Our Top 5 Must Do Family Activities for your next New Zealand holiday!
Family Activities in New Zealand
1. Hobbiton Movie Set
Location: Matamata, North Island
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Near Matamata, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy on a fascinating guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. Afterwards you can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shires Rest Cafe.
Details: The two hour guided tour runs daily every half an hour between 9.30 am & 3.30 pm.
2. Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve
Location: Rotorua, North Island
Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity. Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve is a fantastic place to view this activity up close. In addition, get a taste of Maori culture! Hells Gate is set in 50 acres with a large variety of geothermal features including steaming hot pools, bubbling mud pools and geysers. This is a great place to bring the family and stroll through the reserve at your leisure. Two 1.5 hour guided tours run daily at no extra charge starting at 9.30 am & 1.30 pm. Through the guided tour you will hear stories of the area and learn the ancestral significance of the reserve. After walking through the reserve why not sit back and relax in one of the sulphur spas or even a mud bath spa!
Details: Optional 1 1/2 hour guided tour runs daily at 9.30 am & 1.30 pm. Or stroll through at your leisure throughout the day between 8.30 am and 10.00 pm.
3. Abel Tasman Cruise
Location, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman, South Island
Discover the Abel Tasman National Park on a boat cruise. Relax on the hot golden sand, enjoy a day walk or simply enjoy a return boat cruise without having to leave the boat. Take in the natural beauty and enjoy! There are various options as to where you can get off in the National Park. You can get off at one point and do a walk within the park to another point on the track where the boat will pick you up. Or you can pack a picnic lunch, beach towels etc and laze on the beach for the day until the boat picks you up.
Details: Operates year round with 3 departure times 9.30 am, 11.30 am and 1.30 pm to give you flexibility to relax and enjoy the Abel Tasman.
4. Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight
Location: Franz Josef, South Island
Enjoy a fantastic scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef. This is a great way to explore glacier country on the West Coast and see the grand scope of the ice fields not visible from the ground. With several options available ranging from 20 min to 60 min flights, there is something to suit everyone. All flights include a snow landing to enjoy a play in the snow and take some memorable family photos before flying back to Franz Josef.
Details: Operate year round and flights scheduled on demand.
5. Milford Sound Cruise
Location: Milford Sound, South Island
There is no better way to explore Milford Sound than with a cruise through the length of the sound and back. Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of a modern, spacious vessel. The Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. During the cruise, your friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
Details: Operates year round with departures from Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. Morning and afternoon cruises available.
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