Curator’s statement
For me, New Zealand embodies escapism. After living in a hectic, densely populated city with a new toddler who seemed to go from crawling to sprinting overnight, we craved fresh air and wide open spaces. With no prior knowledge of the country, we flew to Auckland — simply the most doable direct flight — and were immediately enchanted. From our first “Kia Ora” on Air New Zealand and the cozy skycouch, to infant life vests for speedboat adventures and dad-and-baby playtime at Altitude Fitness while I pursued pole dancing, New Zealand became our reset button — slow-paced, stunning and unforgettable.
The Fora Difference
Book with Shanon to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in North Island
Unlock perks by contacting Shanon to book your trip.
Things to do in North Island
Even if you land in Auckland, there is so much to do beyond the city. Rent a car, hop on, hold on, and enjoy the ride.
Beach day, all day
Within a two-hour drive of Auckland, you'll find some of the world’s most beautiful and serene beaches. Visit in March — New Zealand’s fringe season — for great weather and fewer crowds. From the well-known Waiheke Island and Hot Water Beach to the lively Mount Maunganui and quieter gems like Mangawhai or the Manly beaches, you can catch sunrise on the east coast and sunset on the west. Best of all, no five-hour drives with a screaming baby required.
Coffee culture
Cafés in New Zealand open early and close early, and even the tiniest towns seem to have at least one charming option — though it’s more common to find twenty within a five-minute walk. Many are baby-friendly, offering high chairs and activities to keep little ones entertained. It's not unusual to see “mums and bubs” (and dads, too) enjoying a flat white and a toasted date scone together — don’t forget the butter.
Road trip
Unless you’re planning to stay put in Auckland (we don’t recommend it), renting a car is the best — and really, the only — way to see the North Island. Wind your way through coastal towns like Whangarei and Mangawhai (with its epic playground and the luxe Bennetts Chocolate Café), explore the Coromandel Peninsula or visit family-friendly cities like Tauranga. Inland, don’t miss Rotorua, Lake Taupo and a detour to Hobbiton. Just a heads-up: New Zealand roads are twisty, so travel takes longer than Google Maps might suggest.
Jump off things
If adrenaline is your thing, North Island delivers. From the Sky Tower and Auckland Bridge to the Manu World Championships (think: competitive dive bombing into the harbor), there are plenty of ways to jump off something high. Not ready to take the leap? You can watch from scenic observation decks — or just cheer on your braver half while the baby naps.
Fitness for the whole family
Nowhere have we seen more families getting active together. We watched three generations summit Mount Maunganui and met plenty of parents doing stroller coffee walks at sunrise. There are nine Altitude Fitness studios across the North Island offering pole and aerial classes, and local run clubs abound — including “445,” which meets Fridays across New Zealand for a sunrise run, ocean dip and coffee. And yes, the playgrounds here are next-level.
Find a festival
New Zealand knows how to throw a festival — and it’s not just for grown-ups. From Earth Beat and NZ Spirit to Splore, AUM and Womad, many festivals welcome families with designated kids’ zones and teen spaces. Think: camping, music, creativity and connection, all wrapped up in a gorgeous natural setting.
Island hop
Catch a ferry to Waiheke Island for a luxe wine-country escape (complete with olives, cheeses, boutique eats and good vibes). Want to go farther off-grid? Great Barrier Island delivers wild beauty and off-the-beaten-path adventure. Fun fact: Waiheke’s Palm Beach is clothes-optional — in the most laid-back, family-friendly way possible.
Taste-test the ice cream
Whatever they’re doing to the ice cream in New Zealand — it works. You’ll find endless scoops, from small-batch gelato in Auckland (Duck Island is a must) to beachside shacks slinging real fruit soft serve. But our ultimate favorite? Mount Made Ice Cream in Mount Maunganui. Pair it with a coffee, a toastie and fries — you’ll thank us later.
Shop, recycle, reuse
Sustainability isn’t a trend here — it’s a way of life. Every town has opshops (thrift or hospice stores) where you can pick up secondhand clothes, books, toys and baby gear. Bring your own coffee cup and you’ll often score a smile and a discount. Bonus: you can rent baby essentials locally, sparing yourself the hassle of hauling gear halfway around the world.
Places to eat & drink in North Island
Mount Made Ice Cream: Hands down, our favorite café on the North Island. Tucked on the edge of Mount Maunganui’s main strip, Mount Made serves the best ice cream we’ve ever had. Think small-batch flavors like activated charcoal hokey pokey, perfectly balanced sourdough toasties and the most addictive fries in existence. We came here three times a week, and it’s where our daughter had her very first taste of ice cream — love at first bite. The staff is warm, the food is unfussy yet unforgettable and the vibe is always welcoming.
Mudbrick: Perched on a hilltop on Waiheke Island, Mudbrick Vineyard delivers sweeping views of vineyards, the bay and even Auckland city in the distance. The menu is a beautifully bold Indian-European fusion, with seasonal dishes that are consistently cooked to perfection. High chairs and open lawns make it surprisingly kid-friendly, and there's plenty of room for little legs to roam between courses. Luxe, laid-back and romantic — even with a toddler in tow.
Duck Island Ice Cream: Whatever they’re putting in Duck Island Ice Cream — it’s working. This beloved New Zealand brand offers everything from classic chocolate to imaginative blends, with options for every diet (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and traditional cow’s milk). The flavors are rich but balanced — never too sweet — and locations are sprinkled across Auckland. Pro tip: You can also find their pints in local grocery stores, including adorable mini versions.
Ozone Coffee: Hipster vibes meet sustainability at Ozone. Known for standout coffee, inventive baked goods (hello, rye chocolate chip cookies) and a zero-waste mission, it’s a go-to for locals, digital nomads and families. The open layout, high ceilings and indoor-outdoor seating make it both stroller-friendly and stylish. Kombucha lovers — don’t miss the elderflower flavor.
Bennetts: Located in Mangawhai, Bennetts feels like a charming European compound with an open-air chocolate shop, on-site factory and relaxed café. Known for handcrafted chocolate in both classic and seasonal flavors, it’s a destination worth the detour. The café offers coloring pages and open space for little ones, while parents can indulge in date scones, toasties and top-tier breakfast. It’s where chocolate meets chill family vibes.
New Leaf Kombucha Taproom: The only kombucha taproom in New Zealand, New Leaf brews everything in-house using teas from around the world. The flight tasting is colorful and flavorful, giving non-drinkers something special to sip. There’s limited seating, but the open space makes it kid-friendly. Chat with the owners about their epic sailing adventures while your little one burns off steam nearby.
The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery: The Heke is heavily advertised on Waiheke, so we were skeptical — but it delivered. The food is solid (think pea purée salads, charcuterie and burgers) and the grounds are the real win: a giant inflatable trampoline, play zones, climbable sculptures and durable furniture built to survive both bachelor parties and toddlers. It’s one of the few spots open late, with space for everyone to relax.
Arte della Pasta: Simple, homemade pasta done right. Arte della Pasta is tiny, with just a few tables, but the dishes come fast and the menu is delightfully focused. It’s perfect for a quick family meal, though high chairs are absent — so plan accordingly. What it lacks in space, it makes up for in quality and service.
Advieh: Located inside the InterContinental Auckland, Advieh serves up Middle Eastern fusion dishes with flair. We came in with low expectations (hotel credit), and ended up coming back multiple times. From hummus and steak to inventive desserts, everything impressed. The harbor view, open-air seating and proximity to a luxury mall make it easy to manage little ones before or after a meal. Hotel staff are family-accommodating, so dining here with a toddler feels seamless.
Daphnes: Daphnes in Auckland opens early for happy hour and dinner — perfect for families on a toddler schedule. It has circular booths, high chairs and flavorful food that’s gentle enough for young taste buds but bold enough for grown-ups. One of our favorite meals in the city, hands down.
Three Seven Two: Waiheke Island may have a reputation for adults-only escapes, but Three Seven Two proves it’s also ideal for family getaways. Located across from a quiet, expansive beach, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a kids’ menu and plenty of space. The food is vibrant, with creative veggie dishes, fresh seafood and pasta that caters to all dietary needs. It’s the kind of place where everyone leaves happy — and full.
Need to know
Family-friendly culture: What immediately stood out to us about the North Island? How deeply ingrained family life is in New Zealand culture. In every town, you’ll see moms and dads playing with their little ones — on beaches, in cafés, at parks or just strolling down the street. Locals told us again and again: the number one reason they love raising kids here is that it feels safe. And we agree.
This overarching sense of safety fosters a relaxed, welcoming environment where children are not only accommodated but embraced. Shoes are often optional (yes, even in cafés), and no one bats an eye if your toddler needs to roam around a bit during brunch. It’s the kind of place that reminds you it’s okay to exhale.
Birth & postpartum care: New Zealand places a strong emphasis on natural birth experiences and empowering parents with choice. Most women have a dedicated midwife who supports them throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. You’re free to choose your provider and facility — whether that’s a birthing center, a hospital or your own home (medical emergencies aside).
It’s a care model that prioritizes continuity and compassion, and it shows. For expecting and new parents traveling or living here, the experience feels personal, flexible and refreshingly hands-on.
Fitness & wellbeing for parents: The wellness culture on North Island doesn’t disappear when you become a parent — in fact, it grows with you. From yoga and pole fitness at Altitude studios (where you can bring your child if daycare isn’t available) to beachside run clubs, the idea is simple: stay active together.
You’ll frequently see parents pushing strollers on their morning coffee walks, or entire families working out together. It’s not unusual to spot three generations hiking up Mount Maunganui — proof that fitness here is a lifestyle, not a phase.
Lifestyle that includes your little one: What we appreciated most? You don’t have to choose between “adult” hobbies and child-friendly activities. The two blend effortlessly. Enjoy your usual café crawl, vineyard tour or kombucha tasting with your little one in tow — and no one will blink.
Playgrounds are everywhere, many creatively designed with both children and adults in mind. The culture encourages outdoor living, so whether you’re beach-hopping, hiking or just enjoying a grassy knoll, there’s always room (and acceptance) for the whole family to join in.
Shopping, schedules & essentials: The rhythm of daily life aligns surprisingly well with “baby time.” Cafés typically open by six or seven am for early risers, while most stores close by 3–5 pm, so plan your errands accordingly. Malls often have one or two late-night shopping days each week.
As for the essentials:
Diapers: Easy to find — Huggies, Pampers and other familiar brands are widely available at grocery stores like New World or Woolworths.
Baby Gear & Clothes: Local boutiques stock high-quality, stylish options (our go-to for UV-protective swimwear and hats), while Cotton On offers affordable, durable pieces for the whole family.
Baby Equipment: Don’t want to haul your entire nursery across the world? Baby gear rental services are readily available.
A natural playground: Above all, North Island is a living, breathing invitation to get outside. With its beaches, trails, mountains and wide-open green spaces, the attitude is simple: play outside, breathe deep and don’t worry too much about messes. For parents — especially new ones — it’s a welcome shift from perfection to presence.
Travel Advisor
Shanon Morris
Get in touch with Shanon
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Shanon within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Auckland page.