Family Vacation

New Zealand is a great destination for young and old alike and while the country is especially renowned for adrenaline pumping activities and stunning scenery, there are just as many activities for the young’uns as there are for backpackers and visitors looking for R&R.

If you are looking for day trips, you don’t have to venture far. Catch some fresh air in zoos and wildlife parks which always offer great adventures for kids. Book a behind-the-scenes tour, help feed exotic animals, go on a thrilling night tour or visit New Zealand’s national icon, the kiwi! At Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch entry is free for children at the moment! Another fun Christchurch activity for the whole family is punting on the Avon River, which is back up and running again.

In Queenstown or Rotorua you might want to book a gondola ride and go luging. Or why not join a Maori cultural experience, which is a fascinating experience for young and old.

Another excellent outdoor activity for families is cycling. New Zealand boasts heaps of cycling tracks suitable for beginners. If you’re in the Southern Lakes region before 25 April you could even join a cycling event at the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival which is in full swing at the moment. In Auckland, on the other hand, you might want to spend a day (and night!) at one of New Zealand’s theme parks, Rainbow’s End, which has planned exciting Easter specials.

Of course the Easter holidays are bound to come with one or the other rainy day, but there is no reason to sit at home or in a hotel room. Take the kids to one of the children’s shows in New Zealand’s theatres, catch one of the latest movies or visit unique indoor attractions such as Stuart Landsborough Puzzling World in Wanaka. On top of that, New Zealand’s museums are interactive places, many of which have dedicated kids’ discovery areas. During the school holidays many put on special programmes for inquisitive children – ideal if it’s a bit chilly outside.

For the perfect Easter family holiday, you can, of course, combine all of the above in a great New Zealand trip. Hire a car and hit the roads! New Zealand has lots of good-value family-friendly accommodation, for example in holiday homes, holiday parks or at farm stays. And if the kids still get bored, pick up a book by one of New Zealand’s excellent children’s authors and read them a good old story!