Your Next Great Family Adventure
Family holidays in New Zealand are all about high-adrenaline activities, encounters with nature and wild landscapes to explore together.
Family holidays in New Zealand are all about discovery and adventure, with experiences that delight both children and adults. From glow-worm caves and bubbling geothermal wonders to wildlife encounters and movie magic, every day brings something new. The country’s welcoming atmosphere, safe travel conditions, and wide choice of family-friendly stays make it easy to balance fun with comfort. Whether your family prefers gentle hikes and scenic cruises or thrilling adventures in the great outdoors, New Zealand has a way of turning every moment into a shared memory.
Family Holidays to New Zealand
New Zealand offers an irresistible mix of dramatic scenery, fascinating wildlife, and activities for all ages. One day you could be cruising past glaciers, the next watching a whale breach just offshore. With safe roads, friendly locals, and excellent family-focused accommodation, it’s a country that makes travelling with children as easy as it is exciting.
Things to Do with Kids in New Zealand
Venture to Auckland, where harbour cruises, the Sky Tower viewing deck, and interactive museums keep everyone entertained. The Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) are big hits with younger travellers. Nearby Waiheke Island offers sandy beaches and short nature walks for relaxed family days.
Further south, Rotorua combines fun and culture. Kids can see bubbling mud pools, take part in Māori cultural rituals, or try the Skyline Luge for some light-hearted competition. The geothermal parks, with their colourful pools and steaming vents, feel like stepping into another world. Or you could opt to take a 1 hour drive to Hobbiton, the world-famous set of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.
On the South Island, Kaikōura is a must. It’s one of the world’s best spots for whale watching, with frequent sightings of sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. Children love visiting the seal colonies, where playful pups often lounge on the rocks just metres away.
Family Adventure Holidays in New Zealand
For active families, Queenstown is the adventure capital. Here you can try jet boating, gondola rides, and gentle family hikes with lake and mountain views. In winter, ski fields offer beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools, while summer brings bike trails and water sports on Lake Wakatipu.
The West Coast’s Franz Joseph Glacier offers guided walks suitable for older children, or scenic flights that reveal their full icy expanse. In Fiordland, a cruise on Milford or Doubtful Sound is a chance to spot dolphins, fur seals, and rare birds in an untouched wilderness.
New Zealand Trip Inspiration
Our New Zealand specialist, Ali, says:
"New Zealand is an outstanding choice for families because it mixes thrilling experiences with a sense of security that parents really value. Self-driving holidays work well for families in New Zealand, they give you more flexibility, luggage space and help you to access remote locations more quickly. Add in warm kiwi hospitality and you have a destination that ticks every box for a memorable family trip."
Best places to stay in New Zealand
Types of New Zealand vacations
Speak to a New Zealand expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
New Zealand Expert
FAQs About Your New Zealand Family Holidays Holiday
Planning a holiday to New Zealand Family Holidays? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The best time is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, December to February, for warm weather and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds but more mild conditions.
Is New Zealand safe for families?
Absolutely. New Zealand is known for its very friendly locals, low crime rates, and family-friendly attractions.
Where should first-time visitors to New Zealand go?
Popular spots include Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Milford Sound in Fiordland, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and stunning scenery. However, send us an enquiry and we can help select a range of locations and activities that works perfectly for your travelling party.
What vaccinations do I need to visit New Zealand?
No special vaccinations are required to travel to New Zealand, and the country has excellent healthcare facilities. If you’re coming from a country where yellow fever is present, you may need proof of vaccination. It’s always best to speak to your GP or a travel clinic before you go, as they can give personalised advice.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in New Zealand?
Absolutely. Shorter trails in Abel Tasman or Waiheke Island are perfect for families, while older children may enjoy guided glacier walks.
Where can we see whales in New Zealand?
Kaikōura, on the South Island’s east coast, is New Zealand’s premier whale watching destination. Here, a deep underwater canyon runs close to shore, funnelling nutrient-rich currents that attract a resident population of giant sperm whales, along with seasonal humpback, blue, and pilot whales.
What can families do in Queenstown?
Ride the Skyline Gondola, try easy bike trails, take a lake cruise, or visit nearby Arrowtown for gold panning. In winter, ski schools and snow play areas are perfect for children.
What’s the best way to travel around New Zealand as a family?
Self-driving holidays are popular, as they give you the flexibility to stop when and where you like. Domestic flights are handy for longer distances or for travelling between the North and South Islands.
Do children enjoy Māori cultural experiences?
Absolutely. Many cultural centres and villages, especially in Rotorua, offer engaging performances, storytelling, and interactive activities that are tailored for younger audiences.
Are there family-friendly lodges in New Zealand?
Yes, many luxury lodges and boutique hotels offer family rooms, tailored activities, and flexible dining. The Headwaters Eco Lodge is a great base for family friendly activities in Queenstown, or stay in Hapuku Lodge, a fun tree-house style hotel just outside Kaikoura.