Kids Activities in the West Coast Region

Tucked under the majestic Southern Alps on New Zealand's rugged untamed West Coast sits Franz Josef village and the magnificent Franz Josef glacier offering spectacular mountain views & dense rain forest. Imagine following ancient glacial pathways carved into the landscape by ice and water and the thrill of driving these fun 2-seater ATV quad bikes through this wild place. You will be amazed at what is around every twist and turn as you are guided through rain forests, riverbeds, grasslands, sand... Read more

Lonely Planet voted the West Coast Wildlife Centre in the heart of Franz Josef as one of the 12 must see things to visit in New Zealand. This is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the "must see" indoor all weather attraction in Franz Josef – home to the official hatching facility for the world's 2 rarest kiwis – the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. See live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas... Read more

Runanga - After school care We have a walking school bus from Runanga primary school at 2.45pm.(Rain jackets may be required on a wet day). The school bus travels approximately 500 meters to a private residence on Pitt Street, Runanga. An environment that offers children opportunities to further their development and life/social skills that is fun and safe. There is indoor and outdoor areas available to children in the after school care. Afternoon tea is provided at 3.45-4pm (fruit and... Read more

Take a breathtaking guided trip on the West Coast's longest glacier amidst fascinating ice formations with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company. Let our friendly and professional guides lead you onto an incredible world of ice. We offer a range of glacier trips to suit all fitness levels including Heli Hikes combining the excitement of exploring a stunning and remote part of the glacier with the thrill of 2 helicopter flights (min age 9 yrs). An All Day Heli Hike and Ice Climbing.... Read more

Glow worms caves zipline abseiling cycle tours hiking scenic adventures, kid safe family adventures, mountain biking, gold hunting, kayaking, multi day adventures from Christchurch. Something for everyone on New Zealand's Gold Coast West of the Southern Alps. Contact us for free holiday advice or to see our range of fun tours Read more

Our well equipped West Coast motel has accommodation to fit your family holiday needs and budget. The One Bedroom Family Units are the ideal family accommodation for up to 4 people with a queen size bed in the living area and two single beds in the bedroom. The full kitchen includes fridge, cutlery and crockery, a bench top oven with two hot plates, microwave and cooking utensils. Daily room servicing. We provide unlimited free wireless internet in all units. Complimentary DVDs & book swap. Free... Read more

Whatever the weather, it's as good as gold! Take a rare steam train ride, pan for gold, experience the sights and sounds of a working sawmill, watch a holographic show, explore the new dispatch foundry and three preserved bush trams and get an old-time photo, there's so much to see and do at Shantytown Heritage Park. Visit King Dick's Café for a refreshing cup of tea, lazy cappuccino, old fashioned scones served with cream and jam or a tasty lunch. Bring your own picnic, settle on one of our... Read more

Open 7 days from 8am, Lake Matheson Café is just a few minutes drive from Fox Glacier at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. With comfortable seating options and deck area, we have unsurpassed views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Matheson Cafe offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, with our famous gourmet pizzas changing to suit seasonal ingredients. The cabinets are always full of delicious pleasures, including deli style sandwiches, cakes, savouries and salads. Dinner at Matheson... Read more

Join us for a unique kayak or cruise or fishing adventure only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier. Experience calm mirror like water and outstanding mountain views. We include FREE photos with each tour. Read more

Underworld Rafting Underworld rafting is a superb 4 hour award winning cave rafting adventure in the Metro Cave in the Paparoa National Park You are equipped with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmet at our Base in The Charleston Hotel, then taken to The Nile River Rainforest Train for travel through the primeval rainforest and the towering cliffs of the Nile River Canyon. Once changed a short climb is required to enter the enormous Metro Cave System where in the upper levels... Read more

Our friendly and helpful team of travel experts are genuine ‘Coasters’ with local insider knowledge of the stunning West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. We can take care of all your West Coast travel requirements including bus, train and ferry bookings. We can advise and book your West Coast accommodation from holiday parks and motels right through to the region’s finest hotels. If it is a family adventure you’re after, we know all the top West Coast adventure activities and thrills.... Read more

Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a NZ Family owned and operated local business specialising in guided Nature Tours in and around Glacier Country NZ. We offer personalised, informative tours to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Valley's; the iconic Lake Matheson, NZ's famous lake, and Okarito beach & village, and old historic gold mining village with hidden gems to offer. We are listed as number #2 on Tripadvisor for Outdoor activities in our area, and have 20 years of guiding experience in NZ bush. Our guides... Read more

Rapahoe Bay Holiday Park: Affordable, beachside Greymouth accommodation and greymouth camping ground for families and travellers to the West Coast, New Zealand..." Read more

I am a trained nanny and very experienced early childhood educator, I have worked as an in home educator for 4 years while my daughter was young in nelson and have spent years working in kindergartens in NZ and Germany. I have just moved to granity and am wanting to do the same sort of in home care, any time of the day 6 days a week. sunday excluded. I can pick up or drop off from seddonville to westport. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Rebecca Read more

Come and view North Island Brown Kiwi in our nocturnal house. NZ giant longfin eels can be fed daily at 10 am, noon and 3 pm. We will feed our 2 kiwi after each eel feed. We have tuatara, native/tropical fish, turtles, frogs and axolotls. Families love to catch and release crawlies in our indoor lake area. This is an indoor activity. We are open 7 days a week. Summer hours 9 am to 5 pm, winter hours 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.Last admission half hour before closing. Good fun for the whole family! Read more