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Family Adventure: Christchurch to Queenstown on South Island

Viewed by 70 travelers

Day 1: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine

Start your day with delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee at one of the local favorites, Caffeine.
Caffeine is centrally located in Christchurch.
NZD 75, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens where kids can play and parents can relax in the beautiful setting.
A short walk from Caffeine.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Discover the diverse exhibitions at the Canterbury Museum, perfect for families to learn and have fun.
Adjacent to the Botanic Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Enjoy a casual lunch at this vibrant food court with various stalls offering local New Zealand cuisine.
Just a short drive or a 10-minute walk.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ride the Christchurch Gondola

Take a scenic gondola ride to the Port Hills for stunning views of the city and Southern Alps.
A 20-minute drive from Little High Eatery.
NZD 90, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The PRESS Restaurant

Savor New Zealand-inspired dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere with a fantastic children's menu.
Returning to the center of Christchurch.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 2: Journey to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Lake Tekapo.
Start your day refreshed at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Get on the road to Lake Tekapo, known for its vibrant turquoise waters.
It's a scenic 3-hour drive along SH1.
NZD 20 (fuel), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Greedy Cow

Delight in a relaxed lunch at The Greedy Cow, famous for its burgers in a scenic lakeside setting.
Located close to the lake.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Admire the iconic church with its breathtaking backdrop of Lake Tekapo–perfect for family photos!
A short walk from The Greedy Cow.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stargazing at Mt. John

Embark on a short hike or drive to Mt. John Observatory, one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
Follow the signs for Mt. John Observatory.
NZD 40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mackenzie Lounge Bar

End the day with dinner at the Mackenzie Lounge, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty meals.
Located near the lake's shore.
NZD 130, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 3: Mount Cook Exploration

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Refuel with a warm breakfast before heading to Mount Cook.
Conveniently included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mount Cook Village

Embark on a picturesque drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the highest peak in New Zealand.
A 1-hour drive, following SH8.
NZD 15 (fuel), 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking the Hooker Valley Track

Enjoy a family-friendly hike along the Hooker Valley Track, taking in stunning views of Mount Cook and the glaciers.
The trailhead is easily accessible from the village.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel

Dine at the Hermitage with stunning views of the mountains while enjoying a delicious family-friendly menu.
Located in the heart of Mount Cook Village.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Explore the interactive exhibits about mountaineering and the history of Mount Cook.
Next to the Hermitage Hotel.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Scenic Helicopter Ride

Experience a breathtaking helicopter ride over Mount Cook and the surrounding glacial landscape.
The helipad is near the alpine center.
NZD 600, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Old Mountaineer's Cafe

Wrap up your day with a lovely dinner at this cozy café, famous for its pizza and pasta.
Located in Mount Cook Village.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mount Cook Village

Day 4: Relax in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your day before heading to Wanaka.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Hit the road for Wanaka, known for its beautiful lakes and mountain views.
A scenic 1-hour drive via SH8.
NZD 10 (fuel), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Take memorable photos beside the famous Wanaka Tree positioned in Lake Wanaka.
Main lakefront area in Wanaka.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Puzzling World

Delight in an afternoon of fun and wonder at Puzzling World, a unique attraction with optical illusions and mazes.
Just a 5-minute drive from Wanaka Town.
NZD 75, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Green Room

Have a hearty lunch at The Green Room with locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed vibe.
Located in the heart of Wanaka.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Rippon Vineyard

Enjoy a family-friendly wine and juice tasting at Rippon Vineyard with stunning views of the lake.
A short drive from The Green Room.
NZD 50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Kai Whakapai

Dine on a delectable menu featuring locally sourced ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
Situated near the lakefront.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 5: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Savor a fulfilling breakfast before setting out to explore Queenstown.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Head to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, for thrilling activities.
A quick 1-hour drive from Wanaka.
NZD 15 (fuel), 1 hour

10:00AM

Ride the Skyline Gondola

Take a breathtaking gondola ride up Bob's Peak and enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown.
Close to Queenstown central.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Luge Rides at Skyline

Enjoy exciting luge rides down the scenic tracks—a family favorite!
Located at the summit of the Gondola.
NZD 75, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in a famous Fergburger, considered one of the best burgers in the world.
A short walk from Skyline.
NZD 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, where kids can play and enjoy the scenery.
Walking distance from Fergburger.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Bunker

End your day with dinner at The Bunker, offering a cozy atmosphere and family-friendly options.
Located in Queenstown's town center.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 6: Discover Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on your trip to Milford Sound.
Conveniently included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Depart early for a scenic drive to Milford Sound, known for its breathtaking fiords.
It's a 2-hour drive; enjoy the stunning landscapes.
NZD 30 (fuel), 2 hours

9:00AM

Cruise on Milford Sound

Take a 1.5-hour boat cruise through majestic fiords while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Board at the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD 200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Milford Sound Cafe

Grab a bite at the cafe with a simple menu and views of the stunning landscape.
Located near the terminal.
NZD 60, 1 hour

12:30PM

Scenic Drive Back to Queenstown

Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Queenstown with photo stops at picturesque locations.
Same route back; allow for stops.
Fuel included, 2 hours

2:30PM

Grab Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at this restaurant renowned for its local produce.
Located in the centre of Queenstown.
NZD 180, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound
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