Boats can be great fun, but if you haven't sailed with your child before - especially on open water - then you might find the experience not as pleasant as you would like.

Click here more information about the Rock The Boat cruises in the Bay of Island

We have tried our best to have operators listed on Kids Friendly Travel that are family-friendly, but sometimes boats and children disagree so here are some points to keep in mind. 

Using suitable anti-seasick medication which is appropriate for your child's age may make the trip more pleasant for you and any other passengers. Children can become upset, without throwing up. Even with your best efforts, if your baby is feeling unwell you may not be able to console them and could end up stuck on the water with an upset child for a long time. 

Be water wise and if life jackets are available please use them. Children need either an infant or child life jacket - adult ones are dangerous as they don't allow the child to float correctly.

Ferries around New Zealand

Whether you are needing a car ferry to get you from Opuna to Russell or you are wanting to visit the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, we cover a wide range of ferry services, even one that will get you and your car across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton! Opuna ferry.

This is just one of the ferry services we cover.

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry between Wellington and Picton
	Passenger bookings & enquiries Ph: 0800 844 844 (NZ only)   00 64 4 471 6188 (from overseas) Email: bookings@bluebridge.co.nz Web: www.bluebridge.co.nz
Come on over the Cook Strait with the New Zealand-owned Bluebridge service. Sailing between state-of-the-art terminals in the heart of Wellington city (opposite the main railway station) and  harbourside at Picton up to four times a day, and more during peak season, our Cook Strait ferries include a café and kiosk offering delicious meals and snacks, free family-friendly big screen movies inside and stunning scenery outside.    Comfortable lounge and bar areas teamed with 'Kiwi' hospitality allow passengers to sit back and enjoy the way Bluebridge goes the extra nautical mile when it comes to service.   Travelling time is around three hours and  20 minutes.

Interislander Cook Strait between Picton and Wellington
	Passenger & Booking enquires:  Phone: 0800 802 802 Email: info@interislander.co.nz Web: www.interislander.co.nz Video: Watch our video
Interislander operates three ships; Kaitaki, Arahura and Aratere, for you and your vehicle. Apart from the fantastic views, Interislander gives you plenty to see and do on board and the friendly staff are committed to making your journey enjoyable.   With a range of cafes and bars, you can enjoy some of New Zealand’s renowned wines and beers, have an award winning coffee and light snack or hearty meal.   All ships have baby changing facilities, and nurseries with cots available. Kaitaki has 4 private nurseries with toilet facilities.   With movie theaters on all ships, kids & toddlers play areas there’s lots to do and keep the kids busy too! Find out more about the Interislander here

Rock The Boat Piahia, Bay of Islands Northland Region Suitable for children from 3
	Location: Piahia, Bay of Islands Family Pass: None available Video: Watch our video
The Rock is New Zealand’s biggest house boat, she is purpose built & offers a warm, homely, stable environment for cruising the Bay of Islands. The Rock is suitable for travellers of all ages who enjoy great company, new experiences, and who don’t mind getting their feet wet! Kids can catch their first fish, try night kayaking, spot shooting stars and explore remote islands all with the help of our professional and caring crew. Mum and Dad can join in or enjoy the break while the kids are entertained. Onboard activities include: target shooting, dusk fishing, night kayaking, island walks, swimming, kayaking and snorkelling. For more information and to book