Family Fun in New Zealand

What would a visit to New Zealand be without seeing how sheep are sheared? Working farms (called "stations") across the country are an educational and fun way to spend an afternoon or two- not only for the little ones!

Sharing a few minutes enjoying the outdoors with our loved ones and friends is a great way to take in New Zealand and get out some energy from travel! Dotted across the landscape are hundreds of walks suitable for people of all ages and walking ability.

National Parks in New Zealand can be accessible and a nice way to spend a day with the family or small group of friends. A favorite is accessing the Abel Tasman National Park via boat and stopping along the way for a picnic on the banks of the water, a short hike and kayaking into coves for a short swim.

Scooting across the river at speed and doing 360 degree turns is a fun family activity that will brings screams and smiles. Not to be missed!

New Zealand is an adventure capital. Afterall, bungy jumping was invented here! And while that may be a little too extreme for most of us, a fun activity to do with the kids in Queenstown is to take the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak and try out the gravity sleds/alpine slides. It's fast and fun without being dangerous.

Kiwis are not only an endangered flightless bird- they are nocturnal. This certainly makes it difficult to observe them during the day. And although in different parts of the country you can hear their calls at night, it is a lot easier to observe them run and dig via special pens throughout New Zealand. Great fun!

In Queenstown, great fun can be had for the family via a scenic ride on the cable car lift up Bob's Peak. Once at the top you are treated with breathtaking views, options for dining, gravity sleds and other fun stuff.

While in Queenstown the Frankton Track is a nice ride from the Queenstown Gardens to the new Frankton Marina. Upon arrival the family can pull up along side the Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro for lunch prior to continuing to Kelvin Heights. There you may take time to explore the small coves and beaches prior to returning into town.

Captain Cook named it Piercy Island and no trip to the Bay of Islands would be complete without visiting the famous “Hole in the Rock”. Options include landing on the steep sided island in a helicopter or a classic tour boat cruise which travels through the 'hole' itself!