Family-Friendly Tours in New Zealand offers activities suitable for people of all ages and interests, with young ones especially taking delight in riding the TSS Earnslaw steamboat across Lake Tekapo or visiting Walter Peak High Country Farm, home to Kunekune pigs and llamas.
Movie buffs will love Weta Workshop Unleashed in Auckland for an interactive tour of film sets and props used in fantasy filmmaking, while sports-fanatic children may appreciate The All Blacks Experience to witness their heroes perform the haka.
South Island
The South Island offers families plenty of family-friendly adventures. Kids can interact with everything from whales and dolphins, kiwi birds, farm animals, natural parks or zoos; riding mountain bikes through scenic forests on walking tracks; using luges/Zorbs down hills/luge tracks/zorbing; skiing slopes in winter months and jet boat/kayaking on water bodies like Lake Wakatipu; transport-themed attractions like Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill offer exhibits, movie theatres as well as exclusive collections!
Auckland’s Sky Tower is an essential stop for kids, providing breathtaking views of both Auckland city and Hauraki Gulf islands. Additionally, this complex provides thrilling skydiving experience and Weta Workshop Unleashed tours – the creative studio responsible for Lord of the Rings movies as well as fantasy film sets tours – Weta Workshop Unleashed offers immersive tours. Rugby-loving kids can test their rugby skills at All Blacks Experience while nature enthusiasts can hike Ben Lomond Track or discover Auckland botanical gardens.
A drive from Christchurch to Queenstown can be an amazing adventure for children, with stops in beautiful towns and villages along the way. Farm animal enthusiasts will especially love exploring local farms; those seeking thrills should opt for thrilling experiences like gondola rides or boat/plane tours to bring Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers closer.
North Island
Just imagine taking your kids on an unforgettable tour of New Zealand and showing them its breathtaking natural features! Forget rollercoasters and theme parks; instead, visit places such as Manea Footprints of Kupe in Auckland or Rotorua’s National Kiwi Hatchery to experience indigenous culture first-hand; Orana Wildlife Park offers hand-feeding majestic giraffes and learning about conservation efforts for endangered species if wildlife interests you!
North Island travel offers island sanctuaries, vibrant cities, and an abundance of Maori culture – so make sure to visit Coromandel and Rotorua for authentic experiences – the latter has long been known as the ‘Disneyland of New Zealand’ thanks to its geothermal features including hot springs and massive geysers! For even more Maori culture visit Mitai Village or Te Puia for cultural performances and traditional hangi dinners!
Sports-savvy kids will delight in experiencing the All Blacks Experience in Wellington, where they can get up close with a team of rugby players and perform the haka. Or visit Matamata’s Lord of the Rings film set for an immersive Middle-earth experience. Back in Auckland, Sky Tower should not be missed: kids can explore views over Auckland and Hauraki Gulf Islands from its observation decks before dining in its top floor restaurant with panoramic vistas.
Wanaka
Experienced thrill-seekers will find plenty to keep them enthralled here, such as ziplining and jet boating in mountains and gorges, or whitewater rafting. Meanwhile, New Zealand is also known as a land for nature enthusiasts, making it an excellent place for families looking for wildlife experiences such as getting close to its iconic kiwi birds!
Family Adventures in Queenstown offers tailored multi-generational tours that combine fun and excitement, catering to people of all ages, interests and abilities. Children will delight in seeing farm dogs at work while parents can unwind during a lake cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw or by visiting Walter Peak High Country farm.
Travel to Mount Aspiring National Park for an exciting hike that showcases nature at its finest – you’ll witness glaciers, cascading waterfalls and serene river flats as you make your way towards its stunning mountain summit.
Wanaka’s most beloved attraction is #thatwanakatree – an Instagrammable tree in Lake Wanaka that’s become a social media icon due to its picturesque setting and picturesque setting. Photographers flock there for pictures while visitors take in its majestic mountains as a backdrop. Additional activities that kids will love in Wanaka include strolling through Eeley Point Reserve with its dramatic lakeview backdrop or taking the one-hour drive out of town to the aromatic Wanaka Lavender Farm with alpacas and highland cows!
Queenstown
Kids of all ages can take part in thrilling adventure activities in New Zealand, whether jet boating (some companies allow children as young as two), white water rafting or zip lining. Furthermore, New Zealand offers visitors the chance to visit Middle Earth at Hobbiton movie set, discover glowworm caves at Waitomo Caves or swim alongside friendly fur seals on private beaches at Lake Hayes.
This active 10-day family itinerary from Auckland brings together the best of the North and South Islands to create an unforgettable New Zealand holiday with kids. Start out in Auckland seeing native birds at North Head, stroll along Muriwai Beach, visit kid-friendly attractions like Glenbrook Vintage Railway where kids can learn all about train mechanics or ride a Jigger (motorised trolley workers’ vehicle used by workers in past to transport gear) – before hitting Muriwai Beach where your trip ends at Muriwai Beach for some sun and surf!
After embarking, hop aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship for an incredible cruise across Lake Wakatipu and admire mountain peaks from above. Children will particularly love this cruise option, when it docks at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a one-hour family tour – giving them a close up view of Kunekune pigs, llamas and sheep as well as meeting New Zealand’s wonderful farm dogs! Rotorua also boasts its very own Agrodome; known for interactive farm shows!