Hello Friends,
We are the two families (family1: 2 adults + 2 kids and family2: 3 adults + 2 kids) booked 6 days holidays in Queenstown (NZ) ( 12-18 Jan) .
We have booked two cars during our travel.
Few things on our lists are Milford Sound Cruise, Jetboating, Parasailing, Luge Race, Glenorchy - Lord of the Rings etc
Appreciate any tips on getting some bargain tickets (or atleast saving few $) during these visits.
Likewise we will also need 4 travel sims for 7 days so any recommendations on that would be great.
Thanks once again.
Travel Tips in Queenstown (12-18 Jan) - with Family
Ltraveller84 on 06/01/2025 - 13:00
Comments
Thanks @papa1701 appreciate these details.
I have few questions (as first timer in NZ :), please help to ans).1) Where can we get Skinny mobile sim? Is it easily available in shop, supermarket etc?
2) We are looking for "Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip" between 13-16Jan, which tour company will provide best deal for our group?
1) Yes you can buy them from 'The Warehouse' which is sort of the Big W equivalent link
They sell them at Woolworths too.
Another option could be 2degrees. They sell 2degrees sim cards at Pak n Save (supermarket) and The Warehouse too link.
With 2degrees you can 1 hour of free data per day (you need to download a separate app to activate that free 1 hour), and also free 7.5GB on sign up.
Best value would be Kogan Mobile, but there is no esim option, and you need the physical sim posted to an address link
Our data options are definitely not as good as Aus options unfortunately :(
- Skinny you can get at AKL domestic terminal, at AirGo Convenience. At least that's what the Skinny website is showing.
- Real NZ.
No worries.
1. Not sure how you are reaching queenstown. But if you are flying to Queenstown airport. You could buy it at paperplus at the airport.
With 2 degrees, you could get an esim straight away with unlimited data for $35.- Not too sure about the Milford coach. I have always preferred to drive down. You could plan a pitstop at Sandfly cafe in Te Anau. Bookme is you best bet. You might also find the deals on their Oz website.
Just remembered that there is a great animal farm just past Glenorchy. Kids seem to love it.
https://glenorchyanimalexperience.co.nz/Also, I hope you are going out to Tekapo. Check out the Mt John Observatory. Mind blowing views.
Bookme.co.nz
Pick your own cherries near Cromwell. Kids love it. You'll come away with more huge, juicy, delicious cherries than you know what to do with.
Kiwi water park, also near Cromwell, depending on the ages of the kids. Good for kids aged over about 7-8 with some level of water competency. They also have a smaller water play area for younger kids. Lots of fun, and remarkably tiring!
If you want the full fat jet boat experience - go with skippers canyon jet boats. They take you further up the river and for a bit longer than Shotover. Most of the tourism stores sell both and should offer you the same price,but skippers is often a bit more expensive.
The cheaper options just potter around on the lake. Not as 'adrenaline-ey'
Any good/affordable car hire (7 seater with two kids preferably highlander class) deals you guys recommend?
Kia carnival could be good? Lots of room, no hassle getting 2 ppl in the back like it would be having a large suv.
what sort of price range would a good deal be? looking at around 7 day hire. Pick up from Queenstown or CHCH?
For Milford Sound, check out the deal by Southern Discoveries on Bookme, they have good deals for Trips from queenstown with lunch incl. Cheapest I have found
Thanks @boovohh - have you heard of "Pure Milford" ? They seems to be much cheaper than Southern Discoveries on Bookme.
https://www.getyourguide.com/pure-milford-s84803/
Any feedback about this?Hi, I did check this and their deal for cruise only is good. From southern discoveries, I got Milford sound Coach + Cruise from Queenstown incl Picnic Lunch for $216. Their package from Te Anau (Coach + Cruise) is $181. So far the cheapest i have seen.
Most of the cruises are the same. I did RealNZ Coach + Cruise 4 years back and it was quite good.
Hope this helps :)
Hey
If you download offline google maps, you'll lose less data. Skinny is probably your best bet.
https://www.skinny.co.nz/pricing/plans/#combo_weekly
Bookme.co.nz is the cheapest I have generally found. Use a wise card if you have one to save transaction costs.
Arrowtown is a cute historical town not too far.
Onsen pools in Queenstown. See if you can get one closer to the sunset to enjoy both light and dark.
Also Coronets bpeak has a great view too.
On your way to Milford, there are mirror lakes. And soon after the tunnel there is a great lookout for insta worthy photos.
Wanaka is another place and if time permits you could go to Tekapo and come back.