Family Holidays - Top 10 Recommendations
North Island
NORTHLAND
You simply can’t visit Northland without taking a cruise around the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. A must-do is a is a dolphin tour, cruising through the remarkable Hole in the Rock.
Further north, the pristine paradise of Ninety Mile Beach is known for beautiful sunsets, swimming and sandboarding (bodyboarding down the dunes). Travel on to Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island; this represents the tip of the country where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This is a sacred site for Maori, with its ancient pohutukawa tree and the now-iconic lighthouse.
Situated on Northland’s west coast, the Waipoua Forest is home to some of the most impressive kauri trees in New Zealand. Well maintained walking tracks make it easy to view the trees up close. As soon as the forest swallows you up you’ll be awestruck – but save your gasps for the mighty Tāne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world at 51 metres high and with a girth of 13 metres. Standing beneath this gigantic tree, estimated to be 2,000 years old, is a magical experience.
You simply can’t visit Northland without taking a cruise around the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. A must-do is a is a dolphin tour, cruising through the remarkable Hole in the Rock.
Further north, the pristine paradise of Ninety Mile Beach is known for beautiful sunsets, swimming and sandboarding (bodyboarding down the dunes). Travel on to Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island; this represents the tip of the country where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This is a sacred site for Maori, with its ancient pohutukawa tree and the now-iconic lighthouse.
Situated on Northland’s west coast, the Waipoua Forest is home to some of the most impressive kauri trees in New Zealand. Well maintained walking tracks make it easy to view the trees up close. As soon as the forest swallows you up you’ll be awestruck – but save your gasps for the mighty Tāne Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world at 51 metres high and with a girth of 13 metres. Standing beneath this gigantic tree, estimated to be 2,000 years old, is a magical experience.
AUCKLAND
Urban Auckland is New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan hub. Take a hop on hop off bus tour to get to all the key sights within the city boundary. Take time to visit The Sky Tower for 360 views, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and the Auckland Zoo where you can go on a behind the scenes tour for a totally different zoo experience!
For maximum fun why not take to the water on an America's Cup boat. Take the helm to help steer on course or work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail during this hands on sailing adventure on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
Urban Auckland is New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan hub. Take a hop on hop off bus tour to get to all the key sights within the city boundary. Take time to visit The Sky Tower for 360 views, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and the Auckland Zoo where you can go on a behind the scenes tour for a totally different zoo experience!
For maximum fun why not take to the water on an America's Cup boat. Take the helm to help steer on course or work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail during this hands on sailing adventure on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
BAY OF PLENTY / COROMANDAL PENINSULA
The heart of the North Island is packed with all-ages attractions. Start with Hobbition which you’ll instantly recognise from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. As you amble through the heart of the Shire, you'll hear the fascinating commentary about how it all came to life.
Waitomo Caves - Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world of famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.
The Coromandal Peninsula - Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Dig up to two hours either side of low tide – that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath.
The heart of the North Island is packed with all-ages attractions. Start with Hobbition which you’ll instantly recognise from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. As you amble through the heart of the Shire, you'll hear the fascinating commentary about how it all came to life.
Waitomo Caves - Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world of famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.
The Coromandal Peninsula - Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Dig up to two hours either side of low tide – that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath.
HOBBITON
Take a tour through Middle -earth at Hobbiton located in the farming region of the Waikato which is heartland farming country. You'll be guided around the full 12 acre set which includes visiting the hobbit holes, the Mill and world famous Green Dragon Inn. You'll enjoy a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing drink at the conclusion of your tour.
There are various options for this tour which we'll talk you through.
Take a tour through Middle -earth at Hobbiton located in the farming region of the Waikato which is heartland farming country. You'll be guided around the full 12 acre set which includes visiting the hobbit holes, the Mill and world famous Green Dragon Inn. You'll enjoy a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing drink at the conclusion of your tour.
There are various options for this tour which we'll talk you through.
ROTORUA
Be introduced to Maori culture at Te Puia and watch the Pohutu Geyser erupt up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres. Take a walk through the 100 yr old Redwood Forrest Treetop Walk high up amongst the tree canopy.
For a change of pace, head around to the Agrodome to rub noses with some cuddly farm creatures and pair that with a lively round of Zorbing – rolling down a hill in a giant transparent ball. At the end of a busy day take to one the many thermal hot pools to have a therapeutic soak.
Be introduced to Maori culture at Te Puia and watch the Pohutu Geyser erupt up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres. Take a walk through the 100 yr old Redwood Forrest Treetop Walk high up amongst the tree canopy.
For a change of pace, head around to the Agrodome to rub noses with some cuddly farm creatures and pair that with a lively round of Zorbing – rolling down a hill in a giant transparent ball. At the end of a busy day take to one the many thermal hot pools to have a therapeutic soak.
WELLINGTON
When in Wellington, you’ve got to make the most of the vibrant arts and culture scene. The capital is home to our national museum, Te Papa, with exhibits to keep you engrossed for hours, and there are numerous other galleries and museums around the city.
No visit to Wellington would be complete without a visit to Weta Workshop. Be sure to fit in a trip up the historic cable car from downtown to the Botanic Gardens – the views are the top are magnificent, but the ride is half the fun.
When in Wellington, you’ve got to make the most of the vibrant arts and culture scene. The capital is home to our national museum, Te Papa, with exhibits to keep you engrossed for hours, and there are numerous other galleries and museums around the city.
No visit to Wellington would be complete without a visit to Weta Workshop. Be sure to fit in a trip up the historic cable car from downtown to the Botanic Gardens – the views are the top are magnificent, but the ride is half the fun.
South Island
MARLBOROUGH / KAIKOURA
Become an outdoor explorer and get to know local wildlife when you board a scenic cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Spot dolphins and seals from the boat or step ashore to search for endangered birds, lizards and insects.
For something a little different don't miss the Omaka Aviation Centre, for a showcase of rare WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia.
Another great family activity to experience in this part of the country is to spend the day (or longer) on a high country station. Discover Molesworth Station New Zealand’s largest high country cattle station and the majestic South Island high country scenery. Enjoy the wonderful historical commentary about the early pioneers, modern day farming and land use and visit and see where the first settlers lived in this remote landscape
Whale watching is the name of the game all year round in Kaikoura and is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – that includes fur seals, dolphins and many seabirds. Tours leave multiple times a day and there are lots of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore. If you have time, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a three-hour return hike that visits a seal colony, limestone formations and a seabird colony.
Become an outdoor explorer and get to know local wildlife when you board a scenic cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Spot dolphins and seals from the boat or step ashore to search for endangered birds, lizards and insects.
For something a little different don't miss the Omaka Aviation Centre, for a showcase of rare WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia.
Another great family activity to experience in this part of the country is to spend the day (or longer) on a high country station. Discover Molesworth Station New Zealand’s largest high country cattle station and the majestic South Island high country scenery. Enjoy the wonderful historical commentary about the early pioneers, modern day farming and land use and visit and see where the first settlers lived in this remote landscape
Whale watching is the name of the game all year round in Kaikoura and is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – that includes fur seals, dolphins and many seabirds. Tours leave multiple times a day and there are lots of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore. If you have time, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a three-hour return hike that visits a seal colony, limestone formations and a seabird colony.
CHRISTCHURCH / LAKE TEKAPO
Explore genteel Christchurch at your own pace - take a relaxing boat journey down the Avon River in a punt and then hop on board one of the restored trams to take an inner city highlights bike tour. At the International Antarctic Centre you can experience polar life for yourself – find out what it’s like to be in the midst of an Antarctic storm!
Visit a working sheep farm in the heart of the Canterbury Region on this day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea, then watch a sheep shearing demonstration, and get a hands on feeling for life on the land.
Lake Tekapo - Be dazzled by the night skies in the Dark Sky Reserve, which covers most of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region – there’s no better place for stargazing. During the day, Lake Tekapo is a photographer’s dream, with clear turquoise waters and lupins that bloom in a rich display of colour every November/December.
Explore genteel Christchurch at your own pace - take a relaxing boat journey down the Avon River in a punt and then hop on board one of the restored trams to take an inner city highlights bike tour. At the International Antarctic Centre you can experience polar life for yourself – find out what it’s like to be in the midst of an Antarctic storm!
Visit a working sheep farm in the heart of the Canterbury Region on this day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea, then watch a sheep shearing demonstration, and get a hands on feeling for life on the land.
Lake Tekapo - Be dazzled by the night skies in the Dark Sky Reserve, which covers most of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region – there’s no better place for stargazing. During the day, Lake Tekapo is a photographer’s dream, with clear turquoise waters and lupins that bloom in a rich display of colour every November/December.
QUEENSTOWN / WANAKA
For epic views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, climb aboard the
Skyline Gondola. The Luge is at the top of the gondola so make time for several runs while you're there. While your up there's great fast fun to be had on the Flying Fox Zipline .
On the lake, take a cruise on the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw – this can be combined with farm tours and horse trekking while you are there. From Queenstown you can take a day trip to Milford Sound by road or air, or explore Lord of the Rings filming locations by 4WD or on horseback.
While Queenstown is generally done at full pace, Onsen Hot Pools takes a step back to let you take in the beauty of the surroundings and simply relax With uninterrupted views across the Shotover Canyon, the Cedar Hot Tubs are heated to 37.8C on warmer days and up to 39.8C during the winter.
Arrowtown - Try your luck at panning for gold! This old gold mining town was once the hub for local gold miners looking to strike it lucky in the Arrow River. It's a fun inexpensive activity to keep everyone focused!
Wanaka
Escape the bustle of Queenstown and get away to Wanaka, another lakefront destination with a laidback vibe. Relax waterside a relaxed vibe. A fun thing to do for the whole family is a visit to Puzzling World – a truly unique place with the world’s first 3D ‘Great Maze’, illusion rooms and other eccentric activities and architecture.
For epic views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, climb aboard the
Skyline Gondola. The Luge is at the top of the gondola so make time for several runs while you're there. While your up there's great fast fun to be had on the Flying Fox Zipline .
On the lake, take a cruise on the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw – this can be combined with farm tours and horse trekking while you are there. From Queenstown you can take a day trip to Milford Sound by road or air, or explore Lord of the Rings filming locations by 4WD or on horseback.
While Queenstown is generally done at full pace, Onsen Hot Pools takes a step back to let you take in the beauty of the surroundings and simply relax With uninterrupted views across the Shotover Canyon, the Cedar Hot Tubs are heated to 37.8C on warmer days and up to 39.8C during the winter.
Arrowtown - Try your luck at panning for gold! This old gold mining town was once the hub for local gold miners looking to strike it lucky in the Arrow River. It's a fun inexpensive activity to keep everyone focused!
Wanaka
Escape the bustle of Queenstown and get away to Wanaka, another lakefront destination with a laidback vibe. Relax waterside a relaxed vibe. A fun thing to do for the whole family is a visit to Puzzling World – a truly unique place with the world’s first 3D ‘Great Maze’, illusion rooms and other eccentric activities and architecture.
DUNEDIN
Dunedin and Southland's rugged terrain is home to penguins, seals, albatross and many more species; it’s a great place for a wildlife tour. At the tip of the Otago Peninsula, in Dunedin, is the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland in the world with a breeding colony of northern royal albatross.
Colonies of little blue penguins - the smallest species of penguin of all – are also found in this region. A city tour is highly recommended to see everthing that this historic city has to offer.
Another must do while in Dunedin is a visit to the world's steepest street! Baldwin Street is a regular residential street, but comes with the tag of being the steepest street in the world! Make time to visit the Settlers Museum, next to the railway station. It's New Zealand's newest and most innovative museum and is a great way to spend a few hours ambling through the various exhibitions.
Next to the museum is Dunedin's historic Railway Station. Dunedin Railways specialises in scenic train trips into the spectacular Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged Otago coast north of Dunedin, New Zealand. The Taieri Gorge Railway and The Seasider train trips offer unique and panoramic views over ever-changing scenery.
Dunedin and Southland's rugged terrain is home to penguins, seals, albatross and many more species; it’s a great place for a wildlife tour. At the tip of the Otago Peninsula, in Dunedin, is the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland in the world with a breeding colony of northern royal albatross.
Colonies of little blue penguins - the smallest species of penguin of all – are also found in this region. A city tour is highly recommended to see everthing that this historic city has to offer.
Another must do while in Dunedin is a visit to the world's steepest street! Baldwin Street is a regular residential street, but comes with the tag of being the steepest street in the world! Make time to visit the Settlers Museum, next to the railway station. It's New Zealand's newest and most innovative museum and is a great way to spend a few hours ambling through the various exhibitions.
Next to the museum is Dunedin's historic Railway Station. Dunedin Railways specialises in scenic train trips into the spectacular Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged Otago coast north of Dunedin, New Zealand. The Taieri Gorge Railway and The Seasider train trips offer unique and panoramic views over ever-changing scenery.
OAMARU / MOERAKI
The whitestone townscape of Oamaru contains some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand. In the late 19th century, the town prospered through goldmining, quarrying and timber milling. Some of the wealth was spent on elegant stone buildings made from local limestone.
The Victorian precinct is a great place to wander through some of these preserved buildings and visit some of the local crafts people and curio stores as well as a visit to the Steam Punk Museum.
Penguins are a reason to stay a while in Oamaru. At sunset, little blue and yellow-eyed penguins waddle ashore to get comfortable for the night. Nightly tours give you a great spot to watch these little darlings come up from the beach as they head towards their nests for the night. A true family favourite.
Moeraki (just up the road from Oamaru), is now most famous for its Moeraki boulders; mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand.
The whitestone townscape of Oamaru contains some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand. In the late 19th century, the town prospered through goldmining, quarrying and timber milling. Some of the wealth was spent on elegant stone buildings made from local limestone.
The Victorian precinct is a great place to wander through some of these preserved buildings and visit some of the local crafts people and curio stores as well as a visit to the Steam Punk Museum.
Penguins are a reason to stay a while in Oamaru. At sunset, little blue and yellow-eyed penguins waddle ashore to get comfortable for the night. Nightly tours give you a great spot to watch these little darlings come up from the beach as they head towards their nests for the night. A true family favourite.
Moeraki (just up the road from Oamaru), is now most famous for its Moeraki boulders; mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand.