Be the ‘kid’ who gets the cream!

The Fullers Great Sights full day ‘Cream Trip’ is the Bay of Islands most iconic tour. Follow the original cream and supply delivery route won by Fullers Founder Arthur Ernest Fuller in 1927 and cruise around the beautiful islands. Spend the day spotting dolphins and swimming. Visit the Hole in the Rock, try out boom netting and relax on the beach at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

Kids for Culture

Discover Waitangi with the whole family! New Zealand is a multicultural country and its important our children gain an understanding of our shared history of Maori and Pakeha. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds provide many activities for cultural learning including a scavenger hunt and discovery trail, cultural performances and interactive screens and audio-visual experiences.

Beach Hopping

Urupukapuka Island is a family’s dream day out! Pack a picnic, grab your swimmers and sunscreen and head out for some fun in the sun. Hop on the ferry at Paihia or Russell and take yourselves or sign up for one of the many tours available that stop off at the island. Swim at the golden sand beaches, go for a walk on one of the many loop tracks or hire a kayak/paddleboard. If you don’t feel like packing a picnic, enjoy one of the cafés or bars.

Walking with ancestors and giants

Northland is the perfect place to learn about New Zealand and its ancestral history. At Footprints Waipoua, step into the forest and follow the footsteps of Kupe which tell of the first chapter of the human story of Aotearoa. Along the way meet a friendly giant, Tane Mahuta – Lord of the Forest, the largest knowing living kauri tree. The walks are easy and suitable for buggies and children. Guided tours are available including a magical Twilight Encounter.

Short on change?

Cowabunga dude!

This one’s for the families who love a fast-paced adventure. Just under two-hours north of Paihia you’ll find the Te Paki sand dunes, where you can surf the dunes. Take a tour or take yourself, either way you’ll need something hard and flat. Boogie boards can be hired from local providers in the area and there’s a whole heap of tips and tricks to making sure you have a fun time. There are dunes for the most confident of adrenaline junkie to beginner heights for the little ones.

Makana Chocolate Factory

Treat yourself and the family to some sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory in KeriKeri. Step inside New Zealand’s version of the Wonka chocolate factory and watch the chocolatiers create delicious chocolates in front of your eyes plus taste free samples as you explore. You won’t find any Oompa Loompas here though.

Polly want a cracker!

Take a parrot safari through subtropical gardens filled with over 300 birds with species from all around the world. The kids will absolutely love meeting Elmo the dancing Macaw, Elvis & Priscilla the Red Tail Black Cockatoos, Chico the Amazon and Snowy the Short-Billed Corella! You might even have some cheeky conversations.