Planning a trip to New Zealand’s South Island with young kids can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re trying to keep it fun as well as affordable. As a mom who recently travelled with two little ones, I get the juggle. Packing enough snacks, managing tantrums, and still somehow making it magical.
If you are a time-pressed parent planning a trip to NZ soon and don’t know where to start, I have the right thing for you. Follow my 10-day South Island itinerary. It’s budget-friendly and full of fun experiences that kids and adults can equally enjoy. Whether flying in from Australia or overseas, this route offers an outstanding balance of nature, adventure, and rest.
Day 1–2: Queenstown
We flew into Queenstown. Being able to self-drive is a must when travelling with kids, especially in countries like these. Our Queenstown hotel was right in the middle of all the action, close to a shopping centre and multiple restaurants, and and less than five minutes from the airport. If you book early, there are plenty of good Airbnb and hotel options to suit your preferences.
We walked along the lake, hit local playgrounds, and treated ourselves to Patagonia ice cream (a huge hit with the kids).
The Skyline Gondola was a splurge, but the views are stunning (I can imagine how breathtaking they’d look when it snows). The luge ride involved long, never-ending queues (thanks to Easter break), which was a bit hard with our younger one under 2. The views at the top were excellent, and we loved the thrill of the luge ride, especially our older one.
Unexpected photo Op in Queenstown
One of our unexpected highlights in Queenstown was simply taking a drive up the steep, winding roads above the town, past the residential streets towards Queenstown Hill or up towards Aspen Grove and Belfast Terrace. As you climb, the view just opens up and suddenly, you’re looking down at the entire town, cradled by Lake Wakatipu and backed by snow-dusted peaks.
You can pull over safely at a lookout spot and soak in that million-dollar view while your kids snack.
Day 3: Arrowtown Day Trip
Only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown is Arrowtown, a romantic and quaint little town bursting with autumn colours (especially between April and May). We explored the historic Chinese Settlement, admired autumn leaves, and wandered the cute streets.
There’s space for the kids to roam and some lovely cafes that are relaxed and family-friendly.
Best Photo Op in Arrowtown
For a picture-perfect moment, head to the old miner’s cottage by the riverfront, framed by stunning autumn trees in full colour. The golden leaves surrounding the rustic hut create a postcard-worthy scene that’s easy to reach and perfect for the kids to explore nearby. It’s one of those spots that beautifully captures the charm of Arrowtown—ideal for family snaps or just soaking in the peaceful vibe.
Day 4: Te Anau (2 nights)
From Queenstown, we drove to Te Anau—which took about 2.5 hours. I will be writing a blog on the best kid-friendly stopovers between Queenstown and Te Anau soon. We loved the vibe of Te Anau; it’s a peaceful town, perfect for families. We stayed in a simple 2-bedroom unit in a holiday park with amazing lake views just across the road.
We spent the evening exploring the cute little town of Te Anau. We ended the evening by doing the lakefront walk, and the kids loved stopping to throw stones in the lake.
Day 5: Milford Sound Cruise
On day 5, we set out on a drive to a half-day cruise on Milford Sound. The drive to Milford is long (around 2 hours each way), but we broke it up with snack stops and music.
The cruise itself was stunning. Waterfalls, seals, and towering cliffs kept all of us engaged. Even our toddler was mesmerised.
Pro tip: Carry the right warm wear and rain gear for yourself and kids, like raincoats and jackets, and don’t cancel the cruise just because it is raining – it gets even more stunning during rains.
Day 6: Wanaka – Riverfront Strolls and Local Flavours (1 night)
We drove around 4 hours north to Lake Wanaka. This stretch needed more breaks, so we packed lunch and stopped at rest areas to let the kids run.
In Wanaka, instead of doing Puzzling World, we took it slow. We walked along the lakefront, let the kids play by the water, and explored the local shops.
The town has a laid-back vibe with plenty of family-friendly cafes. We grabbed a coffee and ice cream and enjoyed a quiet afternoon by the water
Pro tip: Wanaka offers ample free parking options, including 30-minute and 4-hour maximum spots in the central business district (CBD). These are conveniently located, making it easy to access shops, cafes, and the lakefront without hassle .
Day 7–8: Lake Pukaki – Aoraki / Mount Cook (2 nights)
Next, we headed towards Lake Pukaki which is located an hours drive from Mount Cook. The drive to Mount Cook had some of the most jaw-dropping views of the trip.
On Day 7, we did the Blue Lake Track—it’s short, kid-friendly, and has stunning glacier views. Keep a watch on this space for a post on the perfect spots to shoot pictures of the stunning mountainscape at Mount Cook National park, with family.
On Day 8, we had a slower day. We explored Lake Tekapo, visited the Church of the Good Shepherd, and had a relaxing lakeside picnic.
Two nights here gave us time to reset and enjoy slower mornings.
Pro tip: Is you have a child under 2 years, just like we did – it is advisable to carry a baby carrier when you do any of the National Park hikes. We didn’t carry one, so we timed the hike to match with our baby’s sleep schedule.
Day 9: Lake Pukaki – More Time to Soak It In (1 night)
We added an extra night here and it was totally worth it. This gave us the freedom to explore without rushing. We spent the day enjoying walks around Lake Pukaki and letting the kids splash around in safe areas.
It’s a great spot to just breathe, have an unhurried dinner, and soak in the alpine beauty.
Pro tip: Don’t forget that Lake Pukaki is one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing, thanks to its location within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Head to the lake’s southern shoreline with your kids on a clear, moonless night for incredible views of the Milky Way. Bring blankets, hot chocolate, and a stargazing app to keep the kids warm, cosy and engaged.
Day 10: Christchurch – Parks and Playgrounds (1 night)
For the final leg, we drove 4.5 hours to Christchurch. We stayed near Hagley Park, which was great for walking and playtime.
Christchurch surprised us. It’s full of open spaces, fun for kids, and easy to get around. Yet so very different from the rest of South Island. It is more city-like as compared to the rolling hills and mountainscapes you may see in South Island prior.
We loved the Margaret Mahy Playground – absolutely massive and well-designed. Other highlights were punting on the Avon River and a visit to the Botanic Gardens.
Final Thoughts
This trip gave us so many memories. Not just the big-name spots, but the small moments – feeding ducks, warm milo after a chilly walk, and chats in the car.
We kept costs manageable by cooking our own meals, choosing accommodation with kitchens, and enjoying free nature-based activities.
If you’re planning a trip to the South Island with kids, I hope this gives you a clear starting point. It’s beautiful, doable, and truly worth the effort.
Got questions or need help with planning? Pop them in the comments. I’d love to help another travel-loving mum get started.
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Nisreen Akolawala 