New Zealand brought out a different side of my kids — running freely, exploring nature, picking berries, playing by rivers, and turning every day into a new adventure.
In this video, I’m sharing our full 13-day South Island New Zealand family road trip itinerary, including:
• What was worth it
• What you can skip
• Family-friendly activities
• Honest tips if you’re travelling with kids
Day 1–2: Christchurch
Accommodation
• Strathern Motor Lodge
https://www.trip.com/t/H9jcxQwxAT2
Food & Cafés
• Riverside Market
https://riversidemarket.co.nz/
• Doubles Café
https://www.instagram.com/doubles_chch/
Attractions
• Margaret Mahy Family Playground
https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/playgrounds/margaret-mahy-playground
Day 2–4: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation
• Peppers Bluewater Resort
https://www.trip.com/t/UvNaqsyxAT2
Food & Cafés
• Better Batter Fish & Chips
https://www.facebook.com/betterbattertekapo/
• Greedy Cow Café
https://www.instagram.com/greedycowtekapo/
• Astro Café (Mount John Observatory)
https://www.darkskyproject.co.nz/astro-cafe
Attractions
• Church of the Good Shepherd
https://www.churchofthegoodshepherd.org.nz/
• Tekapo Springs
https://www.trip.com/t/JxeC4N9yAT2
• Pine Forest Walk
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Day 4–6: Queenstown
Accomodation
• Air BNB (Queenstown)
https://bit.ly/airbnb-queenstown
Food & Cafés
• The Stoaker Room (Cromwell)
https://www.thestoakerroom.co.nz/
• Pub on Wharf
https://www.pubonwharf.co.nz/
• The Boat Shed Café
https://www.theboatshedqueenstown.co.nz/
• Fergburger
https://fergburger.com/
Attractions
• Lake Pukaki
https://www.lakepukaki.co.nz/
• Red Bridge Berries
https://www.redbridgeberries.co.nz/
• Skyline Queenstown (Gondola & Luge)
https://www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown/
• Bob’s Cove Track
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Day 6–7: Lake Hayes & Arrowtown
Accommodation
https://bit.ly/accommodation-lakehayes
Attractions
• TSS Earnslaw Steamship
https://www.trip.com/t/3hz1Ys6yAT2
• Walter Peak Farm
https://www.realnz.com/
• Arrow River Bridges Trail
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Bike Rental
• Better By Bike
https://www.betterbybike.co.nz/
Food
• The Dishery (Arrowtown)
https://www.instagram.com/thedisheryarrowtown/
Day 8–9: Wanaka
Accommodation
• Air BNB (Albert Town)
https://bit.ly/airbnb-alberttown
Food & Cafés
• Scroggin Café
https://www.instagram.com/scroggincafe/
• Curbside Bagels
https://www.instagram.com/curbsidebagels/
Attractions
• Blue Pools Track
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
• Hook – Salmon Fishing
https://www.hooked.co.nz/
Food Trucks
• Kai Whakakiko
https://www.instagram.com/kai_whakakiko/
Day 10–11: Twizel & Mount Cook
Accommodation
• Air BNB(Twizel)
https://bit.ly/airbnb-twizel
Food
• High Country Salmon
https://www.highcountrysalmon.co.nz/
• Jasmine Thai Cuisine (Twizel)
https://www.facebook.com/jasminethaicuisine/
Attractions
• Tasman Glacier View Track
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
• Hooker Valley Track
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
• Mount Cook Village
https://www.mtcookvillage.com/
Day 12–13: Christchurch
Accommodation
• DoubleTree by Hilton Christchurch
https://www.trip.com/t/MWbVnRCyAT2
Food & Cafés
• Hello Sunday Café
https://www.instagram.com/hellosundaychch/
• Rockpool Bar & Restaurant
https://www.rockpoolbar.co.nz/
Attractions
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
https://ccc.govt.nz/
• Goode Market
https://www.instagram.com/goodemarket/
• Riverside Market (revisit)
📱 Travel Tip – Data is SUPER Important
We used Eskimo eSIM (Unlimited Data) for the entire trip.
15 days unlimited data: US$45
No physical SIM card needed
Perfect for Google Maps & long drives
🎁 FREE 1GB DATA
Use code: 1GFREE
New users also get 50% welcome discount (capped at $15)
🔗 Eskimo eSIM Guide & Link:
👉 https://youtu.be/KJEXDCiPyo4
Disclaimer
Please note that some of these links are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Thanks for watching — see you in the next video....
