Listings

  • Kids.com Educare Central - Rotorua

    Kids.com Educare is a locally owned and operated childcare and preschool catering for children in a caring and secure learning environment. Their child care unit looks after under threes and provides free nappies for the children. They have a large outdoor play area and individualised education programmes. Their preschool unit for three to five year olds is a structured learning environment designed to equip children with the skills needed for primary school entrance. See their website for details on how to enrol your child.

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  • Best of Queenstown :: land and lake


    Amazing value at just $199 and $99 for kids!  The Best of Queenstown Half Day Tour gives you a fantastic snapshot of all the must-see spots, and even includes a boat tour!

    You'll also visit the famous bungy bridge and Arrowtown – a charming historic gold mining town that offers a glimpse into New Zealand's fascinating past. Explore its quaint streets, browse unique shops, and soak up the old-world charm that permeates the area.

    With Altitude Tours' Queenstown Sightseeing Tour, you can let the experts take care of all the details. This eco-friendly tour is the ideal way to discover the best of Queenstown in just a few hours, ensuring you make the most of your time in this incredible destination.  30 minute scenic boat cruise is included.  Child price for 15 years and under.

    Inclusions

    • Half day fully guided tour in a luxury Mercedes van
    • Shared cheeseboards and wine tasting
    • 30 minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu
    • Complimentary bottled water and Wi-Fi onboard
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  • Hawkes Bay - Lake Tutira

    Forty kilometers north of Napier is Lake Tutira. The area surrounding this lake is a bird sanctuary and makes a wonderful picnic and camping spot. There are toilet facilities and a free campsite with fresh water and barbecue facilities. The Tutira walkway is steep and not suitable for young children or pushchairs (the round trip takes about five hours!), but there is good swimming in this very pretty lake and trout fishing in the lake’s northern reaches.

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    • Location: Between Napier and Wairoa
  • Ages 7+

    Glenorchy Rees River Horse Treks

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown's high country on a thrilling horse riding adventure. Located in Glenorchy, just a one hour drive from Queenstown, this relaxed horse riding experience takes you on a memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Rees River Valley.

    Embark on a Rees River horse trek and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you ride through picturesque meadows, ancient beech forests, and crystal-clear rivers. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll feel safe and confident as you navigate the diverse terrain and take in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains.

    High Country Horses offers a range of horse riding options suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced riders. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, their friendly and knowledgeable staff will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. The Rees River Pro is for experienced riders only.

    Discover the thrill of horse riding in one of New Zealand's most stunning locations. This unmissable horse ride is an adventure not to be missed. Book your Glenorchy horse riding experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Minimum age 7 years for 2.5 hours Rees River Trail, minimum age 8 years for 3 hour Rees River Pro.

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  • Billygoat Landing Walk - Coromandel

    A 20 minute gentle return walk from the carpark at the end of Kauraeranga Road. Follow the Kauri Trail for about five minutes before turning onto the Billygoat Landing Walk just after the swing bridge. At the Billygoat basin there are good views of the 180 metre high falls and the cliffs.

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    • Location: Kauaeranga Road, Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel Peninsula
  • Ages 10+

    Coastal Kayakers - Bay of Islands half day Guided Tour

    Embark on a kayaking tour from Waitangi Beach for an exciting, informative and scenic adventure around this beautiful region. Under the instructions of an experienced guide, this half day tour will teach you all about the Waitangi River and the Maori Legends while you take in the beautiful scenery and say hello to some of the local wildlife.

    This tour isn't all about kayaking – you'll also be given the chance to enjoy a light refreshment at the base of the waterfalls where you can also dive in and go for a swim in the refreshing water.  Paddlers aren't required to have any previous experience making this adventure suitable for all ages.

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  • Opunake Beach Holiday Park

    A beachfront location with a range of affordable accommodation including campsites, campervan or RV parks, cabins & self contained units. Opunake is a small town on the coast of Taranaki with fantastic views of the coastline and the iconic mountain! Facilities include: playground, toddler’s paddling pool, TV room, onsite camp shop and heaps of BBQ's and picnic tables.

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  • Lake Kaniere Short Walks

    These short (2-15min)  forest walks lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches ideal for swimming - plenty to keep kids interested.  The beach at the end of Canoe Cove Walk and Dorothy Falls are spots for swimming. Dorothy Falls is refreshing but a little chilly!

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    • Location: Dorothy Falls Rd, Kokatahi 7881
  • Ages 10+

    Sky Tower Sky Jump

    Take the leap—dive off the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere on the SkyJump and experience a rush like none other! While attached to a wire, base jump from a platform on the exterior of the famous Auckland Sky Tower—192 metres up—and plunge toward the ground at about 85kph! While you are falling fast, the drop from high on the tower down to the Sky City plaza lasts over 10 seconds!

    As you have to first sign in a Mission Control, gear up in your superhero-esque suit and make your way to the platform, however, the entire experience takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Once suited in you custom SkyJump flying suit and body harness, you head to the jump launch platform, where, from 192 metres, you can enjoy far-reaching views of Auckland, the beautiful City of Sails, and beyond.

    But don’t get too comfortable: your next move is to leap right off of NZ’s tallest manmade structure. For extreme thrills and an unforgettable experience, take the SkyJump, NZ’s highest jump! Invite your friends and family to watch your act of bravery! Even after taking the plunge and safely landing, the Auckland Sky Tower SkyJump is a high you won’t easily come down from!

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  • Ages 10+

    AJ Hackett Nevis Swing

    The Nevis Swing is the World's Highest, making it the BIGGEST swing in the world... its simply massive! Located next to the Nevis Bungy in the Nevis Canyon... Swing alone or with a friend and choose from a variety of styles ranging from extreme to extremely funny, all guaranteed to bring out the thrill. Imagine being suspended 160m above the canyon floor, let your mates release you or leave it up to our crew. Experience a massive rush of adrenaline as you find yourself accelerating through the canyon at mind blowing speeds up to 150kph+ in a 300m Arc!

    Minimum age 10 years, minimum weight 35kg. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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  • Mount Maunganui Main Beach

    The beautiful white sands at Mount Maunganui become the main centre for such activities in the summertime as volleyball and sandcastle building, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe swimming destination. There is a parade of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby.

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  • Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Day Tour

    Experience New Zealand's Bay of Islands’ spectacular natural landscapes as well as the wildlife on this unforgettable Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Cruise! Choose from two departure points (Paihia and Russell) and cruise through the bay’s sheltered waters and its many islands on a luxury catamaran, the Dolphin Seeker, purpose built for dolphin and whale watching. On this tour you'll be aboard a spacious, modern vessel featuring the Bay of Islands’ largest outdoor seating and viewing decks from which you can keep an eye out and get up close to common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life! You are also able to enjoy uninhibited views of the Cape Brett Lighthouse, as well as the natural highlights.

    Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and even travel right through the narrow space and be surrounded by the majestic rock walls! Experience more of this excitement and natural grandeur as you take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before returning to the mainland. Throughout the tour, your friendly guides shares with you interesting and informative commentary on the area. On this three hour cruise adventure, you can explore the islands, spot dolphins and other marine life and view two of the area’s most famous sites!

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  • Bryant Memorial Track - Nr Raglan

    This 20 minute walk one way will take you through a small patch of coastal forest down to Ngarunui Beach. On the way you can admire the nikau palms and there is a lookout a third of the way down with views along the coast.

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    • Location: Access from Wainui Road or Earlest Place, Near Raglan
  • Frankton Beach Picnic Area - Queenstown

    Picnic tables, BBQ area, toilets, short walk to playground plus, since it’s so shallow, the warmest part of Lake Wakatipu. Jetski hire from Frankton Marina.

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    • Location: Queenstown - Frankton Beach
  • Bazil's Hostel & Surf School - Westport

    Offering a variety of facilities & accommodation for everyone they have fully self-contained rooms suitable for the  family as well as campervan, power sites & tent sites.  Facilities include bathrooms, two TV rooms, two lounges, hammocks, free movies, outdoor covered BBQ area and lots of garden areas to sit & relax. 

    STAY, PLAY & SURF WITH US
    Stay with us for 5 nights & Receive a FREE SURF LESSON with Board silly @ Bazils Hostel Surfing NZ Accredited Surf School, board & wetsuit included.

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  • Port Chalmers Recreation Reserve - Dunedin

    Follow the Port Chalmers road alongside the harbour to this tiny seaside township. There are a number of pathways around the cemetery, providing good views of Careys Bay. For a great beach/picnic spot, follow the Blueskin Road by car, to the beach and river at Purakaunui. Fantastic swimming hole, and fun for kayaks.

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    • Location: Dunedin - Port Chalmers
  • Te Mahia Bay Resort - Kenepuru Sound

    Nestled in the most picturesque bay in the Marlborough Sounds, all accommodation is self-contained and you have a choice of luxurious waterfront apartments, spacious modern motel units or 2 and 3 bedroom waterfront apartments which are fully self catering with magnificent views through phoenix palms. Adding to the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere, we have wonderful gardens for our guests to relax in.

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  • Napier - Marine Parade

    Whereever you're staying in Napier, you'll find yourself visiting Marine Parade. As well as a host of activities right on the waterfront (eg Aquarium, Mini Golf, Ocean Spa, Sk8 Park) there's a walkway that's completely flat, following the beach. Ideal for walking or biking, you can stroll for several kilometers south to the outskirts of town, or north towards Perfume Point, and Napier's best swimming beaches.

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  • Oparara Basin short walks

    These short, easy walks feature limestone arches, caves with critters and a tarn with reflections of the surrounding rainforest - plenty to keep kids interested. Crazy Paving Cave (10 min return) take a torch and follow a short bush track to the cave entrance. Be extra careful not to step off the track and not to step on any of the large spiders that live in the cave.The unusual floor pattern was created over long period of time from deposits of mud which have dried out forming paving patterns on the cave floor. Take a look at the ceiling – another example of nature’s art. Box Canyon Cave (10 min return) At the end of the main track, carefully descend the steps to the cave. Explore its blocky recesses in complete freedom and take a hard look at the ceiling for fossils - look but don’t touch. Cave dwellers such as weta, spiders, and bettles live in the darkness. Have a look at these interesting insects, but be careful not to disturb them. Mirror Tarn (30 min) a sign points along a bush track toward this secretive spot. A pool full of dark water reflects tall trees and rich birdsong fills the air. Here you are called on to joyfully reflect on the foresight of a local bushman who noted the rimu trees around the tarn had been tagged for felling and his successful argument to have the beauty preserved. Oparara Arch (25 min, one way) From the first car park a well-formed track leads up the Oparara riverbank, through beech and podocarp forest and past limestone outcrops. The arch is 219 metres long with sides 79 metres apart and a roof 43 metres above the river that carved the impressive feature.

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    • Location: 11km north of Karamea on the road to Kohaihai. Then 12km to the arches car park and another 3km to the caves car park. Kahurangi National Park 7073
  • Snout Walkway - Picton

    Standing in Picton and facing out to sea, the tip of the headland that stretches out to your right is called The Snout. This whole area is known as Victoria Domain and is well stocked with swimming beaches, walking and bike tracks and picnic areas. The whole track, past the Queen Charlotte View and right out to Snout Head takes around 1 ½ hours. There’s a toilet and picnic area at the lookout, and a picnic area right at the end of the headland. Track tends to be slippery when wet, but otherwise an easy walk.

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  • Barnett Bush Circuit Walk - Waikato

    This is a 30 minute return walk and the track is wide and easy-going. The reserve has been extensively restored, including the re-introduction of the North Island robins.

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    • Location: Access from Waotu South Road near Lake Arapuni
  • Shroom Room

    The coolest cafe of vegan and vegetarian goodness, in Lyttelton with fantastic outdoor space which often has buskers or other live entertainment.
    Casual hang out and a locals' favourite.  Very enticing cabinet food, amazing sweet things and cake, and awesome lunch menu!
    Open daily until 3pm.

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  • Ivon Wilson Park - Te Anau

    An attractively landscaped 35 hectare park. Lots of easy walking and bike trails, picnic / bbq spots and toilets. In the centre is Lake Henry - this small lake has a stock of brown trout and has been developed as a children's fishery.

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    • Location: Te Anau - Manapouri Highway, well signed on the left, just opposite the Wildlife Centre
  • Te Anau Glowworm Tour

    Travel from the town of Te Anau to New Zealand's' famous underground network of glow worm caves nearby that is illuminated by the light of hundreds of native local glow worms! This glow worms tour will take you into their heart to view this amazing natural display up close. A must-do experience for anyone visiting the Fiordland region, the glow worm caves are located in the lower section of a much larger cave system which extends deep under the nearby Fiordland National Park and consist of a wondrous underground world of flowing water that plays home to hundreds of the shimmering glow worms.

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Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.