New Zealand is most certainly a family-friendly destination that kids will remember with fondness and joy. It’s a relatively small country, divided into two main island groups; North and South, both with unique travel/vacation spots. New Zealand’s weather and climate are major factors to consider. Transport options include hiring a motorhome (most popular), hire car, trains, buses and taxis are aplenty making travel between points of interest especially easy and affordable for you and your family.
The choices on where to go are wide and varied in New Zealand, from nature-based activities to thrill-seeking adventures to animal and wildlife experiences. Camping, kayaking, bungee-jumping, whale-watching, biking-hiking in mountain trails are just some thrilling options.
Here are some suggestions on brilliant things to see and do in New Zealand which don’t cost the earth:
Geothermal activities
Watch in awe at sky-high geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hearing hissing sounds of steam from underneath the earth. Places like Rotorua are a must visit.
Scenery
From pristine beaches and coastlines, vast dairy farm lands, vineyards, magnificent vistas, glaciers, ice-capped mountaintops, New Zealand’s landscape is as diverse as it is captivating.
Hobbiton
Visit the film location of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, even if you’re not a fan, this place is amazing.
Tradition
Maoris – Of course, a New Zealand vacation is not complete without getting up close and personal with the Maoris watch a live performance of a Haka War Dance, for example.
Planning
A good trip starts with great planning after all this is a family vacation not backpacking on a whim – Planning months ahead will keep your expenses down.
In vacation planning, only pleasant surprises are allowed. Booking your travel and accommodations months in advance could cut your expenses up to 50%, plus discounts for kids especially for theme parks, food and lodging.
Avoid unpleasant surprises like bloated budgets, travel-related illnesses or worse, accidents and emergencies, unnecessary insurance expenses, and more.
When is the best time?
Note well that New Zealand (NZ) like its neighbouring country Australia has four seasons. But unlike in the Americas, summer months in New Zealand are December to March. So if you or your family wants lots of summer, sunbathing and beach activities, these are the months to go. You would however be competing with the locals for space and attention, so make some scheduling adjustments if necessary.
New Zealand like Great Britain is relatively a small country. Allotting at least a week or two, or even up to a month if budget permits can allow you to see major spots in either the North or South Islands.
Here’s wishing you and your family the best on your planned, and hopefully safe, stress-free, and enjoyable family vacation.
