All Bridge & Wickers holidays are tailor-made and no two are the same. We have made some accommodation suggestions, however we will tailor your quote to your preferred standard and style of accommodation.

This 13 day itinerary, easily amalgamated with a tour of North Island, showcases the majestic Southern Alps as well as coastal highlights. Underpinning all our family- friendly ideas throughout New Zealand is a preference for accommodation with full kitchen facilities, usually in aparthotels or private houses.

Days 1 and 2 WELLINGTON

If you’re just doing the South Island we’d still recommend, for both convenience and interest, that you begin in the North Island with a two-night stay in Wellington (this itinerary dovetails perfectly with the rest of the North island itinerary). There, you should set aside several hours for exploring the superb Te Papa museum which has several ‘discovery centres’ for children. You’ll be staying just opposite at the Museum Hotel in a two bedroom suite.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Wellington.

Days 3, 4 and 5 MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

You’ll sail out of the protective arms of Wellington’s hills and across Cook Strait before sneaking through the jigsaw of islands and into the calm, pale blue waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. From Picton you’ll be taken by water taxi across to the Bay of Many Coves, where you’ll stay in a two-bedroom apartment with spectacular views of the Sound. Your days will be spent walking, kayaking and boating around the famous mussel beds and tasting some fine Marlborough wines, all of which can be arranged by the resort.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in the Marlborough Sounds.

Days 6 and 7 KAIKOURA

Pick up your hire car and drive to the old whaling town of Kaikoura, now most famous for sightings of sperm whales that come close inshore to feed on the nutrient-rich soupy sea, as well as swimming with dolphins. Kaikoura is always a highlight with children, with lots of land-based activities, including Maori cultural tours, as well as the watery ones. All these tours and many other activities (including quad biking) can be booked by your consultant. You’ll stay in a family treehouse at Hapuku Lodge, spectacularly located a short drive from town, surrounded by a deer farm and a 1000 tree olive grove.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Kaikoura.

Days 8 and 9 TERRACE DOWNS

Follow the coastal road, with the Pacific rollers and beaches littered with kelp and giant arthritic claws of bone-coloured driftwood on your left, the 6,000ft peaks of the Southern Alps framing the horizon on your right. From Christchurch a 50min scenic drive across the sheep-peppered Canterbury Plains and into the Alpine foothills will lead to Terrace Downs, a stunningly located resort and ideal place for a spot of family R&R. You’ll be accommodated in a two bedroom villa suite. Lots of activities are available in the immediate vicinity, from jet-boating and horse riding to hot air ballooning, mountain biking and gold panning, while those hooked on The Lord Of The Rings sagas can join a themed tour.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in the Canterbury area.

Days 10, 11 and 12 QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown, the adrenalin hub of the Southern Hemisphere, will obviously be a high priority for families with older children. Whichever side of the ‘tame to terrifying’ line you stand - and it’s something that could well split a family right down the middle - Queenstown’s abundance of attractions will more than fill your three days (many of which are featured in our family menu of action). But the town - twice voted the world’s friendliest foreign city by the readers of the US Condé Nast Traveler magazine - also has a more mellow side, a place as appealing for the scenic splendour of its setting as for the action. Either way, your base will be a two-bedroom cottage at Millbrook, a family friendly resort amid trees and mountains with a full range of facilities and just a short drive from Queenstown.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Queenstown.