Southland, Family Activities

Earthlore - Catlins

If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience for the whole family, Earthlore Insect Theme Park offers a huge variety of activities for all ages. Our mission is to provide a ‘conservation experience‘ to enhance peoples understanding of our local eco-system and the importance of our amazing array of native insects. Open 12noon – 7pm from October to April.
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- Phone: 03 415 8455
- Location: 129 Hinahina Road, Owaka (5 minutes from the Owaka on way to Jack’s Bay)
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Transport World

The largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, with literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display. But don't worry though if you're not a motoring enthusiast! Families can also enjoy a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms which are fast becoming as famous as our vehicles.

Find dedicated spaces for families like the Construction Zone Lego Room. Watch as your children amass themselves in piles of LEGO, or challenge themselves with educational programmes provided on iPads. Dress up and interactive fun are even encouraged on a Replica 1925 New Zealand Police Paddy Wagon. Enjoy your latte and lunch in comfort as The Grille cafe houses a secure children's play area. With so much to see, let us entertain you for a few hours or the whole day.

Bill Richardson Transport World is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Home to over 300 vehicles, a wearable arts collection, children's play zones, The Grille Cafe and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. Transport World has something for everyone.

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- Phone: 03 217 0199
- Location: 491 Tay Street
  Hawthorndale 9810
  Invercargill, New Zealand
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Ages 4+
Hump Ridge Jet - Southland

One of NZ’s most exhilarating jet boat experiences, jet boat across Lake Hauroko to challenge the most exhilarating journey in New Zealand, the Wairaurahiri river, 27 kilometres of grade 3, rock strewn white water rapids. When the Wild South Coast is reached, you can trek in to see the mighty Percyburn viaduct or just relax and enjoy the abundance of wildlife. A short walk over the Wairaurahiri swingbridge into Waitutu virgin forest is a must. This is a long day and the jet boating is very exciting. The trip would not be suitable for very young children. Transport to and from Otautau to start of the jet boat trip can be provided. Otautau is about 30 mins drive from Invercargill.
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- Phone: 03 215 4221
- Location: 17 Main St, Otautau, Southland
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Nugget Point - Catlins

Nugget Point has dramatic views of 'The Nuggets' that are wave-eroded rocks, likened to the shape of gold nuggets. These can be seen from the viewing platform at the Nugget Point Lighthouse which was built in 1869-70 and sits 76 metres above sea level. Walking from the car park will take approx 20 minutes (one way) and along the way you may see fir seals, seabirds and elephant seals (Dec-Feb).
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North Island

Map of New Zealand

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.