School holidays North Island NZ: winter adventure guide

Bags are packed, the van is loaded and you have the next generation of adventure seekers strapped in ready to hit the road. The school holidays in New Zealand present the perfect opportunity to bundle up your favourite humans and explore some of the best-loved locations on New Zealand’s North Island.

This island has it all, beaches, volcanoes, famous film sets, mountains, and adrenaline-generating activities to keep you and the whole fam busy for weeks. Whether exploring busy metropolitan cities or finding silence with the glow worms there is something for every family.

To make planning your North Island escape a little easier we have compiled a list of some epic places to show the kids. Some free, some paid and all on this list for good reason.

Ready to add to the family photo album memory bank? Keep reading folks…

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

Waitomo is famous for one thing and that one thing is worms, Glow Worms to be exact. These little glowing worms can be found dangling inside caves, paving the way like a starry night sky. Most flock to the Waitomo Glow Worm caves to enjoy this natural phenomenon from the comfort of a boat or slip into a wetsuit and experience the three-hour black water tubing trip. Whether you abseil, take on the tubing or simply cruise in a boat, the Glow Worms are not to be missed. You will find Waitomo a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Auckland.

Visit the tip-top of New Zealand

The ultimate destination in any North Island road trip is Cape Reinga. A visit to the lighthouse is a real bucket list moment, especially for the kids. See where the two oceans meet and learn all about the Maori history and significance as you wind down the walkway towards the picturesque lighthouse. The wide, sealed path is suitable for buggies and has plenty of opportunities to grab some photos of your young adventurers and take short breaks.

Te Papa museum and the Wellington Cable Car

Looking for something free and entertaining to do during a rainy day in Wellington? Head over to The Te Papa museum. Te Papa has fun family-friendly activities and exhibitions as well as hands-on art and interactive experiences. Wait for a sunny day and catch the cable car, an icon in the capital city. It runs from Lambton Quay and drops you into the beautiful botanic gardens, another New Zealand must-do. Wellington is a capital city full to the brim of awesome activities, you might even spot the prime minister at the Beehive building if you are lucky!

Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach

Digging and relaxing in your very own spa pool sounds like the perfect way to round of a busy day exploring in the Coromandel, doesn’t it? Hot Water Beach is one of the best-known beaches on the peninsula and for good reason. It gets busy here, and success lies in the visiting time. Best to pack the kids snacks, towels, and a spade and head to the beach two hours either side of low tide. Beware, the water can get really hot, but the novelty is worth the trip out to another iconic NZ location.

Rotorua – Luge & Redwoods

Does hurtling down a scenic track in a go-kart sound like the most epic activity for any kid? Yes! We think so. Designed for all ages and abilities, the Luge is a high bucket-list item for kids. Got little ones? Double up with an adult in one cart, easy. We promise you, one time is never enough, they will be itching to come back to the luge again and again. Afterwards, let the adrenaline settle during a walk in the Redwoods forest, if your family loves time in the great outdoors, then this is the perfect adventure to finish your day in Rotorua.

Waterfall Spotting on the North Island

Did you know that the North Island is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country? Start with the Bridal Veil Falls inland from Raglan, this 55m plunge off a cliff is a sight to see. Whangārei Falls is an urban escape only a 10-minute drive from the city centre of Whangārei just north of Auckland. A small walk leads you to a viewing platform, great to snap some photos.

Do you have Lord of the Rings fans in the van? Gollum’s Pool, also known as Tawhai Falls, is an iconic waterfall in Tongariro National Park. A great place to stop, stretch your legs and get some fresh air on the way to your next destination. Why not create a North Island waterfall map and tick off as many as you can find?

Thrilling Jet Boats at the Huka Falls

Hold on to your hats as this Jet Boat gets you closer than ever to the majestic Huka Falls waterfall. Experience 30 minutes of adrenaline-pumping jet boating on the Waikato River near Taupo. Hold on as the jet boat speeds, spins, and expertly manoeuvres you close to the base of the falls. Zoom past cliff faces with your experienced driver and get ready for an epic day out perfect for the whole family.

Enter Narnia at Cathedral Cove & The Hobbiton Movie Set

Calling all budding directors and film buffs, New Zealand is well known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, and it's no surprise that it has featured in many blockbusters over the years. Cathedral Cove is perhaps the most well-known Chronicles of Narnia film location, and you can visit here for free. Lord of the Rings fans can spend a day wandering the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to Frodo and Bilbo Baggins and picturesque sets. You will enjoy this awesome movie set, even if you are not a die-hard Tolkien fan. It looks like a huge playground, filled with fun hobbit holes, props, and the chance to dress up in hobbit attire.

Whatever your adventure, the kids will love a trip around New Zealand’s North Island. Check out our family-friendly vans available to you during the school holidays.