BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in New Zealand with Kids. Updated 2024.

We love travelling New Zealand with kids.

• The people are friendly
• The scenery is spectacular
• The driving is cruise
• The food makes our tastebuds tingle, and we can’t resist lolly cake at any cafe! 

We have visited 5 times in the last few years to see family.

It’s our second home.

We’re here to help, and will try and answer the most popular questions, including these ones we’ve recently received:

• Whats your best advice for traveling in New Zealand?
• Where are good places to visit in New Zealand for a first time traveler
• What are the best places in New Zealand
• What are the most popular Tourist Attractions of New Zealand?
• What are the unmissable places in New Zealand?
• Which should I visit in New Zealand   North Island or South Island?
• What are some fun things to do with children in New Zealand?, and
• What are some things to do while visiting New Zealand that a tourist might not know about?

We’d love you to scoot around our New Zealand travel blog pages, and read about some of our favourite places to visit in NZ.

Find all the details and stories below. 

Disclosure: This article, written by a real human (me), without AI input, may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO COST to you. For our Disclosure and Disclaimer statements, and an explanation of our Advertising policy please click here

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND FOR KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in NZ dollars, unless otherwise stated

Hobbiton is on the bucket list for most visitors to New Zealand, even though 30% of visitors have NEVER seen the movies!

There’s even a Hobbiton gift shop, so you can buy all the best Hobbiton souvenirs. 

But there’s also so much more to NZ with kids than Lord of the Rings, and the best bit is you can easily self-drive around both North and South Island and see lots of the NZ attractions in two weeks.

Here’s a few cities we’ve written about on our New Zealand blog about the North Island that you shouldn’t miss.

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RELATED: Best New Zealand Souvenirs for Family, Friends and Gifts (UNIQUE!) 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND WITH KIDS 

Planning family travel in New Zealand on the North Island, and need to fill your New Zealand itinerary with fun things to do in New Zealand?

Start here. 

Our first tip is to catch the SkyBus from the airport to the CBD because up to four kids can travel FREE with one adult on the Family 1 and 2 Skybus fares!

I love when kids TRAVEL FOR FREE on transport – it’s a HUGE saving for families who love exploring the world.

Our best tips for travelling in Auckland with kids?

Most people fly into Auckland to start their NZ North Island adventure but don’t take the time to explore much of the city, despite it being one of the most family-friendly, safe destinations on the planet.

We love Auckland, even on a rainy day.

There’s so many activities in Auckland for kids. 

It’s cosmopolitan AND quaint, often at the same time.

Auckland is a small city, so you can pretty much walk anywhere from most central accommodation.

Head on up the Sky Tower for views of the whole city.

Or check out the city with a ride the Auckland Explorer Hop on Hop Off bus. 

Visit the Auckland Maritime Museum to see the America’s Cup Challenger Boat, and join in a heap of hands-on kids activities.

Don’t miss MOTAT – the museum of Transport and Technology. You can spend the whole day exploring here.

And did you know you can make your own lollipop to take home in Auckland?

Take note: The city rises on a sharp incline from the harbour up the hill, so be prepared to puff the whole walk home.

This is one time we’d recommend catching a bus up the hill, or an UBER.

We guarantee the investment will pay off as there will be no grumpy children or husbands to contend with.

READ MORE: Fun Things to do in Auckland with kids

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAPIER WITH KIDS 

At first Napier feels like a town better suited to adults, but Napier with kids can be top fun if you know where to look! 

Napier is one of the most beautiful spots on the North Island of New Zealand.

Part of the greater Hawkes’ Bay area, there is tonnes of stuff for families to do in Napier too.

There’s:

• wildlife to meet
• Art Deco architecture to gape at
• fabulous playgrounds
• an oceanside walking and cycle path
• the Napier Prison self guided tour
• hands-on museums for kids, and more.

The best thing to do in Napier though, is the one-of-a-kind Cape Kidnappers Gannet bird colony sightseeing tour.

It’s the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and it’s perched on the top of the magnificent Napier cliffs. You’ll learn about Maori legends too. 

READ MORE: Fun Things to do in Napier with kids

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA WITH KIDS

The ultimate holiday destination on the North Island of New Zealand is definitely Rotorua.

Plus, it’s only an hour or so to Hobbiton in Matamata by car, so double points.

While it’s the best fun for kids and families (and anyone for that matter), it’s NOT cheap.

Stuff your wallet, and then double it.

No.1: Tamaki Maori Village 

Rotorua attractions are expensive in the grand scheme of things, and you’ll want to do lots of them, including the astounding Tamaki Maori Village cultural evening and hangi dinner where you can learn about:

• Maori heritage
• Maori dance
• Maori stories and songs, and
• Maori cultural practices still in place today. 

Tamaki tours are SO much fun – a great immersive experience of storytelling, dance and song. 

Take a look at our Tamaki Maori Village review. 

No.2: Rotorua Duck Tours 

The funniest thing to do is the Rotorua duck tour boat

We did. It’s terrific AND hilarious!

No.3: Rotorua Mud Baths

Special mention.

DON’T MISS THIS!

If you are going to Hells Gate in Rotorua, and have an extra hour or two, book the Hells Gate Mud Spa and Sulphur Spa experience. 

We understood how the Wicked Witch of the West must have felt as we started dissolving in the boiling hot mud spa, but at the same time laughed ourselves silly as we covered our bodies with silky Rotorua mud.

This remains one of our Top 10 travel experiences around the world to date.

So Much Fun.

Address: State Highway 30 Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

No.4: Hobbiton

But back to Hobbiton.

Visiting the former movie set of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, just outside the town of Matamata, is a consistent contender  in the top 5 things to do in New Zealand.

Seeing that dramatic unforgettable scenery in person, and wandering through the fields of Hobbit holes in real life, just can’t be beat. 

Our best tips for travelling in Rotorua with kids?

Rotorua is the adventure capital but there’s also lots to do on family holidays. 

You can also:

• ride a ZORB down the hill (Get tickets with Klook here)
• ride the Skyline Gondola and LUGE!!!  (Get tickets with Klook here)
• ride the Zipline Canopy through the native forest (Get tickets with Get your Guide here)
• ride a whitewater raft down the Kaituna river and Tutea falls
• ride the Agrojet, Rotorua’s fastest jet boating tour
• visit the National Kiwi hatchery at Rainbow Springs
• see the Geothermal activity around town
• take a tour of the Hells Gate thermal park to see bubbling mud – try Maori carving there too
• watch the geyser blow at Te Puia Maori village 

READ MORE: Fun Things to do in Rotorua with kids

TAUPO & WAITOMO

We’ve compiled a super fun list of the best New Zealand attractions in Taupo & Waitomo for kids on our Taupo travel blog, including the best playground in Taupo and nature adventures too.

Do these things:

• Visit the Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving via a cruise on the lake
• Check out the natural hot water pools in the area
• Take the kids to the Taupo playground
• Ride the Huka Falls on a jet boat

Hot tip: Don’t miss the giant airplane at Taupo New Zealand McDonalds!

READ MORE: Fun Things to do in Taupo with kids

SHOPPING IN NEW ZEALAND FOR GIFTS 

Best New Zealand Souvenirs  Guide

Wondering what to buy in New Zealand for family and friends?

First up, here’s a guide to the best New Zealand souvenirs – both unique, affordable and much loved by kiwis. 

What are the Best New Zealand food souvenirs 

• Best New Zealand Candy (and fun New Zealand sweets to try)
• Best New Zealand Snacks
• Best New Zealand chocolate bars
• Best New Zealand food gifts (and where to shop for them)

Best Markets in New Zealand

Top spot to pick up made in New Zealand gifts. 

This is where to find unique things to buy in New Zealand, often made by the artists. 

• Best New Zealand Fabric Stores
• Best New Zealand Wool Shops for yarn for knitters, and wool fleece for felters
• Best New Zealand Crafts stops, Artist Cooperatives and Design stores

FAQ ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

No.1: Is it difficult to travel in New Zealand without a car?

Yes, but not impossible.

There are plenty of bus companies, and tour companies to help you make your way around, but driving New Zealand is SO much easier.

The roads are good, the traffic is low, and the scenery is spectacular.

You can get to places such as Hot Water beach, and the rugged west coast, that you might not be able to without a car. 

Drive if you can.

Take that New Zealand road trip with kids.

A New Zealand family vacation should be top of the list for anyone who loves natural beauty. 

No.2: What is the best hire car company in New Zealand?

I started looking for a car hire firm that would take a VISA debit card as security, as I don’t own a credit card (by choice.)

We stumbled upon AERODRIVE car hire, and it was the most affordable, least hassle car hire experience we’ve ever had.

Definitely worth comparing prices, before you go with the big guys.

No.3: What is the best travel insurance for New Zealand?

Never travel without travel insurance.

Our motto is ‘if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel’.

No.4: What visa do I need for New Zealand?

Click here for all the NZ visa information.

No.5: Can I go to New Zealand if I have an Australian visa?

If you need an Australian visa for your country, you’ll need a separate visa for New Zealand too.

(Some countries have visa waivers with both Australia and New Zealand that last three months.)

No.6: What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

For skiing, visit in the New Zealand winter (July to mid September. August is the best.)

For all other holidays, go when it’s warmest.

New Zealand is bloody freezing at the best of times, and while cafes, restaurants, and some attractions provide heating in the cooler months, getting out and about in New Zealand with kids means layers and layers and LAYERS of clothing, AND big jackets to carry around too.

That makes life more difficult when you have kids in tow.

We love to visit between November and January.

The temperatures then are perfect for travelling around both the North and South islands of New Zealand.

No.7: What are the coolest things to do in New Zealand?

HOBBITON.

Followed closely by a trip on the downhill LUGE in Rotorua or Queenstown.

My boys would argue the Rotorua Luge is THE BEST THING TO DO in New Zealand.

My vote is the Mud Baths in Rotorua.

Hands down, it’s the number one thing to do for adults in NZ. 

No.8: How long would I need to really see New Zealand?

You can do a pretty good roam around the North Island in 3 weeks.

Same for the South Island.

A solid month split between both islands, if you can’t manage more, would allow you time to see all the BIG sights, and a few smaller ones too.

(PS: We’re planning our next trip to visit the New Zealand South Island to explore Christchurch, Milford Sound, and Queenstown. Hit us with your best tips! )  

No.9: Where do I find a supermarket in New Zealand?

Click here for our huge guide to New Zealand grocery stores, AND a big list of the NZ food you should buy there for gifts and souvenirs, and to try!

Image credit: Denisbin via Flickr CC BY ND-2.0

WHERE TO FIND MAORI WEAVING ART & CARVING IN NEW ZEALAND

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without time learning about the culture of the local Indigenous people, and this includes learning about their traditional arts and crafts.

You might also like to return home with an authentic piece of Maori art for your wall or a Maori weaving of some kind, or find Maori gifts and souvenirs for family and friends.

This is our guide to where you can find genuine Maori souvenirs and artefacts, as well as see Māori weaving, Maori carving and Maori artists at work.

We’ve gathered a list of the cultural attractions around New Zealand (Rotorua, Auckland, Taupo, Wellington, and Hokitika) where you can engage with Maori culture and traditional Maori arts and crafts.

We’ve also included the best art galleries and museum shops where you can purchase authentic traditional Maori art, Maori weaving and Maori carved jewellery.

Image credit: Albert Godber via Public domain

THE BEST PLACE TO SEE MAORI ART & MAORI WEAVING ON THE NORTH ISLAND

No.1: Te Puia Rotorua (Te Rito Weaving School)

The best place to see traditional Maori weaving and learn about the originals of Maori weaving is at Te Puia in Rotorua.

At New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) at Te Puia, students are taught to weave traditional taonga using New Zealand native harakeke (flax) at Te Rito, The National Weaving School.

At Te Puia, you can also watch the weavers at work and interact with them as they create garments of great beauty with their Maori weaving tools.

Image credit: Jane Nearing via Flickr CC BY ND-2.0

Join a weaving class at Te Puia

If you want to join in a weaving class, you can book the Te Puia Steambox Tour.

Te Puia Steambox Tour visitors are invited to weave a puitputi (flower), under the watchful guidance of their guide.

And then there’s the lunch!

A steam box lunch prepared the traditional way: cooked over steam vents at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

Plus, you can see Kiwi birds up close.

Now that’s a great one day itinerary in New Zealand.

Image credit: Te Papa Tongarewa

No.2: Te Papa Museum Wellington

Te Papa showcases a collection of Maori weaving.

When there are no workshops or demonstrations available, you will be inspired and awed by the talents of Maori weavers in making:

• New Zealand poi balls
• kete whakairo (patterned bags)
• kete pāpā (bags)
• porotaka toys
• ‘āriki kaingākai (table mat)
• cloaks
• clothing and
• hair decorations.

The Maori weaving patterns are something else.

PS: Pop into the Te Papa Gift Store to find Maori weaving for sale.

No.3: Hetet School of Maori Art Weaving Classes

And thanks to technology, you can now take part in a weaving class online through the Hetet School of Maori Art, based in the Lower Hutt region of New Zealand, near Wellington.

The courses by Veranoa Hetet teach loom-free hand weaving, to make baskets, bags, and backpacks.

She shows the techniques for preparing flax for weaving too.

PS: You may be lucky enough to see Veranoa in action at Te Papa from time to time and learn from her knowledge.

Hetet School of Weaving courses 

Take a look at the Hetet courses on offer

Image credit: Maori Weaving Rotorua

No.4: Rotorua Cultural Centre

You can also join a weaving workshop with Anna the the Cultural centre in Rotorua, at 1144 Hinemoa St Rotorua.

Learn the traditional Maori weaving technique, raranga, as well as the customs and traditions of working with NZ native flax.

You’ll discover the importance of flax to Maori, how it relates to family, and learn a few words of Maori language.

Suitable for adults and children over 5 years. 

All materials provided.

No.5: Kete Lady

You can also check in with the Kete Lady, Karen Clark, about hands-on weaving workshops to make:

• kete bags
• kete hoko shopping bags
• konae woven bags
• putiputi
• pikau and more.

Located in Waitara, New Zealand.

Text Karen 0226482713 for details of Monday and Saturday workshops.

Image credit: Denisbin via Flickr CC BY ND-2.0

Maori Weaving Patterns & Types of Weaving in New Zealand

“Hineteiwaiwa is the principal goddess of te whare pora (the house of weaving), and she represents the arts pursued by women.

Ngā mahi a te whare pora (the products and processes of the house of weaving) include the following:

No.1: Tāniko

A technique used to decorate the borders of fine garments, as well as bird cages, bird traps, and eel baskets. Tāniko is similar to European twining.

These days tāniko is used to make belts, purses, bodices, armbands, headbands, and bandoliers.

No.2: Arapaki or tukutuku

Ornamental latticework, usually found adorning the walls of wharenui.

No.3: Piupiu

 The art of making a flax garment worn around the waist.

No.4: Whatu

 The weaving technique known as the ‘cloak weave’, used to produce fabric.

No.5: Whiri

Various forms of plaiting used to make poi, waist girdles, and headbands.

No.6: Raranga

One of the weaving styles used to make kete (bags and baskets).”

Source: Museum of New Zealand

Maori Weaving on Youtube

How to weave a Harakheke Whetū (Star)

You can also learn how to make:

• How to make a Pikau (backpack) from Harakeke New Zealand Flax
• How to make a Raranga Christmas Star out of flax
• How to weave a Wahakura Waikawa, a baby basinette
• How to make a Potae Hat with New Zealand flax

Image credit: Floyd White via Flickr CC BY SA-2.0

MAORI CARVING ON THE NORTH ISLAND

No.1: Maori Carving at Te Puia Rotorua

In Rotorua, visit Te Puia, home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. 

The three faculties on site are:

• The National Wood Carving School (Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau)
• the National Stone and Bone Carving School (Te Takapū o Rotowhio)  and
• the National Weaving school 

“The schools were founded in the mid-60s, and teach traditional Maori craftsmanship to young people from across NZ who then take those skills back to their home towns.”

Watch the students carve:

• Maori instruments
• Human figure statues
• Tiki masks
• Wood carving necklaces
• Koru and Twist carvings
• Maori walking sticks
• Maori fish hook
• Wakahuia treasure boxes

Image credit: Jane Nearing via Flickr CC BY ND-2.0

Te Puia Tour Prices (Entry to village)

The only way in to Te Puia is on a tour. Take a look at these three options:

Budget: Te Puia Maori Village Entry.

Learn Maori history and culture at Te Puia arts school with a day entry ticket.

Come face to face with the Pohutu Geyser, jumping mud pools, and live kiwi birds.

The day tour is the way to see students at the Rotorua Carving school practicing Maori carving and Maori weaving. 

You can also upgrade this ticket include a 45-minute Maori cultural performance.

From $32 USD per person

Top pick: Te Puia Maori Cultural Evening Experience with Hangi Dinner

Experience a one-of-a-kind evening feast of Maori storytelling, entertainment, and Maori cuisine at Te Puia.

Watch a Maori concert, enjoy authentic traditional Maori food and drinks, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the geothermal valley and the Pohutu Geyser under lights.

From $136 NZ adults, and $68 NZ children

Address: Te Puia, Hemo Rd, Rotorua

Image credit: Larry Koester via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carvings

At Lake Taupo, you can go on a boat tour to see the Taupo Carvings.

You’ll sail to the famous Taupo Rock Carvings, and take in the spectacular views of Lake Taupo framed by Tongariro National Park’s majestic mountain peaks.

No.3: Maori Wood Carving at Hells Gate Geothermal Park 

Take a tour of Hells Gate Geothermal Park

It’s a MUST DO in New Zealand if you are visiting Rotorua

At the end of the Rotorua thermal park tour, you can join in a Maori carving workshop, learn some Maori carving techniques, hear stories about famous New Zealand wood carving artists, and take home a small carved souvenir of your endeavours.

No.4: Greenstone Carving at Mountain Jade Rotorua

Join a FREE guided Jade Discovery tour of the workshop at Mountain Jade Rotorua.

Visit the long standing store on Fenton Street to learn about the carving process of jade by hand, culture, and history surrounding jade carving.

The shop also boasts a large collection of jade carvings from New Zealands best for sale.

Address: 1288 Fenton Street, Rotorua Central, Rotorua,3015, New Zealand.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Website: Click here

“Mo Te Iwi, Carving for the People” Film

A new feature length film called Mo Te Iwi was recently released about Whakairo and the life of one of the last ‘Konae Aronui’ carvers, trained in the 1950s, to carve wharenui.

Take a look at the trailer above, where the director Robin Greenberg discusses the project and introduces you to traditional carver, Rangi Hetet.

Interesting fact: Rangi Hetet is the father of Verenoa Hetet, mentioned above.

THE BEST PLACE TO SEE MAORI ART & MAORI CARVING ON THE SOUTH ISLAND

No.1: Westland Greenstone, Hokitika

Take a tour of thee Westland Greenstone Factory to see carving artists at work.

Address: 34 Tancred Street, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand.
Opening hours:  8.30am to 5pm daily
Website: Click here

No.2: Bonz n Stonz Carving Studio and Gallery, Hokitika

Bonz ‘n’ Stonz carving studio & Gallery to see Maori greenstone and bone carving in Hokitika.

But the best thing is you can CARVE YOUR OWN PIECE, with the help of their master carvers.

Make a booking via email: [email protected]

Address:  16 Hamilton Street, Hokitika, 7810
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Website: Click here

No.3: Mountain Jade Hokitika

Step into the Mountain Jade gallery workshop in Hokitika and discover the largest collection of jade art and jewellery in New Zealand.

Meet the country’s finest greenstone artists and see them at work transforming raw stone into carved art.

Each piece in their exclusive collection is one of a kind and lovingly handcrafted from New Zealand pounamu and the finest quality jade from around the world.

Join the FREE Jade Discovery Tour at 9.30am & 2.30pm daily.

Address: 41 Weld St, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm daily
Website: Click here