Guide to family holidays in New Zealand
Let’s talk about New Zealand as a family holiday destination!
New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a picturesque island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and comprises two main landmasses – the North Island and the South Island – as well as numerous smaller islands.
The landscape in New Zealand is varied and often, ridiculously picturesque, ranging from fjord-lined coastlines to lush rainforests through to rolling pastures and rugged snow-capped mountains. You may recognise some of this scenery from well-known films such as Lord of the Rings and The Last Samurai.
Why New Zealand is fantastic for family holidays
New Zealand is an ideal destination for family holidays due to its safe environment, friendly locals and the variety of things to do for all ages. Outdoorsy families will be in holiday heaven with fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking and wildlife watching – where they might spot seals, dolphins and kiwis. For those who want to step up the adventure seeking, New Zealand is also famous for bungee jumping and jet boating.
The indigenous Maori culture is celebrated, and as a result, there are plenty of educational experiences to be found through traditional performances and visits to marae (Maori meeting grounds). With its mix of outdoor activities, modern infrastructure, culture and natural beauty, New Zealand remains a memorable, fun-filled holiday for all ages.
Where to go in New Zealand for your family holiday
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 like the geothermal areas of Rotorua. It boasts beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, and historic Maori cultural sites. The landscape varies from lush forests to picturesque vineyards, making it ideal for those who want both adventure and relaxation.
For those with their heart set on visiting ‘Hobbiton’ on their New Zealand family holiday, you’ll want to head to the North Island!
South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is chock full of dramatic landscapes, with majestic mountains, fjords, and pristine lakes. Key destinations include:
- Queenstown – known for adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing
- Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park – known for its stunning scenery
- Christchurch – a vibrant city blending tradition and modernity
For those wanting to go on a family skiing holiday in New Zealand, consider heading to Queenstown in the South Island. The South Island of New Zealand offers excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching also.
Travel information for your New Zealand family holiday
Capital
The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington, found on the southern tip of the North Island. Despite being the capital, it’s not the largest city in New Zealand in terms of population. Auckland, which is found more north-central on the North Island, is larger in both population and geographical size. The main cities on the South Island are Queenstown and Christchurch.
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (see current exchange rates)
Electricity
230/240 volt with 2 or 3 pins. The same as Australia and parts of Asia.
Entry/Visa
Australians can enter and stay in New Zealand visa-free, making organising a family holiday here fairly hassle-free. However, check here for updated information just in case. Other counties may qualify for a visa waiver. It’s easy to work out your visa requirement by visiting New Zealand’s Immigration Website.
Language
English/Maori
Safety
New Zealand is considered as safe as the majority of other developed countries for family holidays. However, you should take the usual health and safety precautions you usually would when travelling.
Population and size
New Zealand has a population of around 5 million spread over an area of 268,021 square kilometres, making is slightly larger than the UK.
Time Zone
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is UTC + 12, is observed in both the North and South Islands. From the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April (typically), New Zealand moves to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), which is UTC+13.
However, if you visit New Zealand’s Chatham Islands to the east, you will move to Chatham Standard Time (CHAST) and CHADT, which is UTS + 12:45 and UTS + 13:45 respectively.
Emergency number
111
Religion
As of the 2023 census data from New Zealand, the religious affiliations of the population are 52% no religion, 32% Christian, 2.6% Hindu, 1.4% Islam, and 1.2% Buddhism.
Best time to visit New Zealand for a family holiday
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on the interests of your family and the activities you plan to engage in on your holiday. The country offers different attractions across the seasons.
Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather perfect for beach activities, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Popular destinations like the Bay of Islands, Coromandel, and Abel Tasman National Park are particularly appealing during this time.
Autumn (March to May): With milder temperatures and fewer tourists, autumn is ideal for visiting wine regions like Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay. The changing colours of the foliage in parks and gardens are especially beautiful.
Winter (June to August): Ideal for skiing and winter sports, particularly in the mountainous regions such as Queenstown and the Central Plateau on the North Island. This season also offers the chance to enjoy hot springs in places like Rotorua and Hanmer Springs on your New Zealand family holiday.
Spring (September to November): A great time for spring blossoms and early-season hiking, avoiding the summer crowds. This season is also good for spotting wildlife, such as newborn lambs and blooming gardens.
How to get to New Zealand and get around
New Zealand is an island nation so the easiest and most popular way to travel there is by air.
Hiring a vehicle is the best way to get around New Zealand on your family holiday due to the stunning scenery on offer. Motorhome travel is particularly popular for visitors. Public transport is available, but of course, there are limitations to this when compared to a hire car.
Book your motorhome, campervan or vehicle rental in New Zealand here.
Getting from the North Island to the South Island is either by ferry or plane and in high season, you’ll need to book ahead.
Where to stay on your New Zealand family holiday
If you’re not cruising around in a motorhome or campervan, we love the Accor brand of hotels for its upmarket offerings and reliability. Just click on the banner below to check them out.
But if you’re trying to get through your New Zealand family holiday on the cheap, compare a range of hotels on Booking.com by clicking on the banner below.
Booking.comNew Zealand family holiday inspiration
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