Kia ora! Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have the MOST incredible family trip to New Zealand’s South Island, and I’m excited to share all the incredible adventures that we had along the way. Over the next few blog posts, I’ll be diving into everything you absolutely must have on your New Zealand bucket list. Read the previous blog post here. For a bit of context: my brother lives in NZ, so my mum and I travelled over for a family holiday with him. It was packed with hikes, swims, and endless mountain views. This trip marked my second time in this stunning country (after exploring the North Island in December 2022 with my Mum and Dad and brother), and I was beyond excited to come back. Trust me, there’s so much to see and do in New Zealand, I hope this blog helps inspire anyone looking to plan their own trip.

In the previous blog we explored Lake Matheson, saw Fox Glacier from the skies, and spotted Hector dolphins on a hike to Galway beach. 

From Fox, we headed to Queenstown. But, in true Purvis style, we had several stops along the way to break up the journey.

We found some incredible places, including two waterfalls (Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls), a couple of opportunities for a swim, and the worlds best ice cream. 

Bruces Bay, Haast 

Whilst stopping for a roadside coffee, the ocean was looking just a bit too tempting for Rich and I to resist a quick morning sea dip. 

As we were drying off afterwards, looking out at where we just swam, we could see a pod of dolphins playing in the waves. 

What a fab way to start a day long road trip! 

Thunder Creek Falls, Haast River

Further down the road we stopped for a short stretch legs to Thunder Creek Falls to take in the 96 meter tall waterfall. 

Further downstream, we made up some sandwiches to avoid the (other) tourists and enjoy the peace… before spotting an eddie to swim in. 

I still cannot get over how BLUE the waters are here!

Fantail Falls, Haast River

Because one waterfall just isn’t enough, we made a stop at Fantail Falls as well. True to its name, the water fans over the rocks, splitting into delicate streams that resemble the spread of a bird’s tail.

Wanaka 

We stopped off for a much anticipated ice cream, and a chance to pick up some last minute hiking pieces ahead of the Routeburn track which we were to embark on in a few days time. 

Rich treated us to the delights of Patagonia Ice Cream. Simply the best. Wonderfully refreshing on a hot day but the flavours were incredible, and then the additional chocolate is just a chocolate lovers dream.  

We had a brief walk around Wanaka but knowing we’d be coming back in a few days time, this occasion was a brief visit. 

Queenstown

Finally our heads could hit the hay after a big driving day where we stayed in a hostel. 

We scoffed down a takeaway pizza and organised our belongings ready for the Routeburn (Rich had organised a car swap so that we could park at opposite ends of the Routeburn Track to another group and then swap keys halfway around the track). 

Again, this was a brief stop in Queenstown, as we would be coming back here to rest up after the Routeburn Track. 

Next on the agenda was an afternoon trip to Milford sound before we started the Routeburn track!