Planning a New Zealand South Island road trip with kids? This 7-day itinerary offers a realistic, scenic, and budget-friendly way to explore the best of the South Island without overloading your days or your wallet. It’s built for families, with a comfortable pace, memorable stops, and family-friendly food and activities. Bonus: no Milford Sound detour here—because it’s not always the best fit for young ones.
Check out our Top 10 Family-Friendly Destinations in New Zealand for more inspiration!
Overview
- Start & End: Christchurch
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Travel Style: Family-friendly self-drive, budget-conscious motels or holiday parks
- Transport: Rental car or campervan
- Total Estimated Cost (4 pax): ~$3,600–$4,750 NZD (accommodation, fuel, activities, food)
Day 1: Christchurch → Kaikoura → Hanmer Springs
Drive Time: ~4.5 hrs (with breaks)
Highlights:
- Scenic drive along the Pacific coast
- Kaikoura Crayfish BBQ at the food truck – skip Whale Watch and enjoy a local food experience
- Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway & seal spotting
- Arrive in Hanmer Springs in the late afternoon
- Soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools (family pass available)
Activity Costs:
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools: Mini Group Pass (2 adults + 2 children) is approximately NZ$103
Where to Stay: Hanmer Springs Top 10 or a budget motel with family units
Food Tip: Pack snacks for the drive and grab a takeaway dinner in Hanmer
Day 2: Hanmer Springs → Lake Tekapo
Drive Time: ~4.5 hrs
Highlights:
- Drive via Culverden and Fairlie
- Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for famous pies
- Explore Lake Tekapo:
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lakefront family stroll
- Soak at Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
- Stargazing (free or with Dark Sky Project)
Activity Costs:
- Tekapo Springs Hot Pools: Family entry is approximately NZ$99
Where to Stay: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park cabin or budget motel
Budget Tip: Pick up groceries at Four Square in Tekapo for simple dinners
Day 3: Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook → Omarama
Drive Time: ~3 hrs total
Highlights:
- Morning drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Hooker Valley Track (easy 3-hr return walk, bridges & alpine views)
- Tasman Glacier View short walk
- Afternoon stop at High Country Salmon:
- Feed salmon
- Try salmon sashimi or hot smoked salmon
- Drive to Omarama
Optional: Book a private soak at Omarama Hot Tubs for a relaxing experience
Where to Stay: Omarama Top 10 or family motel
Day 4: Omarama → Cromwell → Queenstown
Drive Time: ~3 hrs
Highlights:
- Morning visit to Clay Cliffs (short detour)
- Scenic drive over Lindis Pass
- Cromwell fruit stalls & Heritage Precinct
- Arrive in Queenstown by afternoon
- Dinner at Fergburger – iconic and worth the wait!
Where to Stay: Queenstown Airbnb, motel, or holiday park cabin
Food Tip: Stock up at New World before heading to central Queenstown for meals
Day 5: Queenstown – Fun Day for the Whole Family
Must-Do Activities:
- Skyline Gondola + Luge combo – great views + thrilling rides for kids and adults
- Skyline Stratosfare Buffet – lunch or dinner with panoramic views
- Queenstown Gardens & lakefront playground
- Option: TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise or Kiwi Birdlife Park
Activity Costs:
- Skyline Gondola + Lunch + 3 Luge Rides: Family of 4 package is approximately NZ$439
Book Ahead: Skyline experiences and buffet sell out fast in peak season
Where to Stay: Same as previous night in Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown → Elephant Rocks → Oamaru
Drive Time: ~4 hrs
Highlights:
- Drive through Lindis Pass again and toward Duntroon
- Elephant Rocks: fun for climbing and photos
- Optional: Duntroon rock art or Vanished World Centre
- Explore Oamaru Victorian Precinct and shops
- Evening penguin viewing:
- Free: Bushy Beach
- Paid: Blue Penguin Colony
Check out our Free Blue Penguin watching guide at Oamaru for more inspiration!
Where to Stay: Oamaru motel or Top 10
Kid Bonus: Friendly Bay Playground by the waterfront
Day 7: Oamaru → Christchurch
Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs
Optional Stops:
- Timaru: Caroline Bay Playground or beach walk
- Geraldine: Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery + Lolly Shop
- Return to Christchurch by afternoon
- Relax in Christchurch Botanic Gardens or Margaret Mahy Playground
Where to Stay: Christchurch airport motel or final night Airbnb (if extending stay)
Budget Breakdown (Estimates for Family of 4):
| Category | Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $900–$1,200 |
| Rental Car & Fuel | $1,500–$1,800 |
| Activities | $600–$750 |
| Food & Snacks | $600–$700 |
| Total | $3,600–$4,750 |
Final Thoughts
This 7-day South Island road trip is all about balance—between epic scenery, kid-friendly stops, budget-aware choices, and unforgettable family moments. From soaking in hot springs to luge rides in Queenstown and feeding salmon in Twizel, every stop is both scenic and satisfying. Perfect for families who want to see the best of the South Island—without needing to rush or splurge.
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