New Zealand South Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. My hubby and I did a 9-day road trip in late November with our two kids,  my mom and my younger sis. My daughter was just 7 months old then. Despite having three generations of family members on this trip,  it was not difficult at all to plan a trip suitable for all of us because New Zealand is such a great place for family vacations.

 

Here is our New Zealand South Island itinerary. Click on the links for more photos and details.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Day 1: CHRISTCHURCH

Arrive in Christchurch and check-in at Antonio Motors Lodge.  Groceries shopping at Countdown supermarket. See family accommodations in Christchurch.

 

DAY 2: CHRISTCHURCH – DUNEDIN

Drive through the sublime landscapes of Canterbury, picnic at Caroline Bay in Timaru and see the Moeraki Boulders in Oamaru. Check in at the New Zealand Farm stay in Dunedin Silver Peaks Lodge.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

 

DAY 3: DUNEDIN

Visit Cadbury World to see how chocolates are made and go ga-ga over the variety of chocolates available for purchase. Enjoy a spectacular scenery at Larnach Castle and Gardens.  See the colony of Royal Albatross at the Otago Peninsula.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

 

DAY 4: DUNEDIN – CATLINS – TE ANAU

Depart Dunedin and drive along the Southern Scenic Route to see Kaka PointNugget PointSurat Bay, and Purakaunui Falls.  Drive to Te Anau and check-in at Anchorage Motel.

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

DAY 5: TE-ANAU – QUEENSTOWN

Take a boat cruise to see the Milford Sound Fiordland. Drive through the Hommer Tunnel and stop by Lake Manapouri before heading to Queenstown to check in at Sherwood Manor Hotel (see Accommodations in Queenstown).

Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand

 

DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN

Have a fun day out in Queenstown. Take the Shotover Jet for the ultimate jet boat experience. Stroll through Arrowtown and enjoy delicious scones. Visit Kawarau Bridge to watch people bungy jump. Dine and shop at Queenstown Mall.

Queenstown, New Zealand

DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN – TEKAPO

Bungy Jump…yes, I was crazy enough to do it.  Picnic at the crystal clear Lake Wanaka and visit the Puzzling World. Visit 2 more stunning lakes – Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Check-in at Tekapo Holiday Homes.  (Accommodations in Tekapo)

Lake Wanaka, New Zeland

DAY 8: TEKAPO – CHRISTCHURCH

Visit The Tin Shed for shopping and farm animals before heading to Christchurch.  Check-in at Antonio’s Motor Lodge. In the evening, get a glimpse of Maori Culture at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

 

DAY 9: CHRISTCHURCH – SINGAPORE

Quick tour of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tramway before heading to the airport.


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