Family-Friendly Adventures in , New Zealand!

Lake Manapouri

Why Visit?

Lake Manapouri, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Fiordland, New Zealand, offers a perfect adventure for families seeking both tranquility and exploration.

Day 1: Arrival and Lakefront Leisure

Begin your journey in Te Anau, the nearest town with accessible services and accommodations. From Te Anau, drive about 20 minutes along State Highway 95 to reach Manapouri. Check into one of the cozy lakeside lodges or campsites. Spend the afternoon strolling along the picturesque shores of Lake Manapouri. The lake, known for its numerous islands and serene beauty, is ideal for a relaxing family picnic.

Day 2: Doubtful Sound Adventure

Book a day cruise to Doubtful Sound from Pearl Harbour, Manapouri’s main wharf. The journey starts with a boat ride across Lake Manapouri followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass, enveloped by lush rainforests. Doubtful Sound, often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Milford Sound, offers a quieter but equally majestic experience with possibilities to see dolphins and seals. The cruise highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats, a great learning opportunity for kids.

Day 3: Kepler Track Exploration

Dedicate your last day to exploring part of the famous Kepler Track, accessible via a short drive back to Te Anau. Opt for the easier sections suitable for children, like the walk to Dock Bay— a gentle, scenic route that offers stunning lake views and bird watching. This part of the track introduces families to New Zealand’s native bush and birdlife, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation.

Throughout your stay, indulge in local cuisine at Manapouri’s cafes, with many offering panoramic lake views. Lake Manapouri, with its remarkable biodiversity and serene waters, not only promises a memorable family getaway but also instills a lasting respect for nature"s beauty and its preservation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory (Milford Sound Observatory)

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, a hidden gem in the stunning Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Getting There

Milford Sound is located in Fiordland National Park. The most scenic way to reach it is by driving from Queenstown or Te Anau. From Queenstown, it"s approximately a 4-hour drive, which can be a great road trip with several picturesque stops like Mirror Lakes and The Chasm. Alternatively, you can take a bus tour that includes commentary, providing an educational aspect as you enjoy the landscape.

Visit the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory

Start your visit at the Milford Discovery Centre, where interactive displays bring the natural history and the pioneering spirit of Milford Sound to life. Kids will love learning about the unique wildlife and geological features of the area through engaging exhibits.

Next, venture 10 meters below the surface to the Underwater Observatory. This is no ordinary aquarium; here, you observe marine life in its natural habitat. The observatory sits in Harrison Cove and offers 360-degree views of species like black coral, which, despite its name, is vividly colored and can live for over 200 years. This rare opportunity lets you and your family see the underwater ecosystem of a marine reserve, giving a glimpse into a world that remains untouched by human hands.

Interesting Facts

- Milford Sound is actually a fiord, formed by glaciers during the ice ages.

- The area receives over 7 meters of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest inhabited places in New Zealand.

End your visit by exploring some of the short walking tracks or taking a boat cruise to appreciate the towering cliffs and waterfalls from a different perspective. This educational yet thrilling outing will surely be a memorable experience for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Milford Track

Why Visit?

Milford Track Family Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Te Anau

Start your journey in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Spend your first day exploring this charming town. Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see the rare, flightless takahē, a native bird once thought extinct. Overnight in Te Anau, where you can find family-friendly accommodations and prepare for the trek.

Day 2: Te Anau to Glade Wharf to Clinton Hut

Begin your Milford Track experience by catching a boat from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, which takes about an hour. The track starts gently at Glade Wharf, making it perfect for families. It’s a scenic 1.6 km walk to Clinton Hut, where you can stay overnight. This first section runs alongside the Clinton River – a great spot for kids to splash and play.

Day 3: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut

Trek from Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut, covering 16.5 km. This part of the track offers incredible views of ancient forests and soaring mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for the South Island robin and bellbirds. The walk takes about 6 hours, so pace yourselves and enjoy the journey.

Day 4: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

This is the most challenging part of the track but also the most rewarding. Ascend to Mackinnon Pass, the highest point of the track, offering breathtaking views. After enjoying the scenery, descend to Dumpling Hut for the night. The entire journey for the day covers about 14 km.

Day 5: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point to Milford Sound

The final leg is a gentle 18 km descent to Sandfly Point. From here, take a short boat ride to Milford Sound. Explore Milford Sound’s majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs. Consider a boat cruise to see seals and dolphins, which is sure to delight the children!

Tip: Book huts and transport months in advance, especially during the peak season (October-April), as the Milford Track is highly popular and access is limited to preserve its pristine condition.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mitre Peak

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Mitre Peak, New Zealand

Day 1: Arrival in Milford Sound

- Getting There: Mitre Peak looms majestically over Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Fly into Queenstown Airport and rent a car for a scenic 4-hour drive to Milford Sound. The journey itself is breathtaking, with opportunities to stop at Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes for some stunning views and family photos.

- Activity: Upon arrival, check into one of the family-friendly lodges or campsites. Spend the evening at the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk, an easy trail perfect for kids, offering up-close views of local wildlife and the towering Mitre Peak.

Day 2: Exploring Mitre Peak

- Morning Cruise: Book a morning boat cruise, which provides a serene experience of the fjord. You’ll see waterfalls, rainforests, and hopefully some dolphins! The early cruise is ideal for calm waters and fewer crowds.

- Learn as You Explore: Explain to the kids that Mitre Peak is one of the most photographed mountains in the country, rising about 1,692 meters straight from the water. This dramatic height makes it a breathtaking sight and a great subject for budding young photographers.

- Kayaking: In the afternoon, take a guided family kayaking tour around the base of Mitre Peak. It’s a fantastic way to see the fjord from a different angle and get some exercise.

Day 3: Departure

- Morning Hike: Before heading back, explore the Key Summit Trail, a part of the famous Routeburn Track. It’s a manageable hike for families and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

- Departure: Drive back to Queenstown, perhaps stopping for a hearty lunch in Te Anau, and reflect on the majestic beauty of Mitre Peak and the unforgettable memories made in Milford Sound.

Tip: Book all tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and the best experience for your family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.