If you are the kind of family who loves a bit of adventure on your holiday, then New Zealand is the place to head to.
Boasting breathtaking landscapes and plenty of high-octane, thrill-seeking activities for all the family to enjoy, there’s lots to see and do in Aotearoa.
Whether you’re drawn to exploring the stunning landscapes of the North Island or excited by the adrenaline-fuelled activities of the South Island, there’s no shortage of places that will ignite your family’s thirst for adventure.
So, if you’re planning a long weekend getaway there from the east coast of Australia, we thought we’d help you out.
Here are six destinations we highly recommend you visit.
In This Article:
Transportation
If you are to visit any of the destinations on this list, you are going to need good transportation, and for many people, this means booking a weekend car rental.
Thankfully, most of the major vehicle hire companies operate on both the North and South Islands (known as Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu, respectively), with many of them having offices at airports and downtown locations.
When choosing a vehicle, make sure you pick something that is appropriate for where you intend to visit. Some destinations might only be accessible by 4WD, so if in any doubt, ask the car hire company for advice on what the best type of vehicle will be for your trip.
Destinations
Once you have procured your vehicle, here are fabulous places you can visit on both the North and South Islands.
North Island
1. Rotorua
Rotorua is a town famous for its geothermal activity, but it also offers plenty of thrilling outdoor experiences for those who want to live life to the fullest.
Start your weekend there with a visit to Skyline Rotorua, where you can take a gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha and race back down on the exhilarating luge tracks. After that, make sure you head to Velocity Valley, which is home to the Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, and the iconic Swoop swing – all of which are guaranteed to get your heart rate pumping!
After an action-packed day, there is no better place to relax than in the soothing geothermal waters of Kuirau Park. Alternatively, take a dip at the Polynesian Spa.
If you and the kids love wildlife, a visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park will give them a chance to see New Zealand’s native creatures up close, including the elusive kiwi.
2. Taupō
Situated on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, Taupō enjoys a beautiful setting.
One of the first places you should go to on arrival is the stunning cascade of Huka Falls, where you can witness the sheer power of thousands of litres of water gushing through a narrow rock channel. If you are game enough, you can get an even closer view from a jet boat ride that takes you right up to the falls.
Taupō is also home to some of the best biking trails in New Zealand, including the Great Lake Pathway, which is very family-friendly. However, if you would prefer to stick to the water, kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō is a must-do activity. You can even make your way over to Mine Bay, where you can see some impressive Māori rock carvings.
If all that sounds like too much effort, then the thermal waters of the Otumuheke Stream in Spa Thermal Park should be just the ticket.
3. Waitomo
Waitomo should be high on the bucket list of any Aussie family looking to visit the North Island in New Zealand.
Known for its enchanting glowworm caves, this destination offers a one-of-a-kind underground experience as you can take a guided boat tour through them to see the thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures light up the cavern ceiling like a starry sky.
Black water rafting through the caves is another thrilling experience you can do here and involves floating on an inner tube through the underground rivers, while navigating small waterfalls and rapids along the way.
For those who would prefer to stay above ground, you can explore the nearby Ruakuri Cave or get up close to native wildlife at the Otorohanga Kiwi House.
South Island
4. Queenstown
Queenstown is known as ‘the adventure capital of the world’, so if your family craves adrenaline, this should be the ultimate destination for you.
A good way to kickstart your adventure is on a jet boat ride over the Shotover River, which involves speeding through narrow canyons and experiencing heart-pounding 360-degree spins.
If your kids are a little older, try ziplining at Ziptrek Ecotours, as doing this offers breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu. You should also take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak and enjoy the incredible panoramic views before racing down the mountain on the Skyline Luge.
If you happen to be visiting in winter, Queenstown transforms into a snowy playground, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities aplenty at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.
5. Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning coastal park on the South Island that offers a mix of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife encounters.
Perhaps the best way to introduce yourself to it is on a scenic boat ride along the coastline, where you might spot seals lounging on the rocks or dolphins playing in the waves.
Alternatively, kayak along the crystal-clear waters of Tasman Bay or hike along one of the park’s many picturesque trails.
The short but rewarding hike to Cleopatra’s Pool is a great option for families because it features a natural rock slide that kids will love. There are also plenty of golden beaches to explore, along with acres of lush forests for those who want to reconnect with nature.
6. Kaikōura
If your family loves all things marine life and the ocean, then Kaikōura is a terrific place to visit.
Located on the east coast of the South Island, this picturesque town is famous for its whale-watching tours, where you can see majestic sperm whales, playful dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.
For an unforgettable experience, join a dolphin swimming tour, as this allows you to interact with these incredible creatures in the wild.On dry land, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway offers stunning coastal views and plenty of seal-spotting and photographic opportunities that will invigorate your soul.
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