Family Fun

7
Days

Leave the crowds and queues behind and head to the top of the south for fun-filled adventures and lifelong memories for the whole family. Get up close with the local wildlife, explore the path less travelled and discover some hidden gems that are sure to create memories to last a lifetime.

DAY
1

CHC - Kaikōura

180kms
2.5 hours

Wave goodbye to traffic lights and head north, to a place of natural beauty, incredible wildlife and fun-filled experiences for the whole family. Hop on a wildlife tour, paddle with dolphins, learn about the local history and explore the bush tracks and coastline of beautiful Kaikōura

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CHC - Kaikōura
Experiences

Kaikōura Kayaks

Get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Kaikōura coastline, with a half-day guided family kayaking trip with Kaikōura Kayaks. Survey the coastline and spot the Native New Zealand fur seals - and if you’re lucky you may even see some little blue penguins and Dusky Dolphins.

Whale Watch Kaikōura

Whale Watch Kaikōura Jump aboard one of New Zealand’s most enduring tourist attractions and a truly memorable experience with Whale Watch Kaikōura. Enjoy an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.

Kaikōura Museum

Discover the history of Kaikōura - the land, the sea and its people at the award winning Kaikōura Museum. It’s long-term display documents the region’s connection with the sea and it also regularly presents special exhibitions sure to spark the imagination of the little ones.

Fish and chips on the beach

Looking for some freedom and fun? Grab a feed at the local fish and chip shop and head to the beach! View the wildlife, explore the rocks, search the flotsam and jetsam and feast on some locally caught fish and chips - there’s no better way to end the day!

Emporium Brewing

Located in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura, Emporium Brewing is far more than just a brewery. With an 18 hole mini golf course, two Escape Rooms and a new on-site bar, Emporium provides a range of activities for all ages. Sample their local brews and enjoy some lunch at their on-site bar.

DAY
2

Kaikōura - Blenheim / Marlborough

128kms
2 hours

Enjoy the coastal drive north towards Marlborough and keep your eyes peeled for playful fur seals. Discover one of the best beer gardens in the country, let your imagination soar at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and explore the history and magic of the Queen Charlotte Sound, aboard a classic Mail Boat Cruise.

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Kaikōura - Blenheim / Marlborough
Experiences

Ohau Point Seal Colony

Half an hour drive north of Kaikōura, you’ll come to the Ohau Point Seal Colony, a fur seal breeding area, which offers unrivalled views of these cute marine mammals in their natural habitat. Watch the playful pups play in the rock pools and the adults laze about on the rocks.

Dodson Street Beer Garden

The home of locally brewed beer Renaissance, the Dodson Street Beer Garden is a family-friendly restaurant with a great selection of craft beers on tap and arguably the best beer garden in Blenheim! A brew and hearty pub feed in the sunny garden tops the must-do list for many locals.

Beachcomber Cruises

The mail has been delivered by boat for more than 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds and Beachcomber Cruises is proud to continue the service today. Jump aboard their daily trip, and explore the extensive waterways and hidden coves, dropping off groceries and mail to the local residents as you go.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Let your imagination take flight, with a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.  Aviation nuts will delight in the rare collection of WW1 and WW2 aircraft and everyone else will appreciate the innovative and creative display that really captures the history and spirit of the time when these warbirds soared the skies.

Scenic Hotel Marlborough

For family friendly accommodation with a relaxed atmosphere, check out Scenic Hotel Marlborough. This 4-star plus hotel is just minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim with some of New Zealand's finest food and wine virtually on your doorstep. The in-house restaurant ensures the whole tribe will be fed and no one goes hungry!

DAY
3

Blenheim / Marlborough - Nelson/Tasman

122 kms
2 hours

Sink your teeth into adventure and some delicious, locally produced culinary products when visiting Nelson Tasman. Blow off some steam on the one of the world’s longest flying foxes at the Cable Bay Adventure Park, dip into the delightful world of Pic’s Peanut Butter and connect with the cute and cuddly animals at Natureland.

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Blenheim / Marlborough - Nelson/Tasman
Experiences

Cable Bay Adventure Park

Located just 15 minutes drive from the centre of Nelson, The Cable Bay Adventure Park is Nelson's adventure destination. Home to a wide range of adventure activities, from the skywire experience, mountain biking, quad biking, paintball, plus an onsite licensed cafe - you’ll find something for everyone at Cable Bay Adventure Park.

Pic’s Peanut Butter World

Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Pic’s world-famous peanut butter tours have been designed for people of all ages to share the wonder in how New Zealand’s most-loved peanut butter is made. Complete your tour with a visit to their dedicated peanut butter store and eatery.

Natureland

Natureland Wildlife Trust is a community focused conservation charity and a popular spot for families to engage with some cute, unique and endangered animals. Meet their international wildlife including primates, meerkats and porcupines, the cheeky local Kaka and feed the cute heritage breed farm animals.

Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures

Experience the natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park in a quiet and relaxing way onboard one of Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures’ comfortable catamarans. Join another group for a few hours of sailing, or charter a boat for a multi-day adventure with experienced sailors who are passionate about this stunning area, and of course sailing!

Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park

Affordable, easy access, great facilities and ideally located - there’s no better place to stay for families than the Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park. Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, or want to stay in a basic cabin, unit or motel room, there is an option for everyone.

DAY
4

Nelson/Tasman - Westport

217kms
3 hours

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and fun and adventure for the whole family. Dig into the Coast’s rich mining history, meet some of its cutest locals and throw yourself in the deep end with a surf lesson from a Kiwi legend.

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Nelson/Tasman - Westport
Experiences

Outwest Tours

Step back in time with Outwest Tours for an evocative journey into the life of the Denniston coal miners and their families. Learn about the Coast’s rich coal mining history through the amazing relics left behind by miners and enjoy the outstanding scenery on a half day tour of the coal plateau high above the coastal flats.

Cape Foulwind​ Seal Colony

Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat at Cape Foulwind. From the car park at Tauranga Bay, a 10-minute track leads to viewing platforms over the seal colony. Or enjoy the 1.5 hour coastal walk from Cape Foulwind south to Tauranga Bay, via the Cape Foulwind lighthouse.

West Coast Surf

For authentic surf lessons with an New Zealand surf legend in a stunning natural environment, book a lesson with Mark Perana at West Coast Surf. Whether you’re a beginner, or wanting to level-up your surf skills, West Coast Surf has the skills and local break knowledge to keep you safe while having fun!View the amazing relics from the mining era and enjoy the outstanding scenery.

DAY
5

Westport - Punakaiki - Hokitika

Adventure awaits around every bend as you drive along the Great Coast Road between Greymouth and Hokitika, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads. Delve deeper into the area’s rich history with a visit to Shantytown and Gold Panning at Ross and immerse yourself in the beautiful untouched wilderness with a range of family-friendly activities.

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Westport - Punakaiki - Hokitika
Experiences

Pancake Rocks

Be sure to stop in at the Pancake Rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki, for a closer look at these natural wonders, created by the forces of nature. This easy walk with interpretive panels is the ideal place to stretch the legs with incredible views over the Tasman Sea.

Underworld Adventures

Float beneath surreal galaxies of glowworms and explore the hidden subterranean wilderness deep in the Paparoa National Park, with Underworld Adventures on the West Coast. Choose from a range of adventures including cave rafting, rainforest train, glowworm cave tour and adventure caving, all designed by experienced cavers to amaze and educate.

ShantyTown Heritage Park

Fill your boots with true West Coast heritage stories and experiences at ShantyTown Heritage Park. Explore the shops and heritage buildings in ShantyTown village, ride the heritage train, pan for gold, visit the museum and Chinatown and learn all about the early period of colonisation in this part of New Zealand.

West Coast Treetop Walk and Cafe

Experience life with the birds and an exhilarating adventure high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy at the West Coast Treetop Walk and Cafe. The amazing 450-metre platform set 20 metres above ground among these ancient trees has been designed for easy access for all and is even pushchair friendly

Gold panning in Ross

Discover gold rush relics and try your luck panning for gold in the old gold mining town of Ross. Hire or buy a gold pan at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre and head to the DOC fossicking area at Jones Creek, where gold was first discovered in 1865.

DAY
6

Hokitika - Lake Brunner - Hanmer Springs

310kms
4 hours

It’s time to head inland to explore the incredible attractions at the resort town made famous for its natural hot springs - Hanmer Springs. This alpine playground has a huge range of family-friendly activities, from bungy, quad bike tours, river rafting, jet boat rides, claybird shooting and more - Hanmer Springs does it all!

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Hokitika - Lake Brunner - Hanmer Springs
Experiences

Hanmer Springs Attractions

Hanmer Springs Attractions offers all the fun, family-friendly adventure activities that New Zealand is famous for in the incredible location of Hanmer Springs. Get your thrills with a bungy, go for a hair-raising ride on a jet boat or try your hand at quad biking or claybird shooting.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is the fun place to relax and unwind. Soak in the natural rock pools or private spas, get your thrills on the hydroslides, or book an indulging massage or spa treatment in their exclusive spa.

Hanmer Forest Fairy Doors Walk

It appears some fairies have made themselves at home in Hanmer Forest - but only those with a sharp eye and who truly believe in fairies will be able to spot the tiny colourful doorways to their fairy houses! This magical walk starts at the Brooke Dawson Reserve and will absolutely captivate the little ones.

Alpine Crazy Putt

Located in the middle of picturesque Hanmer Springs Village, Alpine Crazy Putt and Village Cruisers is the perfect way to have some affordable fun with the whole family. The mini golf course has 18 challenging and fun holes, then pack a picnic, jump on a Cruiser and explore Hanmer Springs Village the fun way!

Hanmer Springs Top 10

Affordable, easy access, great facilities and ideally located - there’s no better place to stay for families than the Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park. Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, or want to stay in a basic cabin, unit or motel room, there is an option for everyone.

DAY
7

Hanmer Springs - Christchurch

132kms
1 hour 45 mins

After a leisurely start to the day visit the thermal pools for some family fun before starting the journey south to Christchurch taking in the stunning vistas along the way.

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Hanmer Springs - Christchurch
Experiences

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is the fun place to relax and unwind. Soak in the natural rock pools or private spas, get your thrills on the hydroslides, or book an indulging massage or spa treatment in their exclusive spa.

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