South Island, New Zealand: A Memorable 2-Week Itinerary with a Toddler in Tow
My partner and I embarked on our first international trip with our 16-month-old to the South Island of New Zealand (NZ). We heard tales from friends and other online bloggers about NZ’s family-friendly atmosphere, endless adventure opportunities, and beautiful scenery. After spending two weeks there, I have to admit they were completely right!
We tried to see as much of the South Island as we could in 16 days, which meant spending one or two nights in each town. Read on to find a 2+ week road trip itinerary through the South Island of New Zealand with a toddler, visiting the following places:
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Itinerary
We rented a car and took our little family on a kiwi road trip of a lifetime. Read on to find a two+ week road trip itinerary through New Zealand with a toddler and preschooler, visiting the following places:
- Play in the park
- Visit the Cardboard Cathedral
- Eat at the Food Hall
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepard
- Hike to the lupins
- See the beautiful lake
- Hike to a glacier
- Check out Lake Pukaki’s stunning water
- Hike to the Clay Cliffs
- Go bungee jumping
- Visit historic Haehaenui Arrowtown
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu
- Walk through town
- Ride a gondola
- Play at the beach
- Cruise the Doubtful Sound
- Visit an alpaca farm
- Hike along the lake
- Go bird watching
- Checkout the Fiordland visitor center
- Go hiking
- See the Wanaka Tree
- Meet some sheep
- Hike to the Blue Pools
- Ride a helicopter to a glacier
- Meet a kiwi bird
- Visit the lighthouse
- Find a playground
- Explore Founder’s Heritage Park
- Play at the splash pad
- Take a cruise in the Queen Charlotte Sound
- Walk the harbor
- Go wine tasting
- Find fun playgrounds
- Go hiking
- Find sea lions
- Visit a lavender farm
- Visit the International Antarctic Centre
DAY 1-2
Day 1-2: Ōtautahi Christchurch
Located on the South Island’s east coast, Ōtautahi Christchurch is the island’s largest city and its cheapest to fly into from SFO at the time of this writing. Ōtautahi Christchurch offered:
This urban hub was a great place to get our bearings at the beginning of our trip.
DAY 3
Day 3: Lake Tekapo
Drive 3 hours from Christchurch to find yourself at a crystal blue glacier lake surrounded by snowy mountains.
I encourage you to stop here for at least a day to witness this natural beauty.
DAY 4
Day 4: Lake Pukaki & Aoraki Mt. Cook
Drive 45 minutes west from Lake Tekapo to reach Lake Pukaki. Stop and stretch your legs before you continue your drive up to the Aoraki Mt. Cook Village to see the stunningly tall Aoraki Cook Mountain – the highest in New Zealand.
Spend one or two days here enjoying the kid-friendly mountains and trails.
DAY 5
DayS 5: Omarama Clay Cliffs & Haehaenui Arrowtown
Explore all that the Otago region of NZ has to offer!
There were so many wineries and hikes to explore in Otago that I wish we had more time to spend in this region!
DAY 6
Day 6: Queenstown
Queenstown is a short 20 minute drive south from Arrowtown. Spend at least one day in Queenstown to:
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination. Read the guide to find the most family-friendly way to visit the city.
DAY 7
Day 7: Manapouri & Doubtful Sound Cruise
The Patea Doubtful Sound Cruise was incredible! Drive two hours from Queenstown to Manapouri to catch the overnight cruise through the Patea Doubtful Sound.
- Cruise the Doubtful Sound
- Visit an alpaca farm
Taking a toddler on the Doubtful Sound cruise was a bit challenging, but was absolutely beautiful. Read the blog to find out how to take your kids into the majestic Patea Doubtful Sound.
DAY 10
Day 10: Franz Josef Waiau
Franz Josef Waiau has lots to offer a family of travelers.
- Hike the Blue Pools Trek
- Take a helicopter ride to a glacier
- Meet a Kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre
It was raining during our trip, but we made the most of it. Find out how to take a baby on a helicopter ride to a snowy mountain top in the link below.
DAYS 11-12
DayS 11-12: Nelson Tasman
Drive from Franz Josef Waiau to Nelson Tasman in one day (5.5 hours) or break it up with an overnight somewhere along the way. Take your family to:
DAY 13
Day 13: Picton Waitohi
Picton is a two hour drive from Nelson Tasman. Once you’re there, be sure to:
There were many more hikes around the sound that I wish we had time for.
DAY 15
Day 15: Kaikōura
Drive 1.5 hours to reach Kaikōura from Blenheim. Once you’ve arrived, be sure to:
The view from the family-friendly trek is magical. Try to find my favorite little yellow lighthouse!
DAY 16
Day 16: Ōtautahi Christchurch
Drive 2.5 hours from Kaikōura to reach Ōtautahi Christchurch to catch your return flight home.
Our flight left in the evening, so we spent the day revisiting our favorite food spots and the International Antarctic Centre before we hopped on our evening flight back to the United States.
Antiracist Travel Considerations
History Corner
The Māori have been stewards of the lands of Aotearoa New Zealand for millennia. They experienced a similar history to the Indigenous communities of the United States which includes racism, genocide, and land confiscations.
The Māori are here, still fighting back, and thanks to their efforts there has been a resurgence of Māori culture and leadership. For example, New Zealand’s government has decided to officially add traditional Māori names to place/city names.
I recommend you read more history about the community before you go, and support local business owners!
our experience
I was surprised to see so few mixed-race couples, and honestly so few BIPOC locals. Most of the locals we met where white, and while they were well-meaning and overall very kind to us, they made me wonder where all the brown people were.
Learn More
1. Learn more about community resistance and leadership in current government affairs
2. Support local Māori businesses through this directory
3. Listen to Te Iwi E, a song that my family is learning in our halau
read on
Cannonball
Looking for more?
Browse our list of local New Zealand author children’s books recommendations.
South Island New Zealand amazed us. Everywhere we went, we saw amazing natural beauty, stunning views, and adorable sheep. We ate delicious food, tried delicious wine, and left feeling very welcome and safe.
Our itinerary was a little fast-paced. We tried to get around most of the South Island within a 16 day window and that meant we could only spend a night or two in each town. For some families, driving to a new town every day might be too much. If that is you, I would pick a region you would like to visit and don’t sweat it. You do not need to do everything you can and see it all in one trip!
Overall I would highly recommend anyone to take their family to New Zealand. I have honestly been trying to convince my partner to move our family there because I loved it so much.
Now it is time to plan our family trip to the North Island! Share your tips below.
