14 Day South Island Family Explorer Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and Welcome to New Zealand.

Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, lies between the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the lively Riverside Market, open seven days a week with boutique retail, eateries, and bars. Or step back in time with a Private Punting Trip down the Avon River—an elegant way to see the “Garden City.” Glide past historic buildings and the Botanic Gardens in a flat-bottomed boat, soaking up the charm. Enjoy your free time—your South Island adventure begins tomorrow.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

A visit to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in Mackenzie Country places you within UNESCO’s Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage region. Dominated by Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m), Australasia’s highest peak, the park spans the dramatic Southern Alps, with more than 150 summits, vast glaciers, snowfields, and alpine lakes. Your day includes the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, celebrating mountaineering history and the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary. Enjoy the indoor planetarium show at The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook, exploring the region’s skies and its place in the universe and heritage landscapes.

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

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. A unique guided experience departing Aoraki/Mount Cook village by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley followed by a 1/2hr gentle alpine walk. Board our MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the glacier and icebergs, making each trip different from the last due to changing winds and currents. 

Knowledgeable guides, enhance your experience with their expertise and passion for this amazing alpine environment.  Have you ever been alongside, discovered, or touched an iceberg?

En route to Dunedin today, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach to view the Moeraki Boulders. There are over 50 of these 65-million-year-old natural wonders strewn along the sands. They are up to 2 metres wide and the largest weight of around 7 tonnes!

The name "Dunedin" comes from the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh: "Dun Eideann" and you won't have to look hard to see the Scottish influence in this lovely old university town.

A popular attraction here is Larnach Castle, built-in 1871. It took 200 workers three years to build, and twelve years to decorate! Housing a unique New Zealand antique collection and beautiful gardens, it's a relaxing place to meander.

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

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

This morning you'll hop on board a fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and its dramatic cliffs. Later, you'll encounter another rare New Zealand native: the shy Hoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin)

The Otago Peninsula was described by the internationally-acclaimed environmentalist Dr. David Bellamy as “the finest example of eco-tourism in the world." As you cruise around Taiaroa Head, watch for New Zealand Fur Seals playing near their breeding colonies. Out at sea, you may also come across albatross and petrels as well as penguins, dolphins, and other marine mammals.

Te Anau is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, with pristine forests and lakes featured in The Lord of the Rings. Explore the area through flightseeing, fishing, kayaking, or sailing to truly connect with nature. A highlight is the glowworm cave excursion, beginning with a cruise across Lake Te Anau to a hidden cave system. Inside, navigate limestone passages, underground waterfalls, and tranquil pools. In a silent grotto, thousands of glowworms light up the darkness like a starry sky—an unforgettable experience that captures the magic of this serene and otherworldly destination.

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

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

This morning, transfer to Manapouri for a journey into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound—larger, deeper, and far more tranquil than Milford. Cruise across Lake Manapouri and travel over the scenic Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, where you’ll board the Patea Explorer. From spacious decks, admire waterfalls, rainforest, and soaring peaks. A knowledgeable nature guide shares insights as you spot wildlife such as dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This peaceful, awe-inspiring experience reveals one of New Zealand’s most untouched and breathtaking natural environments.

Included Meals: Lunch

Take your time heading to Queenstown today: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination.

This Evening: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner prepared in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano as you sail back to Queenstown.

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Embark on a thrilling Wilderness Jet adventure into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, one of Queenstown’s most exhilarating experiences. Speed along glacier-fed braided rivers with 360-degree spins, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Your guide shares Māori heritage, greenstone trails, and local legends, with time to explore ancient beech forests reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Afterwards, ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and enjoy three thrilling luge rides, completing an unforgettable day of adventure, culture, and spectacular views.

This afternoon, cruise across the stunning waters of Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island, a special predator-free sanctuary. Once a boatbuilding site, the island is now home to rare native species, including the curious weka. Join a passionate local guide on a nature walk and learn about vital conservation efforts. At the summit, take in panoramic views of untouched wilderness—no signs of human life in sight. It’s a rewarding blend of ecology, scenery, and serenity, offering a truly unforgettable Lake Wānaka experience that captures the magic of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

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

Accommodation: Wanaka - 1 Night

The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef is one of the most scenic in New Zealand. Mountain passes give way to the ancient rainforest and the windswept West Coast. There's beauty around every bend, with woodland walks and dramatic waterfalls along the way - perfect for picnic stops. Nestled in a rainforest clearing, Franz Josef Glacier Village lies at the heart of the Westland National Park. Welcome to one of the most diverse and beautiful areas of New Zealand.

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

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland, is a haven for birdlife and a serene natural escape. Fringed by lush Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests, its shallow waters flow into rainforest river deltas—perfect for exploring by kayak. Keep an eye out for the elegant White Heron, Shags, Royal Spoonbills, and over 70 other bird species. The elusive Okarito Kiwi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, also calls this area home. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps towering above this pristine, peaceful wilderness.

Begin your morning with a stunning coastal drive to Greymouth, stopping in Hokitika to browse local shops renowned for pounamu (greenstone) carvings—treasured Māori symbols and meaningful keepsakes. Upon arrival in Greymouth, return your rental car and board the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train. This unforgettable rail journey takes you through dramatic gorges, lush river valleys, and across towering viaducts as you traverse the Southern Alps. It’s a breathtaking way to cross the South Island, ending your day in Christchurch with memories of one of the world’s most scenic train rides.

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.