Destination Guide: Queenstown
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.
Made To Share Kai Experiences Around NZ
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.
Now’s A Great Time To Visit New Zealand’s Iconic Spots & Hidden Gems
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.
Mini Itinerary: 5 Days In Queenstown and Wānaka
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.
Destination Guide: Taupō
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.
Mini Itinerary: 4 Days In Rotorua & 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.
Leave Your Comfort Zone To Explore 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 and step out of your comfort zone.try!
Holiday Like A Local – Kiwis Share Their Local Hidden Gems
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.
Must-do New Zealand Attractions For Under Fives
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.
Destination Guide: Dunedin
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.
Destination Guide: Auckland
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.
Destination Guide: Wānaka and Cromwell
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.
Mini Itinerary: 3 Days In Wellington
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.
Destination Guide: Rotorua
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.
Destination Guide: Waikato
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.
Why Staycations Are A Great Option For Families
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.
Hairy Maclary and Friends How Do I Feel? | Book Review
How are Hairy Maclary, Scarface Claw, Zachary Quack and all their friends feeling? Lynley Dodd is back with a delightful board book designed to help little ones identify and express their emotions - Hairy Maclary and Friends How Do I Feel?
Top Gift Ideas For Dad
Stuck for a memorable Father's Day present. We have curated a selection of amazing gifts that will suit every Dad. Book a fun activity now or buy a gift voucher so he can enjoy it at a later date.
Destination Guide: Taranaki
There's no shortage of family-friendly fun in Taranaki! Endless tracks and trails, glorious gardens, art and cultural offerings, and delicious food awaits in the city of New Plymouth and the surrounding Taranaki region. Check out what's on offer and plan a family holiday like no other. It's time to experience Taranaki!
The Notorious Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud | Kids Book Review
Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne have outwitted their pursuers and escaped into the wilderness once more, and it’s not long before they become famous for their audacious heists across the Seven Kingdoms. Read what our Young Readers have to say about "The Notorious Scarlett and Browne".
Act by Kayla Miller | Kids Book Review
Olive is excited to start grade 6: new teachers, new experiences, and a field trip to the big city with her best buds! But when Olive finds out that a school policy is keeping some kids from going on the trip, she decides to act. Check out the book reviews from our Young Readers for "Act" by Kayla Miller.
11 Fun Family Activities Sure To Keep The Kids Entertained
As a parent, it can be tough to come up with activities that will keep the kids entertained. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are 11 fun family activities that are sure to keep the kiddos occupied. From visiting the zoo to making crafts, there's something for everyone. So get out there and have some fun!
The Secrets of Cricket Karlsson | Kids Book Review
Winner of the prestigious Swedish August Prize 2020, The Secrets of Cricket Karlsson by Kristina Sigunsdotter is a bright, contemporary and fearless novel about an ordinary extraordinary eleven-year-old trying to win back her best friend and get her mother to stop sighing.
Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson | Kids Book Review
From bestselling author Terri Libenson, Remarkably Ruby is a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye. Check out the book reviews from our Young Readers.
Rise Of The School For Good And Evil | Kids Book Review
The battle between Good and Evil begins in "Rise of the School for Good and Evil". Go back in time to the beginning and uncover the never-before-told events leading up to Sophie and Agatha’s dramatic arrival and the beginning of their epic fairy tale. Check out the book reviews from our Young Readers.
Pūkeko Counts to 10 – Ka Tatau a Pūkeko ki te 10 | Book Review
Poet Ben Brown and illustrator Helen Taylor have created a beautiful bilingual counting board book for toddlers featuring the birds of Aotearoa. With durable card leaves at a suitable size for little hands, and gorgeous page designs that assist developing minds with nature, number and word recognition, this New Zealand-themed board book is a perfect bedtime story and a very special gift.
The Astromancer – The Rising of Matariki | Book Review
Witi Ihimaera is one of New Zealand’s most prolific and accomplished writers and he now brings us "The Astromancer - The Rising of Matariki - a lively story revealing the tradition of Matariki. Find out more about this special story along with what Ella (8 years) thought.
What To Bring To Disney With A Toddler
If you plan to bring a toddler along to Disney, you will need to plan ahead to make sure you and your child will have a fun, enjoyable and comfortable time visiting the parks. Here are the top 5 items to bring on a Disney trip with a toddler.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell | Kids Book Review
Forbidden from using his AWESOME godly powers, Loki must show 'moral improvement'. Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good is a hilarious diary-style story written and illustrated by Louie Stowell. Check out the book review from our Young Reader, Connor.
The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold | Kids Book Review
What if you could communicate with a whale? "The Lost Whale" is the enchanting second novel from Hannah Gold, the author of the bestselling and award-winning debut novel "The Last Bear". Check out the book reviews from our Young Readers.