Line 9 · Snow & skiing
New Zealand with kids
South Island
Queenstown's gondola and luge, the Milford Sound cruise, glaciers, and a campervan road trip.
A campervan cuts lodging costs and kids love it. Their summer is our winter.
Price it for your family from your ZIP →What it costs
Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.
| Where you stay | Estimated total* |
|---|---|
| Budget (1★) | $2,930 |
| Mid-range (3★) | $3,650 |
| Luxury (5★) | $5,800 |
*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.
Best time to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGood
- MayOff
- JunOff
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepOff
- OctGood
- NovGood
- DecBest
Top attractions in South Island
- Milford SoundFiordland
- QueenstownAdventure capital
- Skyline QueenstownGondola and luge
- Lake WānakaThat Wānaka Tree
- Aoraki/Mount CookTallest peak
- Lake TekapoChurch of the Good Shepherd
- Franz Josef GlacierWest Coast
- Fox GlacierLake Matheson reflections
- KaikōuraWhales and seals
- ArrowtownGold Rush village
Where to eat in South Island
- Fergburger$Queenstown burgers
- Fergbaker$Pies
- Patagonia Chocolates$Queenstown
- Botswana Butchery$$$Lakeside steaks
- Kaikōura Seafood BBQ$Roadside
- Nin's Bin$$Crayfish shack
- Arrowtown Bakery$Pies
- Cardrona Hotel$$Historic pub
Things to do
- Milford Sound cruiseWaterfalls and seals
- Shotover JetCanyon jet boat
- Whale watchingKaikōura
- Glacier heli-hikeFranz Josef
- StargazingDark Sky Project, Tekapo
- Bungy at Kawarau BridgeAge and weight limits
- Ski CardronaWinter
- Hooker Valley TrackEasy glacier walk
- Campervan road tripFreedom camping spots
- Swim with dolphinsKaikōura
Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.