10 day itinerary for South New Zealand

Itinerary

South New Zealand is a stunning destination with plenty of family-friendly activities, and I’m excited to help you plan a fantastic 10-day itinerary. Let’s dive right in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch

• Morning: Arrive in Christchurch. Depending on your flight, grab a quick breakfast at a local café. Check out the Café Lyttelton for some delicious vegetarian options.
• Afternoon: Explore the Botanic Gardens. The kids will love the playground, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll among the beautiful flowers.
• Evening: Have dinner at The Lotus-Heart, a vegetarian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

## Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

• Morning: Drive to Lake Tekapo (about 3 hours). Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for some vegetarian pies for lunch.
• Afternoon: Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and take a walk along the lake. The views are breathtaking!
• Evening: Stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The kids will be amazed by the stars!

## Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook

• Morning: Head to Mount Cook National Park (about 1 hour). Stop at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for some fun educational exhibits.
• Afternoon: Take a family-friendly hike on the Hooker Valley Track. It’s an easy walk with stunning views of the mountains.
• Evening: Dinner at the Mount Cook Alpine Village. They have vegetarian options, and the views are spectacular!

## Day 4: Mount Cook to Queenstown

• Morning: Depart for Queenstown (about 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Queenstown and have lunch at Vudu Café. They have great vegetarian options.
• Evening: Take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of the area. Have dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant (they offer vegetarian meals).

## Day 5: Adventure Day in Queenstown

• Morning: Go for a family-friendly adventure! Try the Shotover Jet for an exhilarating jet boat ride (suitable for kids over 8).
• Afternoon: Visit Queenstown Gardens for a picnic lunch. The kids can play frisbee or enjoy the playground.
• Evening: Dinner at Fergburger (they have vegetarian options) and then a stroll along the lakefront.

## Day 6: Day Trip to Milford Sound

• Early Morning: Depart for a day trip to Milford Sound (about 4 hours). Consider a bus tour that includes stops along the way.
• Midday: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals!
• Evening: Return to Queenstown and have a relaxed dinner at The Cow (great vegetarian pizza).

## Day 7: Queenstown to Wanaka

• Morning: Drive to Wanaka (about 1 hour). Stop at Puzzling World for some fun and quirky attractions.
• Afternoon: Visit Lake Wanaka. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for some family fun on the water.
• Evening: Dinner at The Spice Room, which offers delicious vegetarian Indian cuisine.

## Day 8: Wanaka to Franz Josef

• Morning: Depart for Franz Josef (about 3.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the Southern Alps.
• Afternoon: Visit the Franz Josef Glacier. Take a short walk to the glacier viewpoint.
• Evening: Dinner at The Landing (they have vegetarian options) and relax at your accommodation.

## Day 9: Franz Josef to Greymouth

• Morning: Head to Greymouth (about 2 hours). Stop at Hokitika to visit the Hokitika Gorge for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Explore the West Coast Treetop Walk. It’s a fun and unique experience for the whole family!
• Evening: Dinner at The Speight’s Ale House in Greymouth, which has vegetarian options.

## Day 10: Greymouth to Christchurch

• Morning: Drive back to Christchurch (about 3 hours). Stop for lunch at a café along the way.
• Afternoon: If time allows, visit the Canterbury Museum or the Antarctic Centre for some fun educational experiences.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Bodhi Tree, a lovely vegetarian restaurant.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Transportation: Consider renting a car for flexibility and ease of travel.
• Accommodations: Look for family-friendly motels or holiday parks that offer kitchen facilities to prepare some meals.
• Activities: Always check the age restrictions for activities, especially for the 14-year-old.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in South New Zealand! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask. Happy travels! 🌏✈️