Compare New Zealand South Island Family Journey by Classic Journeys
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 555 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
We have four words for you: Lord of the Rings. The movies were shot on New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. While you won’t spot any Hobbits, your local guides will lead the whole family to plenty of miraculous discoveries. You'll walk on amazing beaches and explore a parrot-filled jungle with its own glacier. At a high country sheep station, you’ll spend the day checking on baby lambs and watching the sheepdogs do their work. There’s even a jet boat ride on the Dart River. The adults will enjoy sipping their way through award-winning wineries as well as some of the most scenic walks on earth and fine shopping in Queenstown. New Zealand is a friendly country that captures the imaginations of all ages. |
DAYS 1-2 - CHRISTCHURCH / ARTHUR'S PASS
Meet in Christchurch. If you’re an early riser and a train-lover, consider boarding the TranzAlpine Express for the scenic ride to Arthur’s Pass. Or join our guide for the equally spectacular drive to Arthur’s Pass. Either way, you’ll cross the lovely Canterbury Plains—featured in the film The Lord of the Rings.
Into the Southern Alps, spend a day on a working merino sheep station near Arthur’s Pass (2 nights). Kids have been known to feed and name the baby lambs. Adults like birding in wildflower meadows. Everyone enjoys watching our hosts put the sheepdogs through their paces.
DAY 3 - FOX GLACIER
The next day, grab your ice pick! It’s on to dramatic Fox Glacier (1 night) for a walk that starts, of all places, in a parrot-bedecked rain forest.
DAYS 4-5 - LAKE MOERAKI
At your lodge at Lake Moeraki (2 nights) you have canoes to paddle, fishing gear and great guide-led walks on an easy rainforest track to wide and beautiful Munro Beach. Kids love exploring and gold panning in the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Adults enjoy even more the walk through the vineyards to an acclaimed winery for a tasting.
DAYS 6-7 - QUEENSTOWN
Settle in to your lakeside hotel in Queenstown (2 nights). If you must, today is the day to bungy jump. A more “reserved” activity finds us on a jet boat ride on the Dart River, followed by a walk in Fiordland National Park and a guide-led talk about the original Maori settlers.
DAYS 8-9 - MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN
Your grand finale is Milford Sound (1 night), the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. It’s a true natural wonder, and we’ll see it in the very best way – from the decks of the Milford Mariner. It’s not just a ship. It’s what some travelers call the ultimate bed and breakfast. From the observation lounge and the large open deck, you’ll have a front-row seat for the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Experienced onboard naturalists offer commentary and answer your questions. We’ll cruise the entire length of the sound, all the way to the Tasman Sea, and enjoy some of the best stargazing you’ve ever experienced. On final day you return to Queenstown where we part company.
