Family-Friendly Activities To Do In New Zealand

Hey Tourist! New Zealand is home to some of planet earth’s most spectacular views and has attracted all sorts of attention from the tourism industry as well as cinematic attention. The country is located in the SouthWestern Pacific Ocean and is comprised of two mainlands, the North and South islands, and is rooted in a young but vibrant culture and history. There are endless activities for visitors to take part in while visiting the land of the Kiwis, but here is a list of ten amazing highlights to narrow your search.

Hobbiton

New Zealand holds one of the cinemas iconic locations as the set of the hit series, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are brought to life. Located in Matamata, approximately a forty-five-minute drive from Hamilton, visitors are encouraged to explore the lush and rolling plains that make up the movie set. Perfect for children that will recognize the location, this site provides a family fun adventure that allows for the outdoors, exercise and landmarks. Unfortunately, the characters from the two iconic movies won’t be present, but with a little bit of imagination, the town can come to life with a journey one’s own.

Now that you know about the magical wonders that Hobbiton has to offer, you will be excited to see what the next slide will bring.

The All Blacks

Championed as one of the all-time greatest rugby teams in the world, the New Zealand all blacks are a must-see spectacle for travelers who are interested in experiencing an invigorating match. Test matches, much like soccer matches are held less frequently throughout the year, but as a result, are much more exciting to attend when they finally arrive. Avid fans or not, such an experience is certain to entertain any family that wishes to experience the famous Haka in person. 2018 matches will be held periodically from June to September, making a summer trip destination a definite bucket list item

The All Blacks bring an energy to New Zealand that is incredibly contageous, however, the next slide offers no less.

Water Activities

New Zealand is home to plenty of lakes, rivers, and coastlines making water activities an attractive feature for New Zealand. Options include kayaking around the thousands of coastline kilometers, sailing in the calm water, boat cruises around the islands, diving with sea life, rafting and more. No matter the entertainment, explorers are able to open their imagination and passion for the open waters and fill days with fun in the sun. These activities range in difficulty and can accommodate families with children ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers.

For those looking for a more interactive activitiy for their trip, the next slide has the perfect way to do so, and make some tiny friends along the way.

Zoo visits

There is a plethora of wildlife unique to New Zealand which makes the zoo scene in the land of the kiwi a great spot to take the family. Multiple zoos, such as Auckland Zoo and Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park are available within manageable distances. These are not your typical zoos however, they are expert at bringing the customer experience as close as it can get, these zoos offer experiences to meet and pet endangered animals like Cheetahs and Galapagos Tortoises, “Fin, Noggin’, Duuude!”. Not to mention, there are rare chances offered to feed Kiwi’s (the bird, not the fruit).

Although there are many day activities that will be sure to excite any tourist, following is an opportunity to take advantage of nights in New Zealand that can be scarcely found elsewhere.

Starry Nights

With the vast ocean waters on New Zealand’s coast and the vast rolling plains, the nighttime sky is a spectacle to see for wandering stargazers. With endless constellations and a surrounding landscape like none other, star gazing is a must-see for any curious astronomy hobbyists. Views that are uncommon to many light-polluted countries are blown away by the views in popular locations such as Lake Tekapo and Wanaka. The kids will be ecstatic to see a star spotted sky or, if it is past their bedtime, the scene makes for the perfect alone time that parents can enjoy.

For those who are looking to take a bit of a load off for a few hours, but still eager to explore, the next slide has the perfect medium for doing so.

Skyline Queenstown Gondola

It can be tiring exploring a country on foot, so it is always nice to take advantage of opportunities to experience new places without the need to do too much climbing yourself. Bob's peak is a tourist favorite in Queenstown as visitors ride a gondola to the summit where a bunch of fun activities are available. Grab a coffee at one of the cafes with a view that will want to keep you around all day. There is also a restaurant option for tourists to grab lunch or dinner. It is not often that the chance to eat lunch on top of a mountain comes along, this opportunity is unique to the land of the kiwis and one that tourists will not want to miss.

Although summer activity and warm weather are a staple in New Zealand, the Kiwi country also has a few tricks up its sleeves for cooler weather. Check out the next slide for another great activitiy.

Skiing / Snowboarding

There are plenty of Alpine peaks located in New Zealand that are ideal for the average snow bunnies looking to find a new challenge to their passion. Common locations include Queenstown, Wanaka, and Central North Island and are all accompanied by views that would make any Instagram page pop. New Zealand's ski schools are world class which makes the opportunity inclusive for both novice and experienced ski and snowboarding enthusiasts regardless of age. Travelers can even ski on an active volcano, making this explosive feature a priority for any adrenaline junkies.

Following is a more relaxing and cultural opportunity for sightseers to explore the more intellectual side of New Zealand.

Art and Galleries

New Zealand offers many artistic attractions that are fitting for the whole family and provide an expressive insight into the country’s young but strong identity. Hundreds of gallery pieces, heritage attractions performing arts and even traditional arts and crafts make up a few options, but there are many more. Such art and history make for a more relaxed and easy going alternative for families that are looking to do more with less. Not to mention that the art from New Zealand has been internationally recognized for its unique style and gorgeous presentation.

Following is another fantastic chance for tourists to explore the outdoors of the scenic landscape here in Kiwi-land.

National Parks

National Parks makes for another great highlight on this list as they are great for filling a day of your trip with lots of opportunities for a less expensive cost. There are thirteen national parks in New Zealand with diverse views and the ability to be explored via boat, car or foot. Top parks include Rakiura, Paparoa and the Fiordland which is known for its ability to strike a chord with those who journey through the dramatic and powerful scenery. Terrains allow for hikers of all skill level making it another ideal option for family trips.

Although walking up and down mountains and terrain can be fun and active, the next slide offers an alternative and a much better view.

Air Activities

With all of the amazing sights to see in New Zealand, some options include viewing the land from above. New Zealand offers various air activities including small plane or helicopter rides, hot air balloon rides, and skydiving which is perfect for adrenaline junkies who enjoy jumping out of perfectly fine airplanes. There is even an option for those who have never participated in air activities, what better place to start than the home of the Kiwis with a view that will make the foundation of an experience the family can share for a lifetime.