New Zealand Family Travel Tips
Go on a journey beyond travel with Sherlyn Chan, a local family content creator who shares her top tips and tricks for worry-free travel with little ones. From planning activities to keeping the kids entertained on the go, explore insights along with our 10-day itinerary that will create memories that last. Embark on this one-of-a-kind adventure filled with encounters of natural marvels, cultural discoveries, and exciting activities.
One Journey, Two Perspectives
Arrive in Auckland, the fast-beating heart of the land of Aotearoa. Being the largest city, Auckland offers a wide variety of activities for you and your young ones. Best of all, every adventure is a stone's throw from each other.
Things to see and do in Auckland
- Enjoy a relaxed walk along the waterfront promenade of Viaduct Harbour, savoring the crisp sea breeze and immersing yourself in the lively ambiance of numerous restaurants. Take in the picturesque sights of sailboats and yachts as you go.
- Head over to the iconic Skytower, a prominent feature of Auckland's skyline. The observation deck provides breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland and the surrounding landscapes, creating an educational experience for your young adventurers to gain a deeper understanding of the city.
Travel Tips: Opt for light activities on the first day, as you and your children could be dealing with jet lag.
Get ready to be whisked away to a magical realm as you set off on a full-day expedition to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours. Step into the enchanting pages of J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless tales and the cinematic world crafted by Peter Jackson in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit."
Things to see and do in Matamata
- Wander through the Hobbit holes and gain fascinating insights into the making of the movies and the details of the set.
- Visit the Green Dragon Inn, a working pub where you can enjoy a complimentary Hobbiton-brewed beverage.
- Capture amazing photos of the Shire's iconic scenery, including the party tree, the mill, and the bridge.
Travel Tips: Empower your young ones to take the lead in exploration and set the pace! This approach not only nurtures their independence but also creates opportunities for bonding and uncovers unique discoveries.
Embark on a captivating morning drive to Rotorua, a unique city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and a wide array of geothermal wonders.
Things to see and do in Rotorua
- Explore Te Puia, a place where natural phenomena and Maori culture come together in perfect harmony. Witness the Earth's might as you marvel at geysers and hot springs, with the impressive Pohutu Geyser being a highlight that's sure to leave your family in awe.
- The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute within Te Puia provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the rich heritage of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Here, you can watch skilled craftsmen at work, creating traditional Maori art, and perhaps even participate in hands-on activities with your little ones.
Travel Tips: Be among nature and let kids have the freedom to learn about our world. This fosters immersive learning, sparks curiosity, promotes diversity, and encourages physical activity.
Things to see and do in Rotorua
- Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the native forest and take a leisurely walk among the treetops on suspended walkways at Rotorua Canopy Tours.
- Get up close to native wildlife at Agrodome, Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park or Rainbow Springs Nature Park.
- Walk high among the majestic 120-year-old Redwood trees during a day-time or night-time treewalk. This 700-meter walkway comprises 28 suspension bridges connecting 27 impressive Redwood trees, offering a bird's-eye view for your little ones to learn about native flora and the forest ecosystem.
Travel Tips: Coordinate long drives and domestic flights to align with your children's nap times to enhance their comfort and convenience while reducing restlessness.
A coastal town known for its abundant marine life and a wide range of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this coastal paradise.
Things to see and do in Kaikoura
- Wander along Point Kean Seal Colony or Ohau Point Seal Colony, with an opportunity to observe New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat. The seals are often seen sunbathing on the rocks, playing in the waves, and perhaps even nursing their adorable pups.
Things to see and do in Kaikoura
- Embark on a Whale Watching boat tour to spot majestic marine life, including sperm whales, humpback whales, and other marine mammals such as dolphins and seals. The clear waters off Kaikoura are known for their rich marine biodiversity, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these incredible creatures.
- For a more offbeat and light-hearted experience, try llama trekking. These gentle and amiable animals make for unique companions as you and your young ones explore the scenic landscapes around Kaikoura.
Travel Tips: Prepare your children for unfamiliar and potentially uncomfortable experiences before the trip by introducing them to themed books, images, and online videos. Outline what to expect during the journey to help them feel more at ease and informed.
Queenstown is a family-friendly destination with something for all ages. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, you'll find plenty of activities to create lasting memories with your children.
Things to see and do in Queenstown
- Queenstown has several well-equipped playgrounds for kids. Queenstown Gardens and Frankton Beach are popular spots for families to play and relax.
- The picturesque Lake Wakatipu is perfect for family walks and picnics. You can also take a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a historic steamship, to explore the lake further.
- Experience Queenstown with the Gondola and enjoy the thrill of the gravity-fuelled Skyline Luge. Meander through over 1,600 metres of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Gentle and leisurely or fast and adventurous, you'll want to go for another round again and again.
Take a day trip to Wanaka, a resort town surrounded by alpine lakes and the Southern Alps.
Things to see and do in Wanaka
- Visit the iconic #ThatWanakaTree. Situated in Lake Wanaka, this lone willow tree which appears semi-submerged in the water and is also an immensely popular Instagram spot.
- Wander through the vibrant lavender fields at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, and indulge in garden games and a delightful assortment of teas, lavender-infused treats, and products at the tearoom. Children can revel in the open spaces and engage with the farm's resident animals such as highland cows, miniature horses, kune kune pigs, alpacas, sheep and more.
- A hit with kids and adults alike, Puzzling World is both fun and educational featuring a maze, optical illusion rooms, and a challenging puzzle center.
Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park, is a breathtaking natural wonder and a fantastic destination for families with kids. While Milford Sound is known for its stunning fjords and waterfalls, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy in the area.
Things to see and do in Milford Sound
- Explore the breathtaking fjord featuring lush landscapes and opportunities to spot native wildlife like kea parrots.
- Take a scenic boat cruise and be amazed by the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and potential wildlife sightings, including seals and dolphins.
- Explore the Milford Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory for fascinating underwater insights.
- Be sure to inquire with tour operators about their family-friendly options, as the range of activities available may differ.
Travel Tips: If you are travelling with younger kids, consider taking a scenic flight to Milford Sound, which typically takes around 90 minutes, to avoid long-duration travel.
Things to see and do in Queenstown
- At Kiwi Park Queenstown, embark on a quest to spot the elusive and shy kiwi bird, New Zealand's national symbol. This unique opportunity allows you to get an up-close encounter with these remarkable creatures and gain insights into the region's avian diversity. While there, you'll also come across various other species such as the parakeet and the morepork. Don't miss the daily conservation presentations, where you can learn about the ongoing efforts to conserve these species and protect the environment.
- During winter, you can also opt to visit to Coronet Peak, a fantastic destination for kids to revel in snow-related activities. Create snow angels, engage in playful snowball fights, kickstart the first ski lesson or experience the thrill of the wind in your hair as you and your little ones zip down the slope on a toboggan.
Flight Tips
A perfect journey can be the start to a perfect trip. For families travelling with young kids, Air New Zealand's award-winning Economy Skycouch™ is a row of three seats that seamlessly transform into a flat surface, forming a spacious couch-like area for rest, relaxation, and play. This innovation offers unparalleled flexibility and optimal comfort at a minimal cost. It ensures that the entire family can enjoy a restful journey, feel at ease, and be fully prepared for an adventure right from the beginning of their travels.
Travel tips: Remember to reserve kids' meals before the flight and pack extra clothes in case of food stains. Pack books, activities and toys that can help to break up the monotony of long flights.
For more tips and information, you can find out more on Travelling with Children.