Best Things to Do in New Zealand with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Experiences
03 September 2026 
Travelling with kids can be a great excuse to see New Zealand in a different way. From meeting animals and exploring famous attractions to getting out on the water or trying something completely new, there are plenty of experiences that can make a family day out a memorable part of the trip.
The best choice will depend on who you are travelling with and what everyone enjoys. Younger children may be more interested in animals, farms and hands-on attractions, while older kids and teenagers might enjoy kayaking, ziplining and other outdoor adventures.
Here are some family-friendly activities and experiences to consider around New Zealand.
1. Explore Famous Attractions and Movie Magic
For families visiting Auckland, the Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland combines two well-known New Zealand attractions in one experience.
The tour visits the Hobbiton Movie Set, where families can explore the famous filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. It also includes a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, offering a completely different experience underground.
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland including Lunch
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Our Hobbiton & Waitomo small group, fully-guided day trip combines two of the best attractions in the North Island together in a less rushed way than other tours to form the ultimate day trip from Auckland.
This is a good choice for families who want to combine sightseeing, film locations and one of New Zealand's unique natural attractions in the same day.
2. Take a Family Day Trip from Christchurch to Akaroa
If you’re visiting Christchurch, Akaroa makes an easy day trip, around 90 minutes away across the scenic Banks Peninsula. This charming harbour village is known for its French heritage, historic streets, coastal scenery and relaxed village atmosphere.
Families can spend the day exploring the waterfront and surrounding bays, getting out on the water or meeting some of the local wildlife. One option is Meet Our Friendly Alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas, where you can get up close to alpacas while enjoying the peaceful Banks Peninsula countryside.
Meet our friendly alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas in beautiful Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Full of attitude, seriously cute, and very, very photogenic: come and meet our friendly award-winning alpacas. Just one hour from Christchurch, you’ll find Shamarra Alpaca Farm on the beautiful Banks Peninsula acros ...
For families looking for something more active, the Guided Sea Kayak Safari in Akaroa offers a chance to get out on the water and explore the area's coastline and bays.
Guided sea kayak safari in Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari’s sea kayaking tours are sure to bring out your adventurous spirit! We are Akaroa’s premium Sea Kayak Operators and can’t wait to get you on the water with us! Akaroa is one of New Zealan ...
Together, these experiences offer two very different ways to enjoy Akaroa, depending on whether your family feels like slowing down with the animals or getting active on the water.
3. Discover New Zealand's Culture and Stories
If you're visiting Northland, Waitangi is an important place to include in your trip. It is where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 and is one of the most significant places in New Zealand's history.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds sit on Northland's sheltered east coast, while Manea Footprints of Kupe is on the wild west coast. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway connects the two, creating a scenic route around the top of New Zealand. Along the way, you can travel through Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand's largest known kauri tree, which is estimated to be around 2,000 years old.
Manea Theatre Attraction Footprints of Kupe
Hokianga, Northland
Manea Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings ...
This makes it possible to combine important cultural sites with some of Northland's remarkable natural landscapes in the same trip.
4. Explore Milford Sound from Queenstown or by Self-Drive
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, known for its towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls and spectacular fiord scenery. It is around four hours from Queenstown by road, making it a popular day trip for families staying in the region, with a range of day-trip options available.
For families who prefer to travel independently, you can also drive to Milford Sound and join a cruise from the Milford Sound Visitor Centre. The Milford Sound Discover More Cruise offers a chance to experience the fiord from the water, with a dedicated Nature Guide and opportunities to see its dramatic scenery and wildlife.
Milford Sound Discover More Cruise
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Our longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise — spend up to 2 hours 14 mins on the water with a dedicated onboard Nature Guide for a deeper connection with the fiord.
It is a memorable way for families to experience one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural landscapes without needing to take on a more active adventure.
There are Coach and Cruise Tours from Queenstown, as well as air and scenic flights on SeeAndDo.co.nz for the ultimate experience of Milford Sound from above.
5. Discover Wildlife Along Wellington's Coast
Wellington is a compact city with plenty of opportunities for families to get beyond the city centre and experience its natural surroundings.
The Wellington Half Day Seal Coast Safari takes visitors along Wellington's rugged south coast, travelling through private farmland and coastal landscapes to see New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment.
Wellington: Half Day Seal Coast Safari
Wellington City, Wellington
Venture through private farmland with stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island, and Kaikoura Ranges. Travel down to sea level, to see some much-loved locals, New Zealand fur seals.
It is a chance to explore a different side of Wellington while combining sightseeing, nature and wildlife in one experience.
6. Experience a New Zealand High Country Farm
The Mackenzie High Country is known for its beautiful landscapes, and a farm tour is a chance to experience this part of New Zealand from a different perspective. The Lake Tekapo High Country Farm Tour combines the scenery with an off-road adventure on a working high country farm.
Lake Tekapo High Country Farm Tour
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Our High Country Farm Tour is an incredible way to see and learn about farming in the Mackenzie High Country. Take in magnificent views & hand feed our friendly farm yard animals. This off-road adventure is definitel ...
For families travelling through the South Island, it is a chance to experience the region's rural landscapes and see a working New Zealand high country farm up close.
7. Take the Family on a Self-Drive Rail Adventure
For something a little different, RailCruising offers a chance to explore New Zealand's countryside from the railway.
In Rotorua, the Railcruising 2 Hour Self-Drive Rail Journey offers a unique way to explore the region's native forest, farmland and views towards Lake Rotorua from your own self-drive RailCruiser.
Railcruising 2 hour Self Drive Rail Journey
Rotorua
Discover Rotorua in a Whole New Way with RailCruising Explore Rotorua’s surrounding landscapes aboard your own RailCruiser – a fully automated, petrol‑electric railcar designed for comfort, safety, and effortles ...
It is a more relaxed way to explore and offers families an experience that is quite different from the usual road trip or sightseeing tour.
8. Explore the Limestone Coast by Kayak
For families who enjoy being active outdoors, kayaking can be a great way to explore New Zealand's coastline.
In Hamilton & Waikato, the Limestone Express Kayak Tour takes visitors along the famous Limestone Coast to explore ancient pancake rocks and a unique coastline that can only be accessed by water.
Limestone Express Kayak Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
This boutique guided tour takes you straight into the heart of the famous Limestone Coast for an exciting and intimate experience. Explore the majestic pancake rocks as you paddle right into this ancient seabed labyrinth ...
The experience gives families a chance to spend time outdoors while exploring this unique part of the coastline from a different perspective.
9. Add a Bit of Adventure to the Day
Families travelling with older children or teenagers may be looking for something with a little more action.
The Coromandel Zipline Tour combines ziplining with a chance to experience the native forest from above.
Adventurous 8-Zipline Canopy Tour
Whitianga, Coromandel
Fly through the canopy on Coromandel Zipline Tours, a truly unique zipline adventure that supports native forest restoration.
It is a fun way to get outdoors and experience the landscape from a completely different angle, making it a strong choice for families looking to add a little adventure to their trip.
10. Try a Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure
For families looking for something more adventurous, Full Day Scenic Rafting on the Rangitīkei River – Family Friendly offers a way to experience the river together.
The rafting trip combines time on the water with the chance to enjoy the surrounding scenery, making it a good choice for families who want to try something more active during their New Zealand travels.
Full Day Scenic Rafting on the Rangitikei River, Family Friendly
Whanganui
With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery, and a riverside picnic lunch, the 13 km section of the Rangitikei River downstream from River Valley Lodge is perfect for all ages.
It’s a good way for families to share an outdoor adventure while enjoying the scenery along the Rangitīkei River.
11. Relax and Soak Up the Scenery
On the Canterbury Plains, a visit to Family Friendly Hot Pools with Alpine Views offers a more relaxed way to spend time together.
The experience combines warm pools with views of the surrounding alpine landscape, giving families the chance to slow down and enjoy some time together.
Family Friendly Hot Pools with Alpine Views
Canterbury Plains, Canterbury
Set against the foothills of Mt Hutt (also known as Ōpuke) in the alpine village of Methven, just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa is an award-winning, premium hot pools and wellness ...
It is a nice reminder that family activities do not always need to be action-packed. Sometimes, a slower day together can be just as enjoyable.
Planning Family Activities in New Zealand
When planning things to do in New Zealand with kids, it helps to think about the ages and interests of everyone travelling. Some families may prefer animal encounters, attractions and sightseeing, while others may be looking for kayaking, rafting or other outdoor adventures.
It is also worth checking the individual activity details before booking, particularly where age, fitness or other requirements may apply. If you are travelling during a busy period or have a particular experience in mind, booking ahead can also help you secure your preferred date.
Plan Your Family Adventures in New Zealand
Some family experiences are about slowing down and taking in the scenery, while others add a little more adventure along the way. The important part is choosing activities that suit the people you are travelling with.
New Zealand offers a wide range of experiences, from meeting animals and exploring cultural attractions to getting out on the water, travelling through spectacular landscapes and trying something completely different.
Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, wildlife, sightseeing or hands-on experiences, there are plenty of ways to make time together part of the journey.
Continue exploring Auckland, Wellington, Coromandel, Akaroa, Lake Tekapo and other destinations around New Zealand to find more activities for your next family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Things to Do in New Zealand with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Experiences
What are some of the best things to do in New Zealand with kids?
New Zealand offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences, including animal encounters, cultural attractions, sightseeing, kayaking, rafting, farm visits and outdoor adventures. The best choice will depend on your childrens ages, interests and how active your family wants to be.
Are there family-friendly activities for younger children in New Zealand?
Yes. Experiences such as meeting alpacas, visiting a high country farm, exploring attractions and enjoying hot pools can offer a more relaxed option for families travelling with younger children. Always check the individual activity details before booking to make sure it suits your family.
What are some good activities for teenagers in New Zealand?
Older children and teenagers may enjoy more active experiences such as kayaking, ziplining, rafting and exploring New Zealands natural landscapes. New Zealand also has cultural attractions and film-related experiences that may appeal to families with older children.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in New Zealand?
Yes. Families can choose from a variety of outdoor experiences, including wildlife encounters, scenic cruises, farm tours, kayaking, rafting and other adventures. There are options across both the North and South Islands.
Do I need to book family activities in advance?
It is a good idea to book ahead if there is a particular experience you do not want to miss, especially when travelling during busy periods. Availability can vary between activities and regions, so checking and booking early can help with planning your trip.
How can I find family-friendly activities in different parts of New Zealand?
You can explore activities and experiences across New Zealand and search by region to find options that suit where you are travelling and what your family enjoys.