• Overview
• Detailed itinerary
• Map & driving info
• Send Enquiry
• Instant Quote

Auckland to Christchurch Family Adventure

This 18 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Begin your journey in Auckland, the 'City of Sails', before heading south to the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the cultural heartland of Rotorua. Spend two nights in the vibrant capital of Wellington before crossing to the South Island by ferry, where you’ll enjoy a whale watching cruise in Kaikōura and a chance to swim with dolphins in Akaroa. Travel to Mount Cook National Park for an iceberg encounter, then explore the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown. The trip continues to the wild West Coast, where rainforests meet glaciers, before a scenic return to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine train. This itinerary offers an incredible blend of city exploration, unique wildlife encounters, and stunning natural landscapes, from towering mountains to ancient glaciers.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura

Included activity: Swimming with Dolphins Cruise with Black Cat

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Included activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Glow Worm Caves Tour with Discover Waitomo

Included activity: Lord Of The Rings Half Day Private Tour with Capital Personalised Tour

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Itinerary summary for: Auckland to Christchurch Family Adventure

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland City
Accommodation: Oaks Auckland Hotel

Day 2: Explore Auckland or maybe take a cruise around the harbour
Accommodation: Oaks Auckland Hotel

Day 3: Travel south through the lush Waikato countryside to the limestone formations of Waitomo
Accommodation: Palm Court Motel Otorohanga

Day 4: Head to Rotorua and maybe tonight take in a Maori cultural experience
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 5: Your day in Rotorua could be spent discovering the thrilling adventure rides
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa

Day 6: Continue your journey south to Wellington
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington [Formerly Heritage CityLife Wellington]

Day 7: Uncover the charms of Wellington City, including the hidden filming locations for Lord of the Rings
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington [Formerly Heritage CityLife Wellington]

Day 8: Today you'll cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Approaching Picton you'll cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Blenheim Palms Motel

Day 9: Take the coastal road to Kaikoura
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikōura

Day 10: Continue south through the countryside of Canterbury to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 11: Travel to Bank's Peninsula and the idyllic village of Akaroa where you'll swim with the rare hector's dolphin
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 12: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 13: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 14: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 15: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 16: Get a bird's eye view of the untouched wilderness that is Westland National Park
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 17: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 18: Depart Christchurch today