07 Day South Island Family Package

This 7 day South Island family vacation package is the perfect self-drive option for an unforgettable family vacation. This is a great way for you and your family to visit some of New Zealand’s best vacation spots. With fun activities to entertain the kids, and the planning stress taken away for you, this vacation package will offer a unique New Zealand family holiday. We have several New Zealand family packages, please enquiry for more options.

This action-packed itinerary is perfect for families who enjoy driving and seeing as much as possible. Experience the thrill of the Shotover Jet plus a scenic helicopter flight with a glacier landing, and marvel at the grandeur of Milford Sound.

Read on for more details on the 7 Day South Island Family Package.

7 Day South Island Family Packages | New Zealand Family Packages

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Collect your rental car from the airport and make your way to your accommodation.

Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

Your options include visiting the Canterbury Museum where you can find rare Maori artefacts; the stories behind them will fascinate you. The museum has a frequent range of special exhibitions, a café and a gift shop for you to browse. Other recommended activities include the Christchurch Gondola, Tramway, Punting on the Avon River and the Botanical Gardens Tour.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 2 Lake Tekapo

Driving time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo 228 km / 141 miles, 3.5 hours

Depart Christchurch and travel south to Lake Tekapo. This far-reaching road adventure takes you from sea level to the mountains. You will begin with the flat green tranquillity of the Canterbury Plains, but it won’t be long before you climb through the tussocky wilds towards the Southern Alps. An amazing smoky turquoise lake announces that you have arrived in Lake Tekapo.

Relax in Lake Tekapo, with the option to soak in the Tekapo Springs thermal pools, drive or walk up to the Mount John Observatory for panoramic views over Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin (you could even stop for a coffee or lunch at the Astro Cafe), stroll along one of the local tracks, and visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue.

Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 3 Queenstown

Driving time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown 256 km / 159 miles, 3.5 hours

Venture past Lake Pukaki, a picturesque turquoise glacial lake, before you travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. Queenstown awaits you, New Zealand’s adventure capital and top family vacation destination.

In the afternoon, get ready for the world’s most exciting jet boat ride with Shotover Jet!

Plus choose from an exciting range of optional family activities including rafting, 4WD safaris, lake cruises and more. Ask about our family package deals.

Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.

Day 4 Queenstown > Milford Sound

Enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Milford Sound is sure to impress! Sheer cliffs, towering snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys, sub-tropical rain forests, marine life… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! After your cruise, relax while your coach drives through stunning scenery before delivering you back to your Queenstown accommodation.

Day 5 Wanaka

Driving time Queenstown to Wanaka 69 km / 43 miles, 1.5 hours

Drive over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest State Highway, and admire the fantastic views along the way before your arrival into Wanaka. Boasting panoramic views, a relaxing atmosphere and myriad walking tracks, Wanaka is a great family destination. Wanaka offers a host of family attractions such as Puzzling World, the Toy and Transport Museum and  Crossfire, where you can enjoy clay bird shooting, mini putt, a driving range and more.

Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 6 Franz Josef

Driving time Wanaka to Franz Josef 286 km / 177 miles, 4 hours

Discover the Haast Pass Highway, where there are many short walks and natural attractions to view along the way. Continue north, through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards New Zealand’s most famous glaciers and the town of Franz Josef.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef Glacier before landing in the snow, a family experience to remember!

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 7 Greymouth > Christchurch

Driving time Franz Josef to Greymouth 173 km / 108 miles, 2.5 hours
Train Travel Greymouth to Christchurch 223 km / 138 miles, 4.5 hours

Drive north to reach Greymouth, where you will drop off your rental car and board the TranzAlpine Train which journeys from the West to East Coast. The train travels through the spectacular Southern Alps and past gorges and river valleys before reaching the fields of the Canterbury Plains.

Arrive in the garden city of Christchurch and make your way to your accommodation.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 8 Depart Christchurch

Make your way to Christchurch Airport and depart Christchurch.

Planning New Zealand Family Packages

Our New Zealand family packages are fully customisable and suited for most ages. If you are traveling with an infant, we can modify this package to suit. For example, we may need to amend certain activities such as the Shotover Jet. In addition, we can add a car seat and/or infant cot if required.

We offer a wide range of family holiday packages for your consideration. Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your next family adventure!