New Zealand is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and a number of things to do for both adults and children. Whether you choose to explore the North Island or the South Island, you will be amazed by the beauty of this country. Traveling with children in New Zealand can be a delightful and rewarding experience. The country offers diverse landscapes, family-friendly activities, and excellent facilities to make your journey enjoyable and stress-free. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan and make the most of your family adventure in New Zealand.
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Best season to travel to New Zealand
New Zealand’s climate varies across its regions, but generally, the best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and conducive for outdoor activities. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also good times, offering mild weather and fewer tourists.
During the month of January, it is school holidays in New Zealand. Therefore, prices are higher (peak season) and there is less availability for hotels, rental etc.
Renting a vehicle in New Zealand
Traveling around New Zealand with children is convenient due to the country’s well-developed infrastructure. Renting a car or campervan is a popular choice, providing flexibility and comfort. Ensure you have appropriate child car seats as required by law. Public transport options like buses and trains are also available and can be a fun way to explore the cities.
Renting a car in New Zealand
If you opt for a car, you need to book accommodations for your travels. This offers less flexibility on your route. Furthermore, you have to add hotels bookings ($ 180 minimum per night for a family room) to the equation, which makes the overall costs of the rental car option higher. Not to mention the expenses for eating out because you won’t be able to cook your meals. Another drawback is that you have to unpack your stuff every day, like putting the bags in the trunk, taking them out again.
However, the car option also has advantages. In fact, traveling in a car is easier than in a motorhome. The roads in New Zealand are quite narrow and winding, so driving in a small vehicle is easier and faster. This option also offers a lot more comfort than the camper, because you spend nights in spacious hotel rooms and don’t have to worry about cooking. The car is probably a better option if you are traveling during winter season because you enjoy warm nights at the cozy hotel room.
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand
Renting a motorhome allows you to move at your own pace in a small house. This mode of transport offers you a lot of flexibility. If you like a place, you can to stay longer, or if you run out of time, you can change your travel route. In motorhomes, you have everything at hand and you don’t need to empty the trunk every night. Depending on the vehicle you choose, you have a small kitchen, a bathroom with toilet and shower, and a real bed. Once your fridge is packed, you can hit the road. The price of renting a motorhome is also cheaper than the combination of car rental and hotels plus restaurant meals.
Regarding the choice of the camper, remember to make sure that you can access the rear of the vehicle from the cabin. Some vehicles have a separating wall, so you have to stop and get outside to access the living area.
What about the car seat?
Children under 7 have to sit in car seats. The models vary according to the age and weight of the child.
For newborns and toddlers, you need baby car seats or capsules. Rental companies normally don’t provide them, so you should plan to bring your own.
For older children, and generally over 10 kg, a car seat attached to the seat belt is necessary. The car rental companies offer them for hire. Depending on which option you choose (with or without insurance), you may not have to pay for car seat rental. However, be aware that the seats provided by rental companies are not the latest models, which means they are often old and uncomfortable (packed foam). In this case you rather pay for a better seat. You can either obtain it from the car rental company or from specialized companies.
Rental companies often ask you to install the car seats yourself because they don’t want to take on the responsibility and for safety reasons.
Family-Friendly Activities in New Zealand
North Island
The North Island of New Zealand offers diverse and stunning landscapes.
Auckland
There is Auckland, the largest city in the country, where you probably arrive in. Auckland is a great starting point for families. Visit the Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, and Rainbow’s End Theme Park. The city’s parks, such as Cornwall Park and Auckland Domain, offer plenty of space for children to run around. From here, you can explore the north of the island, a cultural and spiritual mecca for the Maori people. Enjoy beautiful beaches, small coves and islands, and giant Kauri forest.
Rotorua
Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Explore the geothermal parks, enjoy a family-friendly mud bath, and experience a traditional Maori hangi feast. Don’t miss the Agrodome, where children can interact with farm animals.
Hobbiton
For fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata is a magical experience. The guided tours are family-friendly and bring the fantasy world to life.
South Island
Discover lakes in breathtaking colors, glaciers, fjords, snow-capped mountains, beautiful beaches, and vineyards on the South Island.
Queenstown
Queenstown is known for adventure activities, but it also offers family-friendly fun. Enjoy the Skyline Gondola, the Kiwi Birdlife Park, and family cruises on Lake Wakatipu. In winter, the ski resorts have facilities and lessons for children.
From there, you can go exploring the fjords from Te Anau to Milford Sound. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound is one of the most visited places in the country. Go hiking or on a boat or canoe tour to see dolphins, whales, and seals.
Another great place to see wildlife is the Otago Peninsula, near Dunedin. This peninsula is famous for its colonies of albatrosses, seals, and penguins.
Christchurch
Christchurch offers a range of activities, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and Orana Wildlife Park. The International Antarctic Centre provides interactive exhibits and rides that children will love. From Christchurch, take the road to the east coast of the island to get to the glaciers.
Abel Tasman National Park
This national park is ideal for families who love the outdoors. Enjoy easy coastal walks, kayaking, and swimming at the beautiful beaches. Guided tours are available and suitable for children.
Then head for Wanaka or Hawea lakes, which are really worth seeing. The autumn colors of the trees lining the crystal clear water make the landscapes look stunning.
Practical Tips
Health and safety
New Zealand is generally safe for travelers, but it’s essential to take standard precautions. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pack a first aid kit, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
Food and dining
New Zealand has a diverse food scene with many family-friendly restaurants and cafes. Supermarkets and local markets are excellent places to stock up on snacks and essentials. Many accommodations have kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare meals if needed.
Packing essentials
Pack appropriate clothing for New Zealand’s variable weather, including layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget essentials like medications, favorite toys, and travel documents.
Renting a motorhome
If you opt for the camper option, go for a larger model. Then you can leave the car seats in without having to put everything away to make the bed every night. For example, in a 6-seater, you could set up a permanent bed at the back and use the car seats in the front also as high chairs at the table.
Take into account the ages of your children and plan your itinerary accordingly. Make sure to include plenty of stops along the way for rest, food, and entertainment.
Flying with kids
The flight from Europe to New Zealand is long, at least 24 hours with one or two stops. So pack things that keep your children entertained during the flight. For the little ones take books, music games etc. For older children, the in-flight entertainment program covers children’s movies and games for all ages.
Plan to arrive in New Zealand in the late afternoon or evening. This will allow the children to recover during the night and overcome the jet lag more easily.
Airlines generally allow you to carry more in your carry-on luggage than normal (sterilized water, juice, milk, etc.). You can also take your stroller, car seat, or baby carrier with you for free. Remember to double-check these things with your airline before you leave.
If you decide on the car + hotel option, many hotels have apartments equipped with kitchens and play areas for toddlers.
Finally, on the road, you find public toilets that are well maintained and have baby change units.
Activities to do with children in New Zealand
New Zealand has plenty of outdoor activities suitable for children of all ages, such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming. There are also plenty of indoor activities like museums and amusement parks.
You find playgrounds in every city, that are more or less modern depending on where you are. This gives children the opportunity to play and stretch before going on the road.
Visit zoos or wildlife parks or go on a cruise on one of the lakes to see a whale, seal or penguin.
You also find a number of museums, for which the entrance is generally free for small children.
With older children, you could go swimming with dolphins or sea lions in the Bay of Islands on the North Island or Kaikura on the South Island. Another fun thing to do is horse riding tours, which are offered in most places in New Zealand. If you want to do something a bit more ‘extreme’ , go on a helicopter flight.
Companies often offer family fares that are cheaper than buying separate tickets. Many activities for toddlers (under 4 years) are free.
