offering hearty meals and great views of Lake Tekapo.
Located near the lakefront.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventures at Mount Cook

Mount Cook, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for the day.
Enjoy the picturesque views from your lodge.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Take a short drive (approx. 1 hour) to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, a must-see for its towering peaks.
Follow State Highway 80.
COST OF FUEL, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hooker Valley Track

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track, an easy family-friendly hike with stunning views of Mount Cook.
Starting point is near the campground.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Old Mountaineers’ Café

Refuel at the charming Old Mountaineers’ Café, offering warming meals with a great view.
Close to the National Park visitor center.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Aoraki / Mount Cook Visitor Center

Learn about the history and ecology of Mount Cook while enjoying interactive displays.
Located near the café.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Scenic Helicopter Ride

Experience a breathtaking helicopter ride around Mount Cook, offering stunning aerial views of glaciers.
Helicopter rides depart from Mount Cook Airport.
NZD 500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Hermitage Hotel

Dine in style at the Hermitage, with options ranging from gourmet pizza to fine dining.
Located within the hotel premises.
NZD 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Into Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Panorama Room

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with spectacular views of the mountains.
Located in the Hermitage Hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Queenstown

Take in the amazing landscapes as you drive approximately 3 hours to Queenstown.
Follow State Highway 8.
COST OF FUEL, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Vudu Café & Larder

Enjoy wholesome food with plenty of options for kids at Vudu Café.
Located in the heart of Queenstown.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Explore the lovely Queenstown Gardens, where the kids can play and run freely.
Easily accessed by car or a short walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Take the Skyline Gondola

Ride the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views over Queenstown, with a chance to enjoy the luge track.
Tickets available at the base of the gondola.
NZD 180, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Savor gourmet pizzas and delicious pasta at The Cow, known for its cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Located a short walk from the gondola base.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Milford Sound Adventure

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with an early breakfast at your accommodation to start the day right.
Self-catered or local options.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Embark on your scenic drive (approx. 2 hours) to the stunning Milford Sound.
Follow Route 94.
COST OF FUEL, 2 hours

9:30AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience the breathtaking landscapes on a Milford Sound boat cruise.
Boarding at the Milford Sound marina.
NZD 420, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Blue Duck Café

Enjoy lunch at the Blue Duck Café, offering hearty meals and great views.
Located at Milford Sound.
NZD 100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Short Walk to Chasm Walk

Take the family for a short walk to see the Chasm, where the water has carved beautiful rock formations.
Follow the marked walking track.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive back to Queenstown

Enjoy the scenic journey back to Queenstown after a day of adventure.
Follow Route 94 back to Queenstown.
COST OF FUEL, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

A fine dining experience awaits you at Botswana Butchery, renowned for its quality meat dishes.
Located in central Queenstown.
NZD 250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy one last breakfast in Queenstown before heading back to Christchurch.
Self-catered or local options.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Christchurch

Set off on your return journey (approx. 5 hours) to Christchurch.
Take State Highway 1.
COST OF FUEL, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Tannery

Arrive back in Christchurch and enjoy lunch at The Tannery, a charming dining precinct.
Easily accessible from the city center.
NZD 80, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery

End your trip by exploring the Christchurch Art Gallery, featuring contemporary artworks.
Located near the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Bower

Share beautiful memories over a farewell dinner at The Bower, set in a relaxing ambiance.
Located in the city center.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability