fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand South Island Family Holiday

Sale!

New Zealand South Island Family Holiday

Was From $ 2,895 AUD
Now From $ 2,606 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, ,

Description

It’s time to explore the marvellous sights and sounds of New Zealand’s South Island with the kids, and this seven-day family adventure is just the ticket. You’ll all be in awe driving past some of mother nature’s most spectacular sights – the Crown Range, Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound, Stewart Island and Te Anau Downs, to name just a few. And with all of the adventure covered, the family will be cycling, hiking, paddling, cruising and animal spotting until your heart is content. So, come and see what all the fuss is about on this exploration of New Zealand’s great wilderness, with all of the hassle and worries taken care of by our expert local team.

Trip Name
New Zealand South Island Family Holiday
Last Updated
2022-04-16
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Jump in a kayak on Lake Wanaka and meander across the clear blue water, then swap the paddles for a water taxi as you go explore the predator-free conservation island of Mou Waho.
  • The scenery on New Zealand’s South Island is second to none. Traverse through lush ridges and gorges, and spend the day cruising through one of the world’s most admired natural wonders – Milford Sound.
  • Cycle as a family along part of the Otago Rail Trail, stopping to soak in the historic trestle bridges and lush countryside that has remained largely untouched since the gold rush days.
  • By staying on the wildlife mecca of Stewart Island, you and the family will have so many opportunities to head out exploring. Walk along the Rakiura track and ferry to Ulva Island – a natural habitat of rare plants and birds, including the kiwi.
  • This South Island adventure is specifically designed with families in mind. Enjoy a range of lodge and apartment-style accommodation, plus plenty of time to relax by the lakes or head out to dinner together.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Queenstown to Wanaka
Welcome to New Zealand’s South Island. Make your way to a centrally located pickup point in Queenstown at 10 am to begin your family adventure. Once all families have arrived, leave this resort town in your dust and take a short drive to historic Arrowtown. This place was put on the map in the gold rush days, all the way back in the mid-19th century. Here, stop at a local cafe for an all-important welcome meeting where your leader will fill you in on the details of your trip. With all the formalities aside, head on a leader-led walking tour of Arrowtown, passing by the Chinese Settlement and gold miner’s village, old gaol and Dudleys Cottage. Jump back in your private transport and weave your way through the Crown Range before arriving at your self-contained apartments in lakeside Wanaka for the evening. You’ll have time to settle in plus take a walk along the Millennium Trail together, which hugs the shimmering Lake Wanaka.
Day 2 - Wanaka
After an included breakfast, take a water taxi to the predator-free island of Mou Waho – a true natural paradise in Otago. Be sure to pack your walking shoes as you’ll embark on a short 30-minute hike up to a viewing point where you’ll discover an island in a lake in an island in a lake in an island – yes, you read that right. It’s the natural equivalent of a babushka doll! Enjoy the views as you tuck into an included picnic lunch. This island is currently a conservation area for the inquisitive buff weka (a flightless bird) as well as giant crickets known as weta, so see if you can spot either. Next up jump into a kayak and take an easy 2–3 hour paddle, admiring the green landscapes that surround you. In the mid-afternoon, return to Wanaka via water taxi for an afternoon at your leisure. For the grown ups, you might want to check out some local wineries, or instead, perhaps get the whole family together and try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding on the lake. Tonight is all yours, too, so be sure to ask your leader for any restaurant recommendations they may have in town.
Day 3 - Otago Rail Trail/Te Anau Downs
Enjoy breakfast together before driving to historic Alexandra, where you will spend the morning cycling on the renowned Otago Rail Trail to Clyde. The full trail which was originally a supply route for the gold fields runs for 152 kilometres, but luckily for you the ride today is only a small section. It’s the best way to explore the local area, so jump on your bikes and leave town via the Alexandra Historic Bridge on your way to Clyde. Stop to see remnants of the gold rush era and learn about how the landscape has been shaped by the sluicing technique for extracting gold. Keep following the Clutha (Mata-Au) River across an old trestle bridge and into Clyde, where you’ll have time to relax and perhaps refuel with your own lunch – and possibly an ice-cream! This afternoon, drive to Te Anau via the mighty Kawarau Gorge (approximately 3 hours). After settling into your lodge-style accommodation (located in Te Anau Downs), meet your leader and fellow travel families for a lakeside walk and dinner.
Day 4 - Milford Sound
Today is a truly a special day and you’ll want to have your camera ready – it’s time to cruise the incredible Milford Sound. This morning, board your boat for a cruise on the sound to see the scenic landscapes up close. It doesn’t matter what weather greets you here today as the landscape is on full display any time of the year. The deep blue waters shimmer in the sunlight, the rugged valley walls look eerie and mysterious when cloud shrouds its peaks, and even in the rain, natural waterfalls flow down the cliffs like veins in mother nature. Simply put, it’s a slice of paradise. En route, take the time to stop by Lake Gunn and Mirror Lakes for a short leader-led walk to admire these waterways. In the afternoon, head back to Te Anau Downs for a walk around Mistletoe Lake and to relax into the evening. If you’re feeling up to it, why not book into an optional Glowworm tour at night? This is the best way to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 5 - Stewart Island
Have your headphones packed plus your best car games ready as today is a travelling day down further south on the South Island. Drive to Bluff, one of New Zealand’s southernmost points on the mainland, then jump on a ferry to Stewart Island (approximately 3–3.5 hours total). You will arrive in the late afternoon, where there will be plenty of time to settle into your retreat accommodation on the island. Tonight, you might like to join a local guide to go spotting one of New Zealand’s most famous animals – the elusive kiwi. Otherwise, the night is for you and your family to relax and recoup.
Day 6 - Stewart Island
You may have thought that you’ve discovered all the nature that New Zealand has to offer in days’ past, but today, there’s more. Spend the whole day exploring the verdant interior of Stewart Island. You’ll walk along a section of the Rakiura Track – usually a four-day expedition, but for your family, an easy and short section along the beach. Don’t worry, it’s is no less beautiful and scenic than the longer version. Some time today you’ll also head to nearby Ulva Island to discover the mammals and birdlife that call this area home. Your guide will always be nearby to answer any questions you may have and help you spot the best wildlife out there. It’s no surprise that Stewart Island’s pristine shores are home to all of this natural wonder, and it’s all yours today to experience.
Day 7 - Stewart Island to Queenstown
This morning, gather the troops as you return via ferry and private vehicle to Queenstown. Our ferry departs at 8am so it will be an early morning! Along the way, you’ll stop at Invercargill, perhaps bidding farewell from here. Otherwise, continue with your leader to Queenstown where your family adventure will end on arrival at a central location around 3 pm.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-07-202208-07-2022AUD $ 2,606-
09-07-202215-07-2022AUD $ 2,606-
17-09-202223-09-2022AUD $ 2,606-
24-09-202230-09-2022AUD $ 2,606-
08-10-202214-10-2022AUD $ 2,606-
07-01-202313-01-2023AUD $ 3,050-
14-01-202320-01-2023AUD $ 2,970-
22-04-202328-04-2023AUD $ 2,970-
24-06-202330-06-2023AUD $ 2,970-
01-07-202307-07-2023AUD $ 2,970-
08-07-202314-07-2023AUD $ 2,970-
16-09-202322-09-2023AUD $ 2,970-
23-09-202329-09-2023AUD $ 2,970-
07-10-202313-10-2023AUD $ 2,970-

Accommodation

Apartments (2 nights),Lodge (2 nights),Retreat (2 nights)

Transport

Private minivan,kayak,bike

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid New Zealand On Sale
More of activity:
Family