It’s always a great time to start planning a family holiday across the ditch. Whether you’re seeking active adventures, cultural encounters or eco experiences, here are some of the top family activities on NZ’s South Island.
1. Make friends with alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas, Akaroa
Just a stone’s throw across the water from Akaroa on the South Island is the spectacularly positioned Shamarra Alpacas, which is home to more than 170 photogenic alpacas. With several awards under their belt, the alpacas produce a gorgeous natural fibre that’s transformed into clothing, blankets and accessories (all of which are available for purchase onsite). Join a guided tour to learn about the quirky nature of alpacas and interact with the farm’s friendly herd during feeding time, while enjoying the superb views across the Akaroa Harbour.
2. Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a century-old steam ship
Framed by snow-capped peaks, Queenstown is a popular South Island destination. One of the best ways to experience it is aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw steamship, which offers scenic cruises along the reflective waters of Lake Wakatipu. Kids will love seeing the giant steam engines at work and enjoying the alpine scenery from the bridge, with food and drinks available at the Promenade Café. You can opt for just the cruise or combine it with a visit to the picturesque Walter Peak High Country Farm to experience the rural lifestyle of New Zealanders first-hand.
3. Cycle the epic Otago Central Rail Trail
If you’re a family of cyclists, why not follow part (or all) of the Otago Central Rail Trail, which was the first of its kind in the country when it opened in 2000. It follows the former Otago Central railway line for 152km, between Middlemarch and Clyde, with a gentle gradient that makes it ideal for kids. You’ll experience rural landscapes that aren’t easily accessible by other means, and learn about the fascinating history of what was once considered one of the world’s greatest train trips.
4. Experience life in Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre
Ever wanted to experience life in Antarctica (without having to head across the Drake Passage)? You can do just that at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. After being buffeted by -18°C winds in the Storm Dome, you can jump aboard their amphibious vehicle, Hägglund, to experience driving across the ice. Watch as the adorable little blue penguins are fed, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Antarctica in the 4D Theatre. There’s also an interactive Antarctic Gallery where you can see what life is like at Scott Base and try on extreme cold weather clothing.
5. See the snow or try skiing on New Zealand's mountains
New Zealand’s South Island is a popular destination for Aussies thanks to its great value, towering peaks and gobsmacking views. Around 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is a terrific option for families. It has extensive beginner facilities, a dedicated snow play area and a school, Skiwiland, which takes bubs from three months up to kids aged five years.
Closer to Wanaka, Cardrona also has wide, open runs, a designated beginners’ area, a licensed childcare centre and kids’ ski & snowboard school. Children will love having snowfights and having their photo taken with the resort’s mascots, Pengi and Frosty.
You’ll also find five ski areas within a 90-minute drive of Christchurch, including family-focused Mt Hutt which offers free lift passes to kids five and under. For the ultimate South Island snow adventure, why not pick up a ski car rental in Christchurch and visit them all at your own pace? Vehicles are snow-ready for tackling alpine roads, with plenty of space for all your gear (and the kids too).
READ MORE: New Zealand’s best ski resorts for families
6. Experience indoor skydiving in Queenstown
Find out what it feels like to soar through the sky at iFLY Queenstown – New Zealand’s first and only indoor skydiving centre. With the simulation of true free-fall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel, the dream of flight can become a reality for anyone aged five and up. All first-time flyers have two instructors – one to help you in the tunnel, and one to control the air speed.
The experience starts with a pre-flight briefing an hour before take-off. Participants go through the basic flying position as well as learning a couple of hand signals to use in the tunnel. High-definition cameras capture the whole flight, guaranteeing an awesome new Facebook profile pic!
7. Fly through the skies with ZipTrek Ecotours
There’s no better way to take in the view over Queenstown than ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours. The award winning company offers a spectacular and fun adventure through the forest canopy high above town, on Skyline Gondola hill. The ziplines are gravity fed, so there’s no need to worry about controlling your own speed.
8. Take a scenic flight with Alpine Helicopters
Whether it’s a short hop to a glacier, landing in Mt Aspiring National Park, or a flight to beautiful Fiordland, a scenic helicopter jaunt with Wanaka-based Alpine Helicopters is an unforgettable highlight of a South Island holiday. The company’s comfortable, modern helicopter fleet ensures panoramic views and the ability to travel safely to incredible places few people ever visit.
9. Brave the world's first-ever bungy jump
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, look no further than AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown. Inspired by Vanuatu’s land diving ritual, AJ Hackett founded the world’s first commercial bungy jump site here in 1988 – a year after he bungy jumped off the Eiffel Tower. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy takes you back to where it all began. Confront the original 43m-high leap, either solo or in a pair. For that extra rush, try a dunk in the mighty Kawarau River.
You can also roll or jump from the 47m-high Ledge Bungy freestyle bungy site, or take on New Zealand’s highest bungy – the Nevis Bungy – 134m above sea level, with a free fall of 8.5 seconds. And if that’s not enough, it now has swings, catapults, ziprides, climbs, skyjumps and skywalks!
Content contributors: Pippa Strickland, Elisa Elwin
