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Auckland, New Zealand
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Pickup van
Grocery
Fergburger (world famous burgers)
Skyline Gondola - luge to go down
Bob’s Cove - lake swimming but cold
Arrowtown
Vineyards
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Kingston Lake Camp on the way (pay but cheap)
Cascade Creek Camp - national park so need to pay but cheap and breathtaking views
Milford Sound Cruise - book with « Cruise Milford », first to leave in the morning
- Doubtful Sound is further and bigger but takes a full day
Do these stops on way back to campsite (less traffic, in the morning go straight to cruise)
- Tutoko River Bridge
- Christie Falls / Falls Creek
- Lake Marian hike (great view)
Staying overnight in Te Anau is the gold standard for families. It acts as the gateway to the park, breaks up the long drive from Queenstown, and offers all the amenities you need for a baby and toddler.
Day 1: The Journey to Te Anau
Morning: Depart Queenstown and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau (approx. 2 hours).
Afternoon: Spend time in Te Anau. Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary—it is flat, stroller-friendly, and a huge hit with toddlers. Let the kids stretch their legs at the Te Anau Playground by the lakefront.
Stay: Overnight in a family-friendly holiday park or motel in Te Anau (e.g., Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park or Lakeside Motel & Apartments), which are well-equipped for campervans and families.
Day 2: Milford Sound Exploration
Early Morning: Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound (2 hours). Leaving early is crucial to beat the large tour buses and secure a parking spot.
Roadside Stops: Use your campervan to your advantage! Stop at Mirror Lakes (a very short, flat walk) and Eglinton Valley for photos. These are great "reset" points for the kids.
Mid-Day: Take a 1.5–2 hour scenic cruise. Most major operators (like RealNZ or Southern Discoveries) are very family-friendly, offering indoor seating with large windows, which is perfect if it’s raining or if the baby needs a quiet space.
Late Afternoon: Begin the drive back, stopping at The Chasm if you have the energy (it's a short, spectacular walk), then return to Te Anau or continue toward your next destination.
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Wānaka, New Zealand
Drive through Crown Range, free campsite at the top with a view of mountain range
Lake Hawea - on the road out to Haast Pass
Mount Iron Walk for view of entire town
Roy’s Peak hike - 90% uphill & steep - sunrise hike. Bring headlamps. 2 summits, 2nd one is about 1.5 further and harder to get to. Gets cold at the top !
Lavender Farm
Wanaka Beach and That Wanaka tree - just a tree but popular for photography
Rotary Playground close to the beach
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Swim in the lake (cold!)
Church of the Good Shepherd
Mt John summit Circuit Track
Stargazing is prime here
Lupin season in Nov/Dec
Come here for the sunset
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Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand
Lake Pulaski Overnight Campervan parking
Hike : Hooker Valley Track
Tasman Glacier Hike (steeper)
NZ Alpine Lavender Farm for ice cream
Alpine Salmon shop
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Christchurch, New Zealand
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Kaikōura, New Zealand
Whale and dolphin tours
Kaikoura Seal Colony
Ohau Point Lookout
Nins Bin for seafood
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Marlborough, New Zealand
Biking wine tour
Lots of kid friendly vineyards : Vines Village
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Picton, New Zealand
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Wellington, New Zealand
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New Plymouth, New Zealand
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Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
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Rotorua, New Zealand
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Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Cathedral Cove
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Auckland, New Zealand