Top 10 Things to do with kids on the North Island

Coastal Kayaking, Bay of Islands - Image: Adventure HQ

Kayak Tour, Bay of Islands

Get the kids together and book into a sea kayaking ocean adventure in the mesmerising Bay of Islands area. The guides will show you the essential kayaking protocol before embarking on a sea mission to remember. The water clarity around here is amazing, so expect to see lots of interesting marine life.

Waiheke Island, Auckland - Image: Adam Bryce

Ziplining, Waiheke Island

Get your thrills in the hills of Waiheke Island as you zipline over the native bushland surrounds. Kids and adults alike will get a real buzz as they fly through the sky for over 200 metres. There’s dual cables too, so you can keep pace with a family member to share the ride experience.

OGO Zorb, Rotorua - Image: OGO

OGO Zorb, Rotorua

Ask anyone who has had a go and they’ll tell you quicksmart just how much of a laugh zorbing is. Discover the longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track in the world here at OGO Zorb in Rotorua. What kid wouldn’t want to roll down Mt Ngongotaha inside a giant inflatable ball?

Image: Tawhiti Museum - family gets into the boat which will take them through the exhibition

Tawhiti Museum, Taranaki

Tawhiti Museum is a private collection of artefacts, photographs and exhibitions that reflect New Zealand heritage, culture and tradition. Kids enjoy making their way through the many themed galleries and especially enjoy the immersive Traders & Whalers display in which visitors drift through the exhibition on boats, an experience not to be missed.

Image: Paradice Ice Skating / Facebook

Ice Skating, Auckland

Take a trip and try out your blade skills at Paradice Ice Skating in Auckland. Burn off energy out on the rink and make a fun-loving family memory that lasts forever.

Kawakawa Bay Track, Rotorua - Image: Tourism New Zealand

Kawakawa Bay Bike Track, Rotorua

With countless kilometres of riding trail that range from beginner tracks right through to expert runs, the entire family is guaranteed plenty of two wheeled outdoor fun. Get your heart racing with pedal power adrenaline! Take your camera too - the forest area is undeniably awesome to photograph.

Archie’s Pizzeria, Auckland

Wind ‘em up and wear ‘em out - that’s a safe motto to go by when on holiday with children! Take that notion a step further and fill them up on fantastic pizza at Archie’s pizzeria in central Auckland. Bellissimo.

Image: Lions at Auckland Zoo / Facebook

Auckland Zoo

The Auckland zoo has over 1000 animals onsite and is home to the largest diversity of wildlife in Aotearoa (that’s Maori for “New Zealand”). See all types of creatures great and small in the zoological garden setting. Take the Safari Night tour if you want to witness the inhabitants nocturnal activities and add a different edge to your animal experience.

- Image: Adam Bryce

Hot Water Beach, the Coromandel Peninsula

Hang out in a natural hot spa on the beach. Dig into the sand and feel the warmth rise up between your toes. Little ones have a terrific time making sand castles by the surf, while adults can take the chance to relax in the saltwater heat.

Hobbiton Matamata, Waikato - Image: Sara Orme

Visit Hobbiton, Waikato

Kids and adults alike will be thrilled by this real life movie set. It’s straight out of middle earth! Fantasy fans of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ book and movie series are transported to a hobbit village on a day tour to this iconic site. Hint; book ahead and go in the evening to dig into a communal Dragon’s Feast for tea.