Family Fun

 

Use our family-friendly Family Fun link page to find information from around New Zealand. Whether your family loves to ride horses, watching miniature trains or patting farm animals, there is something here for the kids to enjoy. Discovers New Zealand ski fields or go to any of our destination pages to find out more about the town or city you wish to visit with your family while on holiday in New Zealand.

Family things to do   |  Fun for the kids   |   Horse Riding  |   Ski Fields  |  Trains, Trams and other things   |  Animals and Zoos  |  Tours

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Family things to do

 

North Island   |   South Island   |   Fun websites for kids   |  Horse riding  |   Ski Fields   |   Trains, planes and other things   |  Zoos

 

North Island

Northland
Dolphinz  (Northland)

Pack or Paddle (Northland)
Sheepworld  (Warkworth)

Seafriends (Leigh)
Waiwera   (Waiwera)
Rail   (Whangaparoa)

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Coromandel Region

Waiau Waterworks Coromandel Town About 4.7 km's down 309 Road,near Coromandel Town Ph: 07 866 7191 The Waterworks offers a showcase of more than 50 fun features based on, near or with water.Quirky and interactive they are sure to bring a smile to every face. New for 2009 will be the giant slide and sandpit, little children's adventure playground and our supa dupa animal farm. Whilst here try to figure out how the water clock works, squirt water from bike powered pumps, do battle with the water canons and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park before taking the time to indulge in delicious food and great coffee from our 'World Cafe'. Only 12 minutes from Coromandel town and open from 9am, 7 days a week throughout the year. It's unique, totally kiwi and loads of fun! Nothing else compares!         Web: www.waiauwaterworks.co.nz

Whale Island Tours(Whakatane)

Diveworks  Charters (Whakatane)

 

Auckland

Snowplanet (Auckland) (new)
Sky Tower   (Auckland)
Star Dome   (Auckland)

Kelly Tarltons Underwater World   (Auckland)

Auckland Zoo (Auckland)

Auckland Museum   (Auckland)

Aquatic Park Parakai Springs (West Auckland)

Monterey Park Model World (West Auckland)

Motat (Auckland)

Kiwi Valley (Henderson/Auckland)

Rainbows End (Auckland) (new)

 

South of Auckland

Glenbrook Railway (Glenbrook)

Waiau Water Works (Waiau)

Martha Gold Mine (Waihi)

Hamilton Zoo (Hamilton)

Ngatea Water Gardens (Ngatea)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Waitomo)

Spellbound Glow Worm Tours (Waitomo)

Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park (Taranaki)

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Central North Island

Taupo Adventure Park (Taupo)

Rainbow NZ   (Rotorua)

Agrodome (Rotorua)

Skyline Skyrides (Rotorua)

Planet Bike  (Rotorua)

Zorb (Rotorua)

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (Rotorua)

 

Hawkes Bay

The National Aquarium Napier The National Aquarium houses a reef tank, a travelator which spirals its way beneath the enormous oceanarium, creating the impression of a true underwater experience, and a typical New Zealand rocky shore environment. There are sharks, stingray and hundreds of fish species along with eels, trout, sea horse, turtles, tropical marine fish, kiwi, tuatara, and a crocodile on display. There is also a café and themed souvenir shop.  Visitors can experience ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours, offering an insight into the state of the art technology which is used to operate the aquarium, and a chance to handle and feed some of the animals. www.nationalaquarium.co.nz     info@nationalaquarium.co.nz     Ph 06 834 1404

Splash Planet   (Hastings)

Church Road Winery and Wine Museum (Napier)

Laser Force Napier (Napier) (new)

Marineland (Napier)

 

Wanganui

www.riverboats.co.nz Whanganui Riverboat Centre (Wanganui)

 

North of Wellington

Mt Ruapehu Ski Field (National Park)

Whakapapa Ski Field (National Park)

Mcleod's Quad Bike Adventures (Martinborough)

Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre (Masterton)

Oasis Climbing Wall (Masterton)

Southward Car Museum  (Paraparaumu)

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Wellington

Carter Observatory (Wellington)

Wellington Zoo  (Wellington)

Te Papa Museum (Museum Wellington)

Capital E (Wellington)

Jasons   (Wellington)

 

Hutt Valley

H2O Xtream (Upper Hutt)

Staglands   (Upper Hutt)

 

South Island

 

Nelson

Abel Tasman tamden sky diving  (Nelson) ((New)

Akaroa Fox Sail  (Akaroa) (New)

Kiwi Impressionz (craft) (Nelson)

Creative Tourism (Nelson)

Natureland Zoo (Nelson)

Ultimate Descents (Nelson)

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Christchurch and Canterbury region

Orana Wildlife Park Christchurch McLeans Island Road, Christchurch –  Open 10am – 5pm daily. New Zealand’s only open range zoo.  Experience unique encounters at scheduled times: hand feed Giraffe, meet Rhino “face-to-face”, see the Cheetah’s speed, watch the Tigers search, leap or climb a pole for their food and experience the unique Lion Encounter which takes visitors through the Lion Reserve for extremely close views of the “King of Beasts” (contact us for conditions).  An extensive native collection features Kiwi and a variety of birds and reptiles. Orana Wildlife Park provides the ultimate wildlife experience! www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz

Wildlife Cruise and Sailing Akaroa (near Christchurch) Sail with dolphins on New Zealand’s oldest gaffed rigged ketch, the Fox II.   Your little pirates will love to see the wildlife up close including seals, penguins and sea birds. They can help crew on this eco-friendly real sailing experience. Along the journey, you will be surrounded by giant sea cliffs, caves and rock formations, and then head out into the Pacific. Learn about local history. A guaranteed highlight that you will remember for the rest of your life.   Children under 12 only $25 and under 5 are FREE!  Adults $60 -  Departing 10:30am and 1:30pm every day from Daly’s Wharf. Operates Jan-May.  Book at Christchurch or Akaroa I-Site or right on board.  Drinks and food available on board. Licensed by DOC to see dolphins.  Charters by arrangement, 30 PAX. Fox II Sailing Adventures Ltd. Akaroa, Phone 0800 FOXSAIL (3697245), info@akaroafoxsail.co.nz            Website www.akaroafoxsail.co.nz

Mt Hutt Ski Area Methven P O Box 14, Methven. Ph: 03 308 5074   Mt Hutt has some of the best facilities in the country including the Summit Six, six seater chairlift, a dedicated quad chair, a triple chair and a beginners’ Magic Carpet which offers access to a wide variety of trails and fantastic mix of terrain. The UP & GO terrain park and Dirty Dog Halfpipe cater perfectly freestylers of all levels. Mt Hutt is family and beginner friendly and features an award winning Snowsports School and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche. Children six and under ski for free.  Web: www.nzski.com

Blackcat   (Christchurch)

Alpine Ice Skating (Christchurch)

Christchurch Gondola (Christchurch)

Christchurch Trams (Christchurch)

Science Alive (Christchurch)

Southern Encounter (Christchurch)

Weka Pass Railway (Christchurch)

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Westcoast

 

Greymouth

Shanty Town   (Greymouth)
Onyerbike   (Greymouth)

Queenstown and Otago Region

Coronet Peak Ski Area Queenstown P O Box 359, Queenstown. Ph: 03 442 4620 Email: service@coronetpeak.co.nz   Coronet Peak’s diverse terrain, superb facilities, views and proximity to Queenstown create an unparalleled winter experience for all.  Full base facilities include eateries, retail, rental and repair, Snowsports School and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche. Coronet Peak this year doubled the size of its dedicated beginner area, with a new Carpet and snowmaking guns in this area which will significantly improve the beginner’s experience. Try our night skiing Friday and Saturdays for a night out with a difference!  Children aged six and under ski free.  Web: www.nzski.com

The Remarkables Ski Area Queenstown P O Box 359, Queenstown.Ph: 03 442 4615 Email: service@theremarkables.co.nz   The Remarkables Ski Area is known for its alpine environment, relaxed atmosphere and sense of fun. The mountain’s varied trails, terrain parks and backcountry areas are very family friendly. Freestylers will love the brand new UP & GO Terrain Park– twice the size of the existing terrain park, whilst the novice can progress in the Fruju Beginner Park while not-so-serious can put skis and boards aside and enjoy the Ozone Tubing Park.  There's live music on the deck and children 10 and younger ski free. Web: www.nzski.com

Skyline   (Queenstown)

Hot Air Ballooning with Sunrise Balloons (Queenstown)

Wanaka

Puzzling World   (Wanaka)
 

Dunedin

Cadbury World (Dunedin)

Larnach Castle (Dunedin)

Portobello Aquarium (Dunedin)
 

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Tours

Whale Island Tours(Whakatane)

Diveworks  Charters (Whakatane)

Farewell Spit Eco Tours (Nelson)

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Fun for kids
Bubble Dome
Netguide
What Now
Kindy Online
Kidsone

Resene paints kids colouring section (new)

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Horse Riding in New Zealand

North Island

 

Horseride NZ  (Pakiri)

Small Farmer Farmstay  (Warkworth)

Farmyard Zoo and Pony Rides (Hawke's Bay)

South Island

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Te Taunga Adventures (Horse riding)
	Location: 41 Newhaven Road, Owaka, The Catlins Phone: 027 629 2904 (anytime) or 03 415 8368 (may need to leave a message) Fax: 03 4158368 Email: classiccharm@hotmail.com Website: www.catlinshorseriding.co.nz
We take pride in providing a safe environment for families and their children. Every ride is tailored to suit your family requirements. We have special activities specifically tailored for children, with two great ponies and the majority of our larger horses are very child-friendly. Our emphasis is always on safety and enjoyment, in an atmosphere of great fun!  "Really lovely people, awesome tour guide and great views . . . Cara & Denise really looked after our little one who was really scared and finished happy'" McCaughan family of six .

Catlins Horse Riding (Catlins)

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Ski Fields

Coronet Peak Ski Area Queenstown P O Box 359, Queenstown. Ph: 03 442 4620 Email: service@coronetpeak.co.nz   Coronet Peak’s diverse terrain, superb facilities, views and proximity to Queenstown create an unparalleled winter experience for all.  Full base facilities include eateries, retail, rental and repair, Snowsports School and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche. Coronet Peak this year doubled the size of its dedicated beginner area, with a new Carpet and snowmaking guns in this area which will significantly improve the beginner’s experience. Try our night skiing Friday and Saturdays for a night out with a difference!  Children aged six and under ski free.  Web: www.nzski.com

The Remarkables Ski Area Queenstown P O Box 359, Queenstown.Ph: 03 442 4615 Email: service@theremarkables.co.nz   The Remarkables Ski Area is known for its alpine environment, relaxed atmosphere and sense of fun. The mountain’s varied trails, terrain parks and backcountry areas are very family friendly. Freestylers will love the brand new UP & GO Terrain Park– twice the size of the existing terrain park, whilst the novice can progress in the Fruju Beginner Park while not-so-serious can put skis and boards aside and enjoy the Ozone Tubing Park.  There's live music on the deck and children 10 and younger ski free. Web: www.nzski.com

Mt Hutt Ski Area Methven P O Box 14, Methven. Ph: 03 308 5074   Mt Hutt has some of the best facilities in the country including the Summit Six, six seater chairlift, a dedicated quad chair, a triple chair and a beginners’ Magic Carpet which offers access to a wide variety of trails and fantastic mix of terrain. The UP & GO terrain park and Dirty Dog Halfpipe cater perfectly freestylers of all levels. Mt Hutt is family and beginner friendly and features an award winning Snowsports School and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche. Children six and under ski for free.  Web: www.nzski.com

 

Snowplanet (Auckland) (new)

Mt Ruapehu Ski Field (National Park)

Whakapapa Ski Field (National Park)

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Trains and other things

 

North Island
Whangaparoa Rail (miniature ride -on train) (Whangaparoa)

Glenbrook Railway (Steam Train) (Glenbrook)

Driving Creek Railway (miniature ride on train) (Coromandel)

Monterey Park Model World (model trains and boats) (West Auckland)

Train World (model train railway) (Napier)

Southward Car Museum  (Paraparaumu)

 

South Island

Wanaka War Birds   (Wanaka)

Christchurch Gondola (Christchurch)

Christchurch Trams (Christchurch)

Weka Pass Railway (Train) (Christchurch)

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 Animals and Zoo

Orana Wildlife Park McLeans Island Road, Christchurch –  Open 10am – 5pm daily. New Zealand’s only open range zoo.  Experience unique encounters at scheduled times: hand feed Giraffe, meet Rhino “face-to-face”, see the Cheetah’s speed, watch the Tigers search, leap or climb a pole for their food and experience the unique Lion Encounter which takes visitors through the Lion Reserve for extremely close views of the “King of Beasts” (contact us for conditions).  An extensive native collection features Kiwi and a variety of birds and reptiles. Orana Wildlife Park provides the ultimate wildlife experience! www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz

The National Aquarium Napier The National Aquarium houses a reef tank, a travelator which spirals its way beneath the enormous oceanarium, creating the impression of a true underwater experience, and a typical New Zealand rocky shore environment. There are sharks, stingray and hundreds of fish species along with eels, trout, sea horse, turtles, tropical marine fish, kiwi, tuatara, and a crocodile on display. There is also a café and themed souvenir shop.  Visitors can experience ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours, offering an insight into the state of the art technology which is used to operate the aquarium, and a chance to handle and feed some of the animals.      www.nationalaquarium.co.nz     info@nationalaquarium.co.nz     Ph 06 834 1404

Auckland Zoo (Auckland)

Butterfly Creek (Airport/Auckland)

Kiwi Valley (Henderson/Auckland)

Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter (Auckland)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Waitomo)

Hamilton Zoo (Hamilton)

Stoneyoaks Wildlife Park (Taranaki)

Farmyard Zoo (Hawke's Bay)

National Aquarium Of New Zealand (Napier)

Wellington Zoo (Wellington)

Natureland Zoo (Nelson)

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