southern family adventure

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

Located on the southern shores New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is renowned for its village character and strong community spirit.

Wanaka is a small town that's big on the outdoors with plenty to keep you entertained. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka faces north, blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama in whichever direction you look.

There’s an unparalleled selection of walking and biking trails, short hikes, day walks and adventures including multi-day back-country journeys into the wilderness. If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation there are wildlife cruises to the lake’s island reserves, eco rafting trips on the Clutha River, winery tours and magnificent scenic flights around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.

The neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails has its headquarters in Wanaka; Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts are both only a short drive from the town.

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 metres into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to many jewellers, carvers, painters and potters.

Where mountains meet the sea and wildlife takes over civilisation, Kaikōura is best known for its vast coastline which hugs the Pacific Ocean. Kaikōura is a year-round destination featuring some of the most memorable experiences that New Zealand has to offer including Whale Watching and one of our all-time favourite activities in New Zealand, Swimming with the Dolphins.

Add in a visit to the local seal colonies, watching the incredibly graceful Royal Albatross, a walk around the Kaikōura Peninsular, a visit to the museum and simply taking in sun rising over the Pacific; there’s lots to do here.

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries.