New Zealand’s North Island: Adventure for families
The Central North Island of New Zealand – Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Hamilton-Waikato, Rotorua – ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly holiday and promises a trip to remember.
Beautiful New Zealand is just a quick hop away from us here in Australia. And while the South Island is a popular place to land for a family holiday, if you’re not so keen on the snow why not adventure a little further and hit the spectacular North Island?!
Whether it’s during school holidays or a long weekend away, there’s fun for the whole family no matter where you are in the North Island. With its vibrant cities and awe-inspiring landscapes, check out the list below for your motivation to visit our neighbours.
Fun things for families to do in New Zealand’s North Island
Family Rafting on the Tongariro River
The “Family Floats” rafting experience is a thrilling adventure that the whole family can enjoy and participate in, even children as young as five. Discover the pristine Tongariro River and see endangered animals, such as Whio (Blue Ducks), while being guided by a friendly, family-owned rafting company. Whether rain or shine, it’s incontestable for you to experience unparalleled fun throughout the year.
Ernest Kemp Scenic Cruise
Embark on a family-friendly adventure aboard the Ernest Kemp, a replica steamboat, for daily scenic cruises to the stunning Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on Lake Taupō, admiring the intricate carvings accessible only by water. Capture memorable moments up close, relax in comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and indulge in some hot drinks and cookies. Little ones always get a turn at steering the vessel!
McLaren Falls Park
Spanning 190 hectares, this stunning park features picturesque lakes, lush trees, abundant wildlife and captivating waterfalls. Don’t miss out on Marshalls Animal Park within its 35 acres, offering a range of adorable animals. Also, enjoy pony rides, picnics and feeding farmyard animals. Explore Lake McLaren’s hidden glow worm canyon with Waimarino Kayak Tours, or take the family on a thrilling V8 Chevrolet trike tour of the park with V8 Trike Tours.
ZORB Rotorua
Unleash your inner thrill-seeker in the adrenaline-pumping epicentre of Rotorua, New Zealand! Prepare for an exclusive adventure found nowhere else but at ZORB. Brace yourself for unparalleled excitement as you roll inside gigantic, bouncy spheres, conquer daring flips, and navigate exhilarating obstacle courses. Don’t miss out on the most unforgettable fun, available only at the heart-pounding ZORB experience, located in Rotarura.
Redwoods Nightlights
Marvel at the stunning birds-eye view of the forest during day and night walks. Spanning 700 metres, it features 28 bridges, 27 platforms and 34 lanterns, suspended 9-20 metres above the forest floor. In just 40 minutes, you and your families will be enchanted by this enthralling journey through a mesmerising setting. This award-winning, eco-tourism walk is family-friendly and accessible for unaided walkers, with free purpose-built baby strollers.
HobbitonTM Movie Set
Waikato’s most popular attraction, HobbitonTM Movie Set, remains open every season, providing at least five tours a day, seven days a week. Visitors are invited to join a walking tour through the enchanting movie set as pictured in the trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit before enjoying a brew inside by the fire at the Green Dragon Inn. Cosy up to the warm interiors of the mystical world of Hobbiton with friends and family this winter season.
