Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 2 (More Amazing Things to Do with Kids)
- rachnamone
- Jun 9, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
This post is a continuation of our previous adventure-packed entry - Our favorite experiences in New Zealand Part I . If you haven't read it yet, we listed our top six experiences, and now we're back with Part II to share six more incredible highlights from our journey, especially curated for families with kids.
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in South Island New Zealand with Kids-
Here is PART 2 of the list of our 12 favorite experiences in New Zealand . Read on to plan your perfect road trip and discover which experiences you'll want to add to your own itinerary!
1.Deer Park Heights -
Deer Park Heights is a working deer farm located just a short drive from Queenstown. It's a large, fenced area where you can drive your own vehicle up the hill, feeding pigs, goats, donkeys, and miniature horses along the way. Feeding the pigs was an absolute favorite for our kids!
As you ascend, you're treated to stunning views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range. Deer Park Heights has also been the filming location for many movies, most famously "The Lord of the Rings." Movie fans will enjoy checking out these iconic filming spots.
There are picnic tables and lookout points where you can spend some time soaking in the scenery.
The entry ticket costs 55 NZD per car (up to 8 passengers) and must be booked online in advance. Animal feed is available for 2 NZD per bucket, which can be purchased inside the farm, so remember to carry some coins.
For detailed information on the animals at the farm, dos and don'ts, and to book tickets, visit their website.
2. EnkleDoo Very Korna Wallaby park, Waimate -
Wallabies, smaller relatives of kangaroos, were introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the late 1800s. Without natural predators, their population rapidly expanded, and by the 1940s, they were declared pests. Known for destroying farmland and damaging local plant and animal species, wallabies are a significant environmental concern in New Zealand. Signs in the area request the public to report any wallaby sightings.
However, this small Wallaby Park offers a unique experience with tame wallabies housed in large enclosures. Here, you can feed, walk around, pat, and photograph these friendly creatures. The owner, Gwen, has hand-raised these orphaned wallabies, evident in the loving care she provides.
Entry tickets cost 15 NZD for adults and 10 NZD for children over 3 years old. It's important to note that only New Zealand credit/debit cards are accepted; foreign cards do not work. However, you can withdraw money from an ATM at a gas station in the nearby town of Waimate.
Upon arrival, you'll be given boots to wear and provided with all the necessary information on wallaby behavior and feeding. It was a super fun experience for our kids, and they enjoyed watching and hand-feeding the wallabies. The park is also home to several other animals. A couple of curious peacocks even came to visit us while we were feeding the wallabies!
Overall, this park offers a great experience for the entire family, taking around two hours and making for a worthwhile short detour from the Oamaru-Christchurch road.
3. Queenstown skyline gondola and Luge -
While all the experiences in Queenstown were super fun, if I had to pick one, the Skyline Gondola and Luge would be the standout! The observation deck at the top offers breathtaking views of Queenstown, and the Luge is an absolute blast. With two tracks to choose from, it adds an extra element of excitement as you race down the hill. If you’re traveling with kids older than 8 years, the Luge is a must-do activity in Queenstown.
4. Oamaru Blue penguin colony -
Little Blue Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world, are named for their distinctive blue color. These adorable creatures can be found along the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia. While you can spot them in their natural habitat at various locations in New Zealand, Oamaru offers a unique opportunity to see a large number of them as they return from the ocean at dusk, heading to their nests.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is dedicated to protecting and conserving these penguins while providing visitors with the chance to observe them up close. On the day we visited, we were thrilled to see more than 100 penguins arrive on the shore! Before the penguins started arriving, we also spotted some seals and an elephant seal in the waters, adding to the excitement.
To ensure the penguins are not disturbed, photography is not allowed, as the flash from cameras can scare them. Visitors are also expected to maintain silence to avoid disrupting the penguins during their journey home.
We highly recommend this experience as it offers a very close view of the penguins in their natural environment. Even our 2-year-old enjoyed watching the penguins waddle ashore!
Tip: You can watch penguins for free at Bushy Beach.
If you're interested in seeing Yellow-eyed Penguins in their natural habitat, consider taking a guided nature and wildlife tour in Dunedin.
5. Vineyard in Cromwell/Bannockburn
The Cromwell and Bannockburn region is renowned for its vineyards and fruit orchards. While in this picturesque area, we strongly recommend indulging in a wine tasting experience or enjoying a meal at a vineyard restaurant. We visited in autumn, and the vineyards were a stunning, glowing yellow!
One vineyard we highly recommend is Carrick, located in Bannockburn. Carrick offers both a restaurant and a food truck with informal seating, providing a relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking views of the hills, vineyards, and lake. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, savor some delicious food, enjoy a glass of wine (if you're not driving), and let the kids run around in the garden.
Additionally, you can combine this delightful experience with a biking tour in the region, making for a day filled with both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're a wine aficionado or just looking for a beautiful place to relax, visiting a vineyard in Cromwell/Bannockburn is a must.
6. The road trip !
Last on our list of favorite experiences, but definitely the most important part of our 15 days in New Zealand, was the time we spent on the road—and it was absolutely fabulous! The roads are in great condition, and the landscapes are ever-changing, becoming more beautiful with every turn.
We firmly believe that a trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without experiencing a road trip. From the rolling green hills to the rugged coastlines and majestic mountains, the scenic drives offer breathtaking views that are sure to leave you in awe.
Our road trip allowed us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, discover hidden gems, and stop whenever something caught our eye. The journey itself became a memorable part of our adventure, filled with spontaneous detours and unexpected delights.
So buckle up and hit the road. A road trip here isn't just a means of getting from one place to another—it's an essential and unforgettable part of the experience!
For those planning their own road trip in New Zealand, we've got you covered. Check out our blogs for everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip- Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Family Guide & Driving Tips and South Island New Zealand Road Trip in 15 Days: Ultimate Itinerary & Family Travel Guide From route suggestions to must-see stops and practical tips, we've compiled all the information to help you make the most of your New Zealand adventure.
Planning a South Island road trip?
Don’t miss Part 1 of our series for more amazing family-friendly adventures! Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 1 (Best Things to Do with Kids)
FAQs — Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand (Part 2)
Q1. Is Deer Park Heights worth visiting with kids?
Yes! Kids love feeding the animals and spotting filming locations from The Lord of the Rings. It’s an easy, self-drive attraction with stunning views — great for families.
Q2. Can children go on the Skyline Gondola and Luge in Queenstown?
Absolutely. Kids of all ages can ride the gondola. For the Luge, children aged 8+ can ride solo, while younger ones can share a cart with an adult.
Q3. How long should we plan for EnkleDoo Very Korna Wallaby Park?
Plan 1.5–2 hours to feed, walk around, and interact with the wallabies. It’s a unique family activity while exploring South Island New Zealand with kids.
Q4. Do you need to book Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony tickets in advance?
Yes, especially in summer and holidays. The best viewing happens at dusk when penguins return from the sea.
Q5. Can kids visit vineyards in Cromwell/Bannockburn?
Yes! Many vineyards are family-friendly with open green spaces, relaxed outdoor seating, and room for kids to play while adults enjoy the views.
Q6. Is driving in South Island easy for families?
Yes — roads are well-maintained and scenic. Just plan extra time for stops, as the drives are part of the experience when traveling South Island New Zealand with kids.
Comments