The Top South Island Activities for Families
Whales, horses and kiwi birds; trains, ski planes and go-karts; mountains, rivers and beaches… The South Island truly has enough to stimulate even the shortest of attention spans.
Treat your family to an adventure together with some of the family activities on the South Island that we have compiled into one easy list.
No matter your tribe’s style or budget, there’s sure to be something to inspire in this list of things to do on the South Island with kids.
While you’re here, you might also want to check out The Travel Guide to New Zealand for Families.
Table of Contents
Things to Do on the South Island with Kids: Watch the Video
Are the kids keeping you too busy to read? Listen to the video or keep scrolling for the full article.
1. See Whales in Kaikoura
It’s hard not to be impressed by sperm whales diving deep into the ocean. See them by joining a family-friendly whale watching cruise in Kaikoura with Whale Watch Kaikoura. See more locations for whale watching on the South Island in the 5 Best Places to Spot Whales in New Zealand.
Location: Kaikoura, Canterbury. For more Kaikoura activities, head to the 7 Things to Do in Kaikoura with Kids.
© ChristchurchNZ2. Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride on the TranzAlpine
What kid doesn’t love riding the train? Make it a moment for the whole family by riding the train on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth through the majestic Arthur’s Pass with Canterbury Trails. Learn more about taking the train in our New Zealand train guide.
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury – Greymouth, West Coast. See more activities in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids and 10 Things to Do in Greymouth with Kids.
© KiwiRail3. Have a Downhill Blast on The Luge
All ages can enjoy The Luge, either self-driving these gravity-fuelled go-karts or younger family members can sit on an older driver’s lap. Check out Luge tracks atop the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown. Plus, see more wacky activities like this in the 9 Newest & Weirdest Extreme Activities in New Zealand.
Location: Queenstown, Otago. Plan more of your visit in the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.
© Julian Apse - Tourism New Zealand4. Land on a Glacier in a Ski Plane
Just because you have little ones in tow, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on New Zealand’s glacier experiences. One of the most accessible options for families is with Infinite Ski Planes landing on the Tasman Glacier in Mt Cook!
Location: Mt Cook, Canterbury. Add this activity to the itinerary along with the 7 Things to Do in Mt Cook with Kids.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Explore Caves and Giant Arches in the Oparara Basin
A real hidden gem of the South Island, the Oparara Basin in the Kahurangi National Park has family-friendly walks to various caves, fairytale-like forest and a 200 m (656 ft)-long arch!
Location: Karamea, West Coast. For more activities nearby, see the 7 Best Things to Do in Karamea.
© westcoast.co.nz6. Walk Among Parrots, Robins and Kiwi on Ulva Island
Time travel to the Jurassic-like Ulva Island with RealNZ. The bird sanctuary just off the coast of Stewart Island offers short walks to the soundtrack of parrots cackling in the trees and the sight of robins hopping on the floor. You might even be lucky enough to see a kiwi in the wild!
Location: Stewart Island. See more Stewart Island experiences in the 10 Things to Do on Stewart Island with Kids.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Relax in the Hot Pools or Jump on the Waterslides at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
Thanks to New Zealand’s many natural mineral hot springs, it’s not too difficult to find a hot pool complex. A top choice for families is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools thanks to its waterslides, water playgrounds and more. See the locations of more hot pools in the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.
Location: Hanmer Springs, Canterbury. For more activities here, see the 10 Things to Do in Hanmer Springs with Kids.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Enjoy a Short Walk to Hokitika Gorge
Get your fix of stunning South Island scenery at Hokitika Gorge, which happens to be on an excellent family-friendly walking trail. Kids love crossing the swingbridge and following the trail all the way down to the blue river. See more photo spots like this in the 10 Picture Perfect Bridges in New Zealand.
Location: Hokitika, West Coast. Add some of the 10 Best Things to Do in Hokitika to your itinerary too.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Get High Up in the Trees on the West Coast Zipline & Tree Top Walk
Walk or even fly with the native wood pigeons in the trees on the West Coast Zipline & Tree Top Walk! The elevated walkway features towers, lookouts and even a 425 m (1,394 ft) double zipline; three family-friendly ways to take in the views of the surrounding coast, lake and forest.
Location: Hokitika, West Coast. For more activities nearby, see the 10 Best Things to Do in Hokitika.
![19 Best Things to Do on the South Island with Kids 👪 [2026]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/West-Coast-Treetop-Walkway-West-Coast-11-credit-Stewart-Nimmo-westcoast.co_.nz_-1-1024x683.jpg)
© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz10. Clamber Up McLean Falls in The Catlins
The Catlins is full of free attractions that are easy to explore with kids. One of our favourite natural attractions is McLean Falls where you can climb the terraces to a swimming pool at the top. For more waterfalls to visit with children, check out the 12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand.
Location: The Catlins, Otago/Southland. Explore more of the area with the 10 Things to Do in The Catlins with Kids.
© Unsplash11. Do Horseback Riding in the Cardrona Valley
Knowing that many children love animals, a really special experience for them is horse riding. Family-friendly rides can be enjoyed with The Cardrona between Wanaka and Queenstown. More South Island locations can be found in the 10 Best Horse Treks in New Zealand.
Location: Cardrona Valley, Otago. See more experiences nearby in the 16 Things to Do in Wanaka with Kids and 20 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Meet the Farm Animals at Walter Peak
Speaking of animals, another way for kids to interact with them is on the Walter Peak farm tour with RealNZ. Take a historic steamship to the high country farm where you’ll gain a fun insight into sheep shearing, cattle rearing and more.
Location: Queenstown, Otago. See more family-friendly activities in the 10 Things to Do in Queenstown with Kids.
© Unsplash13. Go On a Jet Boat Journey in Haast
While there are plenty of jet boat thrill rides on the South Island, an interesting family-friendly alternative is jet boat excursions. For instance, Waiatoto River Safari takes you on a scenic journey from the Tasman Sea to the valleys of the Mt Aspiring National Park with a picnic included.
Location: Haast, West Coast. See more family activities in the 8 Things to Do in Haast with Kids.
© westcoast.co.nz14. Do the Tasman Glacier Walk
While the three-hour Hooker Valley Walk is a popular choice in Mt Cook, families looking for something better suited to kids should choose the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Track. It features spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier and its lake full of icebergs.
Location: Mt Cook, Canterbury. For more unmissable activities, check out the 7 Things to Do in Mt Cook with Kids.
© Unsplash15. Let the Kids Loose at Christchurch Botanic Gardens
You can always rely on public parks and gardens as somewhere for kids to burn off energy. They’ll love Christchurch Botanic Gardens, for example, with its duck ponds, interactive water features and playgrounds. Don’t miss the free-entry Canterbury Museum just next to the gardens.
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury. Explore more attractions like this in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids.
© ChristchurchNZ16. Feed the Alapacas in Akaroa
Admit it, these alpacas will make your heart melt too. Feed them, stroke their ultra-soft wool, and get a photo with the alpacas of Shamarra Alpaca Farm in Akaroa.
Location: Akaroa, Canterbury. Plan more of your trip to Akaroa using the 10 Things to Do in Akaroa with Kids.
© NZPocketGuide.com17. Check Out the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Free and stroller-friendly, the walk to see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks is a must for families. See oddly-shaped rocks stacked like pancakes along with powerful blowhole displays at high tide.
Location: Punakaiki, West Coast. There’s more to do here, which you can find out more about in the 9 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki.
© NZPocketGuide.com18. Explore the Castle and Grounds of Larnach Castle
An unusual sight in New Zealand, Larnach Castle is the only castle in the country. It makes a good family day out to explore the grounds and tour the buildings.
Location: Dunedin, Otago. Check out the 10 Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids for more activities.
© DunedinNZ19. See if You Can Walk Up the World’s Steepest Street
Another Dunedin highlight, Baldwin Street holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s steepest street! Challenge the family to walk up the street for a fun free thing to do.
Location: Dunedin, Otago. Add a visit to Baldwin Street to your 18 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dunedin.
© DunedinNZMore Things to Do on the South Island with Kids
That’s it for our list of the best things to do on the South Island with kids but not the end of all of the things to do. Check out the destinations we didn’t cover on this list for more South Island activities for families:
- 10 Things to Do in Picton with Kids
- 10 Things to Do in Nelson with Kids
- 9 Things to Do in Takaka with Kids
- 10 Things to Do in Franz Josef with Kids
- 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids
- 9 Things to Do in Invercargill with Kids
And, of course, don’t forget to check out the 20 Best Things to Do on the North Island with Kids and the 50 Best Things to Do in New Zealand with Kids!
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
