The Definitive Luxury New Zealand Family Guide

Certain destinations are especially well-suited to multi-generational travel in New Zealand, while others are perfect for families with small children or teenagers. These are our top picks for where to travel with your family.

Located in the middle of the North Island, Rotorua and Taupō are two towns with a wide variety of natural phenomena and outdoor activities for families. Rotorua is known for its bubbling geothermal springs and geysers. Nearby Taupō offers luxurious stays on the shores of its eponymous lake.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are about a two-hour drive from either town. Here you and your family can embark on a subterranean adventure to see thousands of bioluminescent glowworms illuminating ancient grottos.

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the South Island – and it’s also one of the world’s most beautiful cities. For family-friendly thrills, you can speed down the Shotover River on a jet boat that accommodates children aged three and up. Families with older kids and teenagers can also go whitewater rafting.

More relaxing activities in this area include visiting the Kiwi Park wildlife sanctuary and soaring above Queenstown on the Skyline Gondola. Nearby Wanaka is also worth exploring with beautiful views of the snowy Southern Alps.

Animal-loving families shouldn’t miss Kaikōura: a coastal town on the northern end of the South Island. You can go whale watching or swimming with dolphins and fur seals. Guided kayaking tours will also allow you to observe marine animals without disturbing them.

For some family bonding, sign up for a surf lesson at one of the beginner-friendly breaks in the area. Or opt for a cooking lesson that highlights seasonal products from the Kaikōura Peninsula.

While Hawke’s Bay is primarily known for its vineyards, this coastal region of the North Island is also a fantastic destination for families. You can wander through the art deco city of Napier and visit nearby Cape Kidnappers to see nesting gannets.

The weather here is relatively warm and dry throughout most of the year. Summer (December–February) is particularly pleasant for beach days, cycling tours and visits to wineries where kid-friendly activities can be arranged.

Budding explorers and mountaineers will be in their element at Lake Tekapo and Aoraki (also known as Mount Cook). The latter is the highest peak in Australasia with plenty of exciting experiences for every generation, including hiking trails suitable for all ages.

One of our favourite activities here is stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where you can learn about astronomy from an expert guide. During the day your family can enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, fly fishing and natural hot springs, too.

New Zealand is full of family-friendly accommodation options that will appeal to toddlers, grandparents and everyone in between. Here are a few of the best places to stay.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is an expansive estate in Hawke’s Bay where families can fully relax and unwind – or head outside for wildlife tours, cliff walks, vineyard visits and golfing.

Children can participate in farm activities and ATV tours, too. There are two private villas for families of six to eight people, as well as several suites that can accommodate up to six.

Located close to Lake Taupō, Poronui Lodge is a dream come true for outdoorsy families. The Blake House is ideal for multi-generational groups, with space for up to eight people.

Older children and adults can enjoy engaging activities like horse riding, hiking, fly fishing and archery. Many experiences can also be privatised and tailored specifically to your group.

Hapuku Lodge’s location on the coast north of Kaikōura makes it a favourite among families – as do its whimsical Tree Houses.

The lodge is built from salvaged timber and has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. This comes through in its locally sourced cuisine and nature-based activities, including whale watching, farm visits and wilderness walks.

We often recommend Annandale for multi-generational groups. It features four private villas with plenty of space and flexibility for large families.

Set on 4,000 acres of coastal farmland near Christchurch, it invites you to fully immerse yourself in the environment. Younger guests will love hands-on cooking classes, picnic lunches and a long list of age-appropriate outdoor activities.

A fantastic choice for families with older children, Minaret Station is among the best exclusive-use luxury lodges in New Zealand (although its four chalets can also be booked individually).

The atmosphere here is one of remote adventure; located near Wanaka, the lodge can only be reached by helicopter. Activities include mountain biking, hiking and guided fishing.

When we plan family trips to New Zealand, our focus is always multifaceted. We strive to create activities your whole family will enjoy, while carefully considering environmental preservation, cultural respect and support for local communities.

In practice, we choose hotels with a positive impact, arrange meaningful Māori cultural experiences for families and prioritise responsible ways to see wildlife across New Zealand.

Some of our favourite family experiences include picnic lunches in Fiordland National Park, guided visits to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, private ATV tours of Hawke’s Bay and foraging for native ingredients in the Waitākere Ranges. We can also arrange bespoke experiences based on your family’s specific needs, interests and priorities.