New Zealand in pictures – See why it’s the perfect family destination

Adrenaline lovers will jump at the high-octane fun to be had in Queenstown – sometimes even out of a plane! Marine wildlife abounds and, as you can see from our New Zealand in pictures gallery, dramatic landscapes pop up around every corner. Active volcanoes, enormous glaciers, dazzling emerald lakes, snow-capped mountains, and sandy beaches lapped by aquamarine seas.

New Zealand family holidays are all about the freedom of the road and adventure at every stop. Check out our New Zealand itineraries to see how you can work your way from North to South Island enjoying family fun fun fun at every turn! From the bubbling volcanic mud pools of Rotorua to the dramatic fiordland scenery of Milford Sound, our Highlights of New Zealand will pack your two-week family holiday to the full. And our New Zealand Grand Tour sees you heli-hiking on glaciers, swimming with dolphins and even digging your own thermal beach pool…

Take a road trip Down Under, discover nature and adventure at its best, and journey through New Zealand in pictures!

New Zealand is packed full of picture-perfect landscapes best explored on two feet. The South Island in particular is a hiker’s heaven – the ultimate destination for active families.

Ride, bike, hike or take to the sky and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook.

Chill out and relax in this tropical paradise, just a morning’s drive from Auckland. With 144 islands to choose from, this is the perfect escape for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Cruise beneath mighty Mitre Peak on a Milford Sound day or overnight trip – or ‘tramp’ the famous 4 day Milford Track.

The Coromandel Peninsula is packed with pristine beaches, towering forests and unusual flora and fauna which you can enjoy on two wheels or two feet. Take to the water and kayak to Cathedral Cove or dig your own thermal pool at Hot Water Beach.

New Zealand in pictures is all about untouched nature, sweeping landscapes and big skies. The sunsets are legendary and at night, blink as the mind-boggling stars of the southern hemisphere are unveiled. The Aoraki/Mt Cook region is the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world – from the New Zealand flag to reality, come and see the Southern Cross for yourselves!

Endless beautiful coastline means families can relax on pristine beaches, watch the crashing waves of the wild west coast, kayak between sub-tropical islands and observe a fabulous array of marine wildlife including whales, penguins, seals, dolphins and albatross.

Fiordland in South Island showcases New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery. Kayak beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in both Milford and Doubtful Sounds, observe penguin and seal colonies and watch dolphins frolic in your cruise ship’s wake.

Watersports feature highly on New Zealand family holidays – hit the surf, snorkel with seals, swim with dolphins and dive in crystal clear emerald waters.

The Freedom of the Road! Holidays in New Zealand are all about heading out on four wheels in your ‘mini-hotel’ with the freedom to choose which route to choose and where and when you want to stop  – another stunning picnic spot. Take to the empty highways to reach your destination quickly or choose the (more) scenic roads through dramatic mountain passes.  Just watch those sheep traffic jams…

At the top of the South Island, both Abel Tasman National Park and Queen Charlotte Sounds offer family fun in or around the water. Kayak, sail and paddle-board in turquoise seas or mountain bike and hike the coastal tracks between beaches.

New Zealand holidays are all about getting out of the car (or campervan) and into the wild. Fabulous bike trails of all grades follow scenic routes along lakeshores, through forests and up to alpine landscapes.

The famous west coast Fox and Franz Josef glaciers will be a memorable part of any trip to New Zealand. Take a heli-hike and enjoy a crampon-assisted walk on the ice – a stunning way to experience this frozen world up close. Or hop on a scenic flight over these enormous blue-white glaciers as they make their way from the Southern Alps, through lush green rainforest to the blue waters of the coast – a kaleidoscope of colours that aptly sums up New Zealand in pictures.

New Zealand is full of breathtakingly dazzling aquamarine lakes. Lake Pukaki creates a grand entrance to Mount Cook National Park, its shimmering blue waters contrasting with the golden tussocked hills, forests, glaciers and snow-capped peaks – an adventure playground!

Find out more about New Zealand

If you loved our New Zealand in Pictures gallery and would like to find out more about a road trip, simply ring us or get in touch via our contact page. Also check out our Food for the Soul blog, which includes more of our favourite places on the planet.