Nature

5 Wild Things to Do With the Kids

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/5wildthi-b10.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Let them run, climb, stare, and squeal — no rollercoasters required. </paragraph> <title> Lake Daniell Glow Worm Walk (West Coast) </title> <paragraph> A gentle track through lush bush to a hut where the walls come alive after dark. Glow worms = guaranteed wonder. </paragraph> <title> Seal Spotting in Kaikōura </title> <paragraph> You don’t need a tour — just walk the Peninsula Walkway. The seals are usually snoozing near the path (and stealing the show). </paragraph> <title> Godley Head WWII Bunkers (Christchurch) </title> <paragraph> History + tunnels + coastal views = ideal explorer combo. Bring snacks and a torch. </paragraph> <title> Penguin Watching in Timaru </title> <paragraph> At dusk, the little blues waddle up from Caroline Bay. It’s wholesome. It’s free. It’s hard not to narrate out loud. </paragraph> <title> Banks Peninsula Waterfall Walks </title> <paragraph> Short tracks, native bush, and the chance to get your feet wet. Easy wins for all ages. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">South Island (Multi-region)</item> <item key="Itinerary">1–3 Hours per Activity</item> <item key="Distance">Varies</item> <item key="Hours">Daylight & Dusk</item> <item key="Price">Free</item> </list>

Nature

West Coast Treetop Walkway & Zipline

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/westcoas-d01.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> The 425m dual zipline & West Coast Tree Walk is perfect for families and those seeking both excitement & tranquility. Walk among 800-year-old Rimu trees or enjoy a 60km/hr zipline ride together. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">West Coast</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">3 hrs 40 mins</item> </list>

Adventure

EcoZip Adventures

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/ecozipad-68b.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Five, epic ziplines, ranging from 250m to 620m in length await. All up, you’ll ‘zip’ over 2.2km on a series of ziplines that deliver increasingly spectacular sea and mountain views. And their twin lines make this side-by-side adventure an exhilarating, shared experience. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Kaikōura</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">>3 hrs</item> </list>

Itinerary

3 days in the Central South? No problem with these gems

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/3daysint-1386.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> In the Central South, three days is enough to see, taste and experience something special. One standout stop each day. No rushing. No backtracking. Just a well-paced taste of what makes this part of the world so memorable. </paragraph> <title> Day 1: Christchurch to Akaroa </title> <paragraph> Leave Christchurch and head over the Port Hills, where the winding road offers sweeping panoramic views almost as breathtaking as your destination. </paragraph> <paragraph> By the time you descend into Akaroa Harbour, you’ll understand exactly why the charming village is so beloved. Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront, the town’s French heritage, the boutique stores, or join a wildlife cruise that brings you up close and personal to the world’s smallest dolphins. Spend your evening sampling the local cuisine, the wine, the cheese. And don’t miss the starry night sky, it’s something special. </paragraph> <title> Day 2: Akaroa to Hanmer Springs </title> <paragraph> Leaving the coast behind, today you head inland through rolling farmland and foothills. Hanmer Springs is synonymous with slowing down. It’s small, peaceful, and feels tucked away from the bustle of day-to-day life. </paragraph> <paragraph> Once you arrive, the options are easy going and relaxed. Forest walks, local cafés, and the main event, the natural hot springs. To enhance your experience, visit in the late afternoon or after dark, when steam drifts into cool mountain air and the world feels quiet. It’s restorative, rejuvenating and really, really nice. </paragraph> <title> Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Kaikōura </title> <paragraph> From alpine forest to roaring coastline, today you leave the inland oasis of Hanmer Springs and head east to Kaikōura. </paragraph> <paragraph> You’ll find a magnificent setting waiting for you. Mountain ranges meet the ocean in a unique and striking landscape. Walk the peninsula to spot seals, join a whale‑watching or dolphin experience, or have a sauna on the shore. The seafood is excellent, so be sure to seek some out at a local pub or restaurant. Soak in the salty air and starry sky. A perfect end, unmistakably Central South. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Akaroa, Hanmer Springs & Kaikōura</item> <item key="Itinerary">3 Days Recommended</item> <item key="Distance">Loop/One-way from CHC</item> <item key="Hours">Multi-day Itinerary</item> <item key="Price">Variable (Fuel/Accom)</item> </list>

Itinerary

The perfect 5 day Central South Loop

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/theperfe-cb3.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Have five days to experience the Central South? No problem. This loop begins and ends in Christchurch, flowing north to hot pools and seal-lined coast, then inland through lakes and mountains, before returning through vast farmland and sleepy towns. Detours are encouraged. </paragraph> <title> Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikōura </title> <paragraph> Start in Christchurch, home to the South Island’s largest airport, this urban hub is New Zealand’s newest city and perfect home base. When you’re ready to hit the road, snacks and coffee in hand, head north through the Waipara wine region, braided rivers and open farmland. </paragraph> <paragraph> About 3 hours later, Kaikōura is a welcomed first stop. Perched between ocean and mountains, there’s nowhere else quite like it. </break>Spend the afternoon getting to know the coast, walking the peninsula, spotting marine wildlife and sampling the local seafood. When darkness falls, be sure to look up. The night sky here is something to behold. </paragraph> <title> Day 2: Kaikōura to Hanmer Springs </title> <paragraph> Another short distance day on the road, when you leave Kaikōura you’ll leave also leave the coast, as you head inland towards the mountains. </paragraph> <paragraph> Around two hours later of rolling hills and snowy peaks, Hanmer Springs is waiting. The small alpine village is wrapped in forest and clear air. Spend the afternoon walking pine trails, settling into your stay and soaking in the quiet. As evening cools, the hot pools take centre stage. Steam rises. Stars come out. It’s warm, unhurried, and full of alpine charm. </paragraph> <title> Day 3: Hanmer Springs to Hokitika </title> <paragraph> Today is a longer day in the car, for a seriously memorable journey. Climbing through Lewis Pass is something to behold. As you wind through the forest, you’re overwhelmed with rich landscapes and rich natives trees. After 4-5 hours, you’ll see the shift as you descend onto the West Coast. Rainforest surrounds you. It will feel more wild. More rugged. </paragraph> <paragraph> Hokitika sits between the Tasman Sea and rich green rainforest. Walk the beach at sunset, enjoy a hearty pub meal, and lean into the Coast’s unpolished charm. </paragraph> <title> Day 4: Hokitika to Lake Tekapo </title> <paragraph> Crossing from the Coast to the Mackenzie, you’ll experience a magnificent transformation of landscape. Leave the rainforest behind and drive toward open plains and quiet stretches. </paragraph> <paragraph> After about 5 hours of jaw-dropping scenes, Lake Tekapo appears and so does an injection of colour. Bright icy blue, the lake and sky, will completely win you over. This is somewhere to slow right down and soak in some of the most stunning lake-meets-alpine views on offer. Did we mention its home to stars unlike anywhere else? Walk the lake edge. Watch dusk settle. And look up. </paragraph> <title> Day 5: Lake Tekapo to Timaru </title> <paragraph> The final leg of your journey is gentle. Leave the high country behind and drift south through farmland and rolling hills toward the coast. About 3 hours later, arrive in Timaru. Relaxed and welcoming, this is a quiet place to finish well. </paragraph> <paragraph> Spend time along the shoreline, chase waterfalls, make friends with an alpaca, find a good meal and enjoy the feeling of having crossed the island in a way that made sense. It’s a soft landing after a week of dramatic contrast. And the best part, the return to Christchurch is only a short 2 hour drive. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Central South Island Loop</item> <item key="Itinerary">5 Days Recommended</item> <item key="Distance">Loop starts/ends CHC</item> <item key="Hours">Multi-day Itinerary</item> <item key="Price">Variable (Fuel/Accom)</item> </list>

Trail

Low-Effort Walks. Big Payoffs

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/loweffor-a3f.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Not every family hike has to end in complaints and snacks thrown to the birds. These short walks deliver a lot without taking all day. </break><bold>Godley Head Track</bold> (Christchurch) offers clifftop views, WWII bunkers to explore, and a breeze that wakes everyone up. Pack layers. Pack snacks. </paragraph> <paragraph> <bold>Caroline Bay Walkway</bold> (Timaru) is as easy as it gets — a flat, coastal loop with playgrounds, gardens and penguins if you time it right. </break>Over on the West Coast, <bold>Rakaitane Walk</bold> near Moana is a gem. A 45-minute loop through podocarp forest, across a swingbridge, and alongside the mirror-like <bold>Arnold River</bold>. </paragraph> <paragraph> Need a bit more action? Try <bold>Carew Falls Track</bold> at <bold>Lake Brunner</bold>. It’s short, shady, and leads to a proper waterfall — with giant boulders that double as nature’s recliners.</break> No whinging. No turn-around negotiations. Just good walks done right. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Christchurch, Timaru & West Coast</item> <item key="Itinerary">30–60 Mins per Walk</item> <item key="Distance">Varies (Multi-region)</item> <item key="Hours">Daylight Hours</item> <item key="Price">Free</item> </list>

Adventure

Energy Jet Boat Rides

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/energyje-76a.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Experience the thrill of the Hurunui River with Energy Jet, where high-speed jet boat adventures take you through scenic river gorges and out to the stunning river mouth. Perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike, the ride combines fast-paced fun with spectacular views of native bush, braided river landscapes, and coastal scenery. A truly unforgettable way to experience Hurunui’s wild beauty. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Hurunui</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">1 hr 30 mins</item> </list>

Adventure

Ballooning Canterbury

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/ballooni-844.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Rise with the sun and experience Canterbury from a whole new perspective. Ballooning Canterbury offers a magical hot-air balloon flight over the sweeping Canterbury Plains, with views stretching to the Southern Alps and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. Your adventure begins with the gentle thrill of lift-off at dawn, drifting peacefully above patchwork farmland and winding rivers as the landscape glows in morning light. Along the way, your pilot shares stories of the region’s rich history and geography. After landing, celebrate with a glass of champagne or juice and a light snack in the paddock—a perfect finish to an unforgettable experience. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">otautahi-christchurch</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">45 mins</item> </list>