There Is No Place Like It On Earth

South Island Family Journey

A gentle family journey through lakes, mountains, wildlife and meaningful time together.

11 Days / 10 Nights
Family Holidays
South Island, New Zealand
Private Journey / Small Group Available
Christchurch
Akaroa
Tekapo
Mount Cook
Wānaka
Queenstown
Glenorchy
Overview

Create meaningful family memories through journeys designed for both children and parents. Our family holidays combine nature, culture, light adventure and comfortable travel planning, giving children space to explore while allowing parents to relax and enjoy the journey.

Each itinerary is thoughtfully paced and family-friendly, with selected accommodations, safe transport, age-appropriate experiences and flexible arrangements. From outdoor discovery to local cultural encounters, every trip is designed to make travel easier, richer and more enjoyable for the whole family.

Journey Highlights
Family-friendly Rhythm
Carefully planned routes with time to rest, explore and enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
Animal Encounters
Hector's dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, alpacas and native wildlife up close.
Lakes & Mountains
Iconic glacial landscapes, alpine scenery and turquoise lake views at every turn.
Starry Sky & Nature
Dark sky stargazing in one of the world's best areas for viewing the Southern Cross.
Local Hosts & Experts
Bilingual driver-guides and local experience leaders who bring each place to life.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Christchurch: Kia Ora
Stay: Christchurch
Experience
Māori waka experience on the Avon River, relaxed walk through the Botanic Gardens.
Meals
Not included
Day 2 Akaroa: Hector's Dolphins and Coastal Wildlife
Stay: Christchurch
Experience
Harbour cruise for Hector's dolphins and seabirds, warm alpaca farm visit in Akaroa.
Meals
Breakfast / Dinner
Day 3 Oamaru: Little Blue Penguins and Valley Glamping
Stay: Oamaru Valley Glamping
Experience
Victorian streets and galleries in Oamaru. Evening little blue penguin parade, valley glamping under open skies.
Meals
Breakfast / Dinner
Day 4 Lake Tekapo: Glacial Landscapes and Southern Stars
Stay: Lake Tekapo
Experience
Guided walk around Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Evening stargazing in a UNESCO-recognised dark sky reserve.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5 Aoraki / Mount Cook: Glacier Lake Explorer
Stay: Wānaka
Experience
Tasman Glacier Lake boat among floating icebergs, high-country salmon farm visit, scenic drive to Wānaka.
Meals
Not included
Day 6 Wānaka: Island Eco-treasure Walk
Stay: Wānaka
Experience
Lakeside walk and picnic by the famous "lonely tree". Boat to a lake island eco-treasure walk and native wildlife discovery.
Meals
Lunch
Day 7 Wānaka: Salmon Fishing and Blue Pools
Stay: Queenstown
Experience
Hands-on salmon fishing with fresh tasting. Easy forest trail to the turquoise Blue Pools.
Meals
Not included
Day 8 Arrowtown: Gold Panning and Free Exploration
Stay: Queenstown
Experience
Historic Arrowtown gold-mining town, gold panning by the Arrow River, free time in Queenstown.
Meals
Dinner
Day 9 Queenstown: A Sweet Honey Day
Stay: Queenstown
Experience
Fifth-generation beekeeper visit; children create their own bottle of New Zealand honey. Relaxed afternoon by Lake Wakatipu.
Meals
Not included
Day 10 Glenorchy: Dart River and Middle-earth Adventure
Stay: Queenstown
Experience
Scenic drive to Glenorchy; full-day Dart River adventure by jet boat and Funyak through Middle-earth landscapes.
Meals
Lunch
Day 11 Queenstown: Skyline Luge and Farewell
Departure from Queenstown
Experience
Gondola ride above Queenstown, Skyline Luge, farewell transfer to airport.
Meals
Not included
Included
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Land transportation by luxury Mercedes 12–20 seater vehicle
  • Dedicated bilingual driver-guide service throughout
  • Accommodation listed in the itinerary (10 nights)
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • All listed attractions, experiences and exclusive activities
  • Local coordination and on-ground support

For meals not included, we recommend carefully selected local restaurants and assist with reservations. These meals are at guests' own expense.

Not Included
  • International return flights and domestic flights within New Zealand
  • Passport and visa-related costs
  • Personal expenses during the journey
  • Optional free-time activities and related transport
  • Tips or gratuities, if applicable
  • Any services not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary
Price
From NZD 8,500 per person
Twin-share basis · Indicative from-price

Let our travel designers create a journey tailored to your family.

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