New Zealand is a paradise for families, offering a variety of exciting and engaging experiences for toddlers. From adrenaline-packed theme parks to serene geothermal parks, here’s a guide to the best attractions for families with young children.
Travelling with toddlers can feel daunting, especially when venturing to a place as exciting and diverse as New Zealand. Between its stunning landscapes, family-friendly activities, and welcoming culture, New Zealand is the perfect destination for families. With a bit of planning and some clever tricks, you can make your adventure stress-free and full of cherished memories.
Here are some top tips for travelling with toddlers in New Zealand:
1. Pack Strategically, Not Excessively
New Zealand’s relaxed vibe means you don’t need to overpack. Essentials such as nappies, wipes, and snacks are readily available at supermarkets in cities and towns. That said, bring items like your toddler’s favourite comfort toy, books, or portable entertainment devices to keep them calm during flights or long drives. Layered clothing is key, as the weather can change quickly.
2. Plan Your Itinerary with Flexibility
While New Zealand’s attractions are vast and varied, keep your itinerary simple and allow for flexibility. Toddlers thrive on routine, so plan your day around meal and nap times. Opt for shorter drives between destinations and aim to explore one or two key attractions per day. For example, if you’re in Rotorua, visit the geothermal parks in the morning and save the afternoon for a relaxing stroll along the lake.
3. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation
New Zealand offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations to make your trip enjoyable and stress-free. Holiday parks such as Otorohanga Holiday Park, Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park, and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park are excellent for families, offering playgrounds, swimming pools, and self-contained units. For motel-style stays, the Anchorage Resort Motel in Taupō is a great option. City hotels like Novotel Ellerslie, The Sebel Auckland Manukau, and JetPark Hotels (in Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua) provide family-focused amenities, while budget-friendly options like Ibis Budget Auckland Airport are ideal for short stays. Wherever you stay, choosing accommodations with kitchens or kid-friendly facilities will make mealtimes and downtime much easier.
4. Embrace New Zealand’s Outdoors
New Zealand is an outdoor paradise, and many of its attractions are naturally toddler-friendly. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights in Rotorua, or visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set Tours for some family-friendly adventure. Thrill-seekers will love Auckland Adventure Park, ZORB Rotorua, and Waitomo Adventures, while little ones can enjoy outdoor fun at aMAZEme, a charming maze in Rotorua. For relaxation, parents can unwind at the Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua, surrounded by lush native forest. Just remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water!
5. Keep Snacks and Entertainment Handy
Travelling with toddlers means keeping them engaged (and fed!). Always have a stash of snacks like fruit, crackers, or muesli bars for road trips and excursions. Portable games, colouring books, or a favourite playlist can be lifesavers during car journeys or flights.
6. Use New Zealand’s Family-Friendly Services
New Zealand is extremely family-friendly. Most public spaces, attractions, and even restaurants cater to children. You’ll find highchairs, baby-changing facilities, and child menus readily available. Many attractions, like the Agrodome in Rotorua, Te Puia, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and Marshalls Animal Park in Tauranga, are geared towards young families, making it easy to keep your toddler entertained. The welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful amenities make it simple for families to relax and enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.
7. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
While travelling with toddlers is rewarding, there will inevitably be moments of chaos. Keep a small emergency kit with band aid, insect repellent, and medications. Also, remember to embrace the unexpected—it’s often the unplanned moments, like a spontaneous play in a park or feeding ducks by a pond, that create the most treasured memories.