Queenstown Family Adventure – December 11‑25, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Queenstown Exploration (Dec 11)

Morning: Land at Queenstown Airport, collect your luggage and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed vegan‑kosher brunch at a local café.

Afternoon: Stroll along Lake Wakatipu promenade, taking in the mountain backdrop and snapping family photos.

Evening: Dine at a vegan‑kosher restaurant and unwind with a sunset walk around the town centre.

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Day 2: Adventure Day – Shotover Jet & Skyline (Dec 12)

Morning: Experience the thrill of the Shotover Jet ride, racing through the canyon’s twists and turns.

Afternoon: Ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak, then enjoy the family‑friendly Skyline Luge tracks.

Evening: Return to town for a vegan‑kosher dinner and a relaxed evening at your accommodation.

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Day 3: Shabbat – Restful Day (Dec 13)

Morning: Light Shabbat candles and share a festive meal with pre‑prepared vegan‑kosher dishes.

Afternoon: Take a gentle walk around the Queenstown Gardens, enjoying the serene lakeside setting.

Evening: End the day with family stories and a quiet evening, honoring Shabbat traditions.

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Day 4: Arrowtown & Lake Wakatipu (Dec 14)

Morning: Drive to historic Arrowtown, explore the heritage streets and gold‑mining museum.

Afternoon: Return to Queenstown for a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a vegan‑kosher eatery and early rest before campervan pickup.

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Day 5: Campervan Pickup & Drive to Wanaka (Dec 15)

Morning: Collect your fully‑equipped campervan and stock up on vegan groceries.

Afternoon: Scenic drive to Wanaka, stopping at viewpoints over Lake Hawea.

Evening: Set up camp by the lake, prepare a vegan‑kosher BBQ, and watch the stars.

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Day 6: Wanaka Lakeside & Mt. Iron (Dec 16)

Morning: Walk the family trail up Mount Iron for panoramic views of Wanaka and the surrounding peaks.

Afternoon: Relax on Lake Wanaka beach, paddle‑board or swim in the clear water.

Evening: Cook a hearty vegan stew in the campervan and enjoy a campfire night.

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Day 7: Haast Pass & Glacial Views (Dec 17)

Morning: Drive the spectacular Haast Pass, stopping at the Thunder Creek Falls.

Afternoon: Visit the Blue Pools and take a short walk to the stunning glacial pool.

Evening: Return to the campervan, refuel, and prepare dinner with fresh produce.

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Day 8: Te Anau & Glowworm Caves (Dec 18)

Morning: Arrive in Te Anau, explore the lakefront and local shops.

Afternoon: Tour the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves on a guided boat ride.

Evening: Set up camp near the lake, enjoy a vegan‑kosher dinner, and listen to the night sounds.

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Day 9: Milford Sound Cruise (Dec 19)

Morning: Early departure for a full‑day journey to Milford Sound, stopping at scenic lookouts.

Afternoon: Embark on a spectacular cruise through the fjord, spotting waterfalls and wildlife.

Evening: Return to Te Anau, unwind in the campervan, and have a quiet dinner.

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Day 10: Return to Queenstown – Shopping & Gardens (Dec 20)

Morning: Drive back to Queenstown, stopping at the Lake Wakatipu viewpoint.

Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs in the town centre and stroll through the Queenstown Gardens.

Evening: Celebrate with a special vegan‑kosher feast at a recommended restaurant.

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Day 11: Free Day / Optional Activities (Dec 21)

Morning: Choose a relaxed morning—perhaps a bike ride along the lake trail.

Afternoon: Optional activity: a family‑friendly Paragliding tandem or a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park.

Evening: Enjoy a movie night in the campervan with popcorn and vegan snacks.

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Day 12: Glenorchy Day Trip (Dec 22)

Morning: Drive to the picturesque village of Glenorchy, famous for its “Lord of the Rings” scenery.

Afternoon: Take a short guided walk along the Dart River trail and enjoy the alpine vistas.

Evening: Return to Queenstown, relax with a vegan‑kosher dinner at your lodging.

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Day 13: Relaxation & Spa (Dec 23)

Morning: Unwind at a family‑friendly spa offering vegan‑friendly treatments.

Afternoon: Leisurely explore any missed spots in Queenstown or simply relax by the lake.

Evening: Prepare a celebratory dinner in the campervan, reflecting on the trip’s highlights.

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Day 14: Christmas Eve Celebration (Dec 24)

Morning: Light a festive candle and share a special vegan‑kosher Christmas Eve meal.

Afternoon: Take a short cruise on the lake or enjoy a family board‑game session.

Evening: Attend a local community Christmas event (if available) or have a cozy evening around the campfire.

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Day 15: Departure (Dec 25)

Morning: Pack up the campervan, return it, and head to Queenstown Airport.

Afternoon: Fly home with wonderful memories of a vegan‑kosher adventure in New Zealand.

Evening: Arrive back home and share photos with friends and family.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Shotover Jet – 2 hours – NZD 388
  • Skyline Gondola & Luge – 3 hours – NZD 282
  • TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise – 2 hours – NZD 134
  • Arrowtown Historic Walk – 2 hours – NZD 20 (coffee & snacks)
  • Wanaka Lake & Mt Iron – 4 hours – NZD 110 (Puzzling World entry)
  • Mt Aspiring National Park (vehicle fee) – 1 hour – NZD 15
  • Te Anau Glowworm Caves – 2 hours – NZD 210
  • Milford Sound Cruise – 5 hours – NZD 330
  • Glenorchy Guided Walk – 3 hours – NZD 360 (horseback optional)
  • Other free activities (gardens, beaches, hikes) – no charge
  • Total Estimated Cost: NZD 1,849

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding an extra day in Wanaka to explore Puzzling World and the Rippon Vineyard (vegan‑kosher tasting). To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Glenorchy day trip and replace the Milford Sound cruise with a shorter Lake Te Anau scenic drive, still capturing the region’s beauty while saving travel time.

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