Known for its breathtakingly beautiful nature and great outdoor adventures, New Zealand has always been a great travel destination for families with young kids.
But did you know that beyond the outdoors, New Zealand is also rich in culture and history, and has a myriad of family-friendly activities such as wildlife and animal experiences, and movie set tours?
Did we also mention that they have a great national airline that is completely family-friendly? Read on to find out all about why New Zealand is the perfect family getaway!
Air New Zealand Economy SkycouchTM – Start Your Family Holiday Right!
Great holidays start from the moment you get on board the flight, especially when traveling with kids. Air New Zealand provides a comfortable and fun environment with the Economy SkycouchTM that gives you the freedom to choose how you fly.
While business class options are great for flying with kids, Air New Zealand’s Economy SkycouchTM is a more economical option that does not compromise your family’s comfort.
It offers your family unprecedented flexibility and comfort when flying Economy on long flights.
Air New Zealand Economy SkycouchTM comes with a row of three seats that you can convert into a flat surface for rest, relaxation and play.
In addition, it is safe for even the youngest travellers. The flight offers you an infant harness, harness belt and optional infant pod.
You can rest assured that whether your precious little one is on a seat, on your lap, or lying down, they can safely be buckled throughout the flight. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your flight!
Worried about your children feeling bored? Here are some of the in-flight entertainment options your family can look forward to:
- A catalogue of blockbuster films, music, and multi-player games in the on-demand entertainment system. Select the "Kids" button on our inflight entertainment screens and it gives your kids access to age-appropriate movies, TV shows, music and games.
- Explore the Kids map featuring native animals on various destinations.
- If you order a children’s meal on an international flight, your child gets to enjoy a fun kid’s pack to keep them busy and free you up!
- You can conveniently order snacks and drinks directly from your screen; you can even pre-order healthy and authentically New Zealand children’s meals for long-haul flights.
Mum and dads, you can visit the website to find out more about flying with children on Air New Zealand!
Family Holiday Activities in New Zealand – Wildlife and Nature
1. Zealandia Ecosanctuary
How does the idea of a twilight walk with a spectacular view of thousands of glow worms and over 150 roaming Kiwis sound to you?
At Zealandia Ecosanctuary, your children will truly immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of nature and the wilderness of New Zealand.
It’s a great learning experience for them as these are sights and sounds that they will never experience back home.
It’s also a chance for them to walk amongst rare birds like hihi, kākāriki and takahe.
Parents, don’t forget to snap many pictures so your kids can have a great show-and-tell session when they return to school. Definitely, a walk to remember for the entire family!
2. Shamarra Alpacas
Your little ones are sure to squeal in delight at the sight of these adorable alpacas, something they can’t find in sunny Singapore.
Shamarra Alpacas is an interactive farm tour around the ultimate land of the cute, where your children can get to touch and cuddle with these storybook creatures and even try their hand at feeding mother alpacas. It’s a lovely way to encourage your children to love animals.
While at this farm, you can also introduce your children to something that’s so important to us today - sustainability.
Your children can watch and understand what sustainable farming practices look like and why it’s important. It’s never too young to get them concerned about the planet!
A day with the alpacas is a memory that will remain etched in your children’s hearts for a long time coming!
Shamarra Alpacas is situated on the jaw-dropping panorama of the Banks Peninsula, so you can look forward to some stunning views and IG-worthy shots as well.
3. Dog Sledding in the Southern Alps
You’ve heard of skiing in the alps, but how often do you hear of dog sledding? This Northern tradition in the Southern Alps is one that you don’t want to miss. Why? It’s exciting, exhilarating, challenging and even a bit of a workout for the family.
Not forgetting the aesthetic aspect, as you get to enjoy the beauty of snow, nature and beautiful dogs! If you are traveling with young kids, don’t worry as the tours cater for ages as young as 18 months old!
You can choose to drive your own team or ride in the basket as one of the guides take you on this memorable journey!
Apart from these highlights, you can look forward to a myriad of other activities against the backdrop of the wide and wondrous natural landscape of New Zealand.
Whale watching, seal kayaking, skiing, snowplay, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and beautiful national parks – one trip will barely scratch the surface of all there is to see!
Let Your Family Experience the Magic of the Māori Culture
One of the most important aspects of traveling is learning something about the history and culture of the country you visit. It’s never too early to introduce your children to this.
At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, your children can go on a journey of discovery to find out about the many people, events, and places that together make up the rich cultural history of New Zealand.
It will make the trip a lot more meaningful, and they will have plenty to share with their friends upon returning home!
Speaking of Māori Culture, have you heard of their traditional earth oven style of cooking? Known as the hāngī, it is part of New Zealand’s traditional cuisine. They cook meat such as chicken, pork and mutton in addition to pumpkin and sweet potato among other things.
These days, this traditional style of cooking is saved for special occasions so if you get the chance to make a stop at Rotorua, don’t forget to give this cuisine a try.
Rotorua, in the central North Island, is one of the best places to enjoy this cultural feast.
Hobbiton Movie Set – A Magical Experience for the Entire Family
You can’t possibly make a trip to New Zealand without a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, arguably one of New Zealand’s most foremost tourist attractions.
Parents, if you are fans of The Hobbit, this is going to be a highlight for you. Even if your young children have no clue what the movie or book is all about, visiting the quaint and whimsical sets will be a magical experience right out of a storybook!
The entire family can enjoy this middle-earth adventure, and enter Bag End, where Fredo and Bilbo’s adventures all started.
From barberry hedges to whimsical hobbit holes with circular doors, your children will feel like they are walking right into a fairytale.
The entire family can get lost in hobbit holes, get enchanted by the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and so much more. This is a must for families with young children!
Mums and Dads, we could go on for there is just so much to see and experience in New Zealand. These are just some ideas of what you can look forward to doing on a family trip to New Zealand. With this as a starting point, you can do some research and plan your most unforgettable family trip ever. Start packing!
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*Check out some of the best flight deals with Air New Zealand here to kickstart your New Zealand family adventure.
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