Author: Robyn

Formed more than 540 million years ago and with a unique mix of Māori and European culture, New Zealand has a fascinating history and interesting indigenous flora and fauna.

Across New Zealand, there are people passionate about our special country. They have created fantastic destinations that are waiting to greet you and your family, to share their knowledge and passion with you. So take the opportunity to meet new animal friends, share adventures, and make lots of special memories.

Discover the wonder and wildlife of New Zealand with our guide to family-friendly nature experiences.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. 

Meet Hector’s dolphins

Hector’s dolphins are the world’s smallest and rarest, and are almost exclusively found around the South Island coast, although some have been seen in North Island waters. It’s estimated there are only around 15,000 mature Hector’s dolphins, so seeing one in the wild is a real treat.

Black Cat Cruises in Akaroa on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula are passionate about the Hector’s dolphins and their conservation. Cruise with them in their catamaran to see the dolphins – they guarantee you will see some – as they share their knowledge and passion about these precious mammals.

Swimming with dolphins has been voted New Zealand’s number one bucket list activity! Black Cat Cruises also offer you the chance to tick this off your must-do list and you get the added thrill of swimming with the rare Hector’s dolphins!

Meet New Zealand’s rarest kiwi

In the heart of glacier country, on the friendly West Coast, you can meet Aotearoa’s rarest kiwi – the rowi. The West Coast Wild Life Centre shares their passion for this precious New Zealand icon.

This unique and interactive self-guided experience brings together nature, conservation, and wildlife all under one roof. You can see the rowi kiwi and prehistoric tuatara, as well as learn all about the glaciers that dominate this area.

Observe Kororā, the world’s smallest penguin

Not far from the centre of Dunedin you’re guaranteed to see some kororā (little blue penguins) at Blue Penguins Pukekura.

Watch from a purpose-built observation deck as kororā scurry up the beach to reach their burrows. The tour includes a “walk behind the scenes” through the penguin reserve and an opportunity to learn about other local flora and fauna.

Meet albatross

With wing spans up to three metres, the majestic Northern Royal Albatross are the world’s largest sea birds. They normally breed on remote islands and spend up to 85%  of their time at sea, so an opportunity to meet them is very special.

Taiaroa Head on Otago Peninsula is unique in that it’s the world’s only mainland breeding place. Although open year round, a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre in spring is ideal as this is when the new chicks take their first flight.

Visit a volcanic valley

For 1.6 million years volcanoes have been erupting in New Zealand. The volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera in the central North Island in 1886 caused the creation of seven craters, the destruction of the famous Pink and White Terraces, and creation of the world’s newest geothermal valley, Waimangu.

You can visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and explore at your own pace or take a tour where the passionate guides will share with you details about this fascinating area.

Glowworm glow up

New Zealand’s native glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) welcome you with their twinkling luminescent light. Many of the guides at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Waikato are direct descendants of the Māori chief who originally explored the caves, and are proud to share with you the history of the world famous attraction.

See a giant sperm whale

Kaikōura is home to a year round population of these amazing creatures – and Wings Over Whales can take your family on a flight to see them as they come to the surface to breathe and rest after diving down over 2000 metres! You might also be able to spot other species of whales, plus dolphins and seals.

 Meet a rare takahē

Step back in to a past world and visit an ancient ecosystem where some of our most endangered species are thriving in their protected habitat. Sanctuary Mountain in Maungatautari, Waikato, has an ancient native forest that is home to many of our most endangered species such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats, and insects.

Sanctuary Mountain is also home to the endearing takahē. Thought to be extinct, happily some of these large flightless birds were found in Fiordland in 1948. There are thought to be only around 400 alive today.

Sea life on and under the water

The New Zealand coastline is brimming with marine life. Off the Tutukaka Coast, warm currents arrive from the Coral Sea enabling a stunning range of underwater plants, animals, and fish to thrive.

A Perfect Day can take you on a cruise out to the Poor Knights Islands where you can snorkel in this beautiful underwater world. New Zealand’s volcanic origins are evident in the island’s spectacular formations and the cruise Captain and staff love to share the local Māori history with you.

Bird bonanza

New Zealand’s native birds evolved over millions of years in splendid isolation. However, that all changed with the arrival of people and other predators. This has resulted in the reduction and in some cases extinction of some of our native birds.

Kāpiti Island is a nature reserve dedicated to conserving an environment for some of our most beautiful and endangered New Zealand birds. Kāpiti Island Nature Tours is run by kaitiaki (guardians) of Kāpiti Island and welcome you to come and share in their special nature reserve and to see rare birds like takahē, kākā, weka, tīeke (saddleback), kererū, kākāriki and toutouwai (NZ robin).

See more

• Discover More Of Aotearoa’s Wildlife
• Where To Experience Māori Culture
• Kids Tell Us About Their Favourite Kiwi Holidays
• Plan A Trip To Queenstown With Our Destination Guide
• Richie & Gemma McCaw’s Top Tips For Family Travel

Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand.

Take the opportunity to experience and share some of New Zealand’s most iconic spots and hidden gems with the family.

Every season in New Zealand offers some really special Insta-worthy photos! If you’re looking to take a family holiday, mini-break, or even just a weekend, we’ve put together some of our favourite places to stay, eat and play so you can create wonderful memories with your family.

We’ve picked some top iconic spots for you to visit – and also shared some of our favourite “don’t miss” hidden spots – from all over our beautiful country. So no matter where you are headed, you can create wonderful family memories.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. 

Heading north

The Bay of Islands are renowned for their beauty and a great way to explore this subtropical paradise is with The Rock Adventure Cruise. Departing from Paihia, a day trip is perfect for families as there’s an abundance of activities on offer including snorkelling, gathering mussels and kina, kayaking, paddleboarding, exploring islands, and relaxing on remote beaches.

While you are in Northland, don’t miss Kiwi North in Whangārei. Browse the extensive museum to discover stories of tangata whenua and early settlers, see taonga (treasures), natural history, and more. You can also see kiwi in a nocturnal habitat, the “prehistoric” tuatara and watch geckoes feeding. The Heritage Park includes various Victorian heritage buildings including a jail, school, and the fascinating 1886 Clarke homestead.

Amazing Auckland

Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest man-made structure, has become one of the most iconic locations in Auckland. The fun of seeing if you’re able to spot it when you’re out and about in the city or across the harbour is only surpassed by the excitement of heading up the Tower! Head 220 metres up Sky Tower for breath-taking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction, and there’s always fun activities for the kids. At night the tower is beautifully lit, often in support of community initiatives, celebrations or events.

While you are in Auckland don’t miss a trip to Crystal Mountain. A fun mix of a theme park, animal park, and crystal museum, with some dinosaurs thrown in, there truly is something for every family at Crystal Mountain. The Crystal Mine Museum has New Zealand’s largest selection of rare and exquisite crystals and minerals from around the world – some up to 2000kg and 2 metres high! Once outside you can explore the park on the express train or a tractor, feed animals, have a ride on a pony or a roller coaster, and visit a T-Rex, brachiosaurus, triceratops and stegosaurus!

Rotorua wonderland

Billowing steam, plopping mud pools, a heated waterfall, and land coral all feature at Hell’s Gate. Explore above ground on a guided or self-guided interactive tour and then give the kids permission to get really, really muddy in New Zealand’s only mud spa, followed by a lovely soak in the sulphur spas and cool plunge pool.

Rotorua is also home to the beautiful Redwoods Treewalk experience. Don’t miss this walk along a suspended trail high above the forest floor amongst majestic Redwoods. At night the trees are lit and create a truly magical experience.

Waikato’s natural adventures

Waitomo is synonymous with caves so if you’re heading in that direction ensure you make time to go on a cave adventure with Waitomo Adventures. Abseil (with an instructor!) down 100m into a surreal world, explore underground passages, be entranced by glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites, go rafting underground, or escape from the troll cave! You can choose your activity based on level of difficulty (and age restrictions) – there’s a mind-blowing caving adventure waiting for everyone.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit with our New Zealand native bird at the Otorohanga Kiwi House. There are three species of kiwi on site and watching the kiwi feeding is an eye-opener into this curious and unique bird. There are lots of other native birds to see and the free-flight aviary is the largest in NZ. Keeper talks are included in the entry fee and there are opportunities to hand-feed the kākāriki.

Explore Wellington

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is one of Aotearoa’s most iconic destinations. On any given day there is so much for your family to see and do including visiting a marae, enjoying an exhibition, joining in the activities and events, taking a guided tour, and visiting the colossal squid. The exceptional Gallipoli exhibition runs through to 25 April 2022.

While you’re in Wellington, don’t miss a trip to Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe. You can get up close and personal with a range of native and introduced wildlife including birds, trout, eel, deer, goats, emu, turkey, peacocks, rabbits and even enjoy off-road trailer rides behind a tractor. The on-site cafe helps make this an easy day out for the whole family.

Top of the south

The top of the South Island enjoys some of New Zealand’s most temperate weather making it a fantastic place to visit. Visit the northernmost point of the South Island, and explore the bird sanctuary and wetland that is the Farewell Spit Nature Reserve. Farewell Spit Tours take you on a journey right along the 35km spit through areas not open to the public. Find fossils, visit an operating historic lighthouse, see dramatic cliffs, and look for fur seals.

Over in Nelson, don’t miss the Cable Bay Adventure Park. Here you can go on the world’s longest flying fox, take a quad bike tour or do some mountain biking. There’s also paintball and archery and you can even feed tame eels.

Canterbury tales

Explore Christchurch on a picturesque and historic tram ride with Christchurch Trams. The all day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the central city sights at your own pace.

While you’re in Ōtautahi, don’t miss a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can visit a range of farmyard and other animals, plus there’s a kiwi house.

While you are in Canterbury, don’t miss your chance to see whales with Whale Watch Kaikōura. Using underwater microphones, they listen for the eco-location sounds that the giant sperm whales make as they feed, and then cruise nearby so you can enjoy these magnificent creatures. 

Just under three hours by road from Christchurch, or on the way from Queenstown/Wānaka to Christchurch is lovely Tekapo. With it’s turquoise lake and stunning landscape, Tekapo is stunning by day – but at night the sky is equally striking. Tekapo Star Gazing introduces you to Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. Afterwards, don’t miss a soak in the warm waters of Tekapo Springs as you explore the wonder of the night skies. Also open during the day, Tekapo Springs has a range of outdoor pools plus great inflatable fun in the warmer months.

Go West

The West Coast of the South Island has dramatic scenery from the mountains to the sea. Just 20 minutes south of Hokitika, you can view the rainforest from 20 metres above the ground on the West Coast Treetop Walk. In Greymouth, don’t miss the history of goldminers brought to life at Shantytown Heritage Park where you can do some gold panning, take a ride on a steam train, and visit a colonial village.

While you’re on the West Coast, head further south to Franz Josef. On the way discover the beauty and birdlife of Okarito on a boat tour. Once in Franz, explore the glacier with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, then don’t miss the chance to relax in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. Did you know that you can get to Franz Josef from the West Coast but also from Wanaka through the picturesque Haast Pass?

Southern Lakes

The 100 year old coal-fired TSS Earnslaw, heading out across Lake Wakatipu with steam puffing from it’s red funnel, is an iconic Queenstown sight. Head across the lake to Walter Peak or take a sightseeing cruise around the lake. The kids will especially love viewing the engine room.

While you’re in Queenstown explore with Segway on Q. Don’t miss some of the great sights while having heaps of fun too!

Down the road, take in some spectacular remote wilderness on a Doubtful Sound Cruise. Starting with a bus trip in Manapouri, this two night adventure takes in the stunning views, lush rainforest, and wildlife (look out for the enormous Royal Albatross). Enjoy the freshly caught crayfish and other seafood. For a faster trip on the water, Fiordland Jet in Te Anau is the ‘don’t miss‘ ticket! Across the lake or up a river, it’s an exhilarating ride!

See more

• Find Family Friendly Fun All Across Aotearoa
• Discover Aotearoa’s Wildlife
• Plan a trip to Rotorua with our destination guide
• Plan a trip to Queenstown with our destination guide

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand.

Always thought you would love to try ziplining, jet boating, or another fun experience, but never quite got organised? Now is the perfect time for you and your family to give something new a try!

Right now is the perfect time to show your kids how to try something new, even though it might put you outside of your comfort zone. We’ve picked some of New Zealand’s must-do experiences to inspire you to create new memories with the family.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. 

Walk on a glacier

Many of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes were forged by glaciers over millions of years. These slow-moving rivers of ice are an awe-inspiring sight. Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island’s West Coast is one of our most well-known glaciers. Known in Māori legend as Kā Roimata-a-Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere), the glacier starts high in the Southern Alps and travels down through the native rain forest for 11 kilometres. It actually moves at over 50cm a day, so it’s constantly changing and evolving.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides can take you onto the glacier itself. You travel by helicopter across a stunning landscape, then trek across the glacier through tunnels and between walls of ice! Your knowledgeable and experienced guides will find the safest and most spectacular route while regaling you with information about this stunning place. You might also get to see some cheeky kea and tick off another iconic New Zealand experience.

Go kayaking

Kayaking can be enjoyed by all the family from about three years old and up. Easy to learn, it’s surprising how far you can explore in a short time.

Auckland Sea Kayaks can take you on a kayaking adventure to volcanic islands, sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife on the sheltered waters of the Waitemata Harbour.

Zoom on a zipline

Zooming down a zipline gives you a pure adrenaline rush! Safely harnessed and clipped on, you glide down over the tree canopy and through the forest for a thrilling scenic ride.

Christchurch Adventure Park have four ziplines – including New Zealand’s highest and also one that’s more than a kilometre long! Suitable for people from 27 to 125kg, ziplining is the chance to show your kids that you’re willing to take on a challenge and fly with them.

Paddle a waka

The first settlers arrived in New Zealand by waka and since then they have become an important part of Aotearoa’s cultural heritage. Built from tree trunks, the beautiful big New Zealand native trees like tōtara and kauri proved to be ideal to make large, stable waka.

Waka Abel Tasman Te Tai o Awatea welcome you to their Kaiteriteri base in Tasman Bay and share this special heritage with you. The trip starts with a blessing (karakia), then you learn the etiquette (tikanga), before setting off, paddling as a team.

Go fishing on a boat

Explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds on a purpose built 2.7m long recreational fishing boat and try your luck!

Reel Therapy have extensive local knowledge about the best fishing spots, and can give help with you technique, plus show you around the area.

Ride a horse

Whether you rode when you were younger and would love to share the thrill with your children, or you have never experienced it, horse riding is a fun family activity.

Sandy Bay Horses on the Tutukaka Coast in Northland can get you up on horseback and enjoying beautiful trails, beaches, and valleys. They have a range of horses, from gentle and quiet for beginners through to a bit more expressive for the more experienced.

Try camping

Camping is a quintessential kiwi experience. Some families go to the same spot for years, or even generations! At the campground you can pitch your tent and set up all your cooking and living equipment, or bring a self-contained campervan or caravan.

There are hundreds of fantastic camping grounds all over New Zealand including more than 200 DOC Conservation Campsites in forest, lake, and beach settings. Now is the perfect time to give your family the true camping experience and find out what all the fuss is about.

See a kiwi

Although they are our national icon, spotting a kiwi in real life is not easy. These unique, inquisitive birds are rare, nocturnal, and live in the bush, so our chances of stumbling across one are slim. In order to preserve our precious kiwi, there are a number of conservation places around New Zealand dedicated to breeding the birds in captivity, then releasing them back into their natural habitat. Living in specially-designed nocturnal enclosures, the day is turned into night, and this provides the perfect opportunity for your family to see a kiwi pottering around, feeding, preening themselves, and generally doing what they do in the wild.

The Otorohanga Kiwi House in North Island’s King Country have been looking after and breeding kiwi since 1971. Visit them to learn all about our special bird and see the brown kiwi probing for insects and earthworms in the soil, bathing in the ponds, and digging burrows or climbing logs.

Soak in a thermal hot pool

Geothermal springs can be found in select places all over New Zealand. Created by groundwater heated by the earth, the water is not only warm (or hot!) it’s also thought to be therapeutic as it often contains dissolved minerals. If you haven’t soaked, relaxed or played in thermal water, now is the perfect time to do so.

At Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa you can choose from action-packed fun or relaxed soaking. Choose from 22 pools including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools at varying temperatures, exciting water slides, and a lazy river.

Go jet boating

Sir William Hamilton’s childhood dreams for a boat that would take him up rivers came to fruition with his invention of the Hamilton waterjet – the genesis of today’s must-do kiwi experience of jet boating. Able to travel over shallow water or across fast flows, the modern jet boat can travel at nearly 100km per hour.

Huka Falls Jet in Taupō can take you on an awesome experience on the Waikato River, right up to the base of the impressive Huka Falls, and past steaming geothermal spots and sheer rock cliffs, with an exciting 360 degree spin!

See a galaxy of glowworms

In Aotearoa we have our own special glowworm. It’s a species of the fungus gnat and at certain stages in its life cycle it produces bioluminescence and glows – hence the name.

At Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tours you can enjoy a boat ride through a cave beneath thousands of glowworms that create a magical, galaxy-like experience.

Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand.

See more

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