6 Child-Friendly Restaurants in New Zealand Perfect for School Holidays

Lone Star Nelson is housed in a wonderful building that oozes Art Deco charm on the outside but offers contemporary luxury on the inside. This Nelson restaurant is the perfect venue for a night out with friends & family, with seating capacity of up to 120 guests. Children are always welcome - they have their own menu and don't forget to tell us if it's your birthday!

Why Kids Love It: The dedicated children's menu ensures even the pickiest eaters will find something they love, and the restaurant celebrates birthdays with special attention. The spacious venue means children won't feel cramped, and the friendly staff are experienced in making families feel welcome.

Perfect for School Holidays: With its generous seating capacity and family-oriented approach, Lone Star Nelson can accommodate larger family groups during busy holiday periods.

Located in the heart of Paihia with stunning views over the Bay of Islands, CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen offers a unique tasting journey around Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific Rim, and Asia. They have integrated the famous Stonegrill Experience into their menu, where families can cook their own meals at the table - a fun interactive dining experience that kids absolutely love.

Why Kids Love It: The Stonegrill Experience allows children to be involved in cooking their own food, making dining an interactive adventure. Located in historic Paihia, kids can learn about New Zealand's heritage while enjoying their meal with spectacular waterfront views.

Perfect for School Holidays: Open weekdays 11am-9pm and weekends 9am-9pm with weekend breakfast service, making it perfect for holiday family outings. The Bay of Islands location offers plenty of additional family activities nearby.

The Screening Room offers a unique experience with both restaurant and cinema facilities. You can drop in for coffee with a colleague, an evening drink, or a family Sunday brunch. The menu has vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, and there really is something for every taste and occasion. The venue also features a state-of-the-art two-screen boutique cinema where you can enjoy Cinema Eats delivered straight to your super-comfy seat.

Why Kids Love It: The combination of dining and movies creates an all-in-one entertainment experience. Movie tickets are reasonably priced at $15.50 for children (13 and under), making it an affordable family outing.

Perfect for School Holidays: Family Sunday brunch options and the ability to combine a meal with age-appropriate movies makes this perfect for rainy holiday days.

Valentines Buffet Restaurants is New Zealand's premier destination for families and groups celebrating special events and occasions, from birthdays, anniversaries to weddings, graduation celebrations and more. Open 7 days and 365 days a year.

Why Kids Love It: As specialists in celebrations, they know how to make children feel special. The buffet style allows kids to choose exactly what they want and try new foods at their own pace.

Perfect for School Holidays: Being open 365 days a year with consistent hours (lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm and dinner 6:00pm-late) means reliable dining options throughout the holidays.

The Christchurch board game bar that combines local craft beer, local wine, artisan pizza made with the family recipe, and an incredible selection of 250+ board games to choose from. Open late 6 days a week, this unique venue welcomes under 18s when accompanied by their legal guardian, making it a perfect family entertainment destination.

Why Kids Love It: With over 250 board games to choose from, children can discover new games while enjoying delicious artisan pizza. The interactive gaming element keeps kids engaged for hours, making it much more than just a meal - it's a complete entertainment experience.

Perfect for School Holidays: Open Tuesday-Wednesday 3pm-11pm, Thursday-Saturday 3pm-12am, and Sunday 12pm-11pm, providing plenty of flexibility for holiday scheduling. The combination of food and entertainment means families can spend extended time here during rainy holiday days.

Located at Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Hallertau offers a unique family brewery experience with "hopping good beer" and 28 taps of freshness brewed onsite, complemented by the finest local wines. Explicitly family and dog friendly, it's perfect for group dining, parties, or a relaxed family meal. The venue features music and DJs on weekends with a seasonal and locally sourced menu that's all about "fistfuls of freshness."

Why Kids Love It: The casual gastro pub atmosphere with outdoor seating gives children space to move around, while the gourmet burgers and pizzas appeal to young appetites. Being dog-friendly means the whole family (including pets) can enjoy the experience together.

Perfect for School Holidays: Open Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday 9am-10pm, and Sunday 9am-9pm, with excellent value pricing ($15-25 lunch, $25-35 dinner). The weekend entertainment and outdoor space make it ideal for leisurely holiday family gatherings.