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Local Tips

Young Family Holiday

Add to Itinerary 
Ideas

Travelling with small children can sometimes resemble a circus more than a relaxing family holiday! But if you can keep it simple, allow extra time and keep the little ones well fed – then it will make for an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Stay with us at Annie’s on Milford and have comfortable accommodation to base yourself at while exploring. Our Two-Bedroom Cottage is ideal for families, with two separate bedrooms and a decent sized kitchen, with a dishwasher, which will make it easy to enjoy breakfast before you head out for the day and a light meal on your return.

Following are some ideas to add to your itinerary taking into account the needs of your young family:

Fiordland has so many fantastic tour options available, but if you are accompanied by younger children, you may wish to relax the schedule and just take some time to step into nature and enjoy the simpler pleasures.

Te Anau Mini-Golf & Bike Hire is a one-stop shop for a couple of hours of family fun. Enjoy some friendly, family competition with a round of mini-golf, followed by a jaunt around Te Anau on one of the quadricycles or spider bike.

Or if old vehicles and machinery are more appealing to you, the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum is a hidden gem not to be missed by tractor lovers and early machinery enthusiasts. Here you can view displays about some of Te Anau’s early history as well.

Walk or bicycle from town around the Southern end of Lake Te Anau and visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Punanga Manu o Te Anau. (Walk from the town centre takes approximately 25 minutes). Get up close to the birdlife and learn all about some of New Zealand's native and endangered birds.

Take a Drive

Take a drive to Manapouri and visit the Kepler Mountain View Alpaca Farm. Book ahead to join one of their tours to have the opportunity to learn more about them and even feed them. While in Manapouri, be sure to visit Fraser's Beach for picturesque views of the lake and mountains and maybe even a swim for those that are brave.

Drive from Te Anau to the Control Gates or Rainbow Reach (Swingbridge) on the Kepler Track and wander as far as the little legs will go. Let the kids explore among the beech forest, spot trout in the Waiau River, and throw stones into the lake. A fantastic activity rain or shine, it's more sheltered in the bush, and what better way to enjoy a rainforest! Take your time and let nature be your playground.

Take a Tour

The Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are a fascinating natural feature based on the Western shores of Lake Te Anau. Real Journeys offer a tour that begins by boat from Te Anau Township. Departure times vary throughout the year and the tour is 2.25 hours long. This tour is recommended for children over 5 years old, as it is dark and can be a little scary for younger children inside the cave. Here at Annie’s, we can make your tour bookings for you and update you on any additional departure times.

Time to Eat

After a long day of sightseeing, enjoy some Takeaway Fish & Chips from Mainly Seafood, eat at the Boat Harbour beach, visit the playground and take a swim at the pontoon.

Or grab some delicious pizza & pasta from La Toscana, treat yourself and try one of their specialty cheesecakes (they also do takeaway and home delivery).

Feel like dining in? Bailiez Restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a fun kids menu along with an extensive main menu to keep the adults happy. After dinner, wander across the road to the Lion's Park playground to burn off some energy before bed.

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