New Zealand 15-Day Trip: Must-See Places & Activities to Pre-Book for January

LDaaC on 14/08/2026 - 19:43

Hi everyone, we are planning a 15-day family trip to New Zealand in January 2027 from Australia.

Flights and accommodations are already booked, so now I’m looking for some suggestions on what are the must-see places and activities while we are there. We will mainly be travelling around the South Island and finishing in Auckland. [Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Queenstown → Wānaka → Franz Josef → Hokitika → Christchurch → Auckland]

We are travelling with teenagers, so looking for a mix of sightseeing, scenery and some fun/adventure activities. Also happy to hear about any hidden gems, good stops along the drive, activities that are really worth the money, or anything you think we can skip. If you have travelled NZ in January, would really appreciate your suggestions and anything you wish you had booked earlier. Thanks!

General Discussion

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  • Hedgehog on 15/08/2026 - 07:20

    Looks like you are doing the South Island tourist traps in depth. Take plenty of money

    • 2
  • Natashatanya on 15/08/2026 - 08:00

    Visit BookMe to see discounted tickets for attractions.
    However, you can only purchase a couple of weeks in advance.

    I'd also highly recommend the Hooker Valley Track when visiting Tekapo.

    • 1
    • metz on 15/08/2026 - 09:01

      Definitely do the Hooker Valley track, the glacier lake was our 17 year old son's highlights. That and the cedar Hot tubs at Omarama.

      • 1
  • melp on 15/08/2026 - 11:00

    BookMe and https://www.facebook.com/groups/newzealandtraveltips/ to save some $$

    Personally, I found the Milford Sound cruise super overrated and not worth the money despite visiting on a gorgeous day.

    Don't skip the drive to Lake Hawea.

    For food
    Dmitri's, Smokey Ts, AFG, Sheffield Pies, Fairlie Bakehouse, Bomba Pizza in ChCh
    Ferg Butcher, Bigga Pizza, Patagonia chocolates in QT

    • 1
  • kiwijunglist on 15/08/2026 - 16:47

    Do an ebike tour, there are lots of different options from a few hours to a half day or whole day or a few days. You don't need to be fit to ride an ebike a long way.

    • 1
    • Natashatanya on 16/08/2026 - 14:23

      Ebike tours from Arrowtown are excellent

      • 0
  • Sickman on 14/08/2026 - 23:48

    Just ask ask ChatGPT to do an itinerary for you and your family. Then just update the itinerary with further more detailed questions

    • 0
    • Sickman on 14/08/2026 - 23:52

      The roads in NZ are not fast travel and you should stop often and enjoy the scenery. So be conservative in your travel times.

      • 2
    • qtboi on 15/08/2026 - 19:15

      this is actually really good - I helped my colleague with a Auckland trip using chat - it spat out the best thing for them - they did it all haha!

      • 0
    • DaaC on 16/08/2026 - 19:12

      Yes, Done that :)

      • 0
  • ScoobyNZ on 15/08/2026 - 08:12

    If you want the jet boat experience on the shotover river, go with skippers canyon jet boats. You get a mini bus tour through the canyon which is almost as fun as the jet boat! Take a go pro too 👌

    • 0
  • DaaC on 16/08/2026 - 19:11

    Any suggestions for CAR hire. Currently looking for 10day minivan hire from and to Christchurch Airport + 5 days from and to Auckland Airport. 7 people + luggage.

    • 0
    • spam on 17/08/2026 - 09:28

      I normally use Apex Rental but not sure if you're hiring for interisland like that. For comparison, I booked 4 days small SUV from queenstown to christchurch in september school holiday for $450 with $0 excess.

      • 0
      • DaaC on 18/08/2026 - 00:14

        Two families, that is seven people travelling, so will be looking at a minivan or at least a ten-seater van.

        • 0
  • Bagman on 20/08/2026 - 17:18

    If you are going to visit Hobbiton on your way up to Auckland … I suggest pre booking your tickets way before the December/January holidays.

    • 0
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