Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 1 (Best Things to Do with Kids)
- rachnamone
- Jun 8, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Why kids love South Island ?
New Zealand is a nature lover's paradise, offering a wide range of activities: hiking, biking, kayaking, farm visits, wildlife encounters, adventure sports, and gorgeous vineyards. There are plenty of great cafes and delicious food to try, making it a perfect place for a family holiday. Our 15-day trip to South Island, New Zealand, this autumn was an experience like no other! To plan your own trip read our blog , South Island New Zealand Road Trip in 15 Days: Ultimate Itinerary & Family Travel Guide
South Island New Zealand ideal for road trips with kids, as the distances between destinations are usually just a couple of hours' drive if you plan well. Having a car allows you to choose what you want to do and where you want to go. Check out our blog to know all about Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Family Guide & Driving Tips
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in South Island New Zealand with Kids-
We discovered 12 amazing family-friendly activities — here are the first 6! Don’t miss Part 2 where we share the next six unforgettable experiences. Here is PART I of the list of our favorite experiences in New Zealand to help you plan your own epic adventure!
1.Visiting a Working Sheep Farm in South Island NewZealand -
New Zealand is renowned for its sheep and the high-quality merino wool it produces. Famously, the country has more sheep than humans! One of the top experiences to check off your list is visiting a sheep farm and watching a sheep shearing demonstration.
On our trip, we chose to stay at Bauchops Hill Station Farm Stay, a working sheep farm located in Burkes Pass, just a 17-minute drive from Lake Tekapo. The cottage was beautiful, equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, and surrounded by nature.
The area is free from light pollution and part of the dark sky reserve, offering a stunning view of the night sky. On a clear night, we were lucky enough to see the Milky Way, an awe-inspiring and overwhelming experience.
The next day, we booked a farm tour with our host, Lou. He took us on his ATV over the large mountains we'd previously admired from the foothills. We saw the sheep grazing and learned about the history of the region and sheep farming in New Zealand.
Want to see this amazing farm tour?
👉 Watch our Instagram Reel here @passportcubs on Instagram
After watching a gorgeous sunset, we returned to the shearing shed, where Lou demonstrated sheep shearing and even gave our kids a bag of wool as souvenirs!
Staying at the farm was a beautiful experience, and we highly recommend it to everyone! You can check out their website for more details - https://www.bauchopshillstation.co.nz/
2. Hooker valley track and Lake Pukaki -
The Hooker Valley Track is an easy and scenic walk that begins at the White Horse Hill Campground. Parking is available here, but it can get crowded. The trail meanders alongside the Hooker River and includes crossings over three swing bridges, eventually leading to a breathtaking glacial lake with floating icebergs. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Cook is visible from the track, offering a stunning backdrop. This well-marked trail is perfect for all ages, making it a great choice for families with kids (Suitable for kids 5+ ,younger ones can manage in a carrier), and it typically takes about three hours to complete the round trip.
The journey to Mount Cook itself is a memorable adventure. The route skirts the edge of the expansive, vibrant blue Lake Pukaki. The lake's striking color is so vivid it almost seems unreal. Along the way, numerous lookout points offer spectacular views of the mountains across the lake, providing plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the scenery.
Tips for visiting Hooker valley track with kids -
Arrive early to secure parking
Weather changes quickly — layers and windproof jackets are musts
Carry plenty of snacks and water
No cafés or shops once inside the national park
Toilets available at trailhead only
We captured some stunning blue-water views!
3. Katiki Point Walking Track -
New Zealand is renowned for its large, undisturbed natural habitats that host a variety of wildlife. One of the best places to experience this is at the Katiki Point Walking Track, which starts at the Katiki Lighthouse, located along the east coast of the South Island near the famous Moeraki Boulders. The road to the lighthouse is largely gravel, but the drive offers magnificent ocean views.
Constructed in the late 19th century, the lighthouse is still functioning and the surrounding area is maintained by the Department of Conservation. The walking track is well-marked and offers an easy, short walk to the tip of the peninsula. What makes this walk special is the chance to see New Zealand fur seals playing in the rock pools along the cliffs and basking in the sun on the rocks.
From this point, you can also spot yellow-eyed and blue-eyed penguins returning to their nests around dusk. Remember to wear good walking shoes, keep noise to a minimum, and refrain from consuming food on the site, as it holds spiritual significance.
Tips for visiting with kids -
Wear sturdy shoes (it can get slippery near the cliffs)
Keep voices down to avoid disturbing wildlife
Avoid snacking in sacred areas — the land carries cultural significance
Bring binoculars for extra excitement!
4. Milford sound -
Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable experiences New Zealand has to offer.
Fjords, such as Milford Sound, are unique landscapes found in only a few places in the world, including Norway, Greenland, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, and Alaska. These stunning formations are carved by glaciers over a very long period of time. Some of the largest fjords are seen in Norway and you can read all about Fjords of Norway, in our blog post Exploring the Fjords of Norway: Complete Family Travel Guide
Milford Sound holds its own unique charm. Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a fjord extending over 16 kilometers before opening into the Tasman Sea. Often considered the eighth wonder of the world, we were incredibly excited to visit this natural marvel. The Milford Sound cruise, which lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, is a super fun experience for the whole family.
Want help planning your visit? Check out our complete travel guide here:
If you have more time, consider traveling to Doubtful Sound, another fjord that promises a memorable trip of a lifetime.
Quick Tips for Visiting Milford Sound with Kids -
Start early — morning cruises have fewer crowds and clearer views.
Weather changes fast — pack rain jackets even on sunny days.
Drive time from Te Anau: ~2 hours (one way) — add extra time for lookouts.
Parking is limited — allow 30 minutes from parking to terminal (shuttle required).
No phone signal on the way — download maps offline.
If prone to seasickness — choose a bigger boat for smoother sailing.
5. Wanaka puzzling world and lavender farm -
We had been eagerly anticipating our visit to these two places ever since we planned our trip. Combining them makes for an incredibly fun day filled with games, mazes and lavender tea!
First, we headed to Puzzling World, a mini science center packed with fascinating exhibits. There are illusion rooms, a tilted house, and an outdoor maze that both adults and kids will find amusing and entertaining. The small café is a great spot to grab a snack while tackling small puzzles, making your meal a bit more interesting.
After spending a couple of hours at Puzzling World, we drove just a few minutes to the Lavender Farm . We can only imagine how gorgeous it must be in summer when the lavender is in full bloom. Even in autumn, we were able to see some of the last blooms of lavender! The farm also features some adorable farm animals, which the kids loved observing. There is a small entry fee, and you can easily spend an hour or the entire day here. We also tried their café and enjoyed some lavender tea, which was both beautiful and delicious!
Watch our Lavender Farm experience on Instagram
6. Arrow river trail -Autumn Magic in Arrowtown
Arrowtown is easily accessible from both Queenstown and Wanaka, with travel times of about 15 minutes and an hour, respectively, making it perfect for a day trip. The Arrow River Trail is an easy walking path that follows the Arrow River, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains. We visited during autumn and were left speechless by the vibrant colors along the trail—brilliant shades of yellow, red, and gold were everywhere.
The trail begins at the Arrow town car park. Best of all, this activity is completely free.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Arrow town, and you can read all about our experience in our blog post, An Awesome, Autumn Day in Arrow town.
Tips for Arrow River Trail, Arrowtown -
Best season: Autumn (April–May) for stunning fall foliage 🍁
Trail difficulty: Easy — great for families and strollers
Parking: Arrowtown main car park — free but fills up on weekends
Time needed: 1–3 hours depending on how far you walk
Nearby attractions: Historic gold mining village & hidden cafes
What to bring: Light jacket, water, and comfortable walking shoes
Restrooms & food: Available in Arrowtown village
We absolutely loved every moment of these first six experiences in the South Island — each one offering something unique for families traveling with kids. And guess what? We’re only halfway through! There’s so much more to discover.
👉 Don’t miss Part 2 of our guide, where we share the next six unforgettable family experiences in the South Island!
FAQs — Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand (Part 1)
Q1. Is the Hooker Valley Track suitable for young kids?
Yes! It’s a mostly flat, well-marked trail with swing bridges and stunning views — great for families. Expect around 3 hours return.
Q2. Do I need to book Milford Sound cruises in advance?
Highly recommended — especially during school holidays or summer. Morning cruises are less crowded.
Q3. Can kids participate in sheep farm tours?
Absolutely! Many working farms offer child-friendly tours with chances to meet animals and watch shearing.
Q4. What’s the best season to visit Arrowtown’s autumn colors?
April to early May is peak fall foliage — perfect for photos and easy walks along Arrow River.
Q5. Is Puzzling World worth it for adults too?
Yes! The illusions and outdoor maze are fun for all ages — it’s not just for kids.
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