New Zealand is a great place for a family adventure. Pack everyone up into the car, or fly to a new destination and pick up a rental.

Family-friendly accommodation

Self-contained motels or apartments (with kitchen and laundry facilities), camping grounds and holiday parks are all excellent options for families. Many of the holiday parks dotted around the country have great playgrounds for kids.

Once the practicalities are sorted, it’s all about fun for the family – fortunately many of New Zealand’s iconic activities are suitable for all ages.

Family activities

Animal encounters rank highly among the young ones, whether it’s horse trekking, a visit to a zoo, or farm-stay activities. Auckland Zoo is a great visit for all ages, kids will love trying to spot tuatara and playful kaka in Zealandia in Wellington, and Orana Park open range zoo is a highlight for any Christchurch visitor. Adventure and theme parks are popular, and so are beach visits and water activities like boating and kayaking. Kids will love some of the country’s best adrenaline activities, like luges and zorbs in Rotorua.

Rainy day activities

On rainy days take your pick from myriad museums and kid-friendly educational attractions, like Te Papa in Wellington or Puzzling World in Wanaka. With interactive displays and science attractions, touch-tanks, hands-on exhibits and museum activities for kids, boredom is out of the question – guaranteed!