Start planning your family vacation in New Zealand
New Zealandisn’t known as the adventure capital of the world for nothing and you and your kids won’t be disappointed by a trip here where you’ll be able to live your wildest dreams while spending time together and making incredible memories as a family. The size and shape of New Zealand also makes it the perfect destination for families looking for an unforgettable trip, since tours here can give visitors a sense of the country’s amazing atmosphere and spirit in just a few weeks. Visit for at least two weeks to give you and your kids a chance to take it all in during your time here.
Best things to see and do in New Zealand with kids
What to see as a family
New Zealand’s cities are an amazing part of any family trip here and families of any age will love wandering the streets of Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch or Wellington. Each city has a very distinctive character which you’ll be able to discover for yourselves as you find local shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and attractions. Cities such as Dunedin are also great family-friendly places to visit, especially for those interested in history, who are bound to love seeing the old Victorian buildings and Scottish history here. Adventure lovers should visit the Waitomo Caves, where you can step into the surreal and otherworldly surroundings of the caves, lit up by glow worms hanging from every inch of the walls and ceiling. Continue the adventure on a tour of famous sites such as Milford Sound, which you may recognize from films such as Lord of The Rings. You can even take a specialized tour to show you all of the sites that Peter Jackson used in the franchise, including Hobbiton and the movie set that was established here. Finally, visitLake Taupo for a chance to relax after all that adventure and enjoy the hot springs here, as well as Huka Falls, beautiful waterfalls that make the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
What to do as a family
New Zealand is the ultimate destination for family friendly adventures. You and your kids will be able to choose between hundreds of activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, walking, horse riding, skydiving and so much more. New Zealand’s shores are unbeatable and are home to so many sites that shouldn’t be missed by family travelers. See Marine reserves such as Cathedral Cove, which is secluded and accessible only by foot, kayak or boat. Take a day trip, stopping for a picnic along the way before enjoying a dip in the sea and a kayak to the main site where you can enjoy a sunset unlike any you have seen before. While you’re at sea, you can even spot the local dolphins that visitors come from all around to see. Continue the family adventure with a jet boat trip to show you all the hidden spots around the coasts. You can even give wake-boarding, water skiing or banana-boating a go. Both the North and South Islands boast an impressive array of wildlife, especially birdlife, and you and your kids will be able to go on a bird-spotting day trip with a guided tour to tell you all about each species. The country’s national parks are some of the best in the world and are a great place to see flora and fauna alike as well as to explore some of the trails by bike or foot. Tongariro National Park, Abel Tasman National ParkandFiordland National Park are among the most well-known and the best and any family vacation to New Zealand would be incomplete without a visit to one or all of these New Zealand gems.
Best time to visit New Zealand as a family
New Zealand is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season bringing its own appeal. Winter in New Zealand is the perfect time to enjoy the incredible scenery and even a bit of skiing before exploring the cities, which become even more fascinating during this time. What’s more, prices will be cheaper and the sites less crowded. Summer brings with it hot weather and also tourists in large numbers who come to see this stunning country during its warmest months. You may be met with reduced availability as well, however, the benefits of visiting at this time far outweigh this small inconvenience. All things considered, the best time to visit New Zealand is during the spring, where all the best parts about visiting this country combine to create the ultimate family vacation. You’ll be able to enjoy warm weather in parts of the country, as well as the remainders of snow in others, meaning you can still visit the mountains for a quick ski. The landscapes are without a doubt at their most beautiful during the spring, with luscious greenery and vast forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Whenever you decide to visit for your next family vacation, you won’t be able to get enough of New Zealand and everything it has to offer.
Family vacation tips for traveling to New Zealand
With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to New Zealand, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your vacation.
- Prices here are high. New Zealand is an expensive country and as such you may need to research a little beforehand to work out how to budget for your family trip. Rest assured, it’s worth every penny but you may want to travel during off peak season if this is an issue for you.
- Speak to your GP before traveling to New Zealand with your kids to make sure that you are all up to date with any necessary vaccinations.
- Don’t rush your time here. Ensure that you plan adequate time for your family trip, rather than visiting for one week and attempting to see all the sites. This will tire out your kids and yourself and you won’t be able to enjoy your trip as you might like. Its better to miss out on a few sites and spend a bit longer appreciating the places that you do visit.
