10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in the South Island of New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine Lab

Start your day at Caffeine Lab, known for its strong coffee and delicious avocado toast, perfect for fueling your adventure.
Head southeast to the Botanic Gardens, about a 10-minute drive.
NZD30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Botanic Gardens, exploring a variety of unique plants and flowers.
Walk around the gardens to enjoy the various sections.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Head to this vibrant food hub where you can enjoy a variety of local foods from different vendors.
Drive 5 minutes back to Little High Eatery.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Delve into the area's rich history at the Canterbury Museum, which features fascinating exhibits.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ride the Christchurch Gondola

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour from the top of the gondola.
Take a 20-minute drive to the gondola station.
NZD85, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Dine at Fiddlesticks, known for its fresh ingredients and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after your first day.
Drive 20 minutes back to the city center.
NZD120, 2 hours
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Day 2: Journey to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Food Store

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Food Store, popular for its homemade granola and fresh pastries.
Prepare for the drive to Lake Tekapo, about 3 hours away.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Set off towards the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, enjoying the stunning rural scenery along the way.
Follow State Highway 1 south.
Fuel Cost NZD60, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Astro Café

Grab a meal and enjoy views of the turquoise waters while you snack at the Astro Café.
Located at the Mount John Observatory, just a short drive.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Lake Tekapo

Take in the stunning lakeside views, rent a kayak, or take a stroll along the shoreline.
No need to drive, everything is walkable in the area.
NZD40 (for kayak rental), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Marvel at the scenic catch of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a breathtaking photo opportunity.
Just a short walk from the lake.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mackenzies Café

Dine at Mackenzies Café, where seasonal menu items provide a variety of delicious options.
5-minute walk from the Church.
NZD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Mount Cook

Mount Cook, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Fuel up for an adventurous day at your lodge's breakfast buffet.
Pack up and prepare for a 50-minute drive to Mount Cook.
Included with lodge stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Arrive at Mount Cook National Park

Start your day by soaking in the breathtaking scenery at New Zealand’s highest peak.
Follow the signs to the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hooker Valley Track

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track, a roughly 3-hour return walk to stunning alpine views.
Accessed from the visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy lunch while taking in the majestic views from the Hermitage Hotel.
Drive back about 10 minutes to reach the hotel.
NZD90, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Scenic Helicopter Flight

Take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Helicopter departure is from the Hermitage Hotel.
NZD500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mountaineer Cafe

End the day with a meal at The Old Mountaineer Cafe, with its cozy atmosphere and hearty meals.
Drive back to The Hermitage to reach the café.
NZD110, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Relax with a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before heading to Wanaka.
Pack up and drive to Wanaka; approximately 1 hour.
Included with lodge stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Pukaki towards Wanaka.
Follow SH8 south.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD30), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Take a memorable photo at the famous Wanaka Tree situated in the lake.
Short drive followed by a lakeside walk.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Kayaking on Lake Wanaka

Enjoy the views while paddling on tranquil Lake Wanaka.
Kayak rentals available near the lake.
NZD60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Francesca's Kitchen

Savor a delicious meal at Francesca's, known for its pizza and pasta dishes.
Just a short walk from the lake area.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Lakeside stroll or visit Puzzling World

Explore the quirky Puzzling World, filled with illusions and mazes, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.
Drive 10 minutes to Puzzling World if chosen.
NZD45, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Red Star

Cap the day with a cozy dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
Return to Wanaka town center.
NZD110, 2 hours
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Day 5: Queenstown Adventures

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Good Food Co.

Fuel up with a healthy breakfast from The Good Food Co. before hitting the road.
Drive to Queenstown, approximately 1 hour.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arrive in Queenstown

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Queenstown, known for its adventure sports.
Stop at a Queenstown information center to get tips.
Free, Casual

10:30AM

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Experience stunning views of Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola followed by a thrilling luge ride.
Easily accessible within Queenstown.
NZD130, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Stratosfare

Grab lunch at Stratosfare for sushi, burgers, and sides while enjoying panoramic views.
Located on the hill, after your gondola ride.
NZD100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Thrill-seekers can enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride through narrow canyons.
Drive ten minutes to the jet boating site.
NZD160, 1 hour

4:00PM

Wine Tasting in Arrowtown

Relax at one of the wineries near Arrowtown for tastings of local wines.
A 25-minute drive to Arrowtown.
NZD70, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

End the day with a sumptuous dining experience at Botswana Butchery, known for its steak and fine dining atmosphere.
Return to Queenstown downtown.
NZD200, 2 hours
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Day 6: Discover Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Early breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before embarking early on your day trip to Milford Sound.
Prepare for the 1 hour 45 minute drive.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Enjoy the scenic drive filled with breathtaking landscapes, perfect for photos.
Follow SH94 all the way to Milford Sound.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD40), 1 hour 45 minutes

9:00AM

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Embark on a stunning boat cruise through the fjord, getting up close to waterfalls and wildlife.
Cruises depart from the Milford Sound marina.
NZD180, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch on the cruise

Enjoy scenic views while munching on a provided lunch during your cruise.
Included with the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

12:30PM

Explore Milford Sound

Spend some time at the visitor center or exploring short walks nearby.
Walk around near the cruise terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive back to Queenstown

Head back to Queenstown to relax after a thrilling day.
Retrace your route back to Queenstown.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD40), 1 hour 45 minutes

5:15PM

Dinner at Queenstown Gardens

An informal but delightful dinner option, picnicking in the gardens wraps up the day nicely.
Drive to Queenstown Gardens, a short drive from downtown.
NZD60 (for takeaway), 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Station Café

Start your day with fantastic coffee and homemade treats at The Station Cafe.
A short walk from your Queenstown accommodation.
NZD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Te Anau

Set off for Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, and enjoy the scenic drive.
Follow SH94 to Te Anau, about 2 hours.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD40), 2 hours

11:00AM

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Experience the magical glowworm caves in Te Anau for a unique family-friendly adventure.
Short walk to the tour meeting point.
NZD110, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Redcliff Café

Savor some delicious local dishes featuring fresh produce at this family-friendly eatery.
Just a short drive from the glowworm caves.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Lake Te Anau

Take a scenic stroll by Lake Te Anau and absorb the peaceful surroundings.
Directly accessible from the town center.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Queenstown

Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon.
Retrace your route back to Queenstown.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD40), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cow

Grab rustic pizza and pasta while enjoying a cozy family atmosphere at The Cow.
Located in downtown Queenstown, easily accessible.
NZD95, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Franz Josef Glacier Adventure

Franz Josef, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at your accommodation before hitting the road.
Prepare for a 4.5-hour drive to Franz Josef.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Scenic Drive to Franz Josef

Enjoy the picturesque landscape as you journey through the southern Alps.
Take SH6, enjoying the views.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD60), 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Landing Café

Refuel after your drive with a tasty lunch at The Landing Café, known for its gourmet burgers.
Five-minute drive from the glacier town.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Embark on a guided hike to explore the stunning wonders of the glacier.
Book a tour to organize logistics.
NZD200, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Alice May

Dig into a comforting meal with local flavors at this cozy restaurant in town.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
NZD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Discover Greymouth

Greymouth, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a breakfast at your accommodation before an exciting drive.
Prepare for a scenic drive along the coast.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Greymouth

Enjoy a beautiful coastal drive to Greymouth, approximately 2.5 hours long.
Follow SH6 along the coast.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD50), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Shantytown Heritage Park

Explore this heritage park to experience New Zealand’s gold mining history.
Short drive from Greymouth town center.
NZD60, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Speight's Alehouse

Enjoy a hearty lunch at the Speight's Alehouse, known for its local beers and pub food.
A short drive away.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Monteith's Brewery

Take a brewery tour followed by beer tasting for adults, while kids can enjoy refreshments.
A quick drive from the lunch spot.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:30PM

Early dinner at The Social Kitchen

Savor delicious, fresh dining options at The Social Kitchen after a fun-filled day.
Located in downtown Greymouth.
NZD110, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before the final leg of your journey.
Start packing up for the drive back to Christchurch.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Christchurch

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Christchurch, approximately 3 hours.
Follow SH7 back to Christchurch.
Free (Fuel Cost NZD50), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Wrap up your trip with a delicious meal at The Bicycle Thief, known for its pasta and fresh local produce.
Located in the heart of Christchurch.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Christchurch’s Art Gallery

Conclude your South Island adventure with a visit to the Christchurch Art Gallery, featuring contemporary artworks.
Short drive to the gallery.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Accountability Café

Enjoy a farewell coffee at Accountability Café, reflecting on your amazing trip.
Located downtown near the art gallery.
NZD30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Depart from Christchurch

With hearts full of memories, depart from Christchurch, marking the end of an incredible family adventure.
Return the rental car at the airport.
Free, 1 hour
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