New Zealand Northland Family Tours & Vacation Packages
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10 New Zealand Northland Family trips
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand Northland travel expert at TourRadar
- Bay of Islands ─ New Zealand's Island World
- Jewels of the Bay (3 Days)
- Brilliant Bay of Islands Auckland Return (2023)
- Brilliant Bay of Islands Auckland → Auckland (2024)
- Jewels of the Bay (2025/2026, 3 Days)
- Jewels of the Bay (4 Days)
- Jewels of the Bay (2026/2027, 3 Days)
- Jewels of the Bay (3 Days)
- Jewels of the Bay
- 3 Day Experience Winter Northland Tour
Northland's family charm shines through Treaty House visits and Cape Reinga lighthouse tours. The 'Hole in the Rock' boat trip thrills kids, while spacious hotel rooms near beaches provide convenient access to local attractions and dining.
Duration 4 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Operated in Only: German Operator Gebeco From
- US$843
Family-friendly exploration of Bay of Islands includes interactive demonstrations at Waitangi's Carving Studio and wildlife spotting cruises. Children 5+ enjoy beach activities, while parents appreciate cultural insights at Te Kōngahu Museum.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar 
The interactive Kauri Museum in Matakohe and catamaran cruise to the Hole in the Rock highlight this Northland family tour. Copthorne Resort in Bay of Islands serves as a family-friendly base near historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and ceremonial War Canoe displays.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT 
Northland's family treasures include the world's largest war canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds and catamaran adventures to Cape Brett. Wildlife watching at Te Wao Nui and Māori traditions at Te Whare Rūnanga enchant visitors. Copthorne Resort offers two nights of stunning Bay views.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT 
Northland's heritage comes alive from the Treaty of Waitangi site to Russell's historic streets. Young visitors aged 5+ marvel at the world's largest ceremonial war canoe as parents absorb cultural insights. Whangarei's waterfall trails and galleries lead back to Auckland's harbor panorama.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings 
The Bay of Islands' 140 islets captivate families with visits to Waitangi Treaty Grounds' massive war canoe and Russell's colonial streets. Tall ship adventures and Māori cultural experiences delight young travelers throughout Northland.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings 
Northland's family wonders stretch from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. The world's largest war canoe at Waitangi amazes children aged 5+, while tallship adventures around 140 subtropical islets create lasting memories. Premium lodging and included meals cater to multi-generational groups.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings 
Northland's Bay of Islands, with its 140 islets, welcomes families with children aged 5+. The world's largest war canoe at Treaty grounds amazes kids, while Russell's colonial history and Mount Parihaka walks round out the adventure. Copthorne Resort provides family comfort in subtropical gardens.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings 
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands, Waitangi, Russell, Whangarei Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings 3 Day Experience Winter Northland Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It's a self guided trip that is all pre planned for you.”
Marianne, traveled in April
Northland's family excitement includes sandboarding at Te Paki Stream and Maori performances at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A helicopter flight over Russell and Cape Brett lighthouse thrills young adventurers, complemented by comfortable Paihia hotel stays with included breakfasts.
Duration 3 days Destinations Auckland, Paihia Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- US$777
What our customers ask about New Zealand Northland Family Tours & Vacation Packages
What are the best family-friendly activities in New Zealand's Northland region?
The Bay of Islands stands out as a hub for family activities where a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett lets visitors observe dolphins seals and penguins in their natural environment. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds families can experience Māori culture firsthand including viewing the largest ceremonial war canoe in the world. Active families gravitate toward sandboarding adventures at Te Paki Stream dunes while nature enthusiasts find the elevated walkways of Puketi Kauri Forest an accessible way to view ancient trees. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The Bay of Islands cruise was absolutely magical - our kids were thrilled to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat!"
What are the best accommodation options for families in Northland?
Northland's family lodging options range from full-service resorts to apartment-style stays. The Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands set on 60 acres of gardens in the Waitangi National Trust Reserve offers spacious rooms and beachfront access. In Auckland the Grand Millennium Hotel serves as a convenient starting point with family rooms and central location. Many properties provide connecting rooms and kitchen facilities essential for family stays. One TourRadar traveler mentioned "The Copthorne Resort was perfect for our family - the kids loved the pool and the spacious grounds gave them plenty of room to play."
What is the best time of year to visit Northland with children?
Summer months from December to February provide ideal conditions for family beach activities in the Bay of Islands with warm temperatures and clear skies. Families seeking fewer crowds often choose October-November or March-April when weather remains pleasant but tourist numbers drop. The region's mild climate means outdoor activities continue year-round even in winter months particularly in Paihia and Russell. Tour operators often schedule family-specific departures during school holidays. As shared by a TourRadar traveler "We visited in October and had perfect weather for all our outdoor activities plus fewer crowds at popular spots."
How long should we plan to stay in Northland with kids?
A 4-5 day stay allows families to experience Northland's key attractions at a comfortable pace. This duration provides time for cultural exploration at Waitangi Treaty Grounds outdoor adventures to Cape Reinga and water activities in the Bay of Islands. While popular family tours typically run 3-4 days adding extra time enables relaxed beach visits and flexible scheduling. According to a TourRadar family traveler: "The 4-day itinerary was perfect for us - enough time to see everything while keeping the kids engaged and not overwhelmed."
What educational experiences are available for children in Northland?
Northland combines education with entertainment through various hands-on experiences. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers children interactive lessons in Māori culture and New Zealand history through performances and craft demonstrations. At the Kauri Museum in Matakohe young visitors learn about pioneer life and forest preservation. Bay of Islands cruises double as marine biology lessons with wildlife spotting and maritime history. A TourRadar family remarked "Our kids learned so much about Māori culture at Waitangi - the interactive exhibits and performances really brought history to life for them."
What transportation options are best for families in Northland?
Family transportation centers on modern coaches equipped with WiFi and air conditioning. The Auckland to Bay of Islands route includes family-friendly rest stops such as the Kauri Museum. Local exploration benefits from accommodation shuttle services while boat transfers for island visits prioritize safety and comfort. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The coach travel was very comfortable with our kids - regular stops and great commentary kept everyone engaged."