South Island Family Explorer Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand! Settle into Christchurch, the South Island’s gateway city, where heritage charm, green spaces, and a vibrant dining scene create a relaxed introduction to your family holiday.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
Take a family-friendly heritage tram ride through Christchurch’s historic streets, a fun and easy way to discover the city’s highlights and heritage.
 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Collect your rental vehicle and travel across the Canterbury Plains into the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage region. Arrive in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak and dramatic alpine scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre admission
• Galactic Journey planetarium show
• 2 nights in Aoraki / Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins
 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Explore the spectacular Tasman Valley and experience one of New Zealand’s most impressive glacier environments on a guided boat journey among icebergs and the Tasman Glacier terminal lake.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Hooker Valley Walking Track
• Tasman Glacier boat tour
• Glacial lake & iceberg scenery

Make it yours
Add a scenic helicopter flight for unforgettable views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
 

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Travel south through dramatic alpine landscapes and coastal plains, stopping at the iconic Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach before arriving in the historic Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Moeraki Boulders stopover
• Coastal and Otago countryside scenery
• 2 nights in Dunedin

Approximate Distance: 320 km | 200 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula on a guided cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to fur seals, albatross, and rare yellow-eyed penguins, with incredible coastal scenery throughout.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Otago peninsula wildlife cruise
• Taiaroa Head & coastal scenery
• Seals and penguin spotting

Make it yours
Discover the famous Larnach Castle with a combined castle and cruise tour, blending historic charm with scenic coastal cruising.

Journey into Fiordland via stunning landscapes and arrive in Te Anau, gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sound. Explore glowworm-lit underground caves and pristine wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
• Guided Glowworm Cave tour
• 2 nights in Te Anau

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 207 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel from Manapouri into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, crossing Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass before cruising through deep fiords surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Scenic Doubtful Sound cruise
• Bottlenose dolphins, Fur seals and Crested penguin sightings
• Nature commentary

Journey through dramatic alpine scenery to Queenstown and enjoy some free time to explore the stunning lakeside setting before boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw for a memorable evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure
• TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise 
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience the thrill of Queenstown with a jet boat journey through Mount Aspiring National Park, followed by panoramic views and luge rides at Skyline Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Jet boat experience
• Mount Aspiring National Park scenery
• Skyline Gondola & 3 luge rides

Make it yours:
Enhance your Skyline experience with a premium dinner, the perfect way to end the evening while enjoying panoramic sunset views over Queenstown.

Cruise across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free sanctuary where guided walks, conservation stories, and breathtaking summit views await. Upon returning, enjoy the evening at leisure in Wānaka.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Crown Range
• Lake Wānaka Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
• Native tree planting and wildlife encounters
• 1 night in Wānaka

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 44 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel the scenic route from Wānaka to Franz Josef Glacier through mountain passes, rainforest, and waterfalls before arriving in Franz Josef Glacier Village, gateway to New Zealand's iconic glacier landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Haast Pass
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 285 km | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore the serene Ōkārito Lagoon by kayak, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland, home to rare birdlife and surrounded by rainforest and alpine views.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided kayaking experience
• Wetland and rainforest scenery
• Birdwatching opportunities

Travel along the West Coast to Greymouth, then return your rental vehicle and board the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Hokitika stopover
• TranzAlpine rail journey
• Alpine crossings and river gorges
• 1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Bid farewell to New Zealand after an unforgettable family adventure, taking home magical memories of spectacular scenery, unique experiences, and cherished moments together from a truly exceptional holiday.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.