Best Things To Do As A Family In NZ - International Traveller

From whale-watching and go-karting to spending the day as a sea postie and the night in a haunted castle, there’s no shortage of family fun to be found here.

A truly unique family trip to Northland

The promise of a truly unique New Zealand experience should be motivation enough to journey to Northland/Te Tai Tokerau, the northernmost region of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui. Head to Cape Rēinga, homeland of the Ngāti Kuri tribe, to enter the spiritual home of the country, a place known as Te Rerengawairua.

A delivery of family fun on the water in Marlborough

In the north-east pocket of the South Island/Te Waipounamu lies the popular holiday spot of the Marlborough Sounds. Made up of steep bluffs and river-carved valleys, the Sounds are ideal for active families who love getting out on the water. Dotted with homes for hire, as well as plenty of family-friendly lodges like Punga Cove and Furneaux Lodge, the Sounds offer a range of single-day and multi-day hiking, boating, kayaking and fishing adventures.

Go-karting, cars & mini-golf in Cromwell

The Central Otago township of Cromwell is known for delicious wine, fresh produce – and a motorsport park to thrill even the most hardened revhead. Then there’s the Highlands Museum collection of rare cars and motorsport memorabilia or a round of mini golf.

Kayak with dolphins and whales in Kaikōura

Fancy getting the kids up close to giant sperm whales in their natural environment? Then make your way by car, bus or scenic train to Kaikōura, a coastal village on the east coast of the South Island/Te Waipounamu blessed with marine wildlife, sparkling blue waters and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Homeland of the Ngāi Tahu tribe, Kaikōura is a culture-rich township packed with fun things to do.

Stay in the haunted Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle, a foreboding-looking Victorian castle on the Otago Peninsula, is the ideal place to spook the kids. Built in the 1870s in the Gothic Revival architectural style, the castle started out as the home of Aussie expat and prominent Otago businessman and politician William Larnach. Today it’s a tourist attraction and the country’s only haunted castle.

Learn about science, sea lions & stars at Otago Museum

Science nerds of the family rejoice! Otago Museum on Dunedin/Ōtepoti’s Great King Street is calling your name. Home to the country’s biggest science centre, the museum is literally the hottest place in Dunedin.

Cruise back in time on a coal-fired steamship

Here’s a question for the family quiz champ: what does the alpine town of Queenstown have in common with the lush river city of Whanganui? Give up? Both places offer the chance to partake in a unique shipping adventure.

Hop aboard New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer

Meanwhile, in Whanganui, hop aboard New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer, Waimarie, and cruise the Whanganui River. You’ll learn about the river’s significance to local Māori, who have lived on the river for hundreds of years, as well as to the European missionaries and settlers who arrived in the 1800s.

Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.

The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.

And Royal Caribbean‘s new 16-night Long Adventure cruise itinerary from Sydney to Honolulu might just be the perfect slow adventure to get you started. After all, nothing says slow travel like getting on island time.

Immersive travel itinerary

moorea lagoon Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish — Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)

On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.

Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.

More time to connect

wave rider on anthem of the seas royal caribbean — Use sea days to make new memories together.

The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.

Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.

Built-in pauses

RCI Vitality℠ Spa — Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.

We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.

On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.

Remove travel hassle

royal caribbean anthem of the seas royal loft balcony room — Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.

Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.

Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.

Dine at your leisure

Izumi Sashimi — Dine on flavours from around the world.

With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.

Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.

And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.

A taste of diverse cultures

Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.

Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.

The luxury of time

royal caribbean solarium — Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.

The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.

Start planning your Long Adventure at royalcaribbean.com.au.

The best things to do as a family in New Zealand