Jackling Yeo brought her family group of eight from Singapore for their first ever visit to NZ. Unsure what to expect they were not disappointed, especially with the range of family friendly activities that were suitable for her eight year old twin boys, five year old daughter, husband, parents and aunt.
Their South Island road trip started with the spectacular Tranz Alpine train journey, crossing the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth. They were upgraded to premium which included meals and a private viewing cart.
Constance their guide could see that weather conditions in Franz Josef would be ideal for viewing the glacier from the air so she made arrangements for the family to take a helicopter ride which involved a snow landing. As you can imagine the kids were beyond excited.
Other highlights included visits to see eels, Kiwi and Tuatara in Hokitika, the Lavender farm, National Transport & Toy Museum & Puzzling World in Wanaka, a day trip to the magnificent Milford Sound and a boat ride across NZ’s largest lake (by volume) to check out the Glow worm caves in Te Anau.
In Queenstown they shopped, took a trip on an historic steamship, the TSS Earnslaw for the farm tour and delicious BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station; then took the new & improved gondola up Bob’s Peak to ride the luge. They finished their day by sampling the famous Fergburger for dinner.
The group enjoyed some nature walks, explored historic Arrowtown and its Chinese Mining Settlement, visited a Salmon farm and cookie factory, soaked in some hot springs and stargazed in Lake Tekapo, a dark sky reserve plus had a blast at the International Antarctica Centre seeing Penguins, Huskies, riding a Hagglund and experiencing a blizzard.
There was not a dull moment to be had and now the family are keen to return down under to check out what the North Island has to offer.