Auckland is bursting with fun family activities and experiences, so no matter if you're visiting or having a staycation, Auckland is the place to be this summer! With a huge coastline, stunning beaches, volcanic cones and lush hinterland, as well as an urban vibe, the variety of experiences on offer in Auckland is stunning! Join us as we take a look at some of the best things to do, places to go, and experiences to have in Tāmaki Makaurau this summer.
Perfect for a fabulous outdoor summer in Aotearoa, "Get Outdoors - Brilliant Boredom Busters for Kiwi Kids", is a book full of fun ideas to get kids bodies moving and brains inventing.
If only Rabbit could see all the wonderful things right under his nose today, instead of always looking forward to tomorrow! "Have You Seen Tomorrow?" is a contemporary fable about practising gratitude, mindfulness and living in the present.
"Free Kid To Good Home" is a comic-style chapter book about sibling rivalry and a child’s impulse to run away from home - and come back again! Through funny and lighthearted storytelling, this is a useful book to teach young children about welcoming a new baby sibling to the family or exploring playful sibling relationships. Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers.
"The Ape Star" by Frida Nilsson is a heartwarming and unconventional story about love, adoption, friendship, and seeing from different perspectives. In this award-winning chapter book about prejudice and justice, an orphan girl is adopted by a gorilla who lives in a junkyard and a surprising friendship grows between them. Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers.
If your kids think poetry isn’t for them, Roar Squeak Purr will cure that thought forever! This exuberant treasury brings together over 200 animal poems by New Zealand's best writers, many of them written by children.
"Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" - a delightful live-action / CGI musical comedy based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber - will be in New Zealand cinemas from 6th October 2022. Amy, a serious movie buff, was invited to a preview. She took along five kids from 5 years old to teenagers and shares with us what they all thought.
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Dead Good Detectives is a super funny and exciting pirate adventure for readers 8+ by author Jenny McLachlan. Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers.
"Diamond Brothers Detectives: Where Seagulls Dare" is a hilarious new story about the world’s worst detectives, by the bestselling author of the Alex Rider series, Anthony Horowitz. Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers.
Te reo Māori has been an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand since 1987 and since then there has been a growing number of initiatives to provide opportunities for anyone to learn te reo. We take a look at some of the many ways you can join the Māori language movement. Kia kaha te reo Māori.
At the top of the South Island, Nelson Tasman is bursting with beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, great weather, diverse activities, and a relaxed vibe. Discover our top picks for a 4 day itinerary of family fun.
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 the country there are fantastic destinations with passionate people that are waiting to greet you and your family, to share their knowledge with you. Spring is a fantastic time of year to be exploring New Zealand. Before the busyness of summer, the spring welcomes you with milder temperatures, few queues, and quieter roads. And the beautiful clear light and spring flowers and growth make for some really special Insta-worthy photos!
Spring is a great time to get out and about in New Zealand, try new things, share adventures, and make lots of special memories as a family. So why not discover a new passion with our guide to spring activities that you can try as a family.
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, but there's a lot more to it than adrenalin - and that is what makes Queenstown a fantastic family holiday destination.
Whether you're craving seafood (kaimoana), a traditional hāngī, famous New Zealand lamb and wine, a great pie, or golden fish and chips, there are brilliant ways for you to enjoy NZ's food, beyond the dinner table.
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.
The resort towns of Queenstown and Wānaka are year round destinations, synonymous with stunning scenery, picturesque lakes, fun and adventure. Find out our top picks for a 5 day holiday that you will never forget.
There’s plenty on offer year-round in Taupō, where families can discover all sorts of adventures including water activities on the magnificent Lake Taupō.
Rotorua and Taupō are two of the favourite getaway spots for Kiwis with a multitude of thrilling adventures, fun activities, amazing geothermal attractions, cultural influences and water-based experiences. Discover all there is to see and do with our four day itinerary for family fun.
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 and step out of your comfort zone.try!
Holiday like a local! We asked Kidspot families to tell us what their favourite 'hidden gem' local attraction or experience is that you should definitely do next time you're in their neck of the woods.
Family holidays with under fives can be full of exploration, discovery, excitement, and fun! Check out our top picks for must-do attractions and experiences that are great for families with little kids.
From the first people to live in the Dunedin area, Kahui Tipua, around 1250 AD to sealers, whalers, and Scottish settlers, through to the modern-day students, all have contributed in creating a rich and varied history that can be explored on a Dunedin family holiday.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is an urban oasis with sparkling waters, lush landscapes and a big city vibe. Find out what to see and do in Auckland and make it your next family holiday destination whether you are visiting or having a staycation.
Wanaka and Cromwell are beautiful places to visit year round with an abundance of fun family activities. Find out the top things to do, see, and stay on a family holiday there.
The coolest little capital in the world, Wellington is bursting with fun activities and attractions. Discover all there is to see and do with our three day itinerary for family fun.
Rotorua is a hub of activity that is perfect for a fun family getaway. From thrill seeking adventures to stunning geothermal walks and cultural influences throughout the city, you'll want to come back over and over again.
The Waikato region's rolling green hills, bush-clad mountains, and surf beaches are host to amazing attractions for families to enjoy. Whether you're exploring underground wonders, Middle-earth movie magic, Hamilton city or the mighty Waikato River, there's plenty on offer.
Having a staycation is a great holiday option for families, enabling you to enjoy attractions and activities as a tourist while staying close to home. Now is a great time to share the discovery of something new in your local area and make lots of special memories as a family.
