The best family-friendly activities in South Island for parents and kids (Updated October 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Mount Cook Grand Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight

Journey over the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier Lake, taking in breathtaking views while following the path of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the grandeur of Aoraki / …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Journey over the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier Lake, taking in breathtaking views while following the path of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the grandeur of Aoraki /...

50 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$467
Fiordland Finest Helicopter Flight from Queenstown

Beat the crowds with our signature flight that includes Milford Sound, Lake Quill, Mt Tutoko, Skippers Canyon and our exclusive landing location, the Earnslaw Burn. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Beat the crowds with our signature flight that includes Milford Sound, Lake Quill, Mt Tutoko, Skippers Canyon and our exclusive landing location, the Earnslaw Burn....

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$1,143
Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play, …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play,...

30 to 150 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$206
1-Hour Jet Boat Adventure Queenstown with Music

xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360° …More

xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360°...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (11)
from
$91
Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand on this flagship helicopter flight, departing from Glenorchy. Soar over vast valleys and winding rivers as you approach …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand on this flagship helicopter flight, departing from Glenorchy. Soar over vast valleys and winding rivers as you approach...

50 to 165 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$358
Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins One Way Small Group Tour

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore …More

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (13)
from
$166
Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery …More

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery...

5 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$103
Bike Ferry Portobello to Port Chalmers and Quarantine Island

Wanting to get to Portobello or Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua? Ride with us on "Adagio" the coolest ferry on the harbour. Sit upstairs on the flybridge …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Wanting to get to Portobello or Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua? Ride with us on "Adagio" the coolest ferry on the harbour. Sit upstairs on the flybridge...

15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$9
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch including Coastal Pacific Train

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live …More

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (7)
from
$335
Full-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day …More

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (4)
from
$158
Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant …More

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant...

8 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (9)
from
$218
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also …More

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also...

6 hours
3.7 (24)
from
$120
Private 8hr Caving Tour from Christchurch. Lunch guide transport.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$250
Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered …More

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered...

9 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (10)
from
$211
Caving, Castle Hill Rocks 8hr Shore Ex. from Lyttelton. Lunch inc

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$331
20 minute Queenstown Scenic Flight

View the spectacular sights of Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin from above, aboard this 20 minute scenic flight. …More

View the spectacular sights of Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin from above, aboard this 20 minute scenic flight....

20 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (35)
from
$184
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$223
Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire

Ride completely at your own pace as you make your way through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand with breath taking scenery …More

Ride completely at your own pace as you make your way through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand with breath taking scenery...

1 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (36)
from
$49
Heritage Highlights Walk

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque …More

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (16)
from
$29
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through …More

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (8)
from
$85
4-8hr Rock Climbing tour Christchurch. Food, guide, transport inc

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific …More

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$189
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