We're a family of four, and we've traveled to Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica and Africa.
We have 2 teenage boys (15 and 13) that are pretty active. They've enjoyed the rapelling / white water rafting / water sport / active type vacations.
We also enjoy scenery / walks / interesting cultural activities.
We're beggining to think about a vacation to Australia / Pacific - and after some consideration - are thinking that NZ - would be a great first place (although there are so many interesting destinations). (We welcome suggestions on this too).
For some reason, I may actually, have the time to go this Christmas, instead of next year, around Dec 18th through Jan 3rd.
I'm looking for families that have gone with teenagers and have recommended itineraries - or spots to visit.
We were thinking going - just to the South Island.
First, is 16 days - enough - for half-way around the world?
Can you pull it off in such short notice?
Is this a good time to go (since it's summer there)?
Is this best to go with a tour - or is travel within safe / and easy to arrange logistics?
(Most trips we've done on our own - arranging locations / transportation ) with the exception of Africa.
Any and all tips or suggestions - (threads in this Forum) would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Request for advise on Itinerary for Family of 4: with 2 teenagers in Dec
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We've been to NZ three times with our children/teens.
1) Our last visit was for 14 days on the South Island, so I would say that you will be able to see and do plenty in 16 days.
2) Yes, it's a good time to go to NZ because it is summer there. Because it is summer vacation for the schoolkids, there will be more activity/crowds but we never found the country overly crowded like some places we have visited in the summer. (Our last trip to NZ was in the month of January during school holidays and we didn't encounter any problems with too many people.)
3) It's extremely easy to travel on your own if you have no problems with driving on the left. You should be able to arrange your accomodations and car rental online without any problems. Just be aware that, while the roads are in excellent condition, they are mostly 2-lane and that driving times will be longer than you expect.
4) Based on your stated interests, I would recommend Queenstown for the extreme sports, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for glacier hikes, Hamner Springs for scenic hikes and great thermal pools, and Wanaka for more scenic hikes and the intriguing Puzzle World (my teens loved the maze). You might even consider doing a guided hike such as the Hollyford Track 3-day Wilderness Journey. We did that one with our teens and it was a great experience.
5) Yes, you can get a trip arranged by December, but you better get started now.
I pretty much support longhorn's recommendations.
You should get going on reservations especially for the period from Christmas to New Years. The earlier part may not be so bad.
I'm not sure I would go out of the way for the Hamner springs leg. You might also look into Abel Tasman.
Bear in mind that even in December which is supposed to be summer, you can get cold wind snow rain as well as sun and heat in a single day. The famous saying is that if you don't like the weather, just wait a bit.
excellent. Thank you for recommendations longhorn55 and mlgb.
By the way, any recommendation for animal sighseeing - in particular penguins and sperm whales? I forgot to mention we love animals / animal encounters too.
Thank you.
The sperm whale sightings are out of Kaikoura.
Mentioning your interest in wildlife I think you should include the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin. You can add in the royal albatross colony, alone or as part of the Elm Wildlife Tour.
http://www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz/home/
http://www.albatross.org.nz/
I think your timing is good for penguin spotting. I have seen the little blues at Oamaru (at night), the yellow-eyes during the afternoon near Dunedin at Penguin Place and on a private farm with Elm Wildlife Tours, and the Fiordland Crested also at Munro Beach and on the Doubtful Sound cruise.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/birds/sea-and-shore-birds/penguins/fiordland-crested-penguin-tawaki/facts/
http://www.penguinplace.co.nz/
Excellent. Thank you.