Best Places to Visit in New Zealand During the School Holidays

What Are the Best Places to Visit in New Zealand These School Holidays? 

Planning a family trip during the school holidays can be challenging, especially when you are trying to balance travel time, activities, and keeping everyone entertained. The good news is that there are several great places to visit in New Zealand during the school holidays including Queenstown, Kaikoura, Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island and more.

At Everything New Zealand, our Customer Experience Team specialise in helping families plan and book school holiday experiences across the country. From wildlife encounters to scenic cruises and relaxed lakefront stays, we make it easy to find and secure the right activities in one place.

Here are some of the best destinations to consider, along with our practical advice to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Queenstown: Best All-Round Family Destination

Queenstown is one of the most reliable choices for a school holiday trip because it offers a wide range of activities that suit different ages and energy levels.

A great place to start is the TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where children can meet farm animals and watch a live sheep shearing demonstration. For something more active, Queenstown ziplining tours provide a safe introduction to adventure, with options designed specifically for families.

As local experts at Everything New Zealand we recomend booking in advance becuase during school holidays availability becomes limited.

Kaikoura: Best for Wildlife Experiences

If your kids enjoy animals, Kaikoura is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand during the school holidays.

The Whale Watch Kaikoura tour is a standout experience, offering the chance to see sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment. Tours operate year-round, making it a dependable option no matter when your school holidays fall.

This is one of the most popular wildlife tours in New Zealand, and we strongly recommend booking early through Everything New Zealand to secure your preferred time.

Lake Tekapo: Best for Relaxed Family Time

Lake Tekapo is ideal if you are looking to slow things down and enjoy some quieter time during your trip.

The area is easy to explore, with open spaces and simple walking tracks that are suitable for younger children. A visit to Tekapo Springs hot pools is a highlight, giving parents a chance to relax while kids enjoy the warm pools.

In the evening, stargazing experiences in Tekapo offer something a little different and are often a favourite for families.

Doubtful Sound: Best for a Unique Scenic Experience

For families with older children, Doubtful Sound offers a more remote and less crowded alternative to Milford Sound.

The journey includes a cruise across Lake Manapouri followed by a scenic drive, which adds to the overall experience. Once there, a Doubtful Sound cruise takes you through quiet fiords surrounded by waterfalls and wildlife.

Because of limited departures, this is one of the experiences that fills up quickly during school holidays. Booking your Doubtful Sound cruise through Everything New Zealand helps secure your spot and simplifies the planning process.

Stewart Island: Best for Nature-Focused Travel

Stewart Island is a good option for families who want to step away from busy tourist areas and spend time outdoors.

With most of the island covered by national park, it is well suited to walking, wildlife spotting, and slower-paced travel. This destination works best for families with older children or those looking for a simple, nature-focused holiday.

Local tip: You must try the fish and chips, you cannot beat fresh fish and chips on the beach

Planning Tip: Book Key Activities Early

School holidays are one of the busiest times to travel in New Zealand, particularly for well-known experiences like whale watching and fiordland cruises.

To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your key activities in advance. Everything New Zealand allows you to compare and secure multiple tours in one place, which makes planning much easier when travelling as a family.

Best Places to Visit in New Zealand School Holidays at a Glance

• Queenstown: Flexible and family-friendly with a wide range of activities
• Kaikoura: Ideal for wildlife encounters
• Lake Tekapo: Great for relaxing and stargazing
• Doubtful Sound: Perfect for remote scenery and memorable experiences
• Stewart Island: Best for quiet, nature-focused trips

How to Plan a Family-Friendly School Holiday Trip

• Keep travel distances manageable - If you are travelling with children, focusing on one region can make the trip more enjoyable. Queenstown and Fiordland or Christchurch and Kaikoura are both practical options.
• Match activities to your children’s age
  • Younger kids: Queenstown, Lake Tekapo
  • Older kids: Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island
  • All ages: Kaikoura wildlife tours
• Prepare for changing weather - Conditions can shift quickly, even in school holiday periods. Bring layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable walking shoes.

FAQs: New Zealand School Holiday Travel

What are the best places to visit in New Zealand with kids? - Queenstown, Kaikoura, and Lake Tekapo are some of the most popular choices because of their variety of family-friendly activities.

Do I need to book tours in advance during school holidays? - Yes, many tours sell out during peak periods. Booking in advance ensures better availability and preferred times.

Where should I book New Zealand tours for a family trip? - Using a local booking platform like Everything New Zealand makes it easier to compare options and secure trusted experiences in one place.

Book Your School Holiday Activities with Everything New Zealand

Planning ahead is the best way to make the most of your school holiday trip. At Everything New Zealand, we help you find and book trusted tours across the country, from Queenstown farm experiences to Whale Watch Kaikoura and Doubtful Sound cruises.

Booking through Everything New Zealand means you can organise multiple activities in one place, with support from a local team who understands what works for families.

You can book online, or get in touch via phone, email, or live chat for peronal recommendations. Secure your activities early and make your New Zealand school holiday easy to plan and stress-free.

SPECIAL OFFER
Use promo code SCHOOLSOUT to get a special discount on activities this school holidays.