South Island Family Itinerary: 2 Weeks / 14 Days

© THL

How to Get Around the South Island in 2 Weeks with Kids

Most families come to the South Island to experience the great Kiwi road trip. With that in mind, renting a car or campervan allows families to have full flexibility and comfort.

However, parents who are on a tight budget might want to consider the national bus service, while those not keen on driving or organising their own itinerary might prefer an escorted bus tour.

The best ways to get around, using the itinerary below, are as follows:

Rental Car or Campervan

Enjoy complete freedom to visit all of the stops we recommend in this family two-week itinerary by renting a car or campervan. As this itinerary starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown, we recommend choosing a rental company that has depots in both cities.

Start your research using The Guide to Renting a Car or The Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

National Bus Service

InterCity offers the cheapest way to get between the destinations mentioned in this budget itinerary. However, you are restrained by bus schedules.

Find out more about the passes available in What’s the Difference Between InterCity Bus Passes?

Escorted Bus Tours

Let a professional guide drive your tribe around the South Island on a fully guided experience, often including accommodation and some meals.

Tour companies like Trafalgar, AAT Kings and Active Adventures welcome children on their tours – find out more in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the South Island.

Train

This itinerary includes a return train journey between Christchurch and Greymouth on the TranzAlpine – find out more on the Train Network in New Zealand.

Domestic Flights

The itinerary below begins in Auckland and ends in Queenstown. Both cities have international airports and are well-connected with domestic flights. If you’re leaving from Auckland, you will need to consider booking a domestic flight from Queenstown to Auckland.

Alternatively, use the free online travel agent, First Light Travel, to work out all of the logistics for you – more on them at the bottom of this itinerary.

Before we get into our itinerary, make your journey easier with the kids by following the advice in the 10 Ways to Relax on a Road Trip.

© Nancy Zhou - ChristchurchNZ

Day 1 – Christchurch Airport to Christchurch

Travel time: 15 minutes

Welcome to the South Island of New Zealand! It’s important for the whole family to take it easy for the first few days of our holiday, especially if you’re coming from far and are feeling jet-lagged. With that in mind, we recommend taking a short shuttle ride or taxi into the city of Christchurch for some easy-going activities.

In the city, explore the Botanic Gardens with the little ones, who will love the duck ponds, interactive water features, and running around in the gorgeous gardens.

Also check out the free-entry Canterbury Museum with all sorts of artefacts and stories from the region surrounding Christchurch.

Check out the list below if you have more time to spare in Christchurch.

Family Activities in Christchurch

• Ride the chairlifts, find the fairy doors or zipline over the trees at Christchurch Adventure Park
• Do the treetop obstacle course of Adrenalin Forest
• Take a day tour to Akaroa with Leisure Tours
• Experience the Polar regions at the International Antarctic Centre.
• Ride the Christchurch City Tram (more info on Viator and Klook).

For more details on each experience and others, see 10 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids.

Family Accommodation in Christchurch

• Country Glen Lodge
• Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch
• Lorenzo Motor Lodge
• Fable Christchurch
• Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

For more details on our top recommendations, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Christchurch.

© westcoast.co.nz

Day 2 – Christchurch to Greymouth

It is scientifically established that kids love trains… Or it might as well be. And adults will be impressed too by the TranzAlpine, a train ride frequently ranked as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The journey takes you through the Canterbury Plains to the dramatic mountain and river scenery of Arthur’s Pass and beyond.

After descending through the 8.5 km (5.3 mi) long Otira Tunnel, the 4-hour journey brings you to the rugged West Coast of the South Island. Your final call is Greymouth, where we’ll go through things to do here tomorrow.

Learn more about the TranzAlpine on Viator and Klook or in our Train Network in New Zealand.

Family Accommodation in Greymouth

• Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Alpine Rose Motel
• Scenicland Motels
• Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels
• Noah’s Ark Backpackers

For more information on our top recommendations, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Greymouth.

© Julian Apse - Tourism New Zealand

Day 3 – Explore Greymouth and the West Coast

Get a taste of the West Coast by exploring in and around Greymouth.

Join a tour to West Coast highlights like the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or Hokitika Gorge, available with Explore West Coast. Car rentals are also available in Greymouth should you want to explore independently.

Family Activities in Greymouth

• Experience the West Coast like it used to be at Shantytown Heritage Park
• Tackle one of Greymouth’s short walks
• Walk through history at the Brunner Mine Site
• Take a trip to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
• Or take a trip to Hokitika Gorge.

For more details on each activity, check out the 10 Things to Do in Greymouth with Kids.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 4 – Greymouth to Christchurch

The train back to Christchurch doesn’t depart until the afternoon (usually around 2 pm), so you have plenty of time this morning to do any additional activities you might have missed in Greymouth yesterday.

Get inspired with our list of 10 Things to Do in Greymouth with Kids.

Then you have the whole TranzAlpine journey to enjoy back to Christchurch, where you can check back into your Christchurch accommodation. Book your train journey or find out more information on Viator or Klook.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 5 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Travel time: 2 hrs 45 mins

After plenty of time to get over the long journey to New Zealand, it’s time to hit the road down the South Island to Lake Tekapo.

On your way out of Christchurch, stop by the town of Rakaia for refreshments and to see the giant fish sculpture.

Next is Ashburton, where the kids can burn off some energy in the Ashburton Domain.

You’ll then come across the town of Geraldine with nearby attractions such as vintage vehicle museums and the Talbot Scenic Reserve – all ideal for families. Find out more in the 10 Excellent Things to Do in Geraldine.

A Kiwi-style savoury pie from the Fairlie Bakehouse is mandatory before you finally arrive in Lake Tekapo, where you can soak in the blue lake and Southern Alps scenery or soak in the Tekapo Springs. The latter also includes a kiddies’ water play area, as well as large waterslides in summer and ice skating in winter.

Enjoy one night in your Tekapo accommodation, which you’ll need to book in advance due to the limited availability.

Family Activities in Lake Tekapo

• Have a splash at Tekapo Springs
• Take the kids up the ski fields of Mt Dobson or Roundhill in winter
• Do the easy Lake Tekapo Walkway
• Wow the family with a scenic flight from Tekapo to the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
• Take a pic of the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue.

For more ideas, head to the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Tekapo.

Family Accommodation in Lake Tekapo

• Lakes Edge Holiday Park
• Peppers Bluewater Resort
• Tekapo Luxury Apartments
• Mantra Lake Tekapo
• Lake Tekapo Village Motel

For more options, get in touch with First Light Travel, which has access to more than 20,000 providers!

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – Lake Tekapo to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Travel time: 1 hr 10 mins

It’s a short(ish) and scenic drive to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park as you follow the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to a tiny village in the shadows of New Zealand’s highest mountain.

In Mt Cook Village, you have a selection of stunning short walks to enjoy, from glacier walks to bush walks.

If your budget will allow, jump on an exciting boat tour to see giant icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake or take to the skies in a helicopter or ski plane (more info on Viator and Klook).

Whatever you don’t have time for today, you can always do tomorrow.

Family Accommodation in Mt Cook

• Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
• Glentanner Park Centre
• The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
• Aoraki Alpine Chalet
• Aoraki Court Motel

For more details on each recommendation, take a look at the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Mt Cook.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

You don’t have to leave the spectacular scenery of New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glacier just yet, as you have the whole day to experience Mt Cook your way.

It could be checking out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre with its 3D dome cinema, relaxing with a family-friendly meal with grand views or doing the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Lake Track.

Family Activities in Mt Cook

• See the Tasman Glacier on the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Lake Track
• Roam around in the forest on the Governors Bush Walk
• Take the skies in a helicopter or ski plane (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Check out a planetarium and use powerful telescopes on a stargazing tour
• Whiz around a glacier lake with giant icebergs on a boat tour.

For more details on each experience, check out the 10 Things to Do in Mt Cook with Kids.

© Unsplash

Day 8 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown

Travel time: 3 hrs 10 mins

Although today’s journey to Queenstown is a long one, there are plenty of exciting sights to break up the journey.

First up is Twizel, which offers plenty of cafes and the Twizel River Trail.

In Omarama, take a 30-minute detour to the Clay Cliffs for its otherworldly formations of pinnacles and narrow ravines. You can also sample part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail if your kids are really active.

After Omarama is the Lindis Pass, which is often deemed the most beautiful road in New Zealand.

Stop by Cromwell for refreshments, including fresh fruit that the town is renowned for. You might also want to try the go-karting at the Highlands Motorsport Park.

As you travel down the Kawarau Gorge, stop by the Goldfields Mining Centre to pan for gold or jump on Goldfields Jet for an adrenaline-pumping ride down the river.

By the time you get to Queenstown, you’ll probably need a good rest, so check-in at your accommodation. You’ll experience more of the adventure town tomorrow.

Family Accommodation in Queenstown

• Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Peppers Beacon
• Holiday Inn Queenstown
• The Waterfront
• Whistler Holiday Apartments

For more information on each accommodation, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Queenstown.

© Unsplash

Day 9 – Explore Queenstown

Because there’s so much to do in Queenstown, we’ve given you two full days to tick off the items from your bucket list.

It could be zipping through the trees with Ziptrek Ecotours (more info on Viator, Klook and KKday), learning about New Zealand’s unique wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park, or racing each other on the gravity-fuelled go-karts of The Luge.

Family Activities in Queenstown

• Get the adrenaline pumping on an exciting jet boat ride
• Zip through the trees on a zipline tour (more info on Viator, Klook and KKday)
• Learn about New Zealand’s birds at the Kiwi Birdlife Park
• Watch the sheep being worked on the Walter Peak farm tour (on Viator, Klook and KKday)
• Race each other in downhill go-karts at The Luge.

For more information on each activity, as well as a few more ideas, head to the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids!

© Pxhere

Day 10 – Explore Queenstown

Have you taken the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak farm yet? Watch sheepdogs working the sheep, see sheep shearing demonstrations and learn how wool is spun in this family-friendly experience. Find out more about Walter Peak on Viator, Klook and KKday.

If your family wants a taste of Queenstown adrenaline, try the family-friendly Kawarau Bridge Zipline and watch mum or dad do the Kawarau Bungy?!

We also recommend a day trip to Arrowtown, where you can pan for gold, indulge in the many candy and ice cream shops and more. Check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Arrowtown for ideas.

For more information on all the activities mentioned and more, head to the 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.

© Unsplash

Day 11 – Queenstown to Te Anau

Travel time: 2 hours

Today, you make your way to Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park. Start with a picturesque lakeside drive down Lake Wakatipu, stopping at the lookouts for scenic family snaps. You can get refreshments in Kingston and Lowther before continuing onto Te Anau.

In Te Anau, short yet excellent activities include visiting the free-entry Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, where you can see New Zealand birds in rehabilitation. There’s also the Trout Observatory if you want to see fish and crayfish in their element.

If you have more time, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are well worth checking out, accessible by boat, which includes a guided cave tour among glowworms and underground waterfalls. Check it out on Viator or Klook.

Family Activities in Te Anau

• Delve into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (more info on Viator or Klook)
• Watch the birds at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
• Check out the fish at the Trout Observatory
• Let the kids loose at the Lions Playground
• Visit Lake Manapouri and play on Frasers Beach.

For more ideas, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Te Anau.

Family Accommodation in Te Anau

• Aden Motel
• Kepler Oaks Chalet
• Anchorage Motel Apartments
• Lakefront Lodge
• Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Te Anau for more recommendations.

© JUCY Group

Day 12 – Te Anau to Milford Sound

Travel time: 1 hr 30 mins

While most travellers rush to Milford Sound and back in one day, we find that the best way to experience it as a family is to take your time. There are a ton of child-friendly short walks and stunning natural attractions to enjoy on the way to Milford Sound.

Recommended short walks on the road to Milford Sound include the Lake Mistletoe Track, Mirror Lakes Walk, Lake Marian Falls Track, the Lake Gunn Nature Walk and The Chasm. Find out more about these walks in the 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids.

Family Accommodation in Milford Sound

When you get to Milford Sound, check in at the only accommodation available there, Milford Sound Lodge or, if you’re in a campervan or have a tent, stay at one of the glorious campsites along the Milford Road. Find out more in the 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound.

© P Murrell - Destination Fiordland

Day 13 – Milford Sound to Te Anau

Travel time: 1 hr 30 mins

We recommend enjoying an activity this morning before the tourist crowds arrive. You and your family will be some of the lucky few who will get to see Milford Sound at a more peaceful time of day!

One option is a scenic cruise of the famous fiord where the boat dips under waterfalls, sails by seal colonies and takes in the breathtaking landscape carved by glaciers. Compare all of your options in the 5 Best Cruises in Milford Sound.

Another cool way to take in the glorious views of Milford Sound is via a helicopter tour. Milford Sound Helicopters departs from Milford Sound Airport, offering families several flight options. Flights are suitable for all ages and infant seats are available.

Family Activities in Milford Sound

• Look out for wildlife and see spectacular waterfalls on a Milford Sound cruise
• Stop by the Mirror Lakes
• Enjoy the forest and lake scenery of the Lake Gunn Nature Walk
• Check out the underwater observatory with Southern Discoveries
• See spectacular waterfalls on the Lake Marian Falls Track.

For more details on each activity and others, check out the 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids.

Then, you have the spectacular scenery of the Milford Road to enjoy from a new angle on your way back to Te Anau, stopping by some of the scenic walks you might have missed on the way up. Check back in at your Te Anau accommodation.

© Unsplash

Day 14 – Te Anau to Queenstown Airport

Travel time: 2 hours

After two weeks on the South Island, it’s time to wrap up this adventure with any of the activities you might have missed in Te Anau before heading to Queenstown Airport.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to return your rental vehicle.

There are connecting flights between Queenstown and Auckland if you are flying out of Auckland, otherwise, flights to Australia leave from Queenstown.

And it’s Haere rā (farewell), New Zealand!

© First Light Travel

Plan This Family Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this two-week South Island family itinerary but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in self-drive family itineraries in New Zealand at no extra cost to you. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised family itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest, including the bookings.

Plan Your Family Trip With First Light Travel

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of.

They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.