Itinerary
Two Weeks on the South Island
The classic South Island loop, Christchurch to Queenstown via the West Coast, paced for families with kids aged 5-12.
Trip Highlights
- ✓ Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike
- ✓ Milford Sound day cruise
- ✓ Punting on the Avon in Christchurch
- ✓ Lake Tekapo stargazing
- ✓ Moeraki Boulders
Overview
This two-week loop is the sweet spot for first-time visitors to New Zealand’s South Island. You get dramatic scenery without overloading the kids, enough driving to feel like an adventure without destroying anyone, and a mix of active days and slower exploring.
Day-by-Day
Day 1-2: Christchurch
Arrive, recover, and shake off the jet lag. Christchurch is an ideal landing city, flat, walkable, and genuinely interesting after the rebuilding from the 2011 earthquake.
Don’t miss: The Botanic Gardens, punting on the Avon, and the Canterbury Museum (free, and kids love it).
Day 3-4: Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook
Drive inland through the Mackenzie Basin. The turquoise color of Lake Tekapo is not a filter.
Don’t miss: Church of the Good Shepherd, the Tekapo Springs hot pools, and the dark sky stargazing if you can stay overnight.
Day 5-6: West Coast via Haast Pass
One of the great drives in the world. Allow the full day. There is a lot to stop for.
Day 7-8: Franz Josef
The glacier is receding but still extraordinary. Heli-hikes are worth the splurge for kids old enough (usually 6+).
Day 9-10: Queenstown
Base camp for adventure. Queenstown has more to do with kids than almost anywhere in New Zealand.
Day 11-12: Milford Sound
The full day out. Leave early. Bring rain gear. Do the cruise.
Day 13-14: Back to Christchurch or fly from Queenstown
Most families fly home from Queenstown, which saves the backtrack.
Tips
- Book Milford Sound cruises and Franz Josef heli-hikes well in advance, especially in summer.
- The drive from Queenstown to Milford is long (about 4 hours each way). Some families prefer to overnight at Te Anau.
- Petrol stations are sparse on the West Coast. Fill up when you see one.