Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Milford Sound

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family journey to Milford Sound, a jewel in New Zealand"s Fiordland National Park. Begin your adventure in Queenstown or Te Anau, with the scenic drive to Milford Sound offering breathtaking views and several stops along the way.

Day 1: Journey to Milford Sound

- Travel Options: Rent a car or board a coach from Queenstown or Te Anau. The drive features stunning landscapes and points of interest like the Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel, an engineering marvel cutting through the Darran Mountains.

- Key Stops:

- Eglinton Valley: Stretch your legs and capture the picturesque landscapes formed by glaciers.

- Mirror Lakes: Enjoy a short walk with the family and see the perfect reflections of the Earl Mountains.

- Arrive at Milford Sound: Settle into your accommodation. Options range from a charming lodge to overnight cruises and campgrounds, depending on your adventure level.

Day 2: Explore Milford Sound

- Morning Cruise: Start with a boat cruise on the fiord to see waterfalls, lush rainforests, and towering cliff faces. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and penguins.

- Kayaking: For families with older children, join a guided kayaking tour to get up close with nature. It’s a tranquil way to explore the quieter parts of the fiord.

- Interesting Fact: Did you know that Milford Sound is actually a fiord and not a sound? It was formed by the erosion of ancient glaciers!

Day 3: Hiking and Departure

- Key Hike: Walk part of the Milford Track, known as "The Finest Walk in the World." Opt for a short section suitable for your family’s ability level.

- Departure: Head back to Queenstown or Te Anau, making sure to stop at any spots you might have missed on your journey in.

This itinerary offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery, perfect for creating lasting family memories.

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

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Te Anau Glowworm Caves Adventure

Morning: Arrival in Te Anau

Start your adventure by arriving in Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. The town is easily reachable by car or coach from Queenstown (2-hour drive) or Invercargill (2.5-hour drive). Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes to fuel up for the day ahead.

Late Morning: Journey to the Caves

Head to the Real Journeys Visitor Centre located on the lakefront, where your tour to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins. Book your tickets in advance to ensure availability. The adventure starts with a scenic 30-minute cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon: Exploring the Glowworm Caves

Upon arrival at the Caves, friendly guides will lead your family on an exploration through the mysterious underground world. You’ll learn about the cave"s history and geological features before hopping onto a small boat inside the cave system. Glide silently through the darkness, marveling at the twinkling glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling, which creates a magical, starry effect that captivates both kids and adults alike. This portion of the tour lasts about 2 hours and is a gentle experience suitable for children over the age of 5.

Late Afternoon: Relax and Reflect

After returning to Te Anau, spend some leisure time strolling along the lakefront or visiting the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to learn more about the region’s natural history and wildlife.

Evening: Dinner in Te Anau

Conclude your day with a family dinner at one of Te Anau’s family-friendly restaurants, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? The glowworms you see are the larval stage of a species of fungus gnat, unique to New Zealand. Their luminescent glow is used to attract prey into their sticky silk snares.

Enjoy your family day out at Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where natural wonders and learning combine to create lasting memories!

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

Fiordland National Park

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey to Fiordland National Park, a majestic realm located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. Known for its stunning fiords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, it is an ideal destination for a family adventure.

### Day 1: Arrival and Te Anau

Start your adventure in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Accessible by road from Queenstown (about 2 hours drive), Te Anau is a picturesque town beside the lake of the same name. Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, a great spot for kids to see rare birds like the Takahe. Spend the night in one of the family-friendly accommodations in town.

### Day 2: Milford Sound

Take a guided bus tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound, renowned for its dramatic peaks and dark waters. The road itself is an attraction, with stunning views and potential stops at waterfalls and lookout points. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic cruise. You"ll see cascading waterfalls and local wildlife, including seals and dolphins. The cruise also offers an educational commentary that brings the landscape to life for all ages.

### Day 3: Doubtful Sound

Experience Doubtful Sound through a full-day tour, which begins with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri followed by a bus ride over Wilmot Pass, offering breathtaking vistas. Doubtful Sound is more remote and less crowded than Milford, providing a sense of serene wilderness. The fjord is teeming with flora and fauna, and the quiet cruise allows for potential sightings of Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

### Day 4: Kepler Track

Dedicate your last day to exploring part of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Opt for a guided day walk that suits your family’s fitness level. The track offers panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and forests.

Fiordland is a place where nature"s power and beauty create unforgettable memories, making it perfect for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

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

Lake Te Anau

Why Visit?

Family Adventure Itinerary to Lake Te Anau

Day 1: Arrival and Lakefront Leisure

Start your journey in the serene town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your family-friendly accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the Lake Te Anau waterfront. Enjoy a picnic by the lake, where the kids can play at the local playground, and you can soak up the majestic views of the Murchison mountains.

Day 2: Te Anau Glowworm Caves Adventure

In the morning, head to the RealNZ visitor center on the lakefront to catch a boat across Lake Te Anau for a tour of the mystical Te Anau Glowworm Caves. The 2.5-hour tour starts with a scenic cruise, followed by a guided exploration of the caves. Fascinate the family with the sight of glowworms illuminating the cave ceilings like starlit skies. Tours depart several times a day, but booking in advance is recommended.

Day 3: Kepler Track and Wildlife Centre

Spend your day exploring parts of the famous Kepler Track. Drive or take a local shuttle from the Te Anau town center to the Kepler Track carpark. Enjoy a manageable section of this well-maintained track, suitable for families, leading to the stunning views at Dock Bay and Brod Bay. Later, visit the Te Anau Wildlife Centre, a short walk from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of the area’s native birds up close.

Day 4: Day Trip to Milford Sound

Conclude your visit with a breathtaking drive to Milford Sound. Consider a guided coach tour that includes stops at key scenic points; this is especially handy as parking at Milford Sound can be challenging. The cruise through Milford Sound itself offers an unforgettable experience with dramatic fjord cliffs and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and penguins!

Departure

Enjoy a final morning breakfast in Te Anau, reflecting on the unforgettable memories made before heading home.

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

Doubtful Sound

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to Doubtful Sound, a breathtakingly serene fjord nestled in New Zealand"s Fiordland National Park. Unlike its more accessible cousin, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound offers a deeper plunge into wilderness, promising a more intimate experience with nature.

Day 1: Journey to Manapouri

- Start your adventure in Manapouri, a picturesque town accessible via a scenic drive from Queenstown or Te Anau. Here, board a ferry that crosses the beautiful Lake Manapouri, a journey approximately 50 minutes long.

- Engage the kids with tales of the lake"s mysterious depths and its role in powering New Zealand through the underground hydroelectric power station at West Arm.

Day 2: Wilmot Pass and Doubtful Sound Cruise

- After disembarking, take a coach trip over the stunning Wilmot Pass. This road, known for its dramatic landscapes, is perfect for spotting lush rainforests and unique alpine flora. Keep an eye out for native birds like the kea or the rare Fiordland penguin.

- Arrive at Doubtful Sound and step aboard a cruise. As you glide through the pristine waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, look out for dolphins, fur seals, and even whales. The onboard naturalist can help the kids spot these creatures and explain the sound’s unique ecosystem.

- Listen to the “Sound of Silence” when the boat cuts engines, allowing you to soak in the pure tranquility of the fjord.

Day 3: Kayaking and Return

- For those adventurous families, opt for a morning of kayaking. This is a gentle way to explore the smaller coves and get up close with the fjord’s waterline.

- Conclude your journey with a return trip to Manapouri, filled with stories and memories of a pristine natural wonder.

This itinerary not only offers a deeper connection with one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures but also instills a profound respect for nature in young explorers.

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