Top Family-Friendly Locations on NZ's South Island

New Zealand is best known for its scenic beauty that includes breathtaking mountain ranges, crystal blue waters, and gorgeous lush hillsides. So why not take a trip to the land of Kiwis and bask in what the country has on offer? You'll find all the natural wonders, from fjords to timberlands to coastlines to be simply stunning. There are innumerable alternatives for exploring the outdoors while on New Zealand self drive tours. You can take a hike up an easy mountain path with the young ones in tow without any fear and still get amazing views. Indeed, even kids can go boating and skiing all over the country. You can go to mazes, mini golfing, hot pools, hot air balloons - there's bounty for the entire family to encounter together. Here’s a few more details on the family-friendly activities you can enjoy in beautiful destination called New Zealand:

Kaikoura

It's a great place to visit on the more remote South Island. Some super fun activities for kids in Kaikoura include whale watching, given the town’s high sperm whale population. These water mammals are year-round occupants in the waters off the shore of Kaikoura along with other fun sea creatures like dusky dolphins, wandering albatross, and fur seals. You can catch sight of these animals on a river cruise or even just a walk around the beach where there are old whale bones at close sight. Consider taking a drive out to Kaikoura Peninsula to stroll around the headland where you can get up close and personal with some of the friendly seals.

Central South Island

There’s a great driving route from Christchurch that takes you to the heart of South Island as well as the Mackenzie Country side. You’ll pass by lakes of bluish turquoise color and snow-capped peaks, actually make this a quintessential region of beauty and awe. The most significant towns along this course are Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Twizel. You can spend a night or two at one of these townships - no need to rush with so much beauty surrounding you, as well as with the kids in tow! You can go sky gazing at night, visit The Hermitage at close-by Mount Cook, or investigate the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Take walks, hike, day climb, or take a boat ride to what is called the Tasman Glacier terminal lake and travel around the gorgeous glaciers.

Marlborough and Tasman

Tasman and Marlborough are the best the Australia South Island has to offer and the two locales offer tons of family accommodating tours and activities. In Marlborough, you will come across the Marlborough Sounds, a 1,500 sq. mi stretch of ideal sandy shorelines, shielded narrows, and landmasses loaded with safe swimming and water activities. Again in Tasman, you'll discover Abel Tasman National Park, a seaside heaven to investigate by water taxi, kayak, or basically sit on the shoreline and chill. But what makes these territories for New Zealand self drive tours a win-win for adults? Both these districts have is a plenitude of wineries. Basement entryways and wineries in New Zealand have a tendency to be really casual, so pick a winery with a lot of open air space so the children can have a good time while mom and dad go on a tour around the vineyard.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.