Arrive in Auckland and make your way to your family-friendly accommodation in Ellerslie; drop bags, freshen up and enjoy a slow start with coffee and pastries at a nearby café like The Store Ellerslie. Take a short stroll around Ellerslie Racecourse or the nearby One Tree Hill Domain to stretch legs and let kids burn off jetlag in open green space while spotting views of the Auckland skyline.
After lunch, pop into Sylvia Park or Kingsland for any last-minute essentials and pick up picnic supplies for the days ahead. If energy allows, head to the Auckland Botanic Gardens (about 20-25 minutes’ drive) for gentle walks through themed gardens and the Potter Children’s Garden — a pleasant, low-key introduction to the region’s flora for the whole family.
Return to Ellerslie for a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly restaurant such as The Shakespeare Inn or a local bistro, keeping plans low-key to recover from travel. Finish the evening with a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or a quiet moment on your accommodation’s balcony, reviewing the upcoming days’ highlights and ensuring everyone is rested for tomorrow’s central Auckland adventures.
After a relaxed start in Ellerslie, drive or take the train into the CBD and begin at the waterfront with a stroll along Te Wānanga o Aotearoa / Queens Wharf and the lively Wynyard Quarter — kids will love watching the boats and street performers. Pop into the New Zealand Maritime Museum for interactive displays about Polynesian voyaging and local maritime history, then ride the nearby ferry if you want a quick harborside vantage point before lunch.
Head up to Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf; the observation deck and glass-floor viewing area are thrilling for older kids, while the café on Level 51 is great for a light snack. Afterward, wander through Viaduct Harbour for a relaxed seafood lunch at a family-friendly spot like Soul Bar & Bistro or Oyster & Chop, and let children explore the small playgrounds and marina walkways nearby.
As the day cools, take a short walk to Aotea Square and the nearby Albert Park to enjoy some green space and street art, then return to the Viaduct or Wynyard Quarter for an early dinner with waterfront views — try Cassia or Depot for a mix of local flavours and casual family options. If energy remains, finish with a gentle evening cruise from the Viaduct to see the city lights from the water, or head back to Ellerslie for a quiet night in preparing for tomorrow's zoo adventure.
Start the day with a short drive from Ellerslie to Auckland Zoo, arriving around opening time to beat crowds and see active animals — don’t miss the playful elephants, Sumatran tigers and the interactive Te Wao Nui / New Zealand Centre where kids can learn about native species. Pick up a map and join a keeper talk or scheduled animal feed (check times at the visitor centre) to make the visit hands-on and educational for the little ones.
After a picnic lunch on the zoo lawns or at the nearby cafe, wander across to Western Springs Park for a relaxed afternoon: rent pedal boats on the lake (seasonal), feed ducks, and explore the wide pathways and playgrounds that are perfect for kids to run around. For a little local history and scenery, stroll the loop around the lake to the historic Victoria Avenue bridge and pop into the nearby MOTAT if the family wants more transport and technology exhibits.
Head back toward the city as the evening cools and stop at Ponsonby Road or St Kevin’s Arcade for an early family-friendly dinner — try local favourites serving casual Kiwi fare and kid options. Finish with a gentle drive or short tram/bus ride past the illuminated Auckland Domain and One Tree Hill to admire sunset colours and return to Ellerslie, ready to rest up before tomorrow’s Waiheke island adventure.
Catch an early ferry from Auckland's Ferry Terminal to Waiheke (book ahead for the holiday period) and enjoy the 35-40 minute ride with skyline views—kids will love watching for dolphins and the harbour activity. Once ashore at Matiatia, take the short Scenic Drive or catch a local bus to Oneroa Village for a relaxed breakfast at a café like The Boat Shed or Te Motu, then wander the shops and walk down to Oneroa Beach for paddling and rockpool exploring.
After lunch, explore family-friendly vineyards on the eastern side—head to Tantalus Estate or Mudbrick for spacious lawns where kids can run while adults sample wines; Mudbrick also has views and a kids’ menu. Alternatively, take the native bush trail to Palm Beach or the gentle coastal walk toward Onetangi for sandy playtime, or book a short guided eco-tour (sea kayaking or a kid-friendly nature walk) to experience the island’s wildlife and coastal scenery.
Return to Oneroa for an early dinner at a casual spot such as Charlie Farley’s or The Gulf View, timing to catch the late-afternoon light over the Hauraki Gulf, then board the evening ferry back to Auckland to watch the skyline come alive. Back in Ellerslie, wind down with a quiet evening—unpack picnic finds or share photos from the day, ensuring tired children sleep well ahead of Christmas Day’s relaxed plans.
Enjoy a slow, festive morning close to Ellerslie with a drive to Mission Bay for a relaxed beach start—grab fresh pastries and coffee from Mission Bay Café or Café Mussel Inn and set up a shady spot on the sand for kids to paddle and build sandcastles. Take a gentle stroll along the promenade to Kohimarama Beach if you prefer a quieter vibe, stopping at the playground by the park so little ones can run off extra excitement while adults soak up harbour views.
Pack a picnic—either from Sylvia Park market finds or pre-ordered Christmas platters from a local deli—and head to Selwyn Reserve or Kohimarama Reserve for a leisurely beachside picnic and friendly games of frisbee or cricket on the grass. If the family fancies a short outing, walk the coastal path toward St Heliers, enjoy ice cream at St Heliers Bay Café, or rent a paddleboard for a calm family paddle in the sheltered bay (weather permitting).
As the sun softens, settle in for an easy evening barbecue at the picnic facilities or book an early family-friendly dinner at The Conservatory in St Heliers or Café on the Corner back in Kohimarama, keeping plans mellow for sleepy children. Finish with a sunset stroll along the waterfront to watch festive lights and reflections on the water, then return to Ellerslie for a quiet night—unwrap small gifts, share highlights from the day, and get a good rest for tomorrow's drive to Rotorua.
After breakfast in Ellerslie, set out on the roughly 3-hour drive to Rotorua, stopping en route at Tirau to stretch legs and browse its quirky corrugated iron sculptures and cafés. Arrive in Rotorua late morning and head straight to Kuirau Park for a family-friendly introduction to geothermal activity — walk the steaming footpaths, see bubbling mud pools and let kids paddle at the warm public foot baths while learning about the volcanic landscape.
Check into your Rotorua accommodation then visit Te Puia to experience the iconic Pohutu Geyser, explore the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, and watch a cultural demonstration at the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute — the kiwi house there is a hit with children and provides a close-up of native wildlife. If time and energy allow, add a short visit to the nearby Rotorua Skyline gondola for a scenic ride and luge runs that are great fun for older kids and adults alike.
As evening falls, enjoy a family-oriented Māori cultural dinner experience — book an early hangi and cultural performance at Tamaki Māori Village or Mitai for storytelling, kapa haka and traditional food that immerses the family in local culture. After the show, return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening; if your lodging has thermal pools or a private spa, soak tired muscles and chat about the day’s geysers and performances before turning in for tomorrow’s adventures.
Head out after breakfast to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to explore the colourful Champagne Pool, steaming vents and the famous Artist’s Palette — arrive early to beat the tour buses and catch the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. The boardwalks make the geothermal features easy and safe for kids to see up close, and the visitor centre has kid-friendly explanations that bring the otherworldly landscape to life.
After a picnic or lunch at a local café, visit Whakarewarewa — The Living Māori Village to join a guided cultural walk, learn about traditional geothermal cooking, and pop into the Te Wero area to see native birds and learn about local iwi history; the on-site kiwi house is a highlight for younger children. If energy remains, swing by the Rotorua Skyline for a gondola ride and family-friendly luge runs, or relax with a walk around the Redwood Forest to let kids run and explore the towering trees.
Book an early family-friendly Māori hangi and performance at Mitai or Tamaki Māori Village to enjoy storytelling, kapa haka and a communal meal cooked in the earth — these immersive evenings are both entertaining and educational for all ages. Return to your accommodation afterwards for a warm soak if available, and recap the day’s geysers, cultural moments and forest adventures while children wind down for a good night’s sleep.
After breakfast, head to the Agrodome for a classic Kiwi farm experience — enjoy the entertaining sheep show, meet friendly farm animals in the petting area and watch sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations that delight kids and adults alike. Pick up local-made wool souvenirs or a snack at the farm shop before driving a short distance to the Redwood Forest carpark for the next adventure.
Explore the Redwoods Treewalk in the towering Whakarewarewa Forest after a picnic lunch; the elevated swing bridges and illuminated walkway (daytime route) let the family wander among giant Californian redwoods and spot native birds, with short forest trails nearby for kids to explore. Mid-afternoon, set off on the roughly 1-hour drive to Taupo via SH5, stopping at the scenic lookout by Lake Rotoiti or at the Waiotapu lookout for one last geothermal glimpse if time allows.
Arrive in Taupo in time for a lakeside stroll along the foreshore and a relaxed dinner at a family-friendly waterfront restaurant such as Bistro Lago or Fork & Tap, where kids can watch boats and locals unwind. Finish the evening with a gentle walk to view the illuminated lakefront and Huka Lodge gardens or a quiet early night at your Taupo accommodation to recharge for tomorrow’s Huka Falls and lake activities.
Start the day with a short drive to Huka Falls to watch the spectacular turquoise torrent surge through its narrow canyon — arrive early to walk the riverside tracks and catch the falls from the lookout and the safe viewing platform where kids will love the roar and spray. After the falls, stop at the nearby Huka Prawn Park or Acacia Bay for a quick hands-on experience or coffee while the family stretches their legs before more lake time.
Board a family-friendly Cruise Taupo or Great Lake Cruises vessel for a scenic lake cruise to Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, enjoying commentary about the Waikato River and volcanic landscapes while kids scan for native birds and boats; many cruises include short stops for photos and swimming if weather permits. Back ashore, choose from paddleboarding, kayaking hire along the calm foreshore, or a lakeside bike ride on the Great Lake Trail — all accessible from the Taupo waterfront and perfect for active family fun.
As the sun softens, dine at a lakeside restaurant such as Bistro Lago or The Boatshed for relaxed family-friendly options and views across the water, then take a gentle twilight walk along the foreshore to watch the lights reflect on the lake. Wind down at your Taupo accommodation with a soak (if available) and a recap of the day’s highlights—Huka’s power, the carved cliffs and the wide-open lake—before heading back toward Auckland tomorrow.
After a relaxed breakfast in Taupo, pack up and take the scenic drive north toward Auckland, stopping at the Karapiro or Cambridge area if the family wants a stretch and a riverside playground break; enjoy easy countryside views and a coffee in Cambridge’s town centre. Aim to arrive in south Auckland or Ellerslie by late morning so kids can nap or relax after the drive and everyone has time to freshen up at your accommodation.
Head to the Auckland Botanic Gardens for a gentle, restorative afternoon — wander the themed gardens, visit the Potter Children’s Garden where little ones can explore imaginative play areas, and check out the fragrant rose garden and native plant collections. Pack a light picnic or grab refreshments from the Botanic Gardens café, then let the kids roam the wide lawns and plant trails while adults enjoy quiet garden strolls and photo stops.
Return to Ellerslie for a family-friendly dinner at a nearby spot such as The Shakespeare Inn or a cosy bistro, keeping plans low-key to recover from travel and holiday activity. Finish the night with a short neighbourhood walk or backyard-style games at your accommodation, reviewing favourite moments from Rotorua and Taupo to set the tone for the final Auckland adventures ahead.
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast in Ellerslie before driving or taking public transport to the Viaduct Harbour; board a mid-morning family-friendly harbour cruise (Cruise Auckland or Fullers) for a 60-90 minute loop that shows off the Harbour Bridge, Devonport’s shoreline and Rangitoto in the distance — kids enjoy the commentary, spotting ferries and seabirds. After disembarking, stretch legs with a stroll along Wynyard Quarter, pausing at Silo Park to sample local artisan stalls and let children play on the waterfront lawn.
Head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum for interactive exhibits about voyaging and local sea life, then grab lunch at the Viaduct’s family-friendly eateries such as Soul Bar & Bistro or Oyster & Chop where menus appeal to all ages. Spend the later afternoon shopping or collecting picnic supplies at Britomart or the nearby Ferry Building, and if time allows pop up the Sky Tower observation deck for daylight views and to spot the harbourside areas you visited on the cruise.
Return to your accommodation in Ellerslie to get the family into comfortable NYE outfits and prepare a simple picnic or finger-food spread for later, allowing kids a quiet rest before evening festivities. For a low-key family celebration, consider heading back to the waterfront around sunset for an early, child-friendly fireworks viewing point (check local council viewing zones) or book a family-friendly early-evening harbour dinner cruise that returns before the late-night festivities so youngsters can sleep soundly while adults enjoy the city lights.
Catch an early Fullers ferry from the Auckland Ferry Terminal to Rangitoto Island (book ahead for the holiday period) and enjoy the short crossing with skyline views; once ashore at Rangitoto Wharf, take the well-formed 25-40 minute lava flow trail up to the summit crater for sweeping views of Auckland, Rangitoto’s pā sites and the Hauraki Gulf — kids usually love the volcanic rock and big horizon. Bring water and sun hats, and pause at the summit shelter for photos before descending to explore the lava fields and native pōhutukawa fringes on the crater rim walk.
After a picnic lunch on the foreshore near Islington Bay (or at the sheltered picnic tables by the wharf), choose a gentle coastal stroll to the sheltered Islington Bay beach for paddling and shell-spotting, or hop on the short ranger-led walk if available to learn about the island’s unique ecology and how it’s being restored. If the family prefers water time, rent a kayak from a Rangitoto operator or join a guided eco-cruise that circles the island and points out seabirds, seal colonies and nearby Motutapu’s green pastures.
Return on a late-afternoon ferry to Auckland to watch the harbour light up and give kids a chance to nap on the crossing; once back onshore, head to the Viaduct or Wynyard Quarter for an early relaxed dinner at a family-friendly spot such as Soul Bar & Bistro or Wynyard Quarter eateries, reflecting on the island’s lava landscapes and sea views. Back in Ellerslie, finish the day with a calm family debrief — share photos, lay out the next day’s west-coast plans, and let everyone get an early night after a fresh-air New Year’s Day adventure.
Leave Ellerslie after breakfast for the dramatic drive to Piha, arriving mid-morning to explore the iconic Lion Rock and let kids scamper on the broad black-sand beach; grab coffees and pastries at Piha Store to fuel a short family-friendly walk up to the base of Lion Rock for sweeping views of the surf and coastline. If the little ones need calmer water, stroll east along the beach toward the stream mouth where shallow pools are perfect for paddling and rockpool discovery.
After a picnic on the foreshore or lunch at Piha Café, head for a gentle rainforest walk — try the Kitekite Falls track (short lower-section option) for a safe swim beneath the falls and a refresh in a natural pool that children adore, or choose the easy Arataki Visitor Centre loop nearby if you prefer lookout views without the climb. Spend extra time on the beach building sandcastles, watching surfers from a safe distance, or visiting the Piha Surf Life Saving Club to learn about local surf safety and tide conditions.
As the afternoon light softens, enjoy an early lakeside-style sunset from the top of Lion Rock or the western headland, then return to town for a relaxed meal at The Piha Café or the family-friendly Piha Surf Lifesaving Club bistro if open. Drive back toward Ellerslie with contented, sleepy kids after a day of dramatic scenery and coastal play, swapping favourite moments from the west coast and preparing for your final packing and departure tomorrow.
Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast in Ellerslie, use this calm time to finish packing and double-check reservations and travel documents; pop down to The Store Ellerslie for fresh pastries or pick up any missed local treats. If you need last-minute groceries or souvenirs, swing by Sylvia Park (short drive away) to grab snacks for the flight, replace any beach gear, or pick up New Zealand-made gifts at the mall stores.
Check out of your accommodation mid-afternoon and take a final scenic detour if time allows — drive through One Tree Hill Domain for last skyline photos or stop at the Auckland Botanic Gardens carpark for a short stroll to stretch legs before the journey. Head toward Auckland Airport with plenty of time for rental car return and check-in (allow extra time during the holiday season), and if you have an early evening flight, enjoy a light meal at one of the airport cafés serving local flavours.
Board your flight home after a smooth check-in and a final family moment reflecting on highlights from Waiheke, Rotorua and the west coast; encourage kids to pick their favourite photo or story to share on the plane. If your flight is later, consider a quiet pre-departure dinner at the airport or a short rest in an airline lounge, then settle in for the journey knowing you’ve enjoyed a varied, family-friendly North Island adventure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| The Store Ellerslie (café) | NZ$8-15 per person (coffee + pastry) |
| Ellerslie Racecourse / One Tree Hill Domain (stroll & park) | Free |
| Sylvia Park / Kingsland (shopping / picnic supplies) | NZ$20-80 (depends on shopping) |
| Auckland Botanic Gardens | Free (parking NZ$2-6 or donation); café purchases NZ$5-20 |
| Train/drive Ellerslie to CBD | Train NZ$3-7 per adult one-way; petrol/parking NZ$10-25 |
| Queens Wharf / Te Wānanga o Aotearoa & Wynyard Quarter (stroll) | Free |
| New Zealand Maritime Museum | Adults NZ$24; Children (5-14) NZ$12; under 5 free |
| Ferry short harbour ride (sightseeing) | NZ$5-15 per person (short sightseeing ferry) |
| Sky Tower (observation deck & café) | Adults NZ$32-36; Children (under 15) NZ$15-18; Level 51 café purchases extra |
| Viaduct Harbour / lunch (family-friendly restaurant) | NZ$18-35 per adult; NZ$8-15 per child |
| Aotea Square / Albert Park (stroll) | Free |
| Auckland Zoo | Adults NZ$34; Children (3-14) NZ$17; under 3 free |
| Western Springs Park (lake & pedal boats seasonal) | Free to enter; pedal boats NZ$8-20 per 30-60 min (seasonal) |
| MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) | Adults NZ$22; Children NZ$10; family combo discounts often available |
| Ponsonby Road / St Kevin’s Arcade (dinner) | NZ$20-40 per adult; NZ$8-15 per child |
| Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke (Fullers ferry) | Adults NZ$45-55 return; Children (5-15) NZ$22-28; under 5 usually free on lap |
| Oneroa Village (breakfast & beach play) | Café NZ$8-20 per person; beach free |
| Family-friendly vineyards (Mudbrick / Tantalus) — tasting & lawns | Wine tastings NZ$10-25 per adult; kids free; lunch NZ$15-40 per person |
| Guided eco-tour / sea kayaking (Waiheke) | NZ$60-120 per person (age limits may apply); family discounts sometimes available |
| Mission Bay / Kohimarama (beach & promenade) | Free (food NZ$5-20 per person) |
| Selwyn Reserve / St Heliers picnic & paddleboard hire | Picnic free; paddleboard hire NZ$25-60 per board/hour |
| Drive Ellerslie to Rotorua (fuel & stops) | Fuel & tolls NZ$50-90 (depends on vehicle); snacks NZ$10-30 |
| Tirau stop (short break) | Café NZ$5-15 |
| Kuirau Park (geothermal park & foot baths) | Free (donation); public foot baths free |
| Te Puia (Pohutu Geyser, Māori Arts & kiwi house) | Adults NZ$90-110 (includes cultural demonstration & entry); Children NZ$30-55 (varies); family packages available |
| Rotorua Skyline gondola & luge | Gondola + 3 luge rides: Adults NZ$40-55; Children NZ$20-35 |
| Māori hangi & performance (Tamaki or Mitai evening experience) | Adults NZ$120-180; Children NZ$60-120 (age/venue dependent) |
| Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland | Adults NZ$32-50; Children NZ$16-25 (depends on operator/ticketing) |
| Whakarewarewa — The Living Māori Village & kiwi house | Adults NZ$30-80 (guided tour prices vary); Children NZ$10-40 |
| Redwoods Treewalk (Whakarewarewa Forest) | Adults NZ$35-50; Children NZ$15-30 (family passes available) |
| Agrodome (farm show & farmyard) | Adults NZ$40-55; Children NZ$20-35; family tickets often available |
| Drive Rotorua to Taupo (SH5) | Fuel NZ$10-25 |
| Huka Falls (lookouts & walk) | Free (parking NZ$2-6) |
| Huka Prawn Park / Acacia Bay stop | Entry/activities NZ$10-25 per person |
| Lake cruise to Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings (Cruise Taupo / Great Lake Cruises) | Adults NZ$45-65; Children NZ$20-40; family deals often available |
| Paddleboarding / kayaking / bike hire (Taupo) | NZ$25-70 per person depending on activity and duration |
| Drive Taupo to Auckland | Fuel NZ$60-100 |
| Auckland Harbour cruise (60-90 min) | Adults NZ$25-55; Children NZ$10-30 depending on operator |
| Britomart / Ferry Building / Sky Tower (additional daytime visit) | Shopping/eats NZ$10-50+; Sky Tower as above if revisited |
| Fullers ferry to Rangitoto Island (return) | Adults NZ$19-33 return; Children NZ$9-17 return (prices vary on holiday schedule) |
| Rangitoto summit walk & Islington Bay beach | Free (bring water/food); ferry costs as above |
| Drive to Piha (west coast) | Fuel NZ$10-25; parking usually free or small charge |
| Piha Beach & Lion Rock visit | Free (food NZ$5-20) |
| Kitekite Falls walk & swim | Free |
| Final groceries / Sylvia Park / last-minute shopping | NZ$10-80 depending on purchases |
| Auckland Airport transfer & parking / rental return | Airport parking NZ$10-50+; shuttle/taxi NZ$45-90; petrol/return included above |
| Estimated Total (per person) | NZ$4,200 - 8,500 (family of 4 estimate for 14 days) |