Bali with Kids — The Honest NZ Family Guide (2026)

Best agesAll ages

Budget (family 4)NZ$120–300/day

Flight from NZ8–9 hours (Auckland to Denpasar, direct or via Sydney/Melbourne)

Best monthsApril–September

AvoidJanuary–March

Is Indonesia Good for Families?

Bali is NZ's most popular family overseas destination for good reason — it's a 9-hour flight, warm year-round, incredibly cheap, and offers something for every age. A villa with a private pool costs less than a budget NZ motel. The key is choosing the right area for your family and avoiding the rainy season.

Our verdict

Our top pick for NZ families' first overseas trip. Easy, warm, cheap, and with a high density of family activities. Best for ages 2+.

Budget (family of 4)

NZ$120–300/day all-in — accommodation, food, activities and local transport.

Best Places in Indonesia for Families

Budget NZ$200–350/day family of 4 (resort area pricing)

Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa

The safest beaches, the best resorts, the most family-friendly area in Bali

Nusa Dua has calm, shallow, patrolled beaches — the only beaches in Bali consistently safe for young children. The big resort strip has everything in one place. More expensive than other areas but worth it for families with under-7s.

Waterblow natural blowhole (free, dramatic) Glass-bottom boat snorkelling Bali Collection shopping centre (surprisingly good for a rainy day)

Budget NZ$130–220/day family of 4

Ubud

Rice terraces, monkey forest, and the cultural heart of Bali

Ubud is Bali's cultural hub — temples, traditional dance, rice terraces, and the famous Monkey Forest. It's inland (no beaches) but cooler and greener. Best for kids 6+ who can appreciate the culture. Many excellent villa rentals at great prices.

Sacred Monkey Forest (NZ$8 entry, incredible) Tegallalang Rice Terraces (free, very walkable) Balinese cooking class — kids love it

Budget NZ$140–250/day family of 4

Canggu

Relaxed surf village with great cafes — best for teens and older kids

Canggu is Bali's coolest neighbourhood — black sand beaches, world-class surf, Instagram-worthy cafes, and a younger vibe. Less suited to very young children (the black sand beach has surf, not calm swimming) but perfect for families with 10+ year olds.

Echo Beach surf lessons for older kids Tanah Lot temple at sunset Berawa Beach (slightly calmer than Echo)

Practical Info — Indonesia with NZ Kids

CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (IDR). NZ$1 ≈ 9,500 IDR (2026). Use ATMs — avoid airport money changers.

HealthHep A, typhoid vaccines recommended. Bali belly is real — drink bottled water, eat at recommended spots. Mosquito repellent for evenings.

SIM cardBuy Telkomsel or XL at the airport. NZ$15 for 30 days unlimited data.

VisaNZ passport holders get 30 days free. Extend to 60 days for NZ$70 at immigration office.

TransportGojek app for cheap motorbike taxis ($1–2 for short trips). Blue Bird taxis are safe and metered. Car hire with driver is excellent value (~NZ$50/day).

Food safetyNasi goreng, mie goreng, and satay from reputable warungs (local restaurants) are safe. Avoid buffets. Check reviews for food hygiene.

Indonesia Family Budget Breakdown

Accommodation per nightNZ$40–180/night — private pool villas from NZ$80/night outside resort areas

Food per dayNZ$25–60/day eating mix of local and tourist restaurants

Activities per dayNZ$30–80/day — activities in Bali are roughly half NZ prices

Local transport per dayNZ$15–40/day using Gojek and occasional car hire

Fly direct Auckland–Denpasar on Jetstar or Air NZ. Book 3+ months ahead for the best fares. Travel insurance is essential.

Get travel insurance → Find accommodation →

Connect with Families Who've Been to Indonesia

Real advice from NZ parents — trip reports, questions, and recommendations.

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Bali with Kids The best Bali family travel group — villa recommendations, safety tips, activity reviews

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NZ Families — Bali Travel NZ families sharing Bali experiences, Jetstar deals, and accommodation tips

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Bali Villa Recommendations Trusted villa recommendations from families who've actually stayed there

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