A complete family travel guide with kid-friendly tips, routes & honest gear recommendations from our month-long trip across both islands with the kids.
Our family spent just over a month exploring both islands of New Zealand by campervan — from the geothermal landscapes around Rotorua and Taupō to the fjords of Milford Sound. This site is our complete documentation of the trip: stories, practical tips for traveling with children, and the gear that made it all possible. Everything here is based on our real family experience, with honest recommendations to help you plan your own family New Zealand adventure.
Our best family stories, tips, and guides
Te Anau to Milford Sound — cinematic road, Homer Tunnel, rain as a gift, and a boat cruise into overwhelming scale.
List of tours and activities we booked for our New Zealand family trip — with brief descriptions and our remarks on each.
Everything families need to know about driving in NZ — left-hand traffic, campervan tips, keeping kids entertained, and scenic routes.
The items that made the biggest difference on our family trip
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Compact 10000mAh wireless powerbank with Qi charging and USB-C PD — great for topping up phones and cameras on the go.
Traveling with kids means more devices need charging. The UGREEN Zapix fit neatly in a daypack and let us wirelessly charge phones without cables fuss. USB-C PD fast charging meant phones topped up quickly at rest stops and in the campervan.
Price at time of writing: $40–$60 · Prices may change
Last verified: Mar 8, 2026
Compact 40MP fixed-lens camera with classic looks and superb image quality for travel.
Our main travel camera for family moments and landscapes. Small enough to carry everywhere, with film simulations and IBIS that made low-light and candid shots easy.
Price at time of writing: $1599 · Prices may change
Last verified: Feb 16, 2025
Lightweight trail runners with Gore-Tex waterproofing and aggressive Contagrip lugs — ideal for muddy tracks and wet conditions on family trail runs and day hikes.
We used these for fast, wet trails where the kids wanted to run. The grip on mud and grass was excellent, and the Quicklace system meant no stopping to retie when little feet were in a hurry. Gore-Tex kept feet dry through puddles and morning dew.
Price at time of writing: $130–$160 · Prices may change
Last verified: Feb 16, 2025
The latest stories from our family's New Zealand adventure
Sydney: Manly, Bondi, InterContinental — skyline contrast, ocean swims, and a celebratory finale after a month in NZ.
Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour, Fergburger, Bathhouse Playground, and the emotional moment of returning the camper.
The drive from Te Anau toward Lake Wakatipu feels like gentle decompression. Kingston Lake Camp, no agenda, and the day when it all felt integrated.
Te Anau to Milford Sound — cinematic road, Homer Tunnel, rain as a gift, and a boat cruise into overwhelming scale.
