When planning a family vacation, finding activities that are both fun and educational can be a challenge, right? But did you know that in New Zealand’s South Island, you can have the best of both worlds by exploring the diverse and unique native wildlife while creating unforgettable experiences for your children? In this post, you’ll discover some of the top family-friendly wildlife activities in New Zealand. 

There are a great number of top spots on South Island that are perfect for traveling with kids. This guide highlights what makes each location so special and why it’s a great choice for families.

Exploring the flora and fauna of New Zealand’s South Island

South Island is a great destination for families that love nature and adventure. Beaches, fiords, forests, lakes, glaciers… the mountainous island has it all. With six forest parks and ten national parks, there’s plenty to discover. Let’s take a closer look at the best family-friendly places for discovering local wildlife on South Island.

Also interesting to read:
The best places to visit in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa with kids

Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Located on the east coast of South Island, Kaikoura is a small town that boasts some of the most diverse marine life in New Zealand, with the humpback whale being a particularly spectacular sight. Visitors can embark on a real Kaikoura whale watching tour, where they will be taken out to sea to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat! The tour guides are highly knowledgeable and passionate about marine biology, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of the local whales of New Zealand and their ecosystem.

This experience is not only thrilling, but also educational, making it an ideal activity for families and children to learn more about marine conservation while getting a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. The best time to see whales in Kaikoura is during the summer months from June to august.

In addition to whale-watching, Kaikoura is also an ideal destination for swimming with dolphins, seal swimming and bird watching, making it a perfect destination for families who love marine life and adventure.

Seals, dolphins & natural wonders of the West Coast

The West Coast of South Island is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New Zealand. The rugged coastline is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and even whales. One of the best places to spot these animals is at Punakaiki, where you can take a guided tour of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The tour will take you along the coast, where you’ll have the opportunity to see seals lounging on the rocks and dolphins surfing in the waves.

But Punakaiki offers more than just marine life viewing opportunities. The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, located near the Punakaiki Visitors Center, are a geological wonder that is not to be missed. The rocks are made up of alternating layers of limestone and sandstone that have been eroded over time, creating the unique “pancake” formations. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk and see the blowholes in action as water rushes through the rocks, creating powerful geysers. The blowholes are at their most active during high tide, making it a spectacular show to witness.

In addition to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, visitors can also explore the nearby limestone caves, which are home to a variety of unique and delicate cave formations. The caves are also a popular spot for glow worms, which emit a bright blue light at night, making for an unforgettable experience. Your kids will love the creepy crawler experience!

Visit Nelson Lakes National Park

The Nelson Lakes National Park offers a range of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, making it a great destination for families. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so it’s easy to find one that’s suitable for your kids’ abilities.

The park also offers guided bird-watching tours that are specifically designed for families. These tours are led by experienced guides who will teach kids about the different bird species found in the park, their behavior, and their habitat. The guides will also provide binoculars and bird identification guides to help kids spot and identify the birds.

The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the tui, kea, bellbird, and fantail. These birds are known for their striking colors and unique calls, making them an exciting subject for children to explore. Additionally, the park offers a great opportunity for children to learn about the importance of conservation and the threats faced by endangered species such as the Nelson Lakes shag.

Watching Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa

Akaroa is a charming seaside town that’s situated on the Banks Peninsula. The town is home to a large population of Hector’s dolphins, which are the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. You can take a dolphin-watching tour, which will take you out to sea to spot these amazing animals.

It’s important to note that Hector’s dolphins are critically endangered and are facing several threats, including human activities such as fishing and pollution. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) is working to protect these animals and their habitat. They have set up several marine reserves in areas where Hector’s dolphins are known to live, and they’re also working with local communities and industries to reduce the impacts of human activities on these dolphins.

One way that kids can help protect Hector’s dolphins is by supporting sustainable fishing practices and not buying seafood that’s been caught using methods that could harm the dolphins, such as set nets and trawling. Kids can also learn about the importance of reducing pollution and preserving natural habitats, and they can spread the word to their friends and family about the importance of protecting these amazing animals. Sounds like the perfect subject for a school project, am I right?

Having fun at The National Kiwi Centre

The National Kiwi Centre is in the town of Otorohanga, which is known as the “Kiwi Capital of the World”. The Centre is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the national bird of New Zealand, the kiwi! It’s a great place to visit for children, as they will have the opportunity to see kiwis up close and learn about their habitat and life cycle. The Centre is home to several kiwi species, including the North Island brown kiwi and the great spotted kiwi.

The Centre offers a variety of activities for kids, such as kiwi-themed games and puzzles, interactive exhibits, and a kiwi hatchery where they can see kiwi chicks being incubated and raised. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in a kiwi feed, where they can watch as the birds are fed live insects and worms. How cool is that? 

The Centre also offers guided tours, where visitors can learn more about the kiwi and the Centre’s conservation efforts.

Exploring The Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a unique and special place just outside of Dunedin. It is a protected area of native bush where visitors can see a wide variety of native New Zealand birds, animals, and plants. The ecosanctuary is home to species that are threatened or endangered, like the tuatara, kaka and the kakariki.

The ecosanctuary offers a variety of guided tours that are suitable for children of all ages. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will explain the history and ecology of the ecosanctuary, as well as the conservation efforts that are being made to protect the native species.

During the tour, kids will have the opportunity to learn about the different animals and plants that live in the ecosanctuary and learn about the importance of conservation. They can also participate in fun activities like bird watching, tracking animals and searching for insects. In addition, there is a playground and picnic area for kids to enjoy.

Visiting the Orokonui Ecosanctuary is not only fun for kids, but it is also an important educational experience. It is a great way for children to learn about the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Conclusion

South Island of New Zealand is a perfect destination for families who love nature and adventure. The island is home to a wide variety of native wildlife, and the destinations we’ve highlighted in this guide offer some of the best opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitat. Whether it’s seals and whales on the Kaikoura coast, native birds in Nelson Lakes National Park, or rare dolphins in Akaroa, there’s something for everyone. 

Not only will your children have the opportunity to see these amazing animals up close, but also learn about conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of South Island’s native wildlife with your kids.

Have fun!

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What are the best places to visit in Australia with kids? And how about New Zealand and other parts of Oceania, such as Samoa? It’s such a diverse region that offers a great mix of beautiful outdoor locations, culture and fun cities. Visit Australia’s famous red center with Uluru and King’s Canyon, go camping in the outback, view the Aboriginal rock paintings and billabongs in Kakadu National Park or stay in vibrant family-friendly cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Alternatively, visit a more off the beaten track destination and take your family to Samoa. There really is something for everyone.

This post contains affiliate links. You can more about this in our disclaimer.

I’ve backpacked around Australia pre-kids and loved every second of it! I’d also really like to go back with our son, but it’s such a long journey to get there from Europe. So this region remains on our bucket list for now. Especially after reading all these wonderful things our fellow family travel bloggers have to say about it. You can read all their recommendations below.

Also read our posts about:
The best places to visit in Europe with kids
The best places to visit in Asia with kids
The best places to visit in the USA & Canada with kids

Best places to visit in Australia with kids

Sydney with kids

Sydney is not only one of the most stunning cities on Earth, but it is hugely family friendly. Firstly, it is easy to get around – the city center is easily walkable and stroller friendly. If your kids’ little legs don’t want to walk that far, you can easily take the metro or bus.

We also found all restaurants in Sydney to be accommodating of children – we have eaten everywhere from beachside cafes to fine-dining French and Italian restaurants with the kids, and are always made to feel welcome.

And of course most importantly if you are visiting Sydney with little ones, there is a huge number of family-friendly attractions. Taronga Zoo is always a firm favorite with kids of all ages, then there is the SeaLife Aquarium, several fantastic museums to choose from, and for older kids, the Bridge Climb is a must-do.

Hitting the outdoors in Sydney is easy with kids too. There are several easy coastal walks to choose from and the beautiful Botanic Gardens right in the city center.  If all else fails – head to the beach. You are spoiled for choice in Sydney!

Recommended by Keri from Little City Trips. Also read Keri’s tips for the best family hotels in Sydney.

Brisbane with kids

If you are looking for a mild climate all year round, crystal-clear beaches and tons of activities for your family destination, come to Brisbane because here you will find it all. The capital of Queensland packed with safe swim areas, fantastic parklands, river cruises, not to mention great dining and shopping experiences.

Centrally located between the Sunshine and Gold coasts, Brisbane makes a great base for a family holiday. One of the most popular places of the city is the recreational precinct Southbank where Brisbane Festival is held every September. In summer, Southbank swimming area opens its pools for the locals and visitors to enjoy relaxing and sunbaking while watching children safely splash around.

Our favorite thing to do in Brisbane is visiting museums: Queensland and Maritime, they offer great educational resources and historical facts. Another place worth the visit is the Science Centre —it’s fun for all ages with plenty of permanent and seasonal interactive exhibitions.

We highly recommend the trip to Daisy Hill Conservation Park where kids can see koalas at their natural habitat, and learn about Australia’s most adorable drop-bears. For a connection with nature, Brisbane offers two Botanical gardens: Brisbane city and Mt Coot-tha. I must admit, the later is our favorite! Best of all—it’s FREE. Don’t leave the gardens before you have had a walk through the Sir Thomas Planetarium and let your inner astronaut marvel at the life-size replica of Neil Armstrong’s lunar spacesuit. Admission is also FREE.

Recommended by Alex from Laska Baby Travel. Also read our post about the best things to do in Brisbane with kids.

Melbourne with kids

Melbourne, Australia, is a great destination for family travel. Regardless of the makeup of your family or their tastes Melbourne has something for everyone.

Being a big city there’s no shortage of attractions or things to see or do. From museums like the Melbourne Museum, ACMI or Scienceworks that can appeal to adults and kids alike to all sorts of activities and places to run around and get active.

As one of Australia’s big cities Melbourne has benefited from waves of migration. As a result Melbourne has a great range of quality food. From Indian to Cantonese to Ethiopian and Greek you can find an eating option that will appeal to everyone (even if not everyone at once).

And Melbourne’s public transport makes it easy to get around (the inner city anyway) and the streets make walking (with strollers) easy.

Recommended by Joshua from Malaysia Uncovered.

Airlie Beach with kids

As the closest town to Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is not only gateway to more than 70 offshore islands, but is a destination in it’s own right. Airlie can be bustling when tours are arriving and departing, but mostly it is a laid back, fun-loving kind of place. There is a good mix of accommodation available including the Big 4 Adventure Park specializing in fun family activities and facilities.

Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport or arrive by bus or car from Brisbane or Cairns. Airlie Beach is 25 km northeast of the small sugar-cane town of Proserpine. Abell Point Marina is a dashing mix of blue water and fast boats heading to Whitsunday Island’s Whitehaven Beach, a major contender for the whitest sand in the world. Catamarans to Daydream, Hayman, Hamilton Islands and Hardy Reef leave from Port of Airlie. While there check out the fabulous new playground nearby. Running parallel with the main street and overlooking the Coral Sea, Airlie Beach Lagoon Pool complex includes palm-filled gardens, BBQ’s and three chlorinated pools including a covered children’s wading pool.

For those with a car, drive 50 km north through country roads to Hydeaway Bay known for its relaxing semi-deserted beaches or 80 km north to Bowen where the Movie Australia was partially filmed. Bowen is a typical small country town with wide streets, street art and a stellar collection of beaches. Whether you’re into boating, snorkeling, island life or exploring, Airlie Beach is the place to be.

Recommended by Jan from Budget Travel Talk.

Northern Territory, Australia

When people imagine the Australian Outback, red dirt and dry landscapes come to mind. So imagine our surprise when we discovered a landscape rich with rivers, waterfalls and billabongs on a road trip through the Northern Territory. Short walks were rewarded with a swim in cool, clear billabongs. Hikes to the tops of waterfalls led to discoveries of secret plunge pools. Boat cruises along rivers displayed the rich diversity of birdlife.

Encompassing the city of Darwin, the UNESCO sites Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru, the region offers families the perfect mix of active, cultural and relaxing activities.

Watching the sunset over Uluru is unforgettable. Kayaking through Nitmiluk Gorge is a unique and fun experience. Swimming in the top pools at Gunlom Falls is the perfect way to spend the day. Participating in a traditional crafts workshop with local indigenous artists and seeing ancient Aboriginal rock art at Kakadu National Park is incredible.

The Northern Territory is a big place, so we think you need at least 2 weeks to visit some of the best spots. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September. While it is possible to stay at hotels on a road trip through Northern Territory, we recommend hiring a 4wd camper as it is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the place without the crowds.

Recommended by Rachel from Adventure and Sunshine. Read more from Rachel about road tripping in the Northern Territory.

Best places to visit in New Zealand with kids

Christchurch with kids

New Zealand, in general, is a very family-friendly country. But Christchurch definitely takes it up a notch! It’s a city that has had to reinvent itself following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 & 2011, and in doing so it hasn’t forgotten its youngest residents. New playgrounds have popped up throughout the city, old favorites have had a refresh, and there’s just a really great energetic vibe about the city.

Its advantageous position on the East Coast of the South Island means you can take advantage of both the ocean and the beautiful backcountry easily. Have fun building sandcastles at one of the expansive beaches in the morning, and be at the ski field in the afternoon!  It’s also a fairly level city, making cycling easy and fun for the family.

There are loads of great activities for kids. Some of our favorites include the historic tram ride, the gondola, the walking trails and amazing ‘destination playgrounds’ (make sure you check out Margaret Mahy playground in the middle of town), and the miniature trains at Halswell. It’s a place we never tire of visiting as a family.

Recommended by Nadine from Le Long Weekend. Check out more of Nadine’s recommendations for things to do in Christchurch with kids.

Also read our posts about:
New Zealand with kids – discovering South Island’s Native Wildlife

Other places in Oceania with kids

Samoa with kids

Western Samoa is just a wonder! We took our kids for a vacation there and had a blast! The country has 2 main islands (Upolu and Savai’i) and they’re both small enough for people to cross it in less than 3 hours driving, so in a week you could see all there is to see (it’d be tiring, but possible even for those with smaller kids!)!

I mean, tropical climate (which means hot and lovely all year round), pristine beaches anywhere, waterfalls with great pools for a swim, lovely fresh food, turtles, fishes, amazing birds, bugs, and even whales! Could anyone want more than that? Yes, of course. Well, most of both islands is surrounded by coral reef, which delivers safe and calm waters even for the littlest!

Our favorite places in Upolu were:
– Togitogiga waterfall for a lovely waterfall shower and a swim in fresh water
– To Sua Trench, a hole in the ground with the clearest ocean water possible.

In Savai’i:
– Alofaaga blowholes were a lot of fun, and it’s huge so you can walk around and see the water blowing everywhere
– Saleaula Lava Fields, even though the guide couldn’t answer any of our questions, it was super impressive to see what a volcano erupting for 6 years non-stop can do.

It’s not a cheap place to visit, but it was well worth it!

Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries. Check out more tips for visitng Samoa with kids.

Conclusion

Aren’t you totally ready to pack your bags after reading all this? I know I am. When do we leave?? Australia, New Zealand and Samoa have a lot to offer and I can’t wait to take our little world traveler there one day!

The post Best places to visit in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa with kids appeared first on FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com.

This post contains affiliate links, you can read more about this in our disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Interested in city trips with kids? Also read:

Things to do with kids in Brisbane

South Bank is the main tourist hub in Brisbane and it is always buzzing with fun things to do with your family – many of them free of charge. The area is flat, spacious and grassy with plenty of playgrounds and shady spots making it easy to walk around with a buggy or young children. It’s one of the best kids parks in Brisbane. There are lots of things to keep everyone entertained, and as Brisbane gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year it is the ideal destination for a family city trip in Australia. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rucksack and hat, pack your sunscreen and water bottle and head out to explore these nine fun things to do with kids.

Visit Queensland Museum

No visit to Brisbane is complete without a visit to Queensland Museum, the home of the State’s natural history and cultural heritage. You can pay to go into special exhibitions but the free museum will keep you and your kids busy all day. With floors of exhibitions that include dinosaurs and fossils plus a whole exhibit dedicated to Queensland’s unique wildlife, your kids will be entertained for hours. This is one of our favorite free kids activities in Brisbane.

Go for a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane

Get a 360-degree view of South Bank and Brisbane River from the Wheel of Brisbane, one of Brisbane’s iconic landmarks. Rising almost 60 meters above ground, you can enjoy the view from the comfort of an air-conditioned gondola. A ride on the Wheel of Brisbane lasts between 10 and 15 minutes and includes a stop at the top. You even get info about the city’s historical landmarks via the audio system in the gondola’s. The Wheel is located in the South Banks Parklands. Adult tickets cost $20, children aged 4 – 12 cost $14, and kids three years and under are free.

Visit Queensland Maritime Museum

The Queensland Maritime Museum is one of Australia’s largest maritime museums. It’s located at the far end of South Bank Parklands which makes it easy to access. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore as there is a lot to see and do. This museum is very popular among both Brisbane kids and tourists. The kids will love exploring the River Class frigate HMAS Diamantina in the dry dock and learning about what life was like at sea in the World War II naval vessel. Entry is $16 per adult, $7 per child.

Explore QUT The Cube

This is another favorite our list of things for kids to do in Brisbane. If your kids love technology, they are going to love The Cube at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). It’s across the water from the other attractions but it’s worth the walk over the bridge. (Alternately, if you have time, catch the free CityHopper ferry to Eagle Street Pier and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the restaurants before walking through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to get to this attraction.) This free attraction is one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces. It aims to inspire and to invite exploration and participation. The huge screens of QUT the Cube depict different displays through the day and underneath are smaller interactive screens that the kids will love playing on. You can find out what’s showing on the screens for the coming week here.

Ride the steam train

If your visit Brisbane on a Sunday, you might get lucky! Steam Train Sundays run regularly through the year departing from Roma Street Station in Brisbane. Right next to the Queensland Museum, this is a great way to enjoy the city on a nostalgic trip on an old-fashioned locomotive. It’s also a good way to build in some time to rest tired legs in between museum visits! Tickets cost $30 per adult and $18 per child aged 3 – 15. Alternatively, if you really enjoy trains and are not lucky enough to visit on a Steam Train Sunday, you can visit The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswitch, about 40 minutes from Brisbane’s city center.

Take a clock tower tour

Another attraction across the water from South Bank is Brisbane City Hall which is home to the Museum of Brisbane and the clock tower. You can venture up the clock tower (entry is via the Museum of Brisbane) for a free fifteen-minute Clock Tower Tour. You get taken up in an ornate lift and learn about the clock tower’s history, pausing in the lift right behind the clock face. There is a chance to walk around the clock tower to get excellent views of Brisbane. You need to ascend two flights of stairs to the platform area, so a carrier is a must. Only eight people can fit into the lift, so make sure to arrive early to get your tickets.

Take a dip at Streets Beach

Brisbane is the only destination to have a man-made beach right in the city! Enjoy the backdrop of palms and bougainvillea as you take a dip to cool off at Streets Beach on the South Bank. It really is one of the best places in Brisbane with kids. As part of the South Bank Parklands, the sparkling blue water and white sandy beaches are surrounded by skyscrapers. Street Beach is very easy to reach by train, bus or ferry. There are lockers and toilets located nearby. Entry is free.

Visit the Brisbane sign

Following the iconic IAmsterdam sign that’s incredibly popular with tourists, Brisbane has its own colorful Brisbane sign. The temporary sign that was originally designed for the G20 Leaders Summit in 2014 was so popular with locals and tourists alike that the city decided to place a permanent version of this new iconic landmark at the end of 2015. Your kids will love climbing into the colorful letters of the 3-meter high and 25-meter wide iconic Brisbane sign for a photo. The sign is located at South Bank, right next to the river with a stunning backdrop. An easy stop on your way to your next attraction.

Check out the festivals

Check out VisitBrisbane to see if your visit coincides with an arts event or festival – there are often major events happening at South Bank and lots of the events are free too. From the Brisbane Marathon Festival early August to the Brisbane festival in September (closing with the impressive Riverfire fireworks event on the final night!) and from the Oktoberfest Brisbane to the Woodford Folk Festival end of December. Brisbane has enough to offer for culture and music lovers, young and old.

Conclusion: Brisbane with kids, yes or no?

That’s easy, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Brisbane and it’s a fantastic family-friendly city. Compact and easy to navigate, yet with a lot of kids activities, attractions and events. So, should you visit Brisbane with kids? The answer is a definite yes!

Booking.com

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