Our favourite New Zealand family ski fields
Check out the best ski fields in New Zealand for families. Children ski free at some of these top picks – start searching for your ultimate snow adventure.
New Zealand is an adventure-packed destination for the whole family. With kid-centric activities in every city, it is no wonder why New Zealand is such a popular and thriving holiday destination for families.
Unique wildlife encounters, impressive natural landscapes, a wealth of traditional Maori culture and a utopia for adventure activities – families will be in awe of all that New Zealand has to offer.
Rotorua is bustling with family-oriented activities – explore the Redwoods Forest, Lake Okareka Boardwalk (suitable for strollers) and the natural hot springs of Kerosene Creek, take a Skyline Rotorua Gondola for spectacular views of the city, visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley and witness the impressive thermal activity – choose a walking trail or take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana, and experience Maori culture at the living Maori village, Whakarewarewa.
Ride the rusty Wellington Cable Car, visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Wellington Museum for insights into the country’s Maori-rich culture (and great interactivity for kids); adventurous kids will love Adrenalin Forest, navigating tree-lined zigzag ropes, flying foxes and over 125 treetop challenges; take a day-trip to Staglands Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful nature reserve suitable for all ages to meet and learn about native animals.
With snow-sports galore in winter, water-sports in summer, and family-fun activities year-round, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations. With experienced instructors and ski slopes catering to all ages, children as young as three years old can learn to ski! Queenstown activities are not nearly limited to the ski slopes with water-sports – jetboating, paddle-boarding, kayaking – wildlife parks, horse-riding, mountain biking, gondola and luge riding, as well as ziplining, giant swings and bungy jumping for older kids.
Autumn, March through May, with beautiful weather and the lowest crowds, is one of the best times to visit New Zealand. It is the perfect time for hiking and adventure sports, as well as having the lowest rates for airfares and accommodation. Spring, September to November, is the other shoulder period – a little warmer and still relatively quiet.
Winter, June through August, is the low season in most cities and is the perfect season to experience New Zealand’s renowned (and very family-friendly) snow-sports scene. While this is peak season for the ski-fields, it is the quietest time for travel in other parts of New Zealand, with great accommodation deals.
Summer, December through February, is high season. The weather and beaches are beautiful during this time of year, but do expect some exorbitant prices – particularly for family accommodations.
Young children will love Wellington. Fun city experiences – riding the rickety cable car, world-class interactive museums and wildlife interactions at Staglands Wildlife Reserve will keep young kids entertained for days.
There are activities for older kids in all parts of New Zealand! From the skyline gondola tours in Rotorua, challenging treetop courses at Adrenalin Forest outside Wellington, to the ski-fields of adventure-packed Queenstown, kids will never be at a loss for activities throughout the whole trip!
Teenagers can relax at the natural hot springs around Rotorua and will be overwhelmed for choice at the variety of adventure and social activities in Queenstown. The most adventurous teens can opt for a bungy jump or ziplining experience!
Car is the recommended way for getting around New Zealand. There are several rental companies to choose from, each with individual restrictions and deals. Local companies are often the cheaper option, beginning at around $30 per day, but with greater restrictions on destinations and distance. Other major rental companies offer one-way deals between major cities, sometimes with very low prices, or unlimited kilometre deals for between $40 to $80.
Campervan hire is a fantastic way to get around New Zealand for larger families. There are over 250 campervan holiday campsites throughout New Zealand, ranging from free to $35 per adult (kids stay free at most). There are about 5 major rental companies which offer rates between $50 to $100 per day in winter and $110 to $210 in summer.
Bus travel is relatively efficient and very inexpensive. The two main bus companies, InterCity and Naked Bus have routes that cover most destinations on both North and South islands – with some fares as low as $1 in the low seasons or discounts on other fares for children. Several regional shuttle bus companies also operate between the smaller towns that these companies do not reach. www.tourism.net.nz/transport/bus-and-coach-services is a helpful site for these services.
Train routes operate between the major cities in New Zealand with company KiwiRail Scenic Journeys. Rail passes are available for unlimited travel on the company’s four routes for between $420 to $1300 for adults (with discounts for children). Information is available at www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/scenic-rail-pass
Air Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the two main airlines in New Zealand with routes to the main tourist destinations on the North and South islands. Air New Zealand offers passes for multiple destinations ranging from $100 to $300.
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Australia’s premier Arts festival showcases theatre, world-class musicians, dance, writers and visual art.
This motorsport spectacular is packed with action and entertainment for families. The 2021 Superloop Adelaide 500 will occur on revised dates in 2021.
March – South Australia History Festival
Enjoy hundreds of events such as talks to workshops exploring the local history.
Enjoy family friendly performances and workshops by the world’s best traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers and DJs.
May – DreamBig Children’s Festival
This arts festival for schools and families is the largest of its kind in the world.
September – Royal Adelaide Show
Experience animals, rides, food and entertainment as the country comes to the city.
Australia’s biggest Asian arts festival.
Check out the best ski fields in New Zealand for families. Children ski free at some of these top picks – start searching for your ultimate snow adventure.
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