New Zealand with Kids
Tips for the perfect family adventure
Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Travel advice (German Foreign Office)Planning a family trip to New Zealand? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Recommended Routes for Families
Discover the best round trips and routes in New Zealand that are perfect for families with children.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in New Zealand.
Seasons
Das Klima in Neuseeland ist aufgrund seiner geografischen Lage und Topografie sehr vielfältig. Da es auf der Südhalbkugel liegt, sind die Jahreszeiten im Vergleich zur Nordhalbkugel vertauscht.
- Nordinsel: Die nördlichen Regionen der Nordinsel (z.B. Northland, Auckland) haben ein subtropisches Klima mit warmen, feuchten Sommern und milden Wintern. Die Niederschläge sind über das ganze Jahr verteilt, können aber im Winter tendenziell höher sein.
- Südinsel: Die Südinsel hat ein eher gemäßigtes Klima. Die Westküste (z.B. Fiordland, West Coast) ist extrem regenreich, mit üppigen Regenwäldern. Die Ostküste (z.B. Canterbury, Otago) ist deutlich trockener und sonniger, mit größeren Temperaturunterschieden zwischen Sommer und Winter. Im Landesinneren der Südinsel prägen die Südlichen Alpen ein alpines Klima mit viel Schnee und niedrigen Temperaturen im Winter.
- Wetterphänomene: Neuseeland ist bekannt für seine schnellen Wetterwechsel. Es ist nicht ungewöhnlich, innerhalb eines Tages alle vier Jahreszeiten zu erleben, besonders in den Bergregionen. Starke Winde können ebenfalls häufig vorkommen.
- UV-Index: Besonders in den Sommermonaten ist der UV-Index in Neuseeland extrem hoch. Reisende sollten auf ausreichenden Sonnenschutz achten.
- Wassertemperaturen: Die Wassertemperaturen variieren stark zwischen Nord- und Südinsel. Im Norden können sie im Sommer bis zu 22-23°C erreichen, während sie im Süden selten über 18°C steigen und im Winter deutlich kühler sind.
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.0 | 75 | 7.5 |
| February | 19.0 | 70 | 7.0 |
| March | 17.0 | 85 | 6.5 |
| April | 14.0 | 95 | 5.5 |
| May | 11.0 | 110 | 4.5 |
| June | 9.0 | 120 | 3.5 |
| July | 8.0 | 115 | 3.5 |
| August | 9.0 | 105 | 4.0 |
| September | 11.0 | 90 | 5.0 |
| October | 13.0 | 80 | 6.0 |
| November | 16.0 | 70 | 7.0 |
| December | 18.0 | 65 | 7.5 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In New Zealand, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Videos & Reportages
Get inspired by these videos and reportages about New Zealand and get a first impression of kid-friendly activities and sights.
Grenzenlos - Die Welt entdecken in Neuseeland
Diese Dokumentation begleitet das Team von Grenzenlos auf einer Reise durch Neuseeland, die vom südwestlichen Teil bis zum Nordosten des Landes führt. Dabei werden die Reisenden von der atemberaubenden Landschaft und ihren Herausforderungen gefordert.
In Neuseeland mit Hannes Jaenicke
Dieses YouTube-Video zeigt Hannes Jaenicke, wie er Neuseeland erkundet und Einblicke in das Land und seine Kultur gibt.
Family Tips for New Zealand
New Zealand is an excellent travel destination for families with children, offering a wide array of experiences for various age groups. The country's natural beauty, high safety standards, and welcoming culture significantly contribute to a relaxed family holiday.
General Suitability
New Zealand is considered one of the most child-friendly countries globally. The local population is open and helpful towards families. Safety standards are high, and the crime rate is low, allowing for worry-free exploration of the country. The climate is temperate but can change quickly; UV protection is essential year-round due to high sun exposure. The vast landscapes and numerous outdoor opportunities are ideal for children to play freely and discover nature.
Activities
The range of child-friendly activities in New Zealand is extensive:
- Nature & Adventure: Many breathtaking national parks offer stroller-friendly or short, easily walkable trails. Beaches invite swimming, sandcastle building, and play. Wildlife spotting, including penguins, seals, and dolphins, are popular experiences. Interactive Māori cultural centres, especially in Rotorua, provide children with a playful introduction to indigenous culture.
- Cities & Culture: Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch boast excellent museums (e.g., Te Papa in Wellington with interactive exhibits), zoos, aquariums, and expansive parks with playgrounds. Cable car and gondola rides often provide spectacular views.
- Special Experiences: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a fascinating experience for children above a certain age. Geothermal areas like Rotorua are also impressive, though safety (hot springs) must be observed.
Practicalities
Supplies of baby products in New Zealand are generally readily available:
- Baby Food & Diapers: In major supermarket chains (Countdown, New World, Pak'nSave) and pharmacies (Unichem Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy), you will find a wide selection of baby food, purees, and diapers from popular brands. Organic options are also available.
- Medical Care: New Zealand boasts a modern healthcare system. Paediatricians and hospitals with children's wards are available in larger cities and regional centres. Pharmacies are well-stocked. Comprehensive travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended for all travellers, especially families.
- Sun Protection: Due to the thin ozone layer, the UV index in New Zealand is very high. Wearing sun hats, UV-protective clothing, and regular application of sunscreen (minimum SPF 30+) are essential for children and adults.
Accommodation & Dining
New Zealand offers diverse family-friendly options:
- Accommodation: Many motels, holiday parks, and hotels cater to families, often providing family rooms, apartments with kitchenettes, or attached playgrounds and pools. Holiday parks are particularly popular, offering not only campsites but also cabins or units. Holiday homes and rentals (Bach/Cribs) are also an excellent choice for self-catering.
- Dining: Most cafés and restaurants are child-friendly, offering high chairs and often special children's menus. Supermarkets are well-stocked, allowing for easy self-catering. Many public spaces feature picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
Mobility
Getting around with children requires some planning:
- Strollers & Carriers: Strollers can be well utilized in cities and on many designated walking paths. For hikes on rough terrain or beaches, a back carrier is often more practical.
- Child Car Seats: New Zealand has a legal requirement for child car seats. Rental car companies offer car seats for various age groups, which must be pre-booked when reserving the vehicle. It's also possible to bring your own child seats approved under ECE R44/04 or ECE R129 (i-Size) from Europe, provided they comply with New Zealand safety standards (AS/NZS 1754). Taxi companies may provide child seats upon request, but this should be arranged in advance. A rental car offers the greatest flexibility for families to explore the country at their own pace.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.
