Family Road Trips

Family road trips in New Zealand

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Subaru

Start planning your next family trip around New Zealand with our road trip tips and destination must-sees.

Browse our destination guides and mini itineraries to help you plan a weekend away or a longer family holiday. Explore further and create lasting memories with experiences that are made to be shared.

Peace of mind when you’re on the road

From weekend sports runs to family holidays, having reliable roadside assistance can provide valuable peace of mind. AA Roadservice offers 24-hour roadside assistance, including help with breakdowns, batteries, keys, and tyres, as well as towing to safety when your vehicle can’t be driven.

For families frequently on the road, AA Plus provides additional protection if a major breakdown disrupts your plans. It offers an extended towing allowance and practical support if you break down more than 100km from home and repairs will take more than a day, like a rental car, emergency accommodation or alternative transport home1.

It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already dealing with a car full of tired kids, luggage and holiday plans.

AA Roadservice has also been recognised for its quality of service, recently awarded Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award in Roadside Assistance for the 11th year running.

From school runs to weekend escapes Tips for families on the go

From school runs to weekend escapes: Tips for families on the go

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Family fun without breaking the budget

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Save on family fun for your next outing

When you think about AA Membership, AA Roadservice is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason. Available 24/7, AA Roadservice rescues a Kiwi every minute2.

But your AA Membership can be useful long before you find yourself with a flat battery or a car that won’t start.

AA Members can access more than 45 AA Member Benefits and discounts, covering everything from entertainment and days out to travel, dining, and other everyday expenses. That means your Membership can help you save both on and off the road.

1All AA Plus benefits are subject to limitations and exclusions. For full terms and conditions and entitlements, see AA Plus Membership terms and conditions.
2Based on 2025 rescues and average vehicle occupancies.

Choose Subaru Forester for the journeys that matter most

From school runs in the rain to weekends off the beaten track, the all-new Subaru Forester is built for every family journey that matters. Named Best Family SUV of the Year by DRIVEN Car Guide and Best Family Car of the Year by Autocar, the Subaru Forester combines legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced EyeSight Driver Assist technology, and everyday versatility Kiwi families trust. Now smarter, safer, and more capable than ever, with a bold new design and the new Strong Hybrid e-Boxer engine, Forester delivers efficiency without compromise and confidence on every road. Because the best family adventures start long before you arrive.

Subaru Forester family-friendly features

Safety & Driver Assist

  • Advanced EyeSight® Driver Assist technology for collision avoidance and safer driving.
  • Panoramic 360° View Monitor to help with parking and tight manoeuvres.
  • Driver Monitoring System (facial recognition) to help keep focus on the road.
  • Multiple airbags and crash-avoidance systems around the cabin.
  • Steering Responsive Headlights & Adaptive LED lighting for better night visibility.

Comfort & Usability

  • Spacious interior with ergonomic seating and improved comfort for longer trips.
  • Hands-free power tailgate with foot-activated kick sensor – perfect when your hands are full.
  • Dual-zone air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable.
  • One-touch folding rear seats for flexible cargo or stroller space.
  • Ample cargo space with anchor points & luggage hooks for groceries, sports gear and strollers.

Tech & Connectivity

  • Large 11.6″ touchscreen infotainment system for easy control.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ for navigation and media on the go.
  • Wireless phone charging to keep devices powered.
  • Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports including for rear passengers.
  • Rear-view reverse camera — super helpful with kids, bikes and trailers.

Capability & Everyday Practicality

  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for confident grip in rain, gravel or slippery conditions.
  • Roof rails for bike racks, cargo boxes or family adventure gear.

Make your Subaru Forester your own

Customising your Subaru Forester is all part of making family adventures easier, more comfortable, and even more memorable. Whether it’s adding bike racks for weekend trail rides, sleek window shades for road trip naps and camping stops, or clever cargo accessories that help keep busy family life organised, the right additions can help tailor your Forester to the way your family loves to travel. Subaru’s range of genuine accessories is designed to enhance practicality, comfort, and versatility, so every getaway, sports run or spontaneous escape feels that little bit smoother.

Subaru Forester Rear Set Pet Protector

Explore the full accessories range at Subaru New Zealand Accessories.

Road testing the Subaru Forester

Whether it’s the everyday school run or your next family adventure, the Subaru Forester is designed to help families travel with confidence, comfort, and flexibility. Discover how the Forester can fit into your family’s lifestyle: Learn more at Subaru.co.nz or book a test drive.

Family-testing the Subaru Forester

Kidspot asked Chenay and her family to put the Subaru Forester through it’s paces – from road to beach to sportsground and more!

Tips for road trips

Destinations

Choose your next adventure!

Explorer guides

Not sure what you want to do just yet? Check out our explorer guides to find the best family-friendly adventures around the country. Be inspired with adventures that are made to share with your family.

Mini itineraries

Make the most of your family holiday with our mini itineraries with daily tips for the best things to see and do, plus eateries and places to stay around New Zealand.

Join the Catch Up

Join our community of parents and let the Kidspot Catchup be your guide to creating unforgetable family moments.