Guide to family holidays in New Zealand
If you’re considering a New Zealand family holiday, you’re already on the right track.
New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a spectacular island nation in the southwestern Pacific made up of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island – plus dozens of smaller islands. Within a few hours’ drive, you can go from black-sand beaches to geothermal hot pools, and snow-capped mountains to glowworm caves.
It’s also one of the easiest international destinations for Australian families. It’s familiar, safe, English-speaking, yet wildly different in scenery and experiences.
Want to know a bit more?
Why New Zealand is fantastic for family holidays
New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the best destinations in the world for families – and for good reason. Here’s why family holidays in New Zealand work so well:
- Safe and easy to navigate
- Compact distances compared to Europe, North America and Australia
- Outdoor adventures for every age
- Wildlife encounters (seals, dolphins, penguins, kiwi birds)
- Maori cultural experiences
- Road trip heaven
Whether your kids want to see Hobbiton, ski in Queenstown, soak in Rotorua hot springs or hunt glowworms in Waitomo, New Zealand balances education, adventure and fresh air beautifully.
New Zealand facts at a glance
Capital: Wellington
Population: Approximately 5 million
Official Languages: English, Maori
Time Zone: NZST (UTC+12), NZDT (UTC+13 daylight savings)
Landmass: 268,021 km²
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Emergency Number: 111
Religion: 52% no religion, 32% Christian (2023 census)
Electricity: 230/240V (same plugs as Australia)
WiFi: Widely available in hotels and cafés
Where to go on New Zealand family holidays
North Island
The North Island of New Zealand is known for its likeable cities, such as Wellington (the capital) and Auckland (the most populous), as well as its stunning natural features. It’s fantastic and easy for first-time visitors.
Highlights include:
- Auckland – harbours, islands and family-friendly city vibes
- Wellington – compact capital with museums and waterfront walks
- Rotorua – geothermal parks and Maori cultural experiences
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves – magical underground glowworms
- Mount Taranaki – dramatic volcanic cone and easy scenic drives
South Island
The South Island delivers the wow factor. Top destinations include:
- Queenstown – adventure capital (skiing, jet boating, luge rides)
- Milford Sound – fjords and waterfalls
- Christchurch – green spaces and family-friendly
- Abel Tasman National Park – golden beaches and kayaking
The South Island is ideal for outdoorsy families and road trip lovers.
Things to do in New Zealand with kids
From glowworm caves to skiing to beach days, New Zealand family holidays can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like.
Popular family experiences include:
- Hobbiton movie set tours
- Skiing in Queenstown
- Whale watching in Kaikoura
- Hot pools and mud pools in Rotorua
- Penguin spotting in Dunedin
- Coastal walks and easy hikes
Family-friendly accommodation
New Zealand offers:
- Holiday parks (excellent for families)
- Campervan and motorhome travel
- Lakeside cabins
- Farm stays
- Reliable hotel brands
Motorhome travel is especially popular for New Zealand family holidays, giving you freedom and flexibility. However, if RVs aren’t your thing, many holiday parks offer cabins, which are excellent value for families.
Best time to visit for family holidays in New Zealand
New Zealand is a year-round destination.
Summer (December to February): Best for beaches, hiking and national parks. Peak season.
Autumn (March to May): Fewer crowds, beautiful foliage in Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay.
Winter (June to August): Perfect for skiing in Queenstown and the Central Plateau. Great hot spring weather.
Spring (September to November): Wildflowers, newborn lambs and quieter hiking trails.
For Australian families, school holiday timing often aligns perfectly with NZ’s seasonal highlights.
Getting there and getting around
Getting there
The easiest way to start your New Zealand family holiday is by air. Direct flights operate from major Australian and USA cities to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Getting around
The best way to explore NZ with kids is by:
- Hiring a car
- Renting a campervan
- Ferry between North and South Islands (book ahead in high season)
- Domestic flights for longer distances
Motorhome travel is hugely popular – and for good reason. The scenery between destinations is half the experience. Book ahead in peak seasons.
Dining with kids in New Zealand
New Zealand is incredibly family-friendly when it comes to dining. Kids menus are widely available and there is a high-quality cafe culture. When it comes to fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce, New Zealand really shines but on the other hand, if you prefer to self-cater, there is also easy supermarket access.
You won’t struggle to feed fussy eaters here.
Itineraries and day trips
Popular family routes include:
- Auckland → Rotorua → Waitomo → Hobbiton
- Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Queenstown
- Wellington → Marlborough via ferry
- West Coast scenic drives
We recommend allowing at least 14 days if visiting both islands.
Budgeting for your trip
New Zealand is not the cheapest destination but it’s certainly not the worst and offers excellent value for experiences.
Cost-saving tips:
- Travel in shoulder seasons
- Book campervan + campsites
- Self-cater some meals
- Take advantage of free hikes and beaches
- Book ferries early
YouTube: New Zealand with kids
You can’t go wrong with New Zealand
New Zealand remains one of the most rewarding destinations for families who love nature, fresh air and meaningful experiences. It’s safe, scenic, and easy to explore – with just enough adventure to keep older kids and teens engaged.
If you’re planning New Zealand family holidays, this is a destination where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination (particularly in the south island). Start mapping your route, book that campervan, and prepare for some of the most beautiful scenery your family will ever see.
FAQs on New Zealand Family Holidays
Yes. New Zealand is safe, easy to navigate, English-speaking and packed with outdoor adventures. From glowworm caves and beaches to skiing and wildlife encounters, it’s an ideal mix of nature, culture and family-friendly infrastructure.
Allow 10-14 days for one island, or 2-3 weeks to explore both. While New Zealand looks small on a map, scenic roads and driving times mean you’ll want to move at a relaxed pace.
New Zealand is mid-to-high range in cost, but offers excellent value for experiences. Families can save by hiring a campervan, self-catering meals, travelling in shoulder season and enjoying free attractions like beaches, lakes and national parks.
The North Island suits first-time visitors with geothermal parks, Maori culture and shorter driving distances. The South Island is ideal for dramatic scenery, skiing and outdoor adventure. Both work well for families – it depends on your travel style.
Summer (Dec-Feb) is best for beaches and hiking. Autumn (Mar-May) has fewer crowds and beautiful colours. Winter (Jun-Aug) is ideal for skiing. Spring (Sep-Nov) offers wildlife and mild weather. New Zealand is a year-round family destination.
Yes. New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and high healthcare standards. Basic travel precautions still apply.
No. Australian passport holders can enter and stay visa-free. Other nationalities may need a visa or NZeTA, so check official immigration advice before travelling
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