With holidays coming up, we’ve put together a list of 500 truly enjoyable and adventurous and things to do when you travel NZ with kids.
Parent recommendations from all over Aotearoa! (1 brilliant idea)
It goes without saying, that ‘number one’ is to join our Facebook group “Travel NZ With Kids” (if you’re not already !) This group is a place to share your travel stories with other families, ask questions and be inspired.
From North to South, here we go…
Head to Northland and the Bay of Islands (31 ideas)
Here are 24 things to do in Northland on a Road Trip Around Northland in a camper van (that should keep you all well and truly busy) and 7 great places to visit and stay in our Bay of Islands Adventure
Marvellous Matakana (20 ideas)
We love the bustling artisan life with these 20 must-do adventures and places to stay for families in Marvellous Matakana
What’s on offer in Auckland (44 ideas)
From ice cream heaven to flying across treetops, Auckland has the full range in 37 Things to Do With Kids In Auckland . If you’re hoping to make a day of it, then check out these Epic Day Trips Close To Auckland.
The beautiful beaches of Coromandel (5 ideas)
Winter or summer, kids love beaches! In Coromandel, the beaches are so beautiful, you’ll be collecting drift wood, expanding your shell collection and digging your very own thermal water spa in the sand (truly!). Make sure you add Time In The Coromandel to your bucket list.
Cool Coromandel (24 ideas)
This coastal wonderland is a Mecca of fun things to do, there are walks a plenty, nature parks, and a gold discovery centre. There will be something for everyone to enjoy in 24 things to do in the Coromandel.
Waikato is the place of adventure (34 ideas)
Whether you like riding horses on the beach, scaling walls or would love a river trip, there’ll be something on offer for you in 22 Things To Do With Kids In Waikato. It’s always glow worm time (but now is best!), so you will definitely want to take the kids Underground in Waitomo.
Tauranga is a great place for families (28 ideas)
Fill your days with mountain biking, karts, surf lessons or visit the baby animals with 29 Things To Do With Kids In Tauranga
Get your thrills in Rotorua (22 ideas)
If you’re looking to experience some of the true culture and outdoor fun NZ has to offer, then it would have to be on A Long Weekend In Rotorua. And if your kids love to live on adrenaline, then maybe it’s time for you to try out a few thrilling adventures in Rotorua.
Taupo is a fresh water wonderland (41 ideas)
Water slides, river adventures and nature discovery are perfect ingredients for a good family holiday, and it’s all here in a A Great Lake Adventure. For even more ideas check out 19 things to do in Taupo for things like mini golf, white water rafting and geothermal tours.
Our National Park is rated as one of the top attractions in the world! (3 ideas)
Taking your family on the Whanganui River Safari isn’t just a river ride, it’s also about the free camping, simple living, meeting other families, plenty of fun (of course), and finding your adventurous spirit.
Wellington is an ideal location for all things art, adventure, and action (19 ideas)
Whether you are a lucky local or visiting for a family getaway, there’s no shortage of fun, be it inside or out with these 20 Things To Do With Kids In Wellington.
New Plymouth (4 ideas)
Known for its surf, art and adventure there is something for even the littlest of travellers in our travel writer’s 48 hour adventure in New Plymouth.
Marlborough for kids (11 ideas)
There are plenty plenty of kid-friendly activities on land, in the air, and at sea in our beautiful Marlborough: It’s Not Just Wine Country.
Now’s the perfect time to do a few of the Great Walks (15 ideas)
Children are Perfectly Able On The Abel Tasman – definitely the most child friendly of the Great Walks in Aotearoa (and there is plenty to do in Nelson which is close by). For a bit more challenge, and the chance to stay in a variety of lodges along the way, the Queen Charlotte Track is stunning.
Canterbury is buzzing with families (72 ideas)
There are fantastic parks, museums and animal experiences in these 26 Things To Do With Kids In Canterbury. For even more fabulous ideas from the Canterbury region, check out 46 Things To Do With Kids in Canterbury, for ideas from Hamner Springs and Kaikoura to Akaroa, Tekapo and Timaru.
Arrowtown is good all year round (17 ideas)
Whether your there for the snow or to use the lakes in summertime, there’s plenty of old-world charm, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. We highly recommend a trip To Arrowtown.
Fiordland is full of waterfalls, glow worms, walks and wildlife (13 ideas)
Just two hours from Queenstown, Fiordland is the largest National Park in New Zealand, covering 1.2 million hectares. It’s also called the “walking capital of the world”, which means Destination Fiordland is the perfect place to walk and play with kids!
Stunning Southland (31 ideas)
From the stunning scenery of Fiordland to city adventures in Invercargill, there is something for everyone in 31 Things To Do In Southland.
Go a bit wild with the kids in Dunedin (26 ideas)
Our favourite Scottish inspired city has some amazing hidden treasures including a real castle (where you can stay and play) and dozens of the cutest penguins when Kids Go Wild In Dunedin. Rest assured, you can easily fill your days with these 21 Things To Do With Kids in Dunedin.
Heading for the Southern Snow (39 ideas)
There are so many options for snow in the South, it’s like a lolly shop! If you’re heading Wanaka way, then your kids will love the ski school and the nice easy slopes at Cardrona. While Treble Cone is a bit more of a challenge, they have great kids’ lessons, and plenty of easy areas to learn, with challenges for when you progress (which kids do… fast!). In Queenstown, The Remarkables has the best ski school, with plenty of powder and a super cool snow spiral in the mid winter months. Coronet Peak is close to town, so an easy drive, with good first tracks and night skiing options.
If you’re looking for more of a boutique ski field, then Ohau snow fields and lodge is a really special experience for the family (great spring skiing here!). Also Roundhill in Tekapo has nice easy slopes and a great local vibe with families setting up their bbq’s at lunch time.
