Babymoon in New Zealand: A 12-Day South Island Itinerary
- Anna Makarova
- Jul 9, 2025
- 16 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
We chose to travel to New Zealand for several reasons:
· Living in Singapore means we’re about as close to New Zealand as we’ll ever be.
· It had been a dream destination of ours for years.
· I was five months pregnant, and we figured this might be our last chance for a big road trip filled with hikes, scenic drives, and quality “just the two of us” time. Sure, you can travel with a baby, but let’s be honest: this was probably our last adventure before diaper bags and nap schedules entered the picture.
Also, we’re not exactly fans of hot, tropical destinations. That’s why going to New Zealand in April (local autumn) sounded perfect. Cooler weather, crisp air, and zero sweating for almost two weeks? Yes, please.
Travelling in Autumn: Pros & Cons
Pros:
⁃ Fewer people.
⁃ Easier to book accommodation and tours on a shorter notice.
⁃ It’s not yet snowy, and temperature-wise the weather is very comfortable for travelling.
Cons:
⁃ The weather is … moody. Pack for both warm sunshine and sudden chills.
⁃ Tours can be cancelled due to weather (a risk year-round, but still annoying).
⁃ Don’t expect spring blossoms. Autumn offers a different kind of beauty: golden trees, misty mornings, and dramatic skies.
⁃ Days are shorter, so plan accordingly.
✨ Note for pregnant travellers: I had an easy, healthy pregnancy – minimal symptoms, a small bump, and a decent fitness level – so I felt confident with long drives and short hikes. If you’re experiencing discomfort or complications, adjust the itinerary to suit your energy and needs.
A Few Practical Tips
1. You will need a car. If you stay in Queenstown, it is possible to take bus tours around most popular destinations, but it will limit your chances to fully indulge on the unbelievable nature and beauty of the country.
2. Download Google Maps offline. Also Google is really accurate about route closures, especially for hikes or remote areas.
3. Get a SIM card in the airport. Choose a data plan that suits you, but be prepared for patchy reception in mountainous or rural zones.
4. Stock on water and snacks in larger towns. In some areas food options are very limited, so having bananas, nuts, and croissants is never a bad idea.
5. Fuel your car frequently. There will be long stretches with no petrol stations.
6. Pregnant tip. Bring water bottles, compression socks for long drives, and a small pillow if your back needs support.
Here’s a high-level summary of our unforgettable 12-day babymoon adventure around the South Island, complete with hikes, waterfalls, glowworms, and whale tails.
12 days round trip around New Zealand South Island
Day 1: Christchurch – Relax post-flight, explore Botanic Gardens, and enjoy the food scene.
Day 2: Lake Tekapo – Scenic drive + night stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 3: Mount Cook Village – Scenic drive from Lake Tekapo anf short hikes.
Day 4: Hooker Valley – Flat, easy hike + Kea Point extension.
Day 5: Drive to Queenstown – Salmon farm, Lindis Pass, and Fergburger.
Day 6: Te Anau – Birdwatching and glowworm cave tour.
Day 7: Milford Sound – Rainy boat ride, epic waterfalls, and rainforest walks.
Day 8: Wanaka – Chill lakeside day.
Day 9: Isthmus Peak – 16 km hike with unforgettable views.
Day 10: Franz Josef – Scenic drive with waterfall stops and Lake Matheson.
Day 11: Arthur’s Pass – Glacier tour cancelled, but Kea spotted.
Day 12: Kaikoura – Whale-watching finale with sperm whales and playful dolphins.
Day 1. Christchurch
There is only one direct flight from Singapore to the southern island of New Zealand. And since we didn't want to bother ourselves with stopovers and decided to start our journey in Christchurch.
That's why the first day of our journey was fully dedicated to Christchurch. After an 11-hour flight, we gave ourselves a slow landing into the trip.
While Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city, it’s not exactly bursting with things to do. If you are the kind of person who has plenty of energy after a long flight, you’d probably want to rent a car in the airport and head to your next location right away.
We took it easy, spending half a day exploring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a beautiful and peaceful green space in the heart of the city. A nice bonus: lots of local birdlife, which my husband and I are mildly obsessed with.
From there, we wandered past the old building of University of Canterbury, which now houses a hotel, a couple of art galleries and cafes.
Nearby is the famous historic tram route. If you like trams and don’t mind crowds of tourists, it’s a good way to see old part of Christchurch with its lovely houses. We however skipped this as I was looking to do my daily steps.
After walking a couple of hours, we headed to an early dinner.
Even though there isn’t much to do in the city, it offers lots of great food! Booking a table during low tourist season wasn’t a big issue, but I’d still recommend to research local food scene and make a reservation in advance.
Day 2. Lake Tekapo
This was the day our real adventure began!
As we finished our breakfast, we made a spontaneous detour to the Pacific coast. We haven’t researched anything beforehand, so we just looked at a map searching for east most point not too far from Christchurch and headed towards Goodley Head Gun Battery. This was a nice area with great views and a few walking routes. I’d say that if we had to stay in Christchurch for several days, I’d do a full day hike in this area. This time though we just took a couple of pictures and rushed towards Lake Tekapo!
While we drove to our destination the weather was absolutely terrible. It was raining near mountains; the sky was blocked with clouds. But when we arrived at Lake Tekapo village rain magically stopped.
When the skies are clear, the view is absolutely stunning. The lake glows with blue water, surrounded by mountains, and the Church of the Good Shepherd sits dramatically on the shore. You’ll definitely know you’re in the right spot when you see crowds taking photos from every angle.
We did a nice walk along the shore, had a dinner in one of the restaurants in the village Centre and about 1 a.m. went to the observatory for our night star gazing tour. We were so lucky that the sky completely cleared up from the clouds and visibility was great!
I’ve always been obsessed with the night sky, and Lake Tekapo is one of the few Dark Sky Reserves on Earth – an area protected from light pollution. That alone made it a must-see for me.
If you love stars, this experience is a must. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye and even snap it on your phone. But with telescopes and a passionate guides, you’ll dive deeper – learning about Southern Hemisphere constellations and Māori mythology. It was truly magical. We were over the moon (in every sense), that was such a beautiful and memorable experience!
Day 3. Mount Cook Village
If you are planning to stay in Mount Cook village, do yourself a favour and bring food. The village is charming but tiny – think a few motels, one restaurant, and no real grocery store. That’s why before leaving Lake Tekapo we stocked up with food, snacks and drinks in a local supermarket. Trust me, you won’t regret doing it.
The road from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook Village is only one hour long, but be ready to make dozens of stops once you reach Lake Pukaki. Thankfully there are plenty of Viewpoints and the views are breathtaking. Again, we were not too lucky with the weather. It didn’t rain, but time to time clouds blocked some mountain peaks.
After checking-in in our motel in Mount Cook we decided to do a few small walks around the village, saving Hooker valley for the next day. I wanted to warm up before the next day hike, so we started with a simple route like Governors Bush Walk (it’s not entirely flat and you’ll need to walk a short distance up) and later walked around the village. There’s nothing to do after the sunset, so we went to bed early to recharge our batteries for the next day.
Day 4. Hooker Valley Track
Despite visiting during shoulder season and on a weekday, the Hooker Valley parking was completely packed. I can only imagine what it’s like in summer.
Pro tip: arrive early unless you enjoy circling for parking like it’s a sport.
From the parking area, there are a few different trails, but Hooker Valley is the star attraction.
Hooker Valley is an easy hike. It’s about 11 km long, flat and scenic. But be ready to walk along thousands of other tourists! Yup, taking a nice picture might be challenging.
You will walk along glacier lakes and Hooker River until you reach Tasman Lake. This is the end of the route and a great spot for a well-deserved picnic. Should I mention the view of the mountain? Just sit there and relax, build towers with balancing rocks or just enjoy the spectacular view.
I managed with the hike really well. I was full of energy and didn’t feel any tiredness at all. Of course, I drank plenty of water and snacked on apples and nuts to keep me and my baby energised. And since we had time and energy left, we decided that Hooker Valley wasn’t enough and went to Kea Point. It’s only about 3 km, but with a steeper incline than Hooker Valley. The climb took me a bit longer, but the view was absolutely worth it. From the top, you look over Mueller Lake, with the peaks of Mt Cook looming behind. A quiet, peaceful contrast to the bustling Hooker trail.
Day 5. Driving to Queenstown
After a quick home-made breakfast, we headed towards Queenstown. Though it takes about 3,5 hours, we had several stops planned along the way.
First, High Country Salmon Farm. It’s hard to miss it when you drive from Twizel towards Queenstown, just check the road signs. There is a store and of course a cafe where you can try delicious local salmon. And of course there are lots of tourist buses. Though the cafe offers fantastic looking salmon sashimi and sushi, I opted for a salmon BBQ. It was seriously tasty.
Our next destination was Lindis Pass. A winding mountain road that cuts through golden hills like a scene from Middle Earth. We were driving through a foggy dreamscape, my eyes glued to the window, and then… we missed the only official photo stop. Let this be a lesson: if a sign (actual a dozen of signs) says "scenic viewpoint in X km" pull over. It is still one of my biggest regrets from the trip.
Approaching Queenstown, you will be met by beautiful views of lakes and mountains. There are plenty of options to stop, stretch your legs, and take pictures.
After arriving in Queenstown and checking-in in our hotel, we went straight to the place with world’s best burgers, Fergburger. You’ll know you’ve found it by the crowd of people lined up outside. The burger lived up to the hype - juicy, meaty, and completely satisfying. Right next door are a gelato shop and a bakery, also part of the Ferg brand. Highly recommended.
Next, we headed up the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. The ride was smooth and easy, but to be brutally honest, it was one of the most underwhelming, overpriced experiences of the whole trip. At the top, there’s a café, a viewing deck, and the Skyline Luge, which is essentially a downhill go-kart ride.
Most of the people go to Skyline Luge (a kind of karting track where for additional cost you can ride small cars from the hill down but not to the very bottom, just to top gondola station). It looks fun, but we skipped it as it’s just not our cup of tea, and instead we walked to Skyline Loop Track, a short but steep forest walk. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do, we just wanted to justify the money we spent on the tickets and not to go down after taking 5 photos from the observation deck.
After we went down with Gondola, we headed to Queenstown Gardens. It’s another city park with a scenic coastal walk, and very relaxing.
In my opinion Queenstown is a gem! It’s small but has everything, from great food to exciting day tours. If you’re not keen on renting a car, this is the perfect hub. If we ever come back, I’d fly directly into Queenstown and skip Christchurch.
Day 6. Te Anau (and Glowing worms)
Before leaving Queenstown we decided to visit Kiwi Park near Skyline Gondola. My husband and I are a bit obsessed with birds, so we enjoyed the park a lot. Check the schedule in advance, and you can catch a bird show, where you’ll see some of the endemic birds and learn about conservation challenges. There are several Kiwi houses in the park, and we were lucky to see two funny and fuzzy kiwis!
The drive to Te Anau is about 2h. On the way you can stop at Garston Hunny Shop to buy some Manuka honey and grab a coffee nearby.
Once we arrived in Te Anau we went straight to the Real NZ Visitor’s Centre to book our Glowworms caves tour. These glowing worms were on our list for a very long time and I’m happy that we finally managed to get there. The experience didn’t disappoint.
It starts with a short boat ride. To enter the cave you’ll have to crouch for like 5 metres. I had a very small bump then, so it wasn’t difficult for me. Inside, you walk through a series of echoey tunnels (easy and well-lit), and then hop into a little boat that silently drifts into the deepest, darkest part of the cave. And that’s where the magic happens: thousands of glowworms twinkling like stars above you. Quiet, mysterious, and completely surreal.
The tours run till late evening, so it’s easy to find time which works best for you. But again, in high season I’d recommend booking this tour in advance.
Te Anau is a small town but it provides lots of food options, from Western to Indian and Chinese. The food is decent, though nothing mind-blowing. And again, visit the local supermarket to buy some water and food for your next day adventure!
Day 7. Milford Sound
Two important tips:
1. Fuel up in Te Anau - there are no gas stations between there and Milford Sound.
2. Leave early. Around 7:30 a.m., tourist buses hit the road like clockwork. Unless you want to spend two hours stuck behind them on narrow, winding mountain roads, aim to leave before they do.
We hit the road around 7:10 a.m., still in the dark. And what a drive it was! The scenery was straight-up cinematic, mountains looming out of morning mist, rivers weaving through valleys.
Since it became a good tradition, the weather was terrible. It was nice and sunny until we reached and passed the tunnel leading to Milford Sound. Once we exited the tunnel it felt like we were teleported to another dimension with heavy rains and thick fog. A big plus is that thanks to rains the whole area becomes decorated with dozens of cascading waterfalls and busy noisy creeks.
The boat ride itself was exactly what you’d expect in a storm: wet, windy, and dramatic. We could barely see beyond the boat at times, but somehow, it still felt magical. There’s something humbling about being surrounded by massive, misty cliffs and roaring water while getting completely soaked in your waterproof jacket.
Bad news is that weather in Milford Sound is unpredictable whole year round, so there’s always a risk to soak wet. Even though we didn’t see much I could appreciate the magnificence of the place and hope next time we will visit it with our baby and will be able to see more!
On our way back to Te Anau we made a few stops:
1. Monkey Creek - it’s said you can see Kea birds here, but we had no luck this day.
2. Lake Gunn Nature Walk – an easy and ethereal trail through moss-covered rainforest. A great way to stretch your legs and meet some curious South Island Robin birds.
3. Mirror Lakes - a nice short stop where we made some pictures of playful Fantails.
Day 8. Wanaka
This was a relatively easy day just driving from Te Anau to Wanaka – about 3h of pure scenery.
On our way we made a stop in Queenstown for a lunch and coffee.
The road from Queenstown to Wanaka was breathtaking! You’ll climb and descend through switchbacks with jaw-dropping views - don't miss numerous viewpoints.
Wanaka itself is small, but cozy. Great food, clean streets, and lakeside walks. We strolled down to Wanaka Tree (you’ll know the one, it’s practically an influencer), took a few photos, had dinner, and called it a night.
Day 9. Isthmus Peak
Our original plan was simple: my husband would hike the Instagram-famous Roys Peak, while I’d relax in town like a sensible human. But my FOMO was stronger than my common sense, and I decided to join him.
We ended up swapping Roys Peak for Isthmus Peak. At first, we thought we’d find an easier trail for me. Roys Peak is a 16 km long, steep climb - not exactly a walk in the park. And as we did our homework, we learned it’s also too crowded and, some say, a little overrated. Isthmus Peak, on the other hand, promised similar difficulty, far fewer people, and fantastic views.
We parked at the trailhead around 11 a.m. with a deal: if I felt off, tired, dizzy, or just “nope”, we’d turn back. Honestly, this was one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done. And I don’t just mean pregnancy-hard. I mean “what-was-I-thinking” hard. It’s 8 km of relentless uphill climb and then 8 km down.
I took baby steps (literally) and paused every 300-500 meters. Trekking poles were my lifesavers especially on the descent, where knees go to suffer. We met a couple on their way down who promised the view was worth it, which gave me a much-needed boost.
Meanwhile, my husband was a true hiking hero, carrying all the water and snacks, while I was leaning to my poles and trying to slow down my heart rate.
It took us about 3,5 hours to reach the summit. And as we reached the top, all the self-doubt and internal monologues about my questionable life choices faded away. The view was pure magic – mountain ranges that stretched forever, lakes on every side shimmering like glass, and a silence that made you forget time. We stayed for about 40 minutes, picnicking and soaking it all in.
The descent? Easier on the lungs and heart, harder on the knees. My legs were shaking, my joints protested, and my trekking poles earned their place in the Hall of Fame.
All in all, the hike took about 7.5 hours, including our mountaintop picnic Would I recommend it? Absolutely – to non-pregnant hikers. But if you're expecting, feeling fit, and have a cheerleader of a partner, it is doable. Just go slow, listen to your body, and maybe pack a little extra bravery alongside your trail mix.
Tip for sunny weather: there are almost no trees or any shadow along the whole trek, so if you're walking on a hot sunny day, bring lots of water, sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.
Day 10. Driving to Franz Josef
After conquering Isthmus Peak, we earned ourselves a recovery day. Day 10 was all about driving and light sightseeing as we made our way to Franz Josef.
We stopped at a few waterfalls, including Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls, and made a couple of photo stops along the shoreline. We also took a short walk around Lake Matheson. It promised unforgettable postcard-perfect reflections of Mt Cook – but do I even need to mention that it was raining?
That was pretty much it for the day. We checked into our hotel and rested up for the next long day.
Day 11. Glaciers and Arthurs Pass
Our original plan was to take a helicopter tour over Tasman, Fox, and Franz Josef glaciers. While you can book similar tours from Mt Cook, we chose to do it from the other side of the mountain range.
You’ll never guess what happened that day – yup, it rained! All flights were cancelled. The tour operator offered to let us wait a couple of hours in case the sky cleared, or to give us a refund. Since we had a long day ahead, we chose the refund.
To add to the drama, our Arthur’s Pass accommodation was unexpectedly cancelled. The owner messaged us last-minute to say the guesthouse was closing for renovations. Since the village is tiny and accommodation options are limited, we pivoted quickly and made the call to drive straight to Kaikoura instead.
Our first stop in Arthur’s Pass was the Otira Viaduct Lookout, a well-known spot you’ll find in almost every itinerary for the area. The view was impressive, and even better, we finally saw a Kea parrot relaxing on the power lines! I was so thrilled to see this amazing bird, my day was made, no matter what came next.
Next up was a quick hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall. It’s a short, steep-ish walk from the car park, and while the waterfall was impressive, we were a bit waterfall-fatigued by this point. It’s still a good stop to stretch your legs.
Thanks to the rainy night, the mountain peaks were dusted with fresh snow - it was absolutely stunning! We drove through with our jaws dropped. Of course, we would’ve loved to stay longer and explore more, but the circumstances didn’t allow it.
The drive to Kaikoura was too long. In hindsight, I’d recommend reaching it from Christchurch instead, it’ll save you time and energy. If we didn't have an issue with accommodation in Arthur's Pass village, we'd never choose to drive for 7 hours in one day.
Day 12. Whale-watching in Kaikoura
Our whale-watching cruise was booked for 1 p.m., which left us with a lazy and frankly, uneventful morning. But we didn’t mind. I’d been dreaming of seeing orcas and sperm whales, so the anticipation alone was enough to keep me buzzing.
Orcas, as it turns out, are seasonal celebrities in this part of New Zealand. Sperm whales, however, are more reliable residents. Once we boarded, our boat set off with a clear mission: find the whales. This meant zooming past dolphins and seals like they were minor characters.
Now, a word of warning: this isn’t your gentle sunset cruise. It’s a high-speed ocean sprint. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring some extra “just-in-case” bags and stomach settlers.
We were lucky to see two majestic male sperm whales lazily floating on the surface before lifting their mighty tails and disappearing into the deep. It felt like they waved goodbye as they dove - an unforgettable moment.
And just when we thought the show was over, dozens of dolphins surrounded the boat happily showing their arsenal of tricks - pure ocean joy in motion. A few seals floated nearby too, though the crew again barely gave them a nod. Justice for seals, honestly!
The entire cruise lasted just 2 hours but gifted us with unforgettable memories and impressions. As soon as we docked, we jumped into the car and hit the road back to Christchurch for our final dinner on the magnificent South Island of New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand was everything we hoped for and more: dramatic landscapes, wild weather, starlit skies, and soul-filling silence. Yes, we adjusted plans, got soaked more than once, and missed a helicopter ride. But we saw whales, climbed mountains, and proved to ourselves that travel doesn’t stop when you're pregnant - it just changes shape...slightly.
🔁 If I Could Do It Again...
No matter how well you plan, travel has a way of writing its own script, especially when weather and a jam-packed itinerary are involved. Looking back, there are a few things I’d tweak to make the trip smoother.
1. 12 days is certainly not enough to see and experience everything, so choose your priorities. If I had a crystal ball and knew that we’d be unlucky with the weather on the west, I’d skip Franz Jozef and Fox glaciers, and Arthur’s pass, and focus more on hikes around Wanaka or Mount Cook, or more chill time in Queenstown.
2. I’d skip Christchurch as there is not much to do in the city and would plan a loop around Queenstown.
3. If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d definitely book a day or two for local wineries. Though I don’t drink alcohol now, I’ve always enjoyed a glass of New Zealand Chardonnay.
Ideally, I’d divide the island in two loops: Northern and Southern. Souther part would include Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Dunedin. Northern part would cover glaciers, Arthur’s Pass, Abel Tasman, Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura. That way, we’d travel slower, linger longer, and maybe even discover a few hidden gems we rushed past this time.
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