Frequently included on bucketlists, New Zealand is famous for its incredible landscapes and thrilling adventures. It also happens to be an excellent choice for family holidays. There are kid-friendly activities available all around the country, so parents won’t have any problems entertaining the whole family. Many of the main tourist destinations, from the peak of Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island) to the tip of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), are also perfect for outdoor activities. Thus, New Zealand offers a plethora of activities for kids to enjoy, like museums, glow worms, waterfalls, and volcanoes, all of which parents will likewise find fascinating.
Is New Zealand good for kids?
Overall, New Zealand is a relaxed and safe country, and is among the most safe destination for family vacations. There are plenty of playgrounds, and it’s easy to locate baby-changing facilities if you’re travelling with small children. Toys and high chairs are readily available at many cafes and restaurants, and many national parks offer buggy-accessible paths.
While admission for infants and toddlers is typically free, the majority of popular tourist destinations provide family passes as well as savings for seniors and students. Make sure to enquire about the best deals when you get to the place.
The best places to go in New Zealand with kids
It’s difficult to find a place in New Zealand that kids won’t like—it’s safe, welcoming, and has lots of open space. Taupō is a popular destination for Kiwi families on the North Island because of its holiday parks, several of which feature heated pools with swim-up bars and waterslides. The town is renowned for its outdoor activities, including sailing and fishing. The Landing is another option for wet days, which is an indoor facility featuring a bowling alley, ninja skills course, trampoline park, and mini golf. You may also be interested in New Zealand family vacation packages for the ease of having less to plan.
Travellers from overseas should visit Rotorua, located north of Taupō. Its Māori cultural attractions and geothermal characteristics are fantastic, including the largest hot springs in the world and gigantic geysers. Referred to as the ‘Disneyland of New Zealand,’ this place has it all, including zorbing, mountain biking, luging, ziplining, and the National Kiwi Hatchery, where the nation’s most recognisable inhabitants hatch from their eggs. Other fantastic locations for families are the Bay of Plenty, Queenstown, and Nelson.
Discover New Zealand’s landscapes
There’s something super special about gracing children with the opportunity to witness nature all around the world. New Zealand’s landscapes are absolutely incredible, and you’re guaranteed to make memories you won’t forget. Each place offers a unique opportunity for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. These are a few of our picks.
Fiordland National Park: One look at a photo of this place and that’s enough to convince you to come here. Located in the southwestern region of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is a breathtaking natural destination in New Zealand and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Families can take cruises in Milford Sound, which offers spectacular scenery, including encounters with seals, dolphins, penguins, beautiful woods, and falling waterfalls.
Tongariro National Park: This is another good one. Tongariro National Park, found in the centre of the North Island, is known for its spectacular scenery, active volcanoes, and the well-known Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Families can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings without having to endure a strenuous journey, thanks to shorter excursions and guided tours, while the entire crossing may be better suited for older kids.
Beaches: With its immaculate beaches all along its coastline, New Zealand offers the ideal setting for leisurely family outings and water sports. Swimming, sandcastle building, kayaking, and exploring the shoreline are all possible at places like Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island and Mount Maunganui on the North Island.
Best things to do in New Zealand with babies and toddlers:
Playgrounds
It’s true, going to the playground isn’t the most fascinating thing to do as a parent. But what if it included a great view? That is a common theme at playgrounds in New Zealand. Some of the best are Auckland’s play structure at Takapuna Beach, Queenstown Gardens with its views of Lake Wakatipu, and the coastline playground at Lake Tekapo. You can even find water parks in some larger playgrounds.
Playgrounds without a view can be equally impressive. The Margaret Mahy playground in Christchurch is one of the biggest in the nation and features a 10-metre tower, in-ground trampolines, enormous swings and a scooter park. Kowhai Park in Whanganui has play equipment featuring nursery rhymes, such as the wall-mounted Humpty Dumpty. And your young palaeontologist will love Dunedin’s Marlow Park, also known as “Dinosaur Park,” which is situated next to the shore and features a stegosaurus slide.
Farms
There are multiple family-friendly working farms in New Zealand. Observing the remarkable farm dogs of the nation in action and getting up close and personal with them will leave even the smallest visitors in awe.
To get to Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown, take the TSS Earnslaw steamer across the lake. Alternately, take an hour’s journey to Wānaka Lavender Farm, which is home to goats, llamas, and Kunekune pigs—a breed peculiar to New Zealand. Similarly, the family-friendly Rotorua is home to the Agrodome, a landmark recognised for its agricultural exhibitions.
Best things to do in New Zealand with kids:
Glow worms
This is true magic for kids. The glow worms unique to New Zealand are found solely here and in Australia. Although they can be found all throughout the country in their natural habitat, the Waitomo Caves are the most well-liked spot to see them. The caves, located one hour south of Auckland, are also well-known for their striking stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams.
You can take a glow worm tour of the neighbouring Te Anau caves if you’re visiting Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Free glow worm viewings are also available at Waipu Caves (best for older children), Taranaki’s Everett Park Scenic Reserve, Wellington Botanical Gardens’ Main Garden, and Hokitika’s Glow Worm Dell.
Dig your own hot water pool
Being a geothermal nation, New Zealand has a few locations where thermal water flows slightly below the surface and mixes with the colder waters of lakes or oceans. By digging a hole in the sand, visitors can create their own natural hot baths.
Though it can get crowded, Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel is a popular choice. There are less busy hot spring beaches in Kawhia, Waikato, and Moutohorā Island, located outside of Whakatāne.
See bubbling mud around Rotorua
The best spot in New Zealand to witness geothermal activity is Rotorua. Families can experience steaming ponds and bubbling mud for free at Kuirau Park in the town centre. See the largest hot springs and geysers in the world when you take steamy bush treks in Waimangu Volcanic Valley for a more immersive and stunning experience.
Learn about history and Māori culture at Te Papa
An earthquake simulator is one of the engaging and entertaining exhibits at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. The best part is that admission is free although certain exhibitions may require a fee.
Apart from the standard displays, there are two interactive, play-based Discovery Centres catering to children under 12 that highlight Māori and Pasifika traditions. Preschoolers can spend their time at StoryPlace, which charges NZ$3 for three play and storytelling sessions each day.
Discover Māori culture on the water
Get out on the water, get some exercise, and learn about Māori culture on a traditional waka (canoe) tour. Kids can paddle with the adults and hear enthralling tales of ancient Polynesian navigators and the indispensable role of the waka in Māori history and culture.
Waka tours can be done in a few places, including with Waka Abel Tasman in the Nelson/Tasman area.
Meet the local wildlife
Many of New Zealand’s tourists would love the opportunity of seeing a kiwi up close, but catching sight of one in the wild can be a challenge. They are endangered, after all. To improve your chances, try going to a hatchery or predator-free wildlife sanctuary. The National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua or an overnight stay on Kapiti Island are both great options.
For marine animals, visit Kaikourā, where you can witness sperm whales, fur seals and Hector’s dolphins. For little blue penguins, travel further south to the Banks Peninsula or Oamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony.
Best things to do in New Zealand with older kids and teenagers:
Go behind the scenes with Wētā Workshop
If your family loves film, art, or augmented reality, take a look into the heart of New Zealand’s film industry. Visit Wellington’s Wētā Workshop for a look into the creation of renowned movie props and effects.
Or, for a more tangible experience, head to the Hobbiton film set in Matamata and see the enchanting world of the Shire, explore hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn.
Try an adventure sport
Known worldwide as an adventurer’s paradise, New Zealand caters to thrill-seekers of all ages. Popular and accessible adventure activities such as luge rides, jet-boating through canyons, ziplining over forests, or zorbing in Rotorua. There are even whitewater rafting trips tailored to multi-generational families, such as those offered by Queenstown-based tour operator Family Adventures. New Zealand family holidays promise to be filled with fun.
Mountain biking is another fantastic option for older children and teenagers, with bike rentals and tours readily available in most tourist centres. Try Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest and Queenstown’s 7 Mile Bike Park.
