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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
Ben Lomond hike
Bob’s Cove - lake swimming but cold
Arrowtown
Vineyards
MTB avec la skyline gondola. Location de vélo chez Vertigo, piste débutante avec points de vue et aires de picnic : Hammy’s Track
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Te Anau, New Zealand
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Dodo à Cascade Creek Campground
Faire le plein d’essence à Te Anau et provisions de nourriture. Aucun resto en chemin vers Milford
Le terme correct
"Milford Sound" est une appellation trompeuse. En anglais, sound désigne une vallée sculptée par les rivières, mais le Milford Sound a été formé par un glacier. Il s'agit donc d'un fjord, mais le nom est resté.
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, 6.5km hard)
- OR Key Summit / Routeburn track
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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Te Anau, New Zealand
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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 !
Paddle Wanaka - location de paddle et kayak
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 (10.9km moderate) or Sealy Tarns Track (5.5km hard)
Tasman Glacier Hike (steeper)
NZ Alpine Lavender Farm for ice cream
Alpine Salmon shop
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Hop on hop off Tram
Christchurch gondola (hikes at the summit)
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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
Option 1
Tama Lakes Track (To Lower Tama Lake)
Distance: ~10–10.5 km return (round trip)
Time: 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable family pace
Trailhead: Whakapapa Village
Terrain: Well-formed, gently undulating track; minor incline near the end. Carrier/toddler-friendly walk.
The Turnaround Point: Stopping at the Lower Tama Lake viewpoint keeps your total distance right around 10 km. (Note: There is a steep, loose-scree climb up to Upper Tama Lake—skip that section with the carrier and toddler, as it adds extra steep climbing and distance you don't need).
Option 2
Taranaki Falls Loop (6 km circuit / ~2 hours):
The Views: Brings you through tussock land with framing views of Mt. Ngauruhoe, down into a beech forest, and directly to the base and top of a spectacular 20-meter waterfall tumbling over an ancient lava flow.
Family Vibe: Easy, well-maintained paths with steps. Very rewarding for little ones.
+ Silica Rapids Track (7 km return / ~2 hours):
The Views: Features colorful golden-red travertine terraces, clear alpine streams, and elevated boardwalk views of Mt. Ruapehu.
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Rotorua, New Zealand
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Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Cathedral Cove
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Auckland, New Zealand