Southland, Family Activities

Stewart Island from the water is spectacular, and your cruise around Paterson Inlet will give you the best vantage point to see the amazing scenery of hidden coves and pristine beaches. With full commentary, you will learn about the fascinating early history of the area, including information about the local Māori population, European settlement and the whaling that took place here. The skipper and nature guide will answer any questions you may have, allowing you to develop a thorough understanding of this amazing part of the world.

During your cruise, be sure to keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife, including fur seals, penguins, dolphins and mollymawks, as well as a variety of other bird and sea life.

Afterwards, you will disembark at Ulva Island for a 45 minute, specialist-led, guided nature walk around this amazing wildlife sanctuary.

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This fabulous destination is Stewart Island – New Zealand's most sought after eco-tourism haven. The beautiful uncharted coastline grants the beholder a contrasting view of harsh rocky scenery, alongside stunning, golden sand beaches. The Island was granted the Māori name, Rakiura, meaning land of the glowing skies – so named because of the marvellous skyline at sunset and sunrise.  The beginning of your adventure will see you cruising via catamaran – fully equipped for comfort and enjoyment. The one-hour crossing of the Foveaux Strait allows you time to scan the glorious landscape for hidden wildlife, and this will leave you amazed at the abundance of marvellous marine and bird life that occupies this part of New Zealand.

Child price for 5-14 year olds.  Under 5s are FREE.

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Jump on one of our comfortable and modern mini buses and get your camera ready, because you are about to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful areas. The slow, simple lifestyle of this quaint little town is a point of pride amongst the locals, but they still love inviting visitors in to share knowledge, take photographs and enjoy the plethora of scenic walks available in this gorgeous area. 

The guides are also passionate about showing you the best of Stewart Island and its surrounds, and allow you plenty of opportunity to ask questions and explore the points of interest along the way. Among these points of interest, you will visit the stunning Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, admire beautiful Horseshoe Bay and stand in awe of the amazing views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock.

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On the Stewart Island Experience, the small-group guided walks to Little River will allow you to experience the tranquillity of this amazing Island while also contributing to the Stewart Island Rakiura Community and Environment Trust (for each person completing the walk, five NZ dollars will be contributed to the Trust).

During your informative walk, you will learn about Stewart Island's historic sawmilling industry and the modern-day paua and oyster industries en route to Lee Bay. Your friendly guide will then lead you through amazingly tall native forests and along stunning coastline to Little River. You will learn about the native flora and fauna, and how the local residents are preserving the abundant bird population. You will also learn of the unique cultural and natural heritage of Stewart Island.

Summer months only, departing 6pm.  Suitable with older children.

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Wander around the campus, bring a picnic and step back in time. The historic buildings onsite include a church with a lychgate, an old bank, a pioneer cottage, an early school and a blacksmith.
We have a large complex with an office, a kitchen, souvenir counter and public toilets. 
Inside the complex are displays of vintage tractors and cars and agricultural implements - many of which are fully restored.
There are also displays of a saddler, communications, domestic displays, a boot maker and a variety of household and farm items.

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If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience for the whole family, Earthlore Insect Theme Park offers a huge variety of activities for all ages.  Our mission is to provide a ‘conservation experience‘ to enhance peoples understanding of our local eco-system and the importance of our amazing array of native insects. Open 12noon – 7pm from October to April.

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The largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, with literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display. But don't worry though if you're not a motoring enthusiast! Families can also enjoy a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms which are fast becoming as famous as our vehicles.

Find dedicated spaces for families like the Construction Zone Lego Room. Watch as your children amass themselves in piles of LEGO, or challenge themselves with educational programmes provided on iPads. Dress up and interactive fun are even encouraged on a Replica 1925 New Zealand Police Paddy Wagon. Enjoy your latte and lunch in comfort as The Grille cafe houses a secure children's play area. With so much to see, let us entertain you for a few hours or the whole day.

Bill Richardson Transport World is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Home to over 300 vehicles, a wearable arts collection, children's play zones, The Grille Cafe and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Transport World has something for everyone.

 

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Specialists in fun outdoor education and recreation to schools, families and the general public. Organised activities include high ropes course, abseiling, giant swing, rock climbing, kayaking, caving, tube rafting, bivvy making and more. We cater for all schools from primary to tertiary level providing complete camp and activity management, including equipment, accommodation and menus. We offer activities from 2 hours to several days, and run specialised education courses, such as ‘Getting to know rivers’. Contact us to discuss your school or group’s activity session or programme.  Adventure Southland’s Challenge Ropes Course is also available for birthday parties!  Call us for more information today.

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Stunning views over several beaches and with personalized service, you will enjoy the selection of rides ranging from 1 hour treks to full day options.  With small groups and the opportunity to ride among farm animals, through native forest and along sandy beaches to play in the surf or view the sea lions, your family will have a great adventure.

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Nugget Point has dramatic views of 'The Nuggets' that are wave-eroded rocks, likened to the shape of gold nuggets.  These can be seen from the viewing platform at the Nugget Point Lighthouse which was built in 1869-70 and sits 76 metres above sea level. Walking from the car park will take approx 20 minutes (one way) and along the way you may see fir seals, seabirds and elephant seals (Dec-Feb).  

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Welcome to Chipmunks, the indoor children’s adventure playground and café. Chipmunks is the ultimate place for children up to 11 years to go for entertainment and educational purposes. Our playland primarily consists of specialised play equipment of an extremely high standard, with protective matting and padding. We also have mazes, inflatable slides, flying fox, play stations, ball pools and a separate area for under 3s.

 

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Splash Palace in Invercargill is one of the premier aquatic facilities in New Zealand. With a unique southern coastal theme the centre is a fun place to visit. There are few communities in the world that can boast an indoor aquatic centre of this size, within walking distance of the CBD, close to a large selection of motels and parks. The facility includes a 50m x 8 lane sports pool with a bulkhead, a leisure pool with waves and sprays, a tots’ pool and a learners’ pool. There is also a water slide, spa pool, steam room and a café, all indoors with convenient off street car parking. The Splash Palace Swim School is available for babies to adults, of all levels.

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Curio Bay is of international significance for its fossilised forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here are 160 million years old and the forest was alive when NZ was part of Gondwanaland. Curio Bay’s fossil forest is best viewed at low tide from the viewing platform which is only a short walk (5 minutes) from the car park.

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One of NZ’s most exhilarating jet boat experiences, jet boat across Lake Hauroko to challenge the most exhilarating journey in New Zealand, the Wairaurahiri river, 27 kilometres of grade 3, rock strewn white water rapids. When the Wild South Coast is reached, you can trek in to see the mighty Percyburn viaduct or just relax and enjoy the abundance of wildlife. A short walk over the Wairaurahiri swingbridge into Waitutu virgin forest is a must. This is a long day and the jet boating is very exciting. The trip would not be suitable for very young children. Transport to and from Otautau to start of the jet boat trip can be provided. Otautau is about 30 mins drive from Invercargill.

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Queens Park is located in the centre of the city offering over 80 hectares of landscaped gardens. Offering an impressive bird aviary, animal enclosures, children’s play areas, extensive sporting facilities and cafes. Other hHighlights include a rose garden, rhododendron dell, an azalea garden, Japanese garden, dramatic tree lined walkways, bush paths through a selection of native plants and rock and herb gardens and an indoor Winter Garden that features tropical and flowering plants and cacti that are displayed in an adjoining house.

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Invercargill’s First Class 5 screen cinema complex. The cinemas feature huge screens, first release movies and value packed candy bar deals! Spit the Dummy Each Wednesday morning Reading Cinemas presents 'SPIT THE DUMMY' Sessions. Relax and enjoy a movie at Reading Cinemas without worrying about feeding in the dark or those unexpected hissyfits. We'll keep the lights dimmed so that you can see what you're doing. Free entry for children under 5. *Conditions Apply. Spit The Dummy does not run during school holidays.

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