New Zealand (South Island) · Route map
Fiordland Peaks and Alpine Lakes
Six days is the perfect window to experience the dramatic soul of the South Island, centering your family adventure around the iconic peaks of Queenstown and the quiet majesty of Fiordland. We have focused entirely on this southern alpine region to keep travel times friendly for the kids.
- 1
Queenstown
3 nights
Alpine adventure hub on Lake Wakatipu
- 2
Te Anau
2 nights
Gateway to Milford Sound and glowworm caves
- ✦2 stops · 5 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Queenstown
Arrive into Queenstown Airport
Flight · Morning · Frankton
Land amidst the spectacular Remarkables mountain range.
Pick up 4WD hire car
Car hire · Morning · Frankton
Collect your mid-size SUV from the airport terminal.
Skyline Gondola and Luge rides
Excursion · Afternoon · Queenstown Hill
Buy a three-ride ticket minimum; the kids will absolutely want to go again.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown Lakefront
Lakeside Paths and Kiwi Wildlife
Kiwi Park conservation visit
Excursion · Morning · Queenstown Town Centre
See native kiwi and tuatara up close in a quiet sanctuary.
Catch the 11:00 AM conservation show to see the flightless birds being fed.
Afternoon exploration of Queenstown Gardens
At leisure · Afternoon · Queenstown Peninsula
Grab a hot chocolate from Patagonia Chocolates and walk the lakefront trail.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown Lakefront
Gold Mining History and Jetboating
Self-drive Queenstown to Arrowtown
Self-drive · Morning · Arrowtown
A short and scenic 25-minute drive.
Explore historic Chinese Settlement
Excursion · Morning · Arrow River
Hire gold pans from the Lakes District Museum to try your luck in the river.
Kawarau Jetboat ride
Excursion · Afternoon · Frankton Arm
Scream down the Kawarau and Shotover rivers.
Sit in the middle rows if you want to stay slightly drier.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation · Evening · Queenstown Lakefront
Journey to Fiordland
Self-drive Queenstown to Te Anau
Self-drive · Morning · Te Anau
Drive alongside Lake Wakatipu, taking about two hours.
Stop at the Five Rivers Cafe for great coffee and a farm animal petting paddock.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour
Excursion · Afternoon · Lake Te Anau
Cruise across the lake to explore a silent limestone grotto.
Dress warmly as the caves are a constant, brisk 9 degrees Celsius.
Overnight in Te Anau
Accommodation · Evening · Te Anau Lakefront
The Mighty Milford Sound
Self-drive Te Anau to Milford Sound
Self-drive · Morning · Milford Road
Allow three hours to safely navigate this spectacular alpine highway.
Look for the cheeky Kea parrots at the Homer Tunnel entrance.
Milford Sound nature cruise
Excursion · Afternoon · Milford Sound
Cruise under towering waterfalls and look for fur seals.
Stand on the bow as the skipper noses the boat right under Stirling Falls.
Self-drive Milford Sound to Te Anau
Self-drive · Afternoon · Te Anau
Drive back via the same route in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Te Anau
Accommodation · Evening · Te Anau Lakefront
Homeward Bound
Self-drive Te Anau to Queenstown Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Frankton
A direct two-hour drive to return the car.
Leave extra time in case you get stuck behind sluggish campervans on the lake road.
Drop off hire car
Car hire · Morning · Queenstown Airport
Depart from Queenstown Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Frankton
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