Knowing the quirky and cool history of New Zealand makes your kids great ambassadors for the country. Here’s a list of the weird and wonderful attractions our country has to offer the whole family.
Hundertwasser Toilet
Where? Gillies Street, Kawakawa
The late Austrian-born NZ artist Frederick Hundertwasser famously gave his artistic touch to the upgrade of the public toilets in Kawakawa, putting them securely on the map for international visitors. The toilets are decorated with ceramic tiles, glass roof, golden balls, mosaic tiling and cobblestone flooring, and certainly make for an out-of-the-ordinary toilet stop.
Clapham National Clock Museum
Where? Dent Street, Town Basin, Whangarei
The Clapham National Clock Museum is a seriously unique experience for the whole family. You’re sure to get lost in time looking at the different clocks, all shapes, sizes and ages.
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Where? Northern Motorway, Auckland
Most Auckland families will have driven over the famous Harbour Bridge at least once, however finding a spot to watch it light up at night is such a cool experience!
Waitomo Glow Worms
Where? 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo
Adventurous families will love the glow worms on show at the Waitomo Caves. These little creatures radiate their luminescent light that will leave the whole family in awe.
Stonehenge
Where? Wairarapa countryside
Learn about the past ancestors of New Zealand at this beautiful spot. The Stonehenge encompasses some awesome art work that provides the whole family with historical context.
Bucket Waterfall (pictured above)
Where? Cuba Street, Wellington
If you visit Wellington with your family, be sure to check out the free Bucket Waterfall attraction in the central city.
The Giant’s House
Where? 68 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa
Some of the most amazing sculptures, horticulture and mixed media arts can be found at The Giant’s House. Be sure to take some photos alongside the famous mosaic piano.
Paua Shell House
Where? Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch
This attraction is an absolute stunner. At the Canterbury Museum, families are sure to love the shiny Paua designs.
Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World
Where? 188 Wanaka-Luggate Hwy, Wanaka
A gigantic maze, puzzle centre and illusion rooms are what you will find at Puzzling World. And after all the fun, there is a delicious café to relax at.
Steampunk HQ
Where? 1 Itchen Street, Oamaru
Travel back to the 19th century at Steampunk headquarters where you will find quirky and unique steam-powered energy. The building has a tonne of family-friendly activities ready for action.
Switzers Museum & Bottle House
Where? Blaydon Street, Waikaia
This museum has never-ending amounts of historical information regarding the 19th century in New Zealand. Kids will especially love the bottle house constructed with over 20,000 wine bottles.
Tunnel Beach
Where? Tunnel Beach Road, Dunedin
Surrounding by beautiful scenery, this walk has everything you need from the rocky coastline to an evacuated tunnel to inspect.
World’s Steepest Residential Street
Where? Baldwin Street, Dunedin
It may be difficult to start from the bottom so we recommend starting from the top. It provides some awesome views of the beautiful Dunedin city.
Teapot Land
Where? Papatowai Highway, Owaka
Visitors have been flocking to Teapot Land, an awesome family attraction that will give you Alice in Wonderland vibes. With over 1000 different teapots on site, you are bound to be captivated by this quirky collection.
Demolition World
Where? 290 Bain Street, Invercargill
‘Fascinating’ perfectly describes this awesome building. There is a playground for youngsters and plenty of recycled attractions for the family to inspect.
By Katie Pettigrew
Image: Pinterest – Cuba Street, Wellington
More travel with kids from tots to teens:
