Cultural experiences for kids in NZ.
Planning a New Zealand road trip by motorhome to explore some of the great cultural experiences on offer? Despite being a relatively new country, New Zealand has a long and fascinating history. From the violent volcanic activity that sculpted its terrain to the arrival of settlers who built their lives here, New Zealand's history is a dynamic one. The events that have shaped this country have left their marks not only on the land but also resonate through the rich traditions and enduring stories of its people.
In this handy guide, we’ll share some of the top cultural experiences that the kids will love. From the authentic Māori experiences in Rotorua to the interactive wonders of Te Papa in Wellington, there’s something for every age and stage.
Why NZ cultural experiences are great for kids
New Zealand's cultural experiences offer a unique outdoor classroom for children, where learning comes alive and ignites curiosity. The country's Māori history and legends are not just stories; they're lessons that come to life through interactive Māori experiences.
These cultural adventures, from the storytelling circles of Tamaki Māori Village to the ancient rituals and craftsmanship, offer a unique way to understand the rich heritage of Aotearoa. It's also a chance for young minds to absorb the values of respect, community, and stewardship of nature.
The best cultural experiences for kids in NZ
Keen to add some culture and history to your road trip travel itinerary? Here are some of the top experiences for kids worth seeing on your New Zealand travels.
Image: Mark Clinton
Visit an ancient kauri tree
Plan a road trip to the Waipoua Forest, near Dargaville, and introduce your family to Tāne Mahuta. This ancient tree, likely the largest your children will ever see, is a natural wonder that has witnessed the passage of time for over 2,000 years. Known as the 'Lord of the Forest', Tāne Mahuta is not only the largest kauri tree in New Zealand but also a significant cultural icon. The tree is deeply revered in Māori history and mythology as the god of forests and birds. Visiting this ancient tree offers a moment of awe and a profound connection to the natural world and the stories that are rooted in New Zealand.
Standing before Tāne Mahuta, children are often struck by the sheer scale of this living legend. The tree's girth measures over 15 metres, and it towers into the sky at a staggering 51 metres, making it a sight that's as humbling as it is breathtaking. It's a tangible link to the ancient world of the Māori, where trees were not merely plants but entities with their own mana (spiritual power) and mauri (life force).
Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is not just a cornerstone of New Zealand's history; it’s a living classroom packed with activities kids will love. Here, history is far from static; it's a hands-on adventure where children can learn about the Treaty of Waitangi, explore the beautifully maintained grounds, and be captivated by powerful performances.
Kids can marvel at the size of a traditional waka taua (war canoe), step back in time in a colonial house, and even meet characters dressed in period attire. It's a place where the past is presented in a way that's both fun and fascinating.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds also house a museum that offers a deeper understanding of the Treaty's significance. Interactive exhibits allow children to engage with the stories and events that shaped the nation. They can listen to narratives from different perspectives, giving them a multifaceted view of New Zealand's founding document. The grounds also offer a variety of workshops and cultural demonstrations, from traditional weaving to Māori weaponry, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond the pages of a history book.
After a day of exploration, you can unwind at the nearby Waitangi Holiday Park, a perfect spot to reflect on the day's adventures and plan the next leg of your campervan road trip.
Visit Te Puia geothermal area
In New Zealand’s geothermal heartland of Rotorua, Te Puia presents a landscape unlike any other your family will encounter. It's a must-visit destination on your New Zealand road trip, offering both fun and learning in equal measure.
The Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, is a highlight of this Rotorua attraction, erupting several times a day and sending plumes of steam and water up to 30 metres high. As you walk the pathways around Te Puia, you’ll also discover steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces, each telling a story of the earth's incredible subterranean forces.
But Te Puia is more than just a natural spectacle. It's a cultural hub where traditional Māori carvers and weavers share their crafts, offering a window into the artistry that is as enduring as the geothermal activity itself. For kids, the excitement of seeing these geothermal wonders is matched by the opportunity to learn about Māori culture.
Visit the Māori Village Te Pā Tū
Popular Rotorua tourist attraction, Te Pā Tū (formerly the Tamaki Māori Village) offers a deep dive into the heart of Māori culture. Here, the essence of New Zealand's indigenous culture is brought to life through stirring performances, authentic songs, and the sharing of ancient stories.
Te Pā Tū offers two distinct experiences that reflect the seasonal heartbeat of Māori culture. The Tū Te Rā - Summer Harvest Celebration honours the bountiful gifts of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. Visitors can participate in traditional harvesting techniques and taste the fresh flavours of the season. You’ll also learn about the sustainable practices that have been passed down through generations.
In contrast, the Tū Te Ihi - Winter Matariki Celebration is a time of reflection and remembrance. This is timed to coincide with the Māori New Year when the cluster of stars known as Matariki rises in the sky. This celebration is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
Visit Te Papa
Te Papa in Wellington is a must-do for families keen to learn more about New Zealand’s history. As kids wander through the family friendly exhibits, they can encounter the natural world in the Awesome Forces exhibit. They can come face to face with New Zealand's incredible wildlife in the Mountains to Sea exhibit, and even step into the shoes of early settlers in the interactive colonial village. The museum's Discovery Centres, specifically designed for children, are full of activities that encourage hands-on learning, from feeling the texture of a kiwi feather to building structures in the interactive construction zone.
Te Papa also offers storytelling sessions where the stories of Māori legends come to life. It's a place where every visit can turn into an adventure, with new things to see, do, and learn, making it an essential experience for any family on a New Zealand road trip.
Paddle a waka with Ko Tāne
In Christchurch, your family can embark on a unique journey down the Ōtākaro Avon River with Ko Tāne. Paddling a handcrafted waka, you'll glide along the waterways that have been a part of the region's history for centuries. This 45-minute experience is not only a fun activity but also a living history lesson.
As you paddle, local kaiārahi (guides) will share stories of the local Iwi, Ngāi Tahu, and the history of early European settlers. It's a narrative that weaves together the past and present, highlighting the collaborative spirit that helped build the city of Christchurch. Children will be fascinated to learn how Māori and settlers used these very waterways for transport and trade in a time before roads, using the waka as a vital tool for survival and commerce. It's an enriching addition to any New Zealand travel itinerary.
Bathe at Ngāwhā Springs
Ngāwhā Springs offers a cultural experience that's deeply rooted in the traditions of Northland. These geothermal springs are more than just a place to relax; they're a site of historical significance for Māori, known for their therapeutic properties and the healing waters that have been used for centuries.
When you visit Ngāwhā Springs, you’re stepping into a natural spa that has been cherished by the local community for generations. The waters are rich in minerals and the experience is as educational as it is soothing. Children can learn about the geothermal activity that creates these hot pools, as well as the stories and customs that surround them.
Ready to see New Zealand’s best cultural attractions on your family holiday?
From the ancient roots of Tāne Mahuta to the dynamic storytelling of Te Pā Tū, New Zealand’s unique cultural destinations offer a unique window into the heart of Aotearoa.
Planning a culturally rich New Zealand road trip in an Apollo campervan means your family can explore these wonders at your own pace. Travel with all the comforts of home on board as you take in one amazing experience after another.
So, why wait? Book your Apollo campervan hire online today.