Shelley Hasson

My Personal Travel Experience

Family-friendly adventure in New Zealand: A journey from Rotorua to Queenstown and beyond

Auckland to Rotorua: A scenic drive into another world
After landing in Auckland and a quick sleep at the airport hotel, we hit the road for a scenic drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Along the way, we stopped at Hamilton Gardens. The kids loved exploring the various gardens, each one inspired by different parts of the world and whimsical themes. From Japanese inspired gardens to the charming Italian Renaissance garden, there was something interesting around every corner. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and let the kids run wild before continuing our journey to Rotorua.

Hamilton Gardens: Excellent place for the kids to explore and stretch their legs.

We got straight into exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua on our first day with a visit to

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Lady Knox Geyser & Champagne Pool

• Lady Knox Geyser: This place felt like another planet! The kids loved watching the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and we could feel the heat on our faces from a good distance away.
• Champagne Pool: The vibrant colours and steaming waters of the Champagne Pool were a highlight. The scenery was absolutely surreal—truly one of a kind!

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland: Amazing place to explore with mud pools, geysers and geothermal springs

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland- Champagne pool-We loved visiting this other worldly environment.

Paradise Valley Springs
Next up was a visit to Paradise Valley Springs, where we explored the wildlife park and the kids had the opportunity to feed some of the animals. They enjoyed interacting with the deer and the native Kea. We also had the rare opportunity to see some lion cubs, which was a huge hit with the whole family! The highlight of the visit was learning about New Zealand’s unique wildlife and being close enough to a lion you could smell their breath!

The kids loved interacting with the cheeky Kea at Paradise Springs in Rotorua

Polynesian Spa: A relaxing family escape
After a busy day of sightseeing, we decided to unwind at Polynesian Spa, known for its natural mineral waters. The kids had a blast in the warm, soothing waters while we parents soaked in the stunning lakeside views. It was a perfect way to relax after an adventure-filled day.

A relaxing way to soak away the aches of the day. Children are allowed in certain areas of the Polynesian Spa Rotorua

Cultural show in Rotorua: A journey into Māori traditions
One of the most memorable experiences in Rotorua was attending a cultural show. The kids were fascinated by the hāngī (traditional Maori feast), glow worms, and the sight of a traditional war canoe. Watching the singing and performances brought the rich Maori culture to life, and it was a beautiful experience for our family.

Queenstown ski adventure: From snowboarding to skiing
After leaving Rotorua, we flew to Queenstown for the kids first experience in the snow! We decided to spend a day at Coronet peak and arrived an hour before our snowboarding lessons (my husband and kids were taking snowboarding lessons, while I opted for a ski lesson) but we still ended up an hour late after getting our gear as the queues were large! Tip—go extra early if you’re going during school holidays.

Panoramic views from Cardrona

After a few hours of lessons, I was skiing down the hill, but the rest of the family (who were snowboarding) took a bit longer to catch on. The next day, we all switched to skiing, and within 40 minutes, the whole family was skiing down the hill! Skiing was much easier to learn for first-timers, and it was so fun watching everyone improve so quickly!

Jet boat ride in Queenstown: A thrilling experience
One of the most thrilling activities was the jet boat ride in Queenstown. It was absolutely freezing, but the adrenaline rush made it totally worth it! The kids loved the speed and the spins, and it was a great way to take in the beauty of the Queenstown scenery from a whole new perspective.

We sped past rocks and branches at incredible speeds- the kids thought it was amazing. I found that the speed made it unbearably cold!

Zip line on the mountain in Queenstown: No fear from the kids
One of our most thrilling experiences in Queenstown was zip lining through the treetops on Bobs Peak. While I was just trying to hold on, my kids? They were hanging upside down, completely fearless! It was equal parts terrifying and impressive—parenting really keeps you on your toes.

Luge in Queenstown: A family adventure with a twist
We also spent some time at the luge, which was a fun family activity. However, my 7-year-old struggled with the arm strength needed to hold the handle back, which made it tough for him to control the ride. Despite his discomfort, he was so stubborn and determined to do the hill twice. He was in agony for hours afterwards!

Wanaka: Stunning lakes and Puzzling World
After our 5 night stay in Queenstown, we drove to Wanaka via Arrowtown. The drive was filled with breathtaking views- my husband was getting annoyed at all my requests to pull over and take more photos!  My favourites were glassy lakes and snowcapped mountains. Although the weather in Wanaka was cloudy, it was still beautiful and we took our obligatory photo of “That Wanaka Tree”.
The kids loved exploring Puzzling World, where they spent hours trying to solve mind-bending puzzles and mazes. The kids also enjoyed the great playground on the Wanaka foreshore, a perfect spot for a break.

The entrance to Puzzling World Wanaka. A great 1/2 day activity for the family or a full day if you get lost in the maze!

Mount Cook: A day to remember
Driving from Wanaka to Mount Cook ended up being one of the best days of my life. The cold temperatures created a surreal atmosphere, with a fogbow (a rare weather phenomenon), frozen plants, and dripping ice—everything looked like something from another world. We almost skipped the Clay Cliffs, but I’m so glad we didn’t because the fog and frozen plants created a truly magical experience. We were worried about the weather for the Hooker Valley Walk to see Mount Cook, so we rushed into it without enough preparation (limited water and no lunch for the adults). Thankfully, the cold made it easier, and despite my 7-year-old’s complaints, we managed to complete the walk. The glacial blue water and clear skies over Mount Cook made the effort completely worthwhile. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular!

Having spent very little time in freezing conditions I was blown away again and again by the beauty of the landscape. This is a fogbow!

Final thoughts: A family adventure like no other
New Zealand was everything we hoped for and more—a perfect family holiday destination. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the snowy slopes of Queenstown and the breathtaking landscapes of Wanaka and Mount Cook, it was an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adrenaline, or cultural experiences, New Zealand truly has something for everyone. If you’re ready to plan your own family-friendly New Zealand adventure, I’d love to help you craft the perfect itinerary!

I’d recommend every family hike the Hooker Valley Track- its 11km return and worth every step and complaint from the kids!

Our family nearly didn’t stop here but it was incredible-the eerie fog over the majestic Ōmarama Clay Cliffs

More incredible views on the Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook

Rotorua- Redwood Treetop Walk-The kids loved this nighttime walk through the trees with the beautiful light sculptures

Stunning scenes in New Zealand on our family road trip. This is on the way to Arrowtown from Queenstown

Continuing on our family road trip we drove along side the beautiful waters of Lake Tekapo. the colours need to be seen to be believed.