Experiences in New Zealand
Family Friendly
Enjoy a family picnic in a picture perfect setting, or bask in the company of your children as together you explore the famous New Zealand wildlife. The wide selection of activities for kids range from animal and wildlife experiences to nature-based activities and thrill-seeking adventures.
Discover some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife in one of the many animal parks and zoos. Meet the iconic white kiwi, see King penguins at play on an Antarctic Encounter or swim with dolphins. Family activities here do not mean you’ll always have your hand in your pocket. Walking and cycling tracks are endless, as are stretches of sandy beaches. Many museums and galleries are free or have a small nominal charge. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the country’s rich Māori culture and history of the land.
Thrill-seekers won’t miss out; adventure is New Zealand’s middle name and many pursuits are suitable activities for kids. Zoom down a hill on a luge or in a Zorb, hit the slopes for skiing in winter, dart along a river in a jet-boat, or for the really brave at heart, bungy off a bridge or try a canyon swing.
TOP 10 FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN NEW ZEALAND
Experience the best of New Zealand during weekends and school holidays with a wide selection of activities for kids. Choose from unforgettable wildlife experiences, interactive cultural activities or thrill-seeking adventures.
1. Learn about ‘the story that started it all’ at Manea Footprints of Kupe
Reconnect the family with Aotearoa’s history and visit Manea Footprints of Kupe, an interactive cultural and heritage centre telling New Zealand’s first story – the story of Kupe, New Zealand’s first explorer. Learn about the beginnings of Māori nationhood, the story of Kupe’s voyage and the national significance it holds.
2. Zipline through an untouched native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Take the family out for a day of adrenalin and fun with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Offering a range of packages, this unique eco-experience has highly trained guides that take you through swing bridges, get you up close and personal with rare native birds and show you first-hand the positive impact of their conservation efforts. It’s an exciting and rewarding experience the kids won’t forget.
3. Unleash the family’s creativity at Weta Workshop Unleashed
Found in the heart of Auckland city, Weta Workshop Unleashed offers a fantastical film FX experience that’s fun for the whole family. Their guided experience takes you through an imaginative world full of creatures, castles and creative activities. Part film set, part creative workshop, this unique activity lets you dabble in robotics, create sculptures, and even get close to a giant galactic robot!
4. Explore ZEALANDIA, an ecosanctuary filled with extraordinary wildlife
Venture into New Zealand’s wildlife at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, set in a picturesque reservoir less than 10 minutes’ drive from Wellington. Try and spot some of the many native species such as the tuatara, tīeke, tūi and kākā as you wander through the sanctuary. Make the most out of your visit and book a guided tour, with tours available during the day, night or at twilight.
5. Chill out with the family and experience a slice of Antarctica
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity that thrills, excites, educates and inspires then be sure to add the International Antarctic Centre to your list of things to do. With several different experiences, you can meet penguins, ride a Hägglund, brave an arctic storm and walk through decades of history in the Antarctic gallery, it’s sure to be a hit for the whole family!
6. Create memorable animal encounters at Orana Wildlife Park
Explore the country’s only open-range zoo at Orana Wildlife Park, which is only 15 minutes’ drive from Christchurch airport. Hand-feed majestic giraffes, get up close to gorillas, meet some meerkats or if the family’s feeling a little bit more adventurous, travel through the Lion Reserve. Take your kids on a wildlife adventure and your kids may even see their favourite animal in real life!
7. Go on an adventure and visit Middle‑earth
Discover the enchanting world of Hobbiton™ with a Hobbiton™ Movie Set tour. As you are guided through the lush pastures of the Shire, learn how the movie magic was made as your guide explains filming techniques and the intricate detail put behind building the set. Challenge the kids and see if they can spot any hobbits or see how many Hobbit Holes they can count!
8. Bee a beekeeper at Huka Honey Hive
Delve into the world of bees, see them up close and watch them as they work at Huka Honey Hive. The Honey Shack beekeeping tour offers an exciting guided experience through the gardens and the beehives. Zip into a bee suit, meet the bees, learn how honey is made and discover the importance of bees in the ecosystem. This fun and educational experience is a must-do for the family and will keep the kids buzzing for days.
9. Meet photogenic alpacas
Just about an hour’s drive from Christchurch, you can find Shamarra Alpacas, home to over 170 alpacas. Guided farm tours are available throughout the day where you can more learn about these inquisitive animals and their quirky habits. Be sure to grab some home-baked biscuits and check out the Alpaca shop which offers a range of natural 100% dye-free alpaca knitwear. Make it a family day out and head over to Akaroa and explore the rest of the Banks Peninsula.
10. Visit the wonderful, weird and bizarre Puzzling World
From Roman toilets, Illusion rooms, to the Great Maze, Wanaka’s Puzzling World is sure to confuse, impress and entertain the whole family. Explore the Sculptillusion gallery that’s filled with architectural trickery and local artistic talent or spend time at the unique café and try out dozens of puzzles and brain teasers. Rain or shine, it’s an easy and fun way to spend the afternoon with the kids.
CAMPING
Camping in New Zealand is a popular pastime. As a land of the outdoors, it’s not surprising that a night under canvas is a preferred accommodation option. There are few greater pleasures than sitting around a campfire on a clear-skied evening listening to waves breaking or gurgling rivers.
Where can you camp in New Zealand?
There are many different types of camping in New Zealand.
Campgrounds and holiday parks
Campgrounds or holiday parks are commercial operations that provide a safe and well-equipped camping experience. You will usually find tent sites as well as powered and unpowered van/motorhome sites, and sometimes cabins or ‘units’. A tent site may be a specific marked patch of grass or a ‘take what you can find’ arrangement where you can pitch your tent anywhere. The cost of your tent or van space will include the use of the campground facilities.
Department of Conservation campsites
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over 250 public camping areas on conservation land throughout New Zealand. Located in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, these campsites usually don’t have an on-site manager and are operated on a trust basis. Tents, vans, motorhomes and caravans are all welcome on DOC conservation campsites. Facilities are typically minimal and basic, but fees are very reasonable – sometimes free.
Freedom camping or ‘free’ camping
There are certain areas in New Zealand where you can pull over, park your campervan or motorhome or set up your tent and camp for the night, free of charge.
When freedom camping in New Zealand you must always:
– Use public toilets or the portable toilet in your vehicle.
– Leave no trace.
– Dispose of all rubbish responsibly, or take it with you.
– Keep detergents, soap, toothpaste etc. out of waterways.
– Only use approved dump stations to dispose of motorhome waste.
LUXURY TRAVEL
Discover New Zealand’s unique and beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and authentic experiences when you come for a luxury stay. From rugged alpine terrain through to the shimmering waters of a sub-tropical cove, New Zealand’s regions are incredibly diverse and home to some of the best luxury experiences in the world.
Find a bespoke encounter that speaks directly to you, whether it be pure relaxation, alpine fun, adrenaline-fuelled action, fly fishing or golf. At the end of your day, relive your experiences in the lavish surrounds of your premium lodge or resort, where nature meets luxury in effortless style.
A holiday in New Zealand lets you disconnect from the hectic pace of the rest of the world. Lose yourself in the natural beauty of the country, the world-class activities, innovative cuisine, and genuine warmth of the people. This is the destination where treasured memories are made.
TOP LUXURY EXPERIENCES
Our bespoke experiences cater to a wide range of interests and tastes ensuring you will encounter true warmth and wonder in uncompromising luxury. The breath-taking landscapes and undiscovered corners of New Zealand are the perfect places to escape in laidback luxury. Talk to the skies, explore the oceans or hit the open road to enjoy the beauty of New Zealand first-hand through tailored excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Pacific Rim Cuisine and World-Class wine
Welcome to a food and wine lover’s paradise – where innovative ingredients freshly harvested from garden, land and sea are skilfully combined and world-class vineyards stretch throughout every region.
Golf courses designed by nature
New Zealand is home to some of the most mind-blowingly magnificent golf courses in the world. Try your hand on the world-famous cliff-top courses in the Bay of Islands and Hawke’s Bay.
Walk in beautiful landscapes and explore vast wilderness areas
Exploring New Zealand’s walking and hiking trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the country’s outstanding natural beauty. Spend a day with a fantastic guide or host who can take you from your lodge for an intimate, authentic outdoor experience.
Fly over the top of Middle- earth
Take off on a stunning scenic flight for the best views of New Zealand’s monumental mountains, volcanoes, lakes and coastlines, melting into an unending panorama of scenery.
Fly fish in our ‘gin clear’ waters
Local guides, with their intimate knowledge, can tailor individual excursions to suit you, while helicopter fishing trips into untouched backcountry rivers are guaranteed to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Be thrilled by natural spectacles and unique wildlife encounters
There are few places in the world where, within the space of one day, you can experience mountain vistas, ancient forests, volcanic landscapes and stunning coastline – all whilst spotting New Zealand wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Experience unique and dynamic Maori Culture
Enjoy unique Maori cuisine, cultural and wilderness experience with private guides in the Northland, Auckland, Rotorua and Canterbury regions or observe Maori culture on a marae (tribal meeting grounds).
Relax in first-class Spa experiences
Achieve harmony of mind, body and spirit in the first-class spas set amongst the some of the world’s most dramatic locations and vibrant cities.
Set sail around over 15,000kms of pristine coastline on a super yacht
All the elements are here: waters teeming with marine life, ripe for fishing or spotting whales and dolphins; spectacular bays, islands and harbours far from the madding crowds waiting to be explored; onshore activities and dining options aplenty.
ROMANCE IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, a proposal or a honeymoon destination. Spend quality time with someone special. Relax together in private glamping accommodation, a champagne breakfast after a hot air balloon flight, or soak together in hot pools and enjoy exquisite food and wine.
New Zealand honeymoons
New Zealand is the perfect place to escape for newlyweds. Embrace the tranquillity of sub-tropical weather and sandy white beaches in Northland, where you can take plenty of sunrise beach walks and watch the sunset over the ocean.
For an adventurous honeymoon head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Or opt to stay on a vineyard for a luxurious and gourmet honeymoon on Waiheke Island, Auckland. No matter which season your honeymoon takes place, you’ll be sure to find a little, private piece of paradise in New Zealand – just for the two of you.
Planning a romantic getaway
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just a weekend break with your partner, you’ll be spoilt for options in New Zealand. With dramatic landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, your New Zealand holiday will be a special one. Whether you are an adventure lover or a quiet romantic, there is a range of romantic activities and things to do as a couple in New Zealand.
Feel your hearts soar on a scenic flight, or go on a champagne hot-air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains. Fly to your own secluded Garden of Eden for a ‘Heli-picnic’ or skydive over pristine national parks – and fall for each other all over again. You can slow the pace down with a dreamy dawn horse ride along a silent beach or through the foothills of the Southern Alps, try a relaxing vineyard tour by bicycle, or spend an evening stargazing with a glass of wine.
Where to stay?
Stay in romantic hotels and boutique lodges across New Zealand where you can experience indulgent spa treatments, exceptional food and wine, and perhaps renew your vows in a picturesque garden setting. New Zealand’s lodges and boutique B&B’s offer tranquil, luxurious and relaxing retreats to unwind in and also beautiful settings to host a small wedding party.
TOP 10 ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES
For starry-eyed romantics, you will find a heavenly array of places to go and things to do for intimate and memorable escapes in New Zealand.
1 – Go stargazing
Gaze into the eyes of your loved one under the Southern Cross and be star struck by New Zealand’s dark night skies. If you come in winter, you might be lucky enough to catch the symphony of colour that is the Aurora Australis.
2 – Sail away together
Sail away together and explore the country’s pristine coastline, with its paradisiacal islands and abundant marine life. Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura or sit back and relax on one of many boat cruises around New Zealand.
3 – Bubbles and balloons
Clink your Champagne glasses at dawn as your balloon lifts you quietly into an unfolding New Zealand landscape where you’ll drift away from all worldly cares.
4 – Take a scenic flight
Soar to new heights together as you are spirited away on a scenic flight over some of New Zealand’s most astonishing and accessible alpine and coastal landscapes. Sightseeing from the sky with someone special is sure to leave you both on cloud nine.
5 – Take a leap of faith
Leap into the unknown from heart-stopping heights as you take a romantic tandem skydive. Soaring high in the New Zealand sky promises to get your heart racing.
6 – Picnic in private
Swoop in by helicopter to a secluded spot where a gourmet picnic hamper, fine New Zealand wine and an intimate setting just for two awaits your private indulgence.
7 – Wander among the vineyards
Toast yourselves with a delectable local vintage as you cycle one of New Zealand’s gentle vineyard trails.
8 – Stay in a luxury lodge
Celebrating a honeymoon in New Zealand or just want to treat someone special? Settle in for a romantic escapade in one of New Zealand’s many boutique lodges where Kiwi style and service will set the tone for a unique experience.
9 – Treat yourself to a spa
Replenish yourselves with a spa treatment for two – you can choose to go the natural way soaking in a Rotorua mud bath or opt for a full luxury pampering designed to soothe mind, body and soul.
10 – Go horse-riding
Saddle-up and ride off together into the dusk along an endless deserted New Zealand beach – just you, your horses and the whisper of waves lapping the sand.
FOOD & WINE
Taste your way around New Zealand, and you’ll discover food and wine that’s original, world-class, and fresh from the source. New Zealand is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Make sure you include some of these Top 10 experiences in your New Zealand holiday.
TOP 10 FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCES
1 – Try New Zealand’s Indian flavours
Whether you want Indian food with a modern twist or something more authentic, New Zealand serves it with aplomb. Try the award-winning Cassia(opens in new window) in Auckland, a modern Indian bistro that has locals lining up. For more authentic food, take your pick of restaurants and takeaways around the country – the flavours will take you right back home. Vegetarian or vegan and halal food is readily available throughout New Zealand.
2 – Go wine tasting
Expect to taste nothing less than the best on a New Zealand wine tour. Take the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail to experience three of our best wine regions (Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough). From Auckland, hop on a short ferry ride to Waiheke, the Island of Wine. If you’re visiting Queenstown, make sure to visit one of the many local wineries in Central Otago to taste the preferred local drop – pinot noir.
3 – Visit a farmers’ market
Get up early on a weekend and mingle with the locals at a farmers’ market. Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, and take home treats like jam, pickles and handmade bread. Look out for quintessentially Kiwi flavours like feijoa and kiwifruit. Street food pop-ups(opens in new window) are also worth discovering locally.
4 – Try the flavours of the sea
With one of the longest coastlines, it comes as no surprise that tempting your taste buds with seafood makes it to this list. Hop on a boat cruise in Marlborough to try our world-renowned green mussels or savour the oysters in Mahurangi (Auckland). Try the crayfish at Nin’s Bin at Kaikoura or fish ‘n chips in any New Zealand town – if you love seafood, you’ll love what we serve!
5 – Savour craft brews
Craft beers are a growing phenomenon in New Zealand, and microbreweries can be found all over the place, especially Wellington, West Coast, Nelson, Christchurch and Auckland. You’ll even find specially brewed ale at Hobbiton Movie Set’s Green Dragon Inn, in Matamata.
6 – Experience a culture of coffee
Coffee is an obsession in New Zealand, especially in the cities. We drink it strong and fresh – the Kiwi flat white has become world-famous. Simply ask the locals where to find a good brew. Wellington holds the unofficial title of New Zealand’s coffee capital but Auckland and Christchurch never disappoint too.
7 – Attend a food, wine or beer festival
We love nothing more than a lively festival with plenty of fine wine, craft brew, delicious food and great entertainment. It’s a place to taste the best, sometimes try something wild and always have a good time.
8 – Try Kiwi-style ‘barbie’
Call it a ‘barbie’, barbeque, barbecue or BBQ – cooking outside is an essential part of the Kiwi cooking culture and epitomises the laid-back New Zealand lifestyle. Barbecues are available in many accommodations, campsites, beaches and parks if you want to give it a try. In Queenstown you can even take a cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a gourmet BBQ.
9 – Dairy delights
Blessed with an abundance of top-quality dairy produce, New Zealand knows how to satisfy fans of cream, cheese and ice cream. Local shops are brimming with some of the best chocolates with Whittaker’s chocolate being an almost mandatory souvenir. For ice cream or gelato hit up Giapo (also serving pani puri ice creams!) in Auckland, Lady Janes in Rotorua(opens in new window), Duck Island Ice Cream in Hamilton or Black Peak Gelato in Wanaka – legendary! Cheese lovers will love the abundant cheese tours.
10 – Pick your own fruit
If you’re visiting any time between December and June, you may like to head out and pick your own fruit. New Zealand has all sorts of berries and stone fruit in summer, while pears, apples and citrus arrive in autumn. At Berrylands in Nelson or Kumeu in Auckland, you can pick your own strawberries and then blend them into ice cream at the orchard café.
ART, CULTURE AND HERITAGE
For a totally unique Kiwi experience, immerse yourself in the local arts and culture.
New Zealand may be a young country, but the diverse wealth of Maori culture, performing arts, literature, museums and art galleries will leave even the most fervent arts and culture buffs completely satisfied.
HOT POOLS AND HEALTH SPAS
Soak in a naturally-heated thermal pool surrounded by mountains, forests or lakes. Or treat yourself to a relaxing therapeutic treatment in a health spa.
New Zealand is located where two tectonic plates of the earth’s crust meet. This causes a large amount of geothermal activity, allowing warm water to bubble up through the earth’s crust to form hot pools. These pools often contain minerals dissolved from the rocks they seeped through.
For centuries locals have enjoyed these hot pools, with some believing that sitting in mineral water helps with medical problems. Some hot pools have been developed to include day spas, which means you’ll need to pay admission. Others are still ‘wild’ and free-of charge.
Here you will find a selection of commercial and wild hot pools, throughout New Zealand.
Rotorua
In Rotorua, a city built on top of an active volcanic zone, nearly every accommodation establishment offers private, exchange-heated spa pools. You’ll also find a selection of hot pool complexes, including Hells Gate and the Polynesian Spa.
Near Reporoa is a hot spring called Butcher’s Pool. Rated highly by regular soakers, this free-of-charge pool is owned and maintained by the Rotorua District Council. It has sealed walkways, toilets and changing rooms. A free treat near Lake Rotowhero is Kerosene Creek, which has a hot waterfall and a clean pool with a sandy bottom. There is a good old Kiwi corrugated-iron changing shed here, which adds to the rustic ambience.
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is home to a range of naturally-heated hot pools – perfect for a relaxing soak after a busy day of exploring. Long time local favourite, Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs(opens in new window) offers heated indoor and outdoor pools while Tokaanu Thermal Pools offer private and public hot pool experiences.
If you’re looking for a thermal soak and massage in a quiet setting, head to Wairakei Terraces and if you’d like to explore some of the region’s thermal pools without pulling out your wallet, head along to either the Lake Terrace or Spa Park.
South Island – Hanmer Springs
There are fewer hot springs in the South Island, which has very different geography to the North Island. However the huge Alpine Fault that created the Southern Alps has done the world a favour with Hanmer Springs(opens in new window), an all-seasons hot spring resort that regularly wins awards for its facilities. At Hanmer you’ll find thermal mineral, sulphur and freshwater pools, as well as a large children’s activity area with water slides. Beauty and massage treatments put the finishing touches on your relaxation.
If you’d like the unique experience of bathing in heated glacial waters, head to Tekapo Springs(opens in new window). Or soak in fresh mountain water and glorious alpine views at the outdoor Omarma Hot Tubs, just 90 minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook.
The most southern free soak can be found at Welcome Flat in Westland, but you’ll have to work for it. Beginning south of Fox Glacier, follow the Copland Track for seven hours until you come to a Department of Conservation (DOC) hut and campsite (you’ll need to make a booking with DOC to stay the night). The pools are a short walk from the hut and have one of the best wilderness views in New Zealand. During the spring thaw you can lie back in the hot water and watch avalanches cascading down the mountains.
Coromandel
The Lost Spring(opens in new window) near Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula harnesses crystal clear water that flows from a hot water spring 600 metres below the earth’s surface. With sculpted pools and soothing waterfalls framed by native forest, the Lost Spring promises a very picturesque soaking experience.
Down the coast from Whitianga is Hot Water Beach, where heated water bubbles up through the sand. A couple of hours either side of high tide, you can dig your own spa pool then lie back and watch the waves breaking on the beach. Amazing! This hot soak is totally free-of-charge, unless you need to rent a spade from the local store.
Great Barrier Island
East of Auckland in the farthest reaches of the Hauraki Gulf is Great Barrier Island, where you can hike to a magical free-of-charge hot pool experience deep in the forest. Just follow the Kaitoke Hot Springs walking track from Whangaparapara Road.
Te Aroha
Te Aroha Mineral Spas are located south of Auckland, beneath Mt Te Aroha. Modernised to resort standard, these pools retain the charm of the Edwardian era. A drinking fountain lets you ‘taste the waters’, which are believed to promote wellbeing (the fountain of youth?) and the town’s domain features the world’s only hot soda water geyser.
Hot pool safety
When swimming in natural hot pools, where the water comes out of the ground, keep your head above water because there is a small risk of contracting an illness called amoebic meningitis. While very rare, this illness is serious. New Zealand’s larger cities offer luxurious day spas that make an ideal addition to your holiday. There are also quiet retreats in the countryside or deep in the forest that combine relaxing therapies with picturesque landscapes. In a day or two you’ll feel and look like a new person.
