Nz kaikoura dolphins family header
Nz doutful sound cruise sunset family header
Nz coromandel young child beach family best travel time
Nz monarch wildlife cruises 1 family easy going
Nz kaikoura dolphins family header
Nz doutful sound cruise sunset family header
Nz coromandel young child beach family best travel time
Nz monarch wildlife cruises 1 family easy going
Unique family friendly activities

Top things to do in New Zealand for families

As a family-orientated country, New Zealand has all the ingredients to ensure you’ll have a relaxing holiday together. We have personally selected extraordinary local experiences for children of all ages. And our focus is on nature conservation and small-scale locally owned companies.

Hop aboard, one of the best train journeys in the world. Go stargazing at Lake Tekapo. Spot yellow-eyed penguins and the elusive Kiwi bird. Have a close encounter with seals. Visit a local market. Swim. Go fishing for trout. Learn about the dynamic Maori culture.

Discover more about our extraordinary range of activities in New Zealand

Look inside our best easy-going activities for families

A wildlife cruise in the Queen Charlotte Sound

Blenheim & Marlborough, New Zealand

Have encounters with New Zealand's rare and unique marine wildlife

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Go stargazing in a dark sky reserve

Canterbury, New Zealand

Discover the best sky gazing in New Zealand at Lake Tekapo

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Go whale watching in Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Watch the impressive Giant Sperm whales in their natural habitat

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Venture into a magical underground world of glowworms

Te Anau & Manapouri, New Zealand

Explore 12,000-year-old caves that have been formed by the river

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Have a close encounter with Kiwi

Stewart Island, New Zealand

The only place in the world to see kiwis during the day in the wild

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Visit the world’s largest, most accessible gannet colony with family

Hawkes Bay & Napier, New Zealand

Encounter over 20,000 gannets in their natural habitat

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Encounter unique southern ocean wildlife

Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

Explore the unrivalled and protected areas of Otago Peninsula

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Explore Doubtful Sound on a wilderness cruise

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

A boat cruise that explores the spectacular Doubtful Sound

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Meet and greet friendly alpacas

Te Anau & Manapouri, New Zealand

Meet, greet, and possibly feed friendly alpacas

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Journey into Te Ao Maori (the Maori world)

Hokianga, New Zealand

Immerse yourself in a 75-minute multi-sensory journey of guided storytelling

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Join a Cathedral Cove boat tour

Coromandel, New Zealand

This amazing Cathedral Cove boat tour takes you along 12 kilometres of rocky volcanic coastline to see nearby…

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"One of my favourite regions has to be the Marlborough Sounds. It's a great alternative to the Abel Tasman region."

Ben, Travel specialist

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Available for all your questions

Simply contact us for personal advice

No question is too crazy. Our experienced travel experts are available to assist you with your dream holiday to New Zealand.

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Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.