New Zealand South Island

[irv]

I have been absent from AFF for a number of months for a number of personal reasons, I am now pleased to be back.

Our grandson (11) is now in our full time care, we recently got him a passport and we are taking him on his 1st real holiday in October to South Island NZ. Any good suggestions appreciated as this is our 1st visit, places to visit are:
Christchurch,
Hanmer Springs,
Kaikoura
Marlborough
Nelson/Abel Tasman Park
Franz-Josef Glacier
Wanaka/ Queenstown
Milford Sound
Invercargill/ Stewart Island/The Catlins
Dunedin
Lake Tekapo/ Mt Cook

Then back to Christchurch. A few of these are day trips from a set base so not so onerous, recommendations appreciated, will be a 3 week trip.

 

[AisleSeat]

I'm pretty certain an 11 year old boy would like the Shotover Jet (Queenstown) and the Antarctica Centre (Christchurch)

 

[Denali]

Dunedin has Baldwin St, worlds (?) steepest street - if you want him to burn off some energy in hiking to the top.

I remember doing a nature tour from Dunedin, the boat trip was really good with seals and albatross landing close to us, I was impressed with the boat captains knowledge and the trip.

We stayed in Te Ana-au (on the way to Milford) and did a glow worm trip that I enjoyed. You boat across then a small hike inside a mountain and a hogwarts styled boat trip (about 6 people per boat) into a cave so he has to be comfortable with very dark/boat ect.

Franz has the hot water pools that was really nice on a rainy day, family friendly.

 

[nickfromeastryde]

Not thinking about it from an 11 year old's perspective but a couple days in and around Akaroa would be pretty special rather than extra time in Christchurch.

 

[Milboo]

From your list:
- Chch - I left pre- Earthquake but even still it is not an overly interesting city to spend much time, especially for a child. Someone mentioned Akaroa and it’s definitely a lovely spot (I am bias as my family are some of the original settlers!) to spend time and also head out of dolphin watching cruise etc. In Chch itself - the Museum was always interesting, there is Willowbank Wildlife but Orana Park (open range zoo) is a great memory from growing up in the area. Antarctic Centre used to be good. There is also the Adventure Centre with ziplines, chairlift etc - it was in fire affected areas last year. Also the Gondola.

Hanmer - spent a fair bit of time here as a kid and I remember horse riding, the hot pools etc

Kaikoura is a bit devastated post Earthquake but the launching spot for good whale watching in season. And buying fresh crayfish from Nin’s Bin and eating them in the beach. You can’t visit the seals at Ohau Falls now post quake.

Nelson/ Marlborough - Over the Takaha Hill is definitely recommended. Kaiteriteri Beach is pretty and you can kayak from here too. There is Happy Valley and also Founders Park (historical village).

Personally I would skip Invercargill! I have lived there and there is not much to see or do!

Around Dunedin - Moeraki Boulders are worth stopping at.

Tekapo - Church of the Good Shepherd of course! Used to be hot springs there too.

Queenstown - Ferg Burger is the place to eat! There used to be a maze world around there. Alexandria and Cromwell are nice spots. Make sure you take the Earnslaw across the lake to Walter Peak Station. Used to be able to have a meal there - and see the farm.

Around Greymouth there is a place called Shantytown where you could pan for gold and ride a steam train.

Anyway - hope that gives some ideas! It’s many of the things I remember from growing up in the South Island! So might pay to check some are still running!

 

[RB]

I second Milboo's suggestion of going over Takaka Hill-we really enjoyed the Golden Bay area
The Punakaiki Pancake rocks & blowholes were also well worth some time-about 30kms north of Greymouth

 

[Major]

The Taieri Gorge train trip from Dunedin is a must.

Taieri Gorge Railway and Otago Train Journeys | Dunedin Railways

 

[irv]

The Taieri Gorge train trip from Dunedin is a must.

Taieri Gorge Railway and Otago Train Journeys | Dunedin Railways

Thank you looks interesting

 

[OZDUCK]

Around Dunedin Larnach Castle is interesting Larnach Castle & Gardens - New Zealand's Only Castle - Dunedin Tourist Attraction

If he has an interest in wildlife then a drive out to the end of the Otago Peninsula to the Albatross centre might be fun - and there is a "disappearing gun" there as well. Royal Albatross Centre – Otago Peninsula Tours
Restored disappearing gun wins heritage award

Not to forget the Cadbury Factory Tour in Dunedin itself Cadbury World Experience - Cadbury NZ

 

[Major]

Unfortunately the Cadbury factory is now closed

 

[OZDUCK]

Unfortunately the Cadbury factory is now closed

Thanks for bringing this up as I hadn't (obviously) realised it had been closed. The website is still up but when I click the booking link the it is down "for routine maintenance". Looking further I see that the tour only shut in early May and now is to be part of a hospital site. A loss for all sweet tooth people everywhere!