Winter Family Holiday self Drive Itinerary

Relax you are on holiday and everything has been taken care of. Collect your car from the airport, turn on your GPS and drive to your hotel. Your New Zealand Winter Family Holiday starts now and its going to be fun!

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resiliency with a number of new and exciting developments popping up everywhere. Don’t miss the Re Start Shopping Mall, made out of shipping containers. 

Some suggested excursions if you have time.

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 night

Oamaru is a very cool little town - once in line to be New Zealand's capital during the heady days of the great gold rush. Unfortunately once the gold was panned other port towns such as Dunedin grew in stature and Oamaru was left with an impressive collection of grandiose Victorian white-stone buildings mainly left abandoned.

With deliberate intent a group of artists seized on this unique heritage and have branded the town 'The Steampunk Capital of the World'. The 'Victorian Quarter' has a dedicated Steampunk Museum (awesome) a park and many cafe's that celebrate this genre.

Children will love the Steampunk park down at the harbours edge, it voted best park in New Zealand. Steam punk is a genre that celebrates the 'Art of Victorian Futurism' and this future is driven by unusual steam powered devices – the ‘world gone mad’ as Victorian people may have imagined it. Examples are machines like those in the writing of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Kids of all ages will love this imaginative art form and so will you, a perfect excursion for your New Zealand Winter Family Holiday.

The Smallest Penguins in the World: After checking in at your accommodation - enjoy a leisurely dinner before wrapping up warm and hunkering down (quietly) to watch the Little Blue Penguins as they arrive in their 'rafts' to the safety of nesting boxes provided by the Little Blue Penguin Colony.

Approximate Distance: 250 kms | 155 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hour 15 mins

​Accommodation Oamaru - 1 night

This morning set off for an interesting drive through the Waitaki Valley - where a series of hydro dams and lakes have been created to provide New Zealand's enviable hydroelectric power stations. Travel through the Mackenzie region perhaps stop at the hot tubs at Omarama for a scenic view, or head to the remarkable Clay Cliffs for a short walk. Take the scenic Lindis Pass through to Wanaka - enjoy the view of the snow capped peaks that will be your playground for the next few days. 

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation Wanaka - 3 nights

Embark on a two-day family skiing adventure at Cardrona Ski Field, a winter wonderland perfect for all ages. Boasting wide, groomed slopes and diverse terrain, it's an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced skiers. Children can enjoy dedicated learning areas and fun ski programs, while adults tackle more challenging runs. Off the slopes, the whole family can relish in cozy mountain dining and picturesque views, creating unforgettable memories in this snowy paradise. A family-friendly ski experience awaits at Cardrona!

Included in your costing is 2 Days of the Never Ever Ski Package that includes Ski Lift and either Board or Ski Hire and lessons (clothing not included).

This morning make your farewells to new friends made, and onwards to Queenstown. A great place to stop along the way is at Puzzling World - where illusions and puzzles are everywhere. This is a great place to stretch legs and for the kids to explore the many optical illusions and to tackle a serious maze. Then its back on the road for the bright lights of Queenstown.

Approximate Distance: 218 kms | 135 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hour 55 mins

​Accommodation Queenstown - 2 nights

Today see a slice of the old world of farming settlers in New Zealand. Travel back in time on the centennial steamship the TSS Earnslaw and take a scenic lake cruise to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a farm tour and afternoon tea on this high country farm, and hear tales of farming in the remote Southern Hemisphere. On return to Queenstown head to the Queenstown Gondola and Luge - take the opportunity to view Queenstown atop Bob's Peak.  En route you will enjoy a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and over Queenstown. The children will love the chance to zoom down the luge track.

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. Queenstown may be the adventure capital of the world, but it’s also home to an excellent food and wine scene as well as great shopping, cafes and reastaurants.

Recommended adventures for Queenstown if you have time.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know that you and your family will love the New Zealand Winter Family Holiday and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.