South Island New Zealand Road Trip: 15-Day Family Itinerary (With Kids, Costs & Tips)
- rachnamone
- May 28, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Why South Island New Zealand is Perfect for a Family Road Trip
New Zealand is a stunning country with so much to explore and experience! From breathtaking beaches and shimmering lakes to rolling pastures and amazing wildlife, New Zealand truly has it all. It's the ideal destination for a fun-filled family adventure, offering something for everyone, no matter their age!
Best Time to Visit South Island New Zealand with Kids
New Zealand is wonderful all year round! But, incase you are looking for warm sunny days and clear skies for your South Island New Zealand road trip, then the best time to visit is during the summer months of December, January and February. But that also means, that expect crowds and the prices of accommodation and activities to be at the peak. Though spring months of September, October and November are a great time to visit if you want to see flowers in bloom everywhere and waterfalls at their best, however, expect intermittent showers . Winter months of June, July and August are great for winter activities like skiing around Queenstown.
According to us , the best time to visit are the autumn months of March, April, May - the days though shorter that summer are nice and sunny, showers are not as frequent as in Spring and prices can be reasonable.
Planning your flights? Read our complete guide to 10 Essential things to know before traveling to New Zealand — including visa tips, currency, and driving rules for Indian families.
We have visited the South Island of New Zealand both in spring and autumn, and each time, the beauty and vibrant colors left us in awe!
15-Day South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (Day by Day)
South Island NZ Trip Cost: What We Actually Spent as a Family
Here is a detailed 15-day road trip itinerary that we did with our rented car from Apex Car Rentals and our two kids. It was an absolute blast every single day! This itinerary is especially designed for families with young children and travelers who, like us, love to soak in the vibe of the place.
Day 1 - Arrive in Christchurch: Castle Hill & First Impressions
Arrive in Christchurch and pick up your rental car from the airport. If you've landed earlier in the day, consider exploring the Castle Hill area like we did. Otherwise, take a short drive into the city to relax at the Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, you can visit the International Antarctic Center, which is within walking distance from the airport. For a day trip, Bank's Peninsula and Akaroa are also fantastic options, less than two-hour drive from Christchurch Airport.
Tip - There are plenty of restaurants near Christchurch Airport, but if you're looking for a spot where the kids can burn off some energy, the McDonald's near the airport has an indoor play area. It's perfect for grabbing a bite while the little ones play!
Day 2 - Lake Tekapo: Lupins, Stargazing & Farm Stay
Start early to reach Lake Tekapo. On the way, make your first stop at the beautiful Rakaia Gorge. Plan for a 4 to 5-hour drive, allowing time for a lunch break. Geraldine and Ashburton are great places to stop for a meal. We arrived at Lake Tekapo around 2 PM.
Lake Tekapo, located in the Mackenzie region of South Island, is a stunning destination. The Church of the Good Shepherd, situated on its shore, is a popular tourist spot. Having visited the church during our last trip, we decided to skip it this time. Instead, we enjoyed a quick takeout lunch by the lake and picked up some groceries from the Four Square store nearby. Meanwhile, the kids had a blast playing at the lakeside playground.
We had booked a sheep shearing demonstration for the evening, so after some enjoyable time at Lake Tekapo, we headed to our farm stay at Burkes Pass. Read more about our experience of staying in a working sheep farm in our blog - Our Favorite Experiences in South Island New Zealand - PART I.
Day 3 - Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki: Hooker Valley Walk
Start early and travel along the stunning Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village. Although the drive takes about an hour, it will likely take longer as you'll want to stop and admire the numerous scenic spots along the way. Upon reaching Mount Cook, head to the White Horse Hill Campground, which is the starting point for the Hooker Valley Track. This relatively easy walk leads to Hooker Lake, offering breathtaking views of Aoraki Mount Cook.
There are a few cafes and restaurants in Mount Cook Village, but packing a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way is also a great option.
Tip: The White Horse Hill Campground parking can get very crowded, so make sure to arrive early.
Day 4 - Lake Wanaka,Puzzling World & Wanaka Lavender Farm
Drive to Lake Wanaka through the Lindis Pass, making sure to stop at the scenic viewpoint for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching Wanaka, head straight to Puzzling World. It's a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours with the kids, as the exhibits are sure to intrigue the little ones, and the maze is fun for both adults and children.
Afterward, visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm, just a few minutes' drive from Puzzling World. This farm offers a lovely spot to enjoy afternoon or evening tea at their beautiful café. If you're visiting during lavender season, you can stroll through the vibrant lavender fields and buy some lavender products from their shop. The biggest attraction for the kids is the friendly farm animals, including sheep, donkeys, ponies, and pigs, which will keep the little ones super happy!
End the day with some playtime at the dinosaur playground at the Wanaka waterfront. There is another playground near "That Wanaka Tree," which we enjoyed the next day!
Day 5 - Blue Pools & Haast Pass: Best Scenic Drive in NZ
We decided to drive to Blue Pools and Haast the next day. The drive to the West Coast from Wanaka is stunning, first following Lake Hawea and then Lake Wanaka—a pure treat for the eyes. There are plenty of rest stops along the way to pause and admire the lake views. You can carry a picnic lunch or stop at Makarora Cafe for some food. (Most cafes in New Zealand close by 3 PM, so plan your breaks accordingly).
Unfortunately, upon reaching the Blue Pools, we discovered that the bridge leading to the pools was closed for maintenance. We had to settle for the views from the bottom of the bridge. Nonetheless, the walk was beautiful, with rainforest-like vegetation and the delightful songs of birds along the way.
Alternatively, you might consider doing the Rob Roy Peak hike. However, based on reviews from other travelers, it seems like a challenging hike, especially when traveling with young children.
Tip - During your time in Wanaka, be sure to visit Doughbin Bakery. The pies and pastries are super delicious!
Day 6 - Arrowtown: History, Autumn Colours & Gold Rush Heritage
Arrowtown is a historic town located near Queenstown, but it's also perfect for a day trip from Wanaka, as the drive takes only about an hour. The route from Wanaka takes you through the Crown Range, where the views from the summit are absolutely stunning.
Arrowtown is famous for its Gold Rush history, gold mining era, and Chinese settlement. It's also a fantastic place to enjoy autumn colors, with an annual autumn festival held every April. There are numerous walking tracks around Arrowtown, ranging from easy to more advanced. We chose the Arrow River Trail with our kids and had a great time.
After our walk, we headed into town for a quick lunch and visited the museum, which has interesting exhibits that provide a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers in the area. We ended our fun-filled day in Arrowtown with some delicious Patagonia ice cream!
Read more about our day in Arrowtown, in our blog - An awesome, autumn day in Arrowtown with kids.
Tip: Parking in Arrowtown fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this charming area.
Day 7 - Drive to Queenstown via Cromwell Orchards
Drive to Queenstown via Cromwell. Developed during the gold rush era, Cromwell is now famous for its orchards and vineyards, and it is beautifully situated along Lake Dunstan. A visit to the historic precinct feels like stepping back in time to the gold mining era. While the old buildings have been preserved, they now house various modern businesses.
Have lunch at Seed and Grain restaurant in the historic precinct. Spend the afternoon at the waterfront, and head to the Cromwell city center where there is a large playground and a lovely rose garden. Before leaving this beautiful area, make sure to visit Jackson's Orchard for some fresh fruit ice cream.
On your way to Queenstown, you'll pass through the Kawarau Gorge and see the Roaring Meg, both of which offer spectacular views.
Day 8 - Queenstown: Luge, Jet Boat & iFLY with Kids
Queenstown has so many fun activities to do! We started our day with a thrilling ride on the KJET boat, complete with exhilarating 360-degree spins! Afterward, we grabbed a delicious takeaway lunch of pies, carrot cake, and raspberry tart from Ferg Baker. (Ferg Burger, the famous burger place next door, always had a queue, and we didn't want to keep our little ones waiting.)
Next, we went to the Skyline Gondola and took three luge rides each. I highly recommend taking at least five luge rides—it’s a lot of fun, and the views are just stunning! One can easily spend the whole day here. There’s also an indoor café with a small play area for toddlers at the top.
We spent the evening by the lakefront, soaking in the beautiful scenery.
Check out our blog on Things to do in Queenstown with kids.
Tip: Finding free public parking in Queenstown is a challenge. We recommend parking at the Seven Mile car park, a larger public parking area with a washroom and a playground nearby. The stunning views of the lake and the Remarkables are a bonus! The walk to the city center takes around 15 minutes.
Day 9 - Queenstown: Deer Park Heights & More Adventures
Start this day early and head to Deer Park Heights. This private property allows farm animals to roam freely. You can buy animal feed at the entrance and feed the animals as you drive up to the summit. The views from the top are superb—arguably better than from the Skyline Gondola. Remember to book in advance, as they allow only a limited number of vehicles each day. The cost is 55 NZD per vehicle, payable online at the time of booking, and you'll need 2 NZD coins to buy animal feed.
If you're traveling with kids, visit Time Tripper for a fun and educational experience. For some "chilling" fun, check out Below Zero Ice Bar, where they provide age-appropriate jackets to make your visit more comfortable.
Tip- Pak'nSave in Frankton offers a wide array of grocery options, and there are many restaurants nearby for dining.
Day 10 - Glenorchy Day Trip: LOTR Country & Animal Farm
Head out to Glenorchy for a day trip. The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes about an hour, but the route along Lake Wakatipu is filled with breathtaking views. Glenorchy is a quaint town famous for its Lord of the Rings shooting locations, but our favorite part of the trip was visiting the Glenorchy Animal Farm. Here, you can hand-feed several free-roaming farm animals against a stunning backdrop.
Grab lunch at Mrs. Wooly's General Store, a charming little café. Afterward, visit the famous Glenorchy red shed and the pier, then go for the Glenorchy Lagoon Walk. You can also drive further towards "Paradise" (yes, that's the name of the place), though be aware that it's mostly a gravel road. Check out our blog, Discover Glenorchy - A gateway to Paradise for more details.
Day 11 - Milford Sound
It's time to say goodbye to Queenstown and head out very early in the morning to Milford Sound. Located approximately 300 km from Queenstown, the drive takes roughly 4 to 5 hours without stops. Stop for breakfast at Sandfly Cafe,Te Anau. The drive to Milford sound is beautiful, with several scenic stops along the way, including Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley.
For a detailed Milford Sound planning guide, check out our blog Milford sound travel guide with kids- how to plan the perfect trip.
Day 12 - Te Anau Bird sanctuary and drive to Bannockburn
Begin the day with breakfast at the Sandfly Cafe, followed by a visit to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, which houses some of New Zealand's rare native birds, like the Takahe. Spend some time by the serene Te Anau Lake in the morning, then start your journey towards Bannockburn. The drive takes around 3 hours. For lunch, stop at the food truck in Garston—their burgers and sandwiches are delicious.
Day 13 - Bannockburn: Vineyards, Cycling & Hidden Gems
Bannockburn is known as the "Heart of the Desert." It's a beautiful little village surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Cromwell, located less than 10 minutes away, has supermarkets and restaurants. Bannockburn is the perfect place to spend a laid-back, relaxing day after the hectic drive to and from Milford Sound.
Start the day with breakfast at the Black Rabbit Cafe. Then, head to Bannockburn Sluicings for a peek into the gold mining era and a great walk with awesome views from the top. Later, visit one of the many nearby vineyards for wine tasting or lunch. Read about our experience at the Carrick Winery in our blog - Our favorite experiences in South island New Zealand - PART II.
Day 14 - Oamaru: Blue Penguins & Steampunk District
Head to Oamaru to visit the blue penguin colony. On the way, we recommend stopping at the Katiki Point Lighthouse and taking a walk along the coast to see seals. Then, head to Moeraki to marvel at the amazing Moeraki Boulders.
Upon reaching Oamaru, have lunch at the Star and Garter Restaurant and then explore Oamaru's Steampunk HQ. The viewing at the Blue Penguin Colony begins at 6 PM, so aim to arrive around 15 minutes early.
Watching the seals and penguins up close in their natural environment was the highlight of our day, and our kids absolutely loved it! Read all about it in our blog, Our favorite experiences in South island New Zealand PART I and PART II.
Day 15 - Drive Back to Christchurch via Waimate
Start the drive back to Christchurch. On the way, stop at Waimate, where you can walk among and feed tame wallabies. These friendly animals are a delight for both kids and adults. Afterward, get lunch at Lushingtons Café in Ashburton.
Upon reaching Christchurch, return your rental car and check into a hotel nearby the airport. Options include Novotel, Sudima, and Lylo, which offer convenient accommodations for a restful night before your departure.
Why South Island New Zealand Should Be Your Next Family Holiday
New Zealand has so much to see and do, and yet it always feels wonderfully relaxed — that's what makes it so perfect for families. In our experience, it is easily one of the best destinations to travel to with kids. A trip that doesn't leave you exhausted, but genuinely rejuvenated. South Island New Zealand is that rare sweet spot.
We had the most fun, adventure-filled and memorable 15 days on our South Island road trip, and we honestly can't wait to return. If you're planning a family trip to New Zealand, we hope this itinerary helps you create your own unforgettable memories!
FAQ: South Island New Zealand Road Trip
Q1: Is South Island New Zealand worth visiting with young kids?
Absolutely yes! South Island is one of the most family-friendly destinations we've ever visited. Restaurants have kids menus, playgrounds are everywhere, and activities like the Queenstown Luge, jet boat rides, and farm animal experiences are genuinely thrilling for children of all ages. Our two kids had the time of their lives.
Q2: How many days do you need for a South Island New Zealand road trip?
We recommend a minimum of 12–15 days to do South Island justice with kids. Anything less and you'll feel rushed between destinations. 15 days gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace, which is especially important when travelling with children.
Q3: How much does a South Island NZ road trip cost for a family of 4?
Based on our April 2024 trip, budget approximately NZD 8,500–11,500 for 15 days excluding international flights. This covers mid-range Airbnb accommodation, a mix of self-catering and cafes, car rental with full insurance, fuel, and activities like the Milford Sound cruise and Queenstown adventures.
Q4: Do Indian nationals need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes, Indian passport holders need to apply for a New Zealand visitor visa before travelling. The process is fully online, straightforward, and takes less than 15 days in most cases. No need to send your passport to the embassy. Apply at immigration.govt.nz.
Q5: Can you use an Indian driving licence in New Zealand?
Yes! An Indian driving licence is valid in New Zealand for up to 12 months. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, same as India, so the adjustment is minimal. We found driving in New Zealand very easy and highly recommend self-driving over any other mode of transport.
Q6: What is the best time to visit South Island New Zealand with kids?
Our personal recommendation is autumn — March, April and May. The weather is sunny and pleasant, the crowds are smaller than summer, and the autumn colours across Arrowtown and the Cromwell region are breathtaking. We've visited both in spring and autumn and autumn wins every time.
Q7: Is Milford Sound worth visiting with kids?
100% yes — it's one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth and kids absolutely love the boat cruise. The only thing to plan for is the 5-hour drive from Queenstown via Te Anau, so start early. Pair it with a stop at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to break the journey and keep little ones entertained.
Q8: What car rental company do you recommend for a South Island NZ road trip?
We used Apex Car Rentals and were very happy with the value, vehicle condition, and service. We strongly recommend taking the maximum insurance cover for complete peace of mind — roads in NZ are scenic but many are single lane, especially on the way to Milford Sound.
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