PriceAdult $30, Child $15 (5 – 17 yrs), Family $71 (2 adults and up to 4 children), Single Family $56 (one adult and 2–4 children), Seniors and Students $25, under 5s FREE. Entry includes steam train ride
One of New Zealand’s leading tourist attractions, including heaps of children's activities, Shantytown is a faithfully restored replica of an 1860’s West Coast gold mining town. A living monument to the hardy pioneers who forded the wildly exotic rivers and streams, and scrambled through the rugged subtropical rainforest in search of gold. Visit the old schoolhouse, shops and church, take a buggy ride, or trip on a vintage steam train. Pan for your own gold and post your cards in the still operating Shanty Town post office. School and group programs available.
For an unforgettable family adventure take the kids on a breathtaking guided walk onto the world famous Fox Glacier with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company.
We offer a full range of hiking tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels and ages. Minimum ages start from 5yrs on the 'Fox Trail' Terminal face walk (infants can be carried in backpacks on this trip) and 7yrs on "Fox Trot' our half day Glacier walk.
Fox Glacier is the less crowded, less steep, more affordable option for families. New Zealand's largest commercially guided glacier, it is situated in Glacier Country, on the West Coast of the South Island, and is only 21 kms south of Franz Josef, with amazing views of Mt Cook.
Our friendly and professional guides will take you on the trip of a life time. They will educate you, entertain you and guide you onto the stunning Fox Glacier, part of the Westland National Park, a World Heritage Area.
To assure your safety, our guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. We pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service, the highest level of safety management and the best value for money trips.
Take your kids on the flight of a lifetime and one they won't stop talking about! Air Safaris will show you the beauty and scale of the Mount Cook and West Coast regions from the air departing from bases at Lake Tekapo or Franz Josef. The 50 minute ‘Grand Traverse’ is a magnificent flight encompassing 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. Explore New Zealand’s highest mountains, largest glaciers and much more. Air Safaris is dedicated to providing an excellent passenger experience with window seats guaranteed, along with the pilots’ informative in-flight commentary.
This gentle, flat water float trip along the Arnold River takes you through some of the world's most beautiful rainforest scenery. Experience absolute silence which is broken only by the occasional birdcall. Kids will love the trip too, with our 'Jungleboat Mystery' - 'Ahhh me Heartys! Where’s that Peter Pan & Wendy got to?!' We can't sprinkle fairly dust on them and make them fly, but kids will love making their own ‘Hook’ they can take away with them, plus playing in the Jungle Orchestra, put together on their cruise! Exact activities depend on kids' ages.
A definite 'must stop' for the whole family. The kids will love New Zealand's first model village. It is a magical place - you enter through the make-believe village of Gnomeland and past the Maori 'Pa' before reaching a 1/12th scale replica of Waiuta (once a thriving Goldmining town, now a ghost-town ) set outside on 1 acre of land, complete with miniature characters. Then step inside as the lights turn out and watch the model town of Reefton's house and street lights turn on - the first town in New Zealand to get electricity. Educational, fun and will keep the kids amused for hours!
A unique wilderness experience the whole family will enjoy. A rare opportunity to get up close to lake edge birdlife and lush West Coast vegetation, whatever the weather.
Our personalised tour (max 24 people) take you in a comfortable covered boat to explore the untouched beauty of Lake Mapourika (Flower of the Dawn), the largest lake in South Westland. We are the only operaters to visit this area.
Our knowledgeable guides will keep the kids entertained as they point out wildlife and scenic highlights and share the secrets of this beautiful part of the world.
Punakaiki Canoes offers rental and guided trips into the heart of the Paparoa National Park from Punakaiki. Kayaking on the Pororari is a favourite activity for first time paddlers and families. Many choose to spend an hour or two on the river after they have visited the Pancake Rocks. We provide lifejackets, wetsuits, booties and waterproof containers for cameras or lunch. All you need to bring is sun hat, sunglasses, camera, swimsuit and towel and warm clothes. We have a range of kayaks to suit different needs, this includes doubles as well as singles.
Take a fun trip through a natural cave - float along on tubes in the dark, with just a galaxy of glowworms to light your way, slide down a natural, underground waterfall and ride a 100 foot natural rock hydroslide! You can choose what activities you want to do as we make our way through the cave, so be as adventurous as you dare! Kids get to compete our 'Indiana Jones' fun challenge while learning how nature can make things glow in the dark!
