10 NZ South Island Family-Friendly Activities

Are you heading to Aotearoa’s South Island for a family holiday? Lucky you! As the lesser populated island, the South boasts vast spaces where mountains soar, glacial lakes shine turquoise, and wildflowers grow amongst the beautiful landscape. The scenery is breathtaking, the long drives are mesmerising, and the activities are endless. Every adventure is possible across this long stretch of land.

The tip of the north resembles Thai islands where dolphins frequent, and the climate keeps everything electric green. The middle of the island is where mountains stagger into the long white clouds, offering numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The cool coastal towns are welcoming, and the cities are full of family-friendly spots.

Listed in order from north to south, here are 10 family-friendly activities to do on New Zealand’s South Island.

Is this your first time flying overseas? Run through our tips for flying with kids for a successful trip over!

1. Wharariki Beach

Starting with my favourite beach on the entire South Island, Wharariki Beach is a place to spend all day at. Its remote location makes it more alluring, and the pristine white soft sand is worth the drive. Located in Golden Bay, it’s accessible by a short walk through farmland. Little ones can run on the dunes, explore rocky caves, and watch seals lounging about. It makes you feel miles away from civilization and is the perfect place to disconnect.

If you’re spending time in the Golden Bay region, make sure to take a scenic boat tour into Abel Tasman National Park where birdlife and sealife collide along a coastal jungle.

2. Hanmer Springs

Visiting hot springs is a popular tourist attraction on both islands, and while the North Island is praised for its geothermal options, the South Island has a few noteworthy ones like Hanmer Springs. This town, 90 minutes north of Christchurch, is known for its thermal playground. It’s a hot water paradise with a water park for the kids and a spa for the adults. Open year-round, it’s a place your kids will be talking about for years to come.

3. Whale Watching in Kaikoura

It doesn’t take much to fall in love with Kaikoura, an idyllic coastal town famous for its seaside visitors. Kaikoura’s bays are a haven for wild sea life, and it’s wonderful to witness. The local outfit Whale Watch Kaikoura has an incredible success rate at seeing dolphins and whales on their daily tours, and they offer 80% refunds in the rare chance you see nothing. Learn about the environment, the history, and the culture of the region while zipping across the water in search of these majestic creatures.

Heads-up: Kids three years old and younger aren’t allowed on the tour. If you have little ones, try a coastal walk for your chance to see dolphins jumping in the distance and seals lounging along the rocks.

4. Margaret Mahy Family Playground

One thing you’ll notice while visiting New Zealand with kids is the incredible playgrounds dotted around the country. One of the most impressive parks is located in Christchurch, the South Island’s most populated city. This playground has everything, so plan to spend a few hours, even half the day, at this spot. As a parent, I had a blast. With water play, sand boxes, hidden trampolines, things to climb, build, slide down, and so much more, this unique modern playground is one made of children’s dreams.

Food trucks hang about, and it’s within walking distance to the city centre if you’re in the mood to wander after playing. Highly recommend Rollickin Gelato on Regent Street!

It’s hard to visit New Zealand without a road trip, short or long. To enjoy the views and keep the kids happy, check out our guide, How to Have a Smooth Family Road Trip.

5. Hooker Valley Track

If there’s one thing I’d recommend to anyone coming to New Zealand, it’s hiking the Hooker Valley Track. This easy, family-friendly day walk weaves amongst giant glaciers, across jaw-dropping swing bridges, and ends at the iconic Hooker Lake that sits below New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. It takes around three hours return (10km), but I’d add on some time if you’re with little legs. If you can’t complete the entire walk, start it anyway. The views are magnificent from the start, and it’s easy to turn around and head back when needed.

Tip: If you want to get off the busy track, hike to Hooker Hut. Follow the small triangle off the boardwalk just past the public bathrooms and follow the trail to this tramping hut with uninterrupted views of Mount Cook (on a clear day).

OiOi Nappy Backpacks are great for short family hikes! With pockets for everyone’s water and plenty of space for snacks, nappies and more, it’s a must when out exploring with little ones.

6. Dunedin’s Otago Museum

While I encourage all families to spend as much time as possible exploring the outdoors, there are a few worthwhile indoor spots ideal for rainy days or simply a break from the sun. Dunedin, another coastal city, has numerous family-friendly activities, including the Otago Museum. This museum is home to the Tūhura Science Centre, an interactive learning space fun for every age. My personal favourites are the butterfly rainforest and the three-storey slide!

7. Blue Pools, Mt. Aspiring National Park

Now let’s transport to the other side of the island, landing in Mt. Aspiring National Park. Glaciers and impressive mountain peaks stand out alongside scenic trails, waterfalls, and stunning native forest. One of the most popular stops is on the highway between the West Coast and Wānaka. The Blue Pools Track is exactly what it’s called: a family-friendly one-hour return walk in the woods, across a swing bridge, that ends at the clearest, bluest water you’ve ever seen. Dive in if you dare—the glacier water is frigid but rejuvenating.

Tip: Sand flies like to hover here, so use a natural repellent like Goodbye Sandfly, found at most outdoor shops.

8. Puzzling World

A trip to Wānaka isn’t complete without visiting Puzzling World. This iconic place is full of entertaining illusion rooms and has a massive, somewhat challenging maze in its backyard. Race your family around, laughing at each dead end. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours and great for little and big kids!

9. Jetboating in Queenstown

If you’re coming to the South Island, an adrenaline-pumping experience needs to be on your bucket list. The jetboat was invented in New Zealand, and there are some incredible places they’ll take you on these crazy-fast spinning tours. If you have time, book the Skipper Canyon Jetboat for the scenic mountain drive in, otherwise, the Shotover Jetboat zips between canyons, showing you the backside of Queenstown.

If your kids aren’t tall enough (the ride requires riders to be at least 1 metre tall), book a trip on the TSS Earnslaw steamboat or take the local ferry across to Kelvin Heights. Every kid loves a boat ride across the lake.

Hold onto passports and important items like car keys while out on a kiwi excursion, use one of our Playground Cross Body Bags to keep everything close to you!

10. Milford Sound Cruise

Coming in at number ten, but I’d rank it number one as a New Zealand experience, is a trip to the famous Milford Sound. Tucked away in the southwest corner and not so easy to get to, it’s a place for dreamers. Waterfalls surround you, jagged granite peaks stagger along the mountain bends, and the native birdlife will leave you laughing. It’s a paradise and best toured by boat. Choose one of the many outfits for cruising the Sound and head straight to the top deck, rain or shine. It’s actually better in the rain, as more waterfalls appear. Get the chance to be super close to Stirling Falls and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and penguins that often play in the waters.

Have I missed out on any South Island favourites? List yours below and happy travelling!