SS Earnslaw or Dart River Safari
 

We will be in Queenstown for 2 half days and 1 full day. We have kids 10 and 13. Should we choose the dart river safari or the SS Earnslaw and Sheep farm trip for the full day we have available. We will have just done the Doubtful Sound overnight trip so not sure whether we will have had enough of boats by then?

I haven't done the Earnslaw trip, but I have been on jetboats a number of times and it is a thrilling experience. I'm pretty sure the kids would enjoy the jetboat more and you get to see some magnificent scenery. I've always thought the Earnslaw trip looked a bit tame in comparison.

I thought the Earnslaw about as boring as you can get. Go for some excitement.

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101-must-d...art-River.html

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101-must-d...-Earnslaw.html

The Earnslaw doesn't take a full day. The sheep farm visit is well done.

If you need adrenaline rushes to be entertained, then it won't be for you.

Hi Wallos,

I've been on both several times and like them both.

The Earnslaw is kind of "hokey", but I like it. But as far as kids go, I think younger children would love it; probably the only thing your kids would be interested in is the engine room!

Going on a thrill ride and doing 360 turns - awesome! They'll love it!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

You need a car in Glenorchy so drive up the lake . We drove to the end of the roads in both river valleys and our kids loved it, but they are outdoorsy kids. Beautiful beech forest. The double barralled walk near where the Routeburn track starts is only half an hour, flat and UTTERLY beautiful. There is an exciting , long swing bridge somewhere in that area too. The kids would love that.
Also in Glenorchy there is a shop that makes jackets and hats lined with oppossum which is a problem animal in the forest so it is ok to kill them. Cheapest furr we found. If its made of oppossum , we bought it.