Reasons New Zealand is among the most family-friendly places in the world

Renowned for its stunning landscapes and thrilling activities, New Zealand is a must-visit for many families.

Across the country, child-friendly activities abound, ensuring that families have endless entertainment options. From the southern reaches of Te Waipounamu (South Island) to the northern peaks of Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island), many popular tourist spots also offer outdoor fun.

Whether kids are fascinated by volcanoes and waterfalls or prefer museums and glowworms, New Zealand has a plethora of attractions that will delight the whole family.

Is New Zealand a suitable destination for kids?

New Zealand is typically a safe and laid-back country. Playgrounds are abundant, and parents traveling with young ones will find baby-changing facilities readily available. Many cafes and restaurants offer toys and high chairs, and numerous national parks feature stroller-friendly paths.

Most key tourist sites provide family packages and discounts for students and seniors, while entry is often free for infants and toddlers. Always inquire at the entrance for the best pricing options.

What are the top spots in New Zealand for children?

Safe, welcoming, and with plenty of room to explore, you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere in New Zealand that children won't adore. On the North Island, Taupō is a beloved destination for Kiwi families, featuring holiday parks with waterslides and heated pools complete with swim-up bars. The town is also a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing and sailing. On rainy days, families can enjoy The Landing, an indoor venue offering a bowling alley, ninja course, bounce park, and mini golf.

International travelers should visit Rotorua, just north of Taupō, to experience its Māori cultural sites and geothermal wonders, including towering geysers and the largest hot springs in the world. Dubbed the 'Disneyland of New Zealand', this area boasts attractions ranging from the National Kiwi Hatchery (where the nation's iconic birds hatch) to zorbing, mountain biking, luging, and ziplining. The Bay of Plenty, Queenstown, and Nelson are also fantastic family-friendly locations.

Top activities to enjoy with kids in New Zealand

Top activities to enjoy in New Zealand with infants and toddlers

Experience a playground with breathtaking views Let’s be honest: a visit to the playground might not always be thrilling for adults. But what if it came with a spectacular backdrop? That’s often the case in New Zealand. Notable spots include Queenstown Gardens overlooking Lake Wakatipu, the lakeside playground at Lake Tekapo, and Auckland’s play area at Takapuna Beach. Some larger playgrounds even feature water parks.

Even the playgrounds lacking views are equally impressive. Christchurch’s Margaret Mahy playground is one of the biggest in the country, boasting a 10m-high (33ft) tower, in-ground trampolines, giant swings, and a scooter park. Oamaru’s steampunk playground at Friendly Bay feels futuristic with its giant penny farthings and slides, while Whanganui’s Kowhai Park offers a nostalgic experience with nursery rhyme-themed equipment, including Humpty Dumpty on his wall. Nestled beside the beach, Dunedin’s Marlow Park (also known as “Dinosaur Park”) is sure to excite your little paleontologist with its stegosaurus slide.

Visit a farm New Zealand features numerous working farms that welcome families. For the youngest explorers, nothing beats the wonder of getting up close with the animals and witnessing the impressive farm dogs in action.

In Queenstown, hop on the TSS Earnslaw steamboat to cross the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Alternatively, take a one-hour drive to Wānaka Lavender Farm, where you can meet Kunekune pigs (a native NZ breed), llamas, and goats. In the family-friendly Rotorua, you can also visit the Agrodome, renowned for its entertaining farm shows.

Top activities in New Zealand for families

Be amazed by glowworms New Zealand’s glowworms, arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to this region and Australia. While they can be found in various outdoor locations across the country, the Waitomo Caves are the most renowned spot for viewing them. Located an hour south of Auckland, the caves are equally famous for their stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.

If you're exploring Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, you can embark on a glowworm tour in the nearby Te Anau caves. For a free glowworm experience, visit Waipu Caves (more suited for older children), Everett Park Scenic Reserve in Taranaki, the Main Garden in Wellington Botanical Gardens, or the Glow Worm Dell in Hokitika.

Embark on a cruise through the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Fiordland National Park is a dream destination for many travelers to New Zealand, making it perfect for family outings. Wildlife-loving families should opt for a cruise on Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where you can spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. The stunning waterfalls are sure to impress the kids.

Rather than taking a lengthy day trip from Queenstown— which can exceed 12 hours for a round trip— consider staying overnight in the nearby Te Anau.

Explore Auckland’s SkyCity complex The Sky Tower stands as one of the tallest structures in the southern hemisphere and is an essential stop on any Auckland itinerary. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf islands, complete with glass floor panels that many kids enjoy jumping on.

At the SkyCity complex, you can also visit Wētā Workshop Unleashed, where the creative minds behind Lord of the Rings provide immersive tours of fantasy film sets, as well as the All Blacks Experience. Even if they’re not rugby enthusiasts, sports-loving kids will delight in interacting with the team performing the haka and testing their skills on an engaging sports field.

Create your own hot water pool Being a geothermal wonder, New Zealand features several locations where thermal waters rise just beneath the surface, mixing with the cooler ocean or lake waters, allowing visitors to dig their own hot tubs in the sand.

Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel is a popular spot, though it can become quite crowded. For a quieter experience, explore the hot water beaches in Kawhia in the Waikato and on Moutohorā Island near Whakatāne.

Witness bubbling mud in Rotorua Rotorua is the premier destination for geothermal phenomena in New Zealand. Families can visit Kuirau Park in the town center to see bubbling mud and steaming ponds at no cost. For a more captivating experience, venture to Waimangu Volcanic Valley for scenic bush walks, where you can find the world's largest hot springs and geysers.

Discover NZ history and Māori culture at Te Papa Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, is celebrated for its interactive and engaging exhibits, including an earthquake simulator. The best part? Admission is free (with some exhibitions requiring a fee).

In addition to the usual exhibits, there are two interactive Discovery Centres aimed at children under 12, highlighting Māori and Pasifika cultures. Young kids can enjoy StoryPlace, which features three storytelling and play sessions each day for just NZ$3.

Experience Māori culture on the water Get on the water, enjoy some exercise, and discover Māori culture through a traditional waka (canoe) tour. Kids can paddle alongside adults while listening to captivating stories about ancient Polynesian navigators and the vital importance of the waka in Māori history and culture.

Waka tours are available in several locations, including Waka Abel Tasman in the Nelson/Tasman area.

Encounter the local wildlife Many tourists in New Zealand dream of seeing a kiwi up close, but spotting one in the wild can be quite challenging due to their endangered status. To increase your chances, consider visiting a hatchery or a predator-free wildlife sanctuary. The National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua or an overnight stay on Kapiti Island are both excellent options.

To see marine life, visit Kaikourā, where you can observe sperm whales, Hector’s dolphins, and fur seals. For little blue penguins, head further south to the Banks Peninsula or Oamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony.

Top activities for tweens and teens in New Zealand

Explore the magic of Wētā Workshop If your family is passionate about film, art, or augmented reality, delve into the heart of New Zealand’s movie industry. A visit to Wellington's Wētā Workshop offers insights into the making of iconic film props and special effects.

For a more hands-on experience, check out the Hobbiton film set in Matamata and step into the magical realm of the Shire, where you can explore hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn.

Experience an adventure sport Renowned as an adventurer’s paradise, New Zealand offers thrilling experiences for everyone. Exciting activities like luge rides, ziplining through the treetops, jet-boating in canyons, and zorbing in Rotorua are popular choices. Additionally, there are whitewater rafting excursions designed for multi-generational families, such as those provided by the Queenstown-based tour operator Family Adventures.

Mountain biking is an excellent option for older kids and teens, with bike rentals and tours easily accessible at most tourist hubs. Check out Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest or the 7 Mile Bike Park in Queenstown.

Planning tips

• Getting around can be tricky with public transport, so renting a car (and necessary car seats) is the most convenient option.

• New Zealand's sun can be quite strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen frequently. Kids should wear rash shirts (long-sleeved swim tops) while at the beach.

• Top 10 Holiday Parks provide reasonably priced lodging with on-site activities for kids, including fantastic playgrounds. You don’t need to camp in a tent or motorhome, as many offer motel rooms or cabins in addition to campsites.