Visiting New Zealand

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Nov 1999

We are planning to take our 3 and 6 yr old children to New Zealand for 3 weeks. Any recommendations on family-friendly great sites to visit, places to stay, and best mode of travel (i.e., car, camper van, hostels, camping) would be appreciated.

Gidday (that's Kiwi for Hello!), I am from NZ and went back there in March for 5 weeks. If you are going over the NZ summer its a great time to to though it's a pity you will miss the rugby season - it's a real religion for Kiwi's! We stayed with my family for the majority of the time but can recommend the Lake Shore camp ground in Rotorua - a popular and very nice tourist spot. The camp ground features modest self contained cabins which sleep up to 5 in 2 bedrooms. The cabins also include kitchen and bath and TV (for the 3 channels that you get in NZ!!!) all for approx $US30.00 per night. For other information you may consider contacting the NZ Tourism Board - they would have information about great family farm stays as well as other kid friendly spots. Campers are a great way to see NZ - but pricey. We hired a car (and child seats)from Budget - it was quite cost effective.