Apr 02, 2019
Rotorua and The Bay of Plenty
Sure, you can surf, visit glow worm canyons and dolphin spot in Rotorua and The Bay of Plenty, but you can also cover yourself in mud! Rotorua is known for its bubbling mud pools, hot springs and geysers, and tourists come from everywhere to bathe in its magical, geothermal mud which is said to have great benefits for your skin. If you have a hard enough time keeping the kids clean anyway, seek out the area’s hot waterfalls, streams and lakes for an experience that won’t be soon forgotten. If you can sneak off without the kids for an hour or two, head to one of the many spas in the region for a bit of pampering.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the ultimate family friendly destination. Your kids will be on the move all day, with everything from rafting trips to paragliding, bungee jumping, ziplines, ice skating and skiing – they will definitely sleep well after all of that! Take a ride on a jet boat, carve up the ice on a snow-mobile or start them skiing at any age or skill level. Did we mention the luge or ice bar? We could go on for days about Queenstown, call us on 1300 886 779 for a tailored experience.
Bungee Jumping in Queenstown | Image by @kayla_bianco via InstagramWest Coast Wildlife Centre
Home to breeding programs for world's rarest kiwi – the rowi and the Haast tokoeka, and five tiny dinosaurs (tuatara), the kids will not only get to see some of the beautiful native fauna but will also learn a thing or two while they are there. These species were brought back from the brink of extinction and you can see them in their natural habitat during the day or book a backstage pass tour where you might get to see some baby kiwis hatching!
Hobbiton
Fans of The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings will instantly recognise Hobbiton and will be delighted to enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Spot your favourite hobbit hang-outs from the movies and take an evening banquet tour where you’ll enjoy hobbit holes lit from within and dinner fit for a hobbit.
Hobbiton | Image by @shaun_jeffers via InstagramFox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
If you or the kids have ever wanted to stand on a real-life glacier without travelling to the end of the earth, New Zealand has you covered! Professional tours run regularly, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a heli-hike that will see you soaring over Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere before touching down on the glaciers. Guides will literally cut steps into the glaciers as you are walking, taking you through ice tunnels, caves and crevasses. Because the glaciers are constantly changing, no two visits to the area will be the same.
Fox Glacier | Image by @thewildindiangirl via InstagramIt’s easy to see why New Zealand is one of our favourite family friendly destinations! If you’d like to book, one of our friendly travel experts is happy to help call today on 1300 886 779!
Our Top Picks For
Aqua Soleil Villas
Base Queenstown
Everything you could want is under one roof - your bed, your entertainment and your adventure all catered for by the friendliest team in town. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group, Base Queenstown pride themselves in ensuring each individual feels right at home.