Arrive in Auckland and make your way to your Ellerslie accommodation to drop bags and freshen up — take a few minutes to relax and acclimatise after travel. If time and energy allow, enjoy a gentle stroll through the nearby Ellerslie Village, pop into a local café such as The Classic Café for a flat white and brunch, and pick up any groceries or essentials for the week at the Countdown supermarket on Ellerslie Panmure Highway.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring nearby green spaces: wander the peaceful grounds of One Tree Hill Domain (Maungakiekie) for panoramic city views and a short, family-friendly walk, or head to the Auckland Botanic Gardens for stroller-friendly paths and themed plant displays. Alternatively, take the short drive into the heart of Newmarket for window shopping and a kid-friendly stop at Victoria Park Market if you want a first taste of local food stalls and artisanal treats.
Keep the evening low-key to recover from travel: enjoy a family dinner at a family-friendly Ellerslie restaurant such as The Sugar Club if you want something special or a relaxed meal at a local pizzeria or gastropub, and then take a twilight walk around the neighborhood to spot native birds and watch the city lights in the distance. Head back early to bed so everyone is rested and ready for tomorrow’s full day exploring central Auckland and the waterfront.
Start the day with a short drive or train into the CBD and head straight for the Sky Tower — take the lift up for sweeping views over the city and Hauraki Gulf, and let the kids enjoy the interactive Sky City displays and a coffee or hot chocolate at the Sky Lounge. If anyone’s feeling brave, older kids and adults can watch the SkyWalk/ SkyJump operators in action from the observation level while younger ones explore the viewing platforms and binoculars.
Walk down to the Viaduct Harbour for a relaxed waterfront lunch at the family-friendly Harbourside or Oyster & Chop for fish-and-chip style options, then board a short harbour cruise or a Tall Ship sail to spot ferries, yachts and the waterfront skyline — the short cruises are fun and not too long for little ones. After the cruise, let the children burn off energy at Wynyard Quarter’s playground and the nearby Silo Park, where public art and open spaces invite a picnic or an ice cream stop.
As daylight fades, enjoy an early dinner at one of the Viaduct’s kid-friendly restaurants — try Soul Bar & Bistro or Mexicali for relaxed menus — then take a gentle evening stroll along the waterfront to watch the lights reflect on the water and perhaps catch street performers near Queens Wharf. Return to Ellerslie with everyone rested and full, ready for tomorrow’s zoo and Western Springs adventures.
After a hearty breakfast in Ellerslie, drive or take a short train/taxi to Auckland Zoo to arrive at opening time and beat the midday crowds; kids will love the orangutan enclosure, theimagined ‘Te Ao Māori’ exhibit and the interactive keeper talks at the kid-friendly Discovery Centre. Spend the morning on the zoo’s stroller-friendly paths, ride the small zoo train if running, and stop for a picnic or café snack at the onsite café before heading across the road to Western Springs.
Wander the lovely Western Springs parkland where ducks, swans and playgrounds offer a relaxed contrast to the zoo — hire a pedal boat if available or explore the paved loop for an easy family walk around the lake and through native plantings. Visit MOTAT if time and interest allow (short drive from Western Springs) for hands-on transport and science exhibits that captivate curious kids, or enjoy an ice cream at the café while the children feed the ducks and run on the grassy lawns.
Return toward Ellerslie with a stop in Newmarket or Parnell for an early family dinner at a relaxed restaurant such as Big Easy or Parnell’s tramping-friendly eateries, then take a gentle stroll through Parnell Rose Gardens if the timing suits to unwind. Head back to your accommodation for an early night so everyone is rested for the North Shore beaches and Devonport adventure tomorrow.
Leave Ellerslie after breakfast and drive or take the ferry over to Devonport for a charming start—stroll the sea-front shops, climb or drive up Mount Victoria for panoramic harbour views, and let the kids explore the playgrounds and historic military tunnels at North Head. Grab coffee and fresh pastries at Depot or Cavell Café before boarding the short ferry back to the city-side beaches.
Head up to Takapuna Beach for a relaxed afternoon of sandcastle building, swimming in the safe patrolled zone, and a family-friendly lunch at one of the beachfront cafés such as The Landing or The Esplanade Kitchen; older kids can try stand-up paddleboarding or hire a paddleboat. If energy remains, walk the Takapuna to Milford seaside promenade or pop into Lake Pupuke for a lakeside gelato and gentle loop around the water.
Return to Devonport or nearby Narrow Neck for a sunset picnic on the foreshore—watch the city skyline light up across the harbour while the children run on the grass or play on the beach. Finish with a casual dinner at a family-friendly Devonport restaurant like The Esplanade or The Vic, then catch an early ferry back to Auckland so everyone is ready for Christmas Eve and tomorrow’s relaxed holiday plans.
Sleep in a little after yesterday’s adventures and enjoy a relaxed, festive breakfast at your Ellerslie accommodation or pop down to a nearby café that’s open for holidays; pick up picnic supplies from the Countdown you scoped out on arrival. Head to Mission Bay for a gentle morning on the sand—kids can build sandcastles and paddle in the safe, patrolled shallows while adults soak up summer sun and views of Rangitoto; if you prefer a quieter option, One Tree Hill Domain offers shady lawns and panoramic city views for a leisurely family stroll.
Unpack your picnic under the pohutukawa trees at Mission Bay or Cornwall Park and let the children run free on playgrounds while you relax with seasonal treats — many cafés around Mission Bay and Parnell will be open with special holiday menus. If the family fancies a short scenic wander, take the paved loop around Cornwall Park or a breezy promenade along the waterfront toward Kohimarama, stopping for ice cream and a game of frisbee on the grass.
Keep the evening mellow with an early, festive BBQ or takeaway by the water — many families gather at local beaches for a relaxed Christmas dinner, so consider joining locals at Mission Bay or Takapuna foreshore to watch the sun lower over the Hauraki Gulf. Finish the day with a gentle twilight stroll back to your car or bus stop and a quiet night in Ellerslie, letting the kids unwind with a Christmas movie or a bedtime story before tomorrow’s post-holiday island adventure to Waiheke.
Catch an early Fullers ferry from Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke (about 35-40 minutes) and arrive in Matiatia ready for a day of island fun; grab flat whites and pastries at Character Café before heading to Oneroa Village to explore its boutique shops and the safe, sandy Oneroa Beach where kids can paddle and build sandcastles. For a short family-friendly walk with great views, follow the scenic coastal path toward Palm Beach or hire bikes from a local shop for an easy ride along the shore.
After lunch at Oneroa (try The Oyster Inn or a casual fish-and-chip spot), take a child-friendly winery visit—Mudbrick Vineyard and Cable Bay Winery both welcome families with spacious lawns, shaded picnic spots and easy tasting options while the kids run and enjoy the views over the Hauraki Gulf. Alternatively, head to Onetangi Beach for a longer stretch of sand and a relaxed beachside café, or join a guided eco- or sealife cruise that departs from the wharf for a short wildlife-spotting trip that keeps little ones engaged.
Return to Matiatia in the late afternoon and treat everyone to ice cream or gelato before boarding the ferry back to Auckland, watching the island recede and Rangitoto appear on the horizon as the sun begins to lower. Back in Ellerslie, keep dinner simple—pick up a family meal in Newmarket or unwind with takeaway at your accommodation while reminiscing about the day’s beach games, winery picnics and island vistas.
Leave Ellerslie after breakfast and drive west to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, arriving at the Arataki Visitor Centre to pick up maps and enjoy the sweeping views over native forest and the Tasman Sea; kids will love the short, stroller-friendly Hillary Trail lookout and the interpretation displays about kauri and pōhutukawa. From Arataki, take a family-friendly walk on the Kitekite Falls track (an easy 40-60 minute return) to cool off under the cascading waterfall and splash at the rock pools before continuing on toward the coast.
Head down to Piha Beach for classic black-sand surf and dramatic Lion Rock vistas — let the children build sandcastles in the sheltered eastern end while older kids and adults watch (or try) surfing in the patrolled area or take a beginner lesson with a local surf school; stop for fish-and-chip lunch at the Piha Store or a casual café like The Piha Café. Afterwards explore the nearby short loop to the base of Lion Rock for postcard views, or, if energy allows, drive a few minutes to Mercer Bay for the scenic walkway and tidepool exploration.
As the sun drops, enjoy a relaxed beachfront dinner back in Piha or return toward Titirangi for a family meal at a cosy local favourite such as The Piha Restaurant or Piha Cafe & Takeaway, then take a twilight stroll along the shore to watch the surf and seabirds returning to roost. Drive back to Ellerslie with sleepy kids, recounting the day’s waterfall swims and epic coastal views, and settle in for a quiet night so everyone is ready for tomorrow’s Hobbiton magic.
Leave Ellerslie after an early breakfast and drive (or join a guided coach) to Matamata, arriving at the Hobbiton Movie Set for the morning tour — wander down the rolling Hobbiton lanes, peek into perfectly detailed hobbit holes like Bilbo’s and Samwise’s, and enjoy the playful storytelling from the guide that brings the Shire to life for kids and adults alike. Be sure to pose for family photos by the iconic Party Tree and explore the Green Dragon’s outdoor area before the crowds grow.
After the guided tour, linger with a relaxed lunch at the on-site Shire’s Rest Café or the nearby Matamata town cafés to sample local pies and sandwiches, then take a short drive into Matamata to visit the Firth Tower Museum for a quick dose of local history and a hands-on look at colonial life if younger children still have energy. If time permits, stop at the nearby Hobbiton Giftshop for whimsical souvenirs and pick up a picnic snack to enjoy in the sunny grounds before heading back toward Auckland with delighted, tired kids.
Return to Ellerslie in the early evening for a low-key dinner—choose a family-friendly spot in Newmarket like Big Easy or pick up a takeaway to enjoy at your accommodation—and let the children unwind by sharing highlights from the day’s magical encounters. Cap the night with a cosy bedtime story or a movie inspired by the visit, giving everyone a gentle wind-down before tomorrow’s geothermal and Maori experiences in Rotorua.
Leave Ellerslie early for the 2.5-3 hour drive to Rotorua and arrive at Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute) mid-morning to watch the Pohutu Geyser erupt, explore steaming terraces and see the kiwi house; the guided demonstrations and carving/ weaving workshops offer a vivid cultural introduction that kids find fascinating. After Te Puia, stroll the nearby Government Gardens for a quick picnic or coffee at the Rotorua Museum café before heading to your next geothermal stop.
Spend the afternoon at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where the colourful Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette and bubbling mud pools feel like another planet — follow the easy boardwalk loops and join a park talk to help children understand the geothermal drama. If time allows, pop into the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest for a short, stroller-friendly treewalk or the family-friendly Redwoods Treewalk (suitable height permitting) for elevated bridges through towering trees and a refreshing change of scenery.
Finish the day with an immersive hangi and cultural performance at Tamaki Maori Village or Mitai Maori Village, enjoying traditional Maori song, haka and a communal feast cooked in the earth — the storytelling and food are a memorable way to introduce kids to Aotearoa’s living culture. After the show, relax on the drive back to Auckland with sleepy children and fond conversation about geysers, glow-in-the-dark thermal wonders and the evening’s powerful cultural performance.
After breakfast in Ellerslie, drive or take public transport to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain to arrive for opening — wander the family-friendly natural history and Māori Taonga galleries, join a short guided talk about moa and Māori navigation, and let the kids enjoy the interactive Discovery Centre exhibits. The museum’s vantage point over the harbour also makes for a great photo stop before heading down into Parnell for a coffee and a browse through the Parnell shops.
Cross over to the NZ Maritime Museum at the Viaduct for a hands-on afternoon exploring boat displays, the tall-ship exhibits and interactive simulators that delight children and adults alike; board the historic sailing vessel HMNZS Achilles if it’s open and learn about New Zealand’s seafaring history through family trails. After the museum, stroll along the waterfront to Wynyard Quarter for a playground break at Silo Park and lunch at a waterfront café like The Crab Shack or Harbourside for relaxed harbour views.
As dusk approaches, return toward Parnell or Newmarket for an early family dinner—try a kid-friendly restaurant such as Prego or The French Café’s more casual offshoots—then take a gentle twilight walk through the Parnell Rose Gardens or along Tamaki Drive toward Judges Bay to watch ferries cross the harbour. Head back to Ellerslie with tired, happy kids ready to rest before New Year’s Eve festivities tomorrow, reminiscing about maritime adventures and museum discoveries.
Start the day slowly after the busy lead-up with a relaxed breakfast in Parnell or Newmarket before heading into the waterfront precinct; stop by the Auckland War Memorial Museum lawn or Wynyard Quarter for a morning play at the Silo Park playground so the kids can burn energy. Pop into the NZ Maritime Museum if the family missed anything earlier in the trip or grab coffees and pastries at Oyster & Chop to set a festive tone for the day.
Spend a cheerful afternoon around the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter—board a short harbour cruise or Tall Ship family sail from the Viaduct Marina to enjoy close-up views of the harbour and Rangitoto while little ones are entertained by seabirds and boat activity. Return to the waterfront for a leisurely lunch at Harbourside or The Crab Shack, then let the kids explore the interactive water features and public art at Silo Park while you pick up picnic blankets and snacks for the evening.
Plan an early family-friendly countdown spot near the Viaduct or along Queens Wharf—settle in with your picnic on the grassy areas of Wynyard Quarter or a table at a family-friendly restaurant like Soul Bar & Bistro, and enjoy the child-friendly entertainment and pre-show events that run before the harbour fireworks. If you prefer a quieter view, walk over to Mission Bay or Devonport for a distance vantage point of the harbour lights and shorter, local displays, then head back to your Ellerslie base after the early family countdown to tuck everyone into bed with happy memories of a sparkling New Year’s Eve.
After the late-night celebrations, sleep in and enjoy a slow, home-style breakfast at your Ellerslie accommodation or pop into a nearby café such as The Classic Café for flat whites and pastries. Take a gentle post-breakfast stroll through Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill Domain — let the kids run on the open lawns, spot local birdlife, and climb to the summit for panoramic city views while everyone stretches their legs.
Head back toward the Auckland Domain for a relaxed picnic under shady pōhutukawa trees and an easy visit to the Wintergardens, where stroller-friendly paths and tropical glasshouses are calming and pretty — the museum lawns also offer wide spaces for frisbee or a ball game. If the children want more playtime, detour to the nearby Parnell Baths or Myers Park playground for swings and climbing frames, with an ice cream stop in Parnell village to round out the afternoon.
Keep the evening mellow with a family BBQ or takeaway from Newmarket, then return to Ellerslie for a cosy movie night or bedtime stories to help everyone reset after the holiday bustle. If the weather’s mild, finish with a short twilight walk around the neighbourhood to listen for night birds and enjoy the peaceful start to the New Year before an early night.
After breakfast in Ellerslie, drive or take the Orakei train/bus to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium to arrive near opening and beat the crowds; wander the underwater tunnels to watch stingrays glide overhead, meet playful penguins in the Antarctic encounter, and join a scheduled feeding talk so the kids can ask questions and learn about local marine conservation. Finish with a hot chocolate at the aquarium café while the children press their faces to the viewing windows one last time.
Head a short drive or scenic walk along Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay for a relaxed beach afternoon—let the youngsters splash in the patrolled shallows, build sandcastles near the playground and hire a pedal boat or stand-up paddleboard for a gentle family paddle. Stop for a laid-back lunch at Mission Bay’s Bistro or Mission Estate café and stroll the foreshore toward Kohimarama, grabbing ice cream and playing on the grassy reserve as Rangitoto looms on the horizon.
Stay for a sunset picnic on Mission Bay’s lawn or book a family-friendly dinner at The Mission Bay Café or The Landing to enjoy seaside views as the sky colours change; afterwards take a gentle twilight promenade along the promenade, watching lights reflect on the water and listening for local pōhutukawa-scented sea breezes before returning to Ellerslie for a calm night and sleepy children.
After a relaxed breakfast at your Ellerslie accommodation or The Classic Café, take time to pack calmly, double-check flight documents and let the kids choose a favourite toy or souvenir to bring home. If you need last-minute essentials or gifts, pop into Newmarket’s Westfield Mall or Parnell’s boutique shops for snacks, postcards and any forgotten chargers before returning to the house to load up the car.
Enjoy an easy final lunch nearby—try a casual family meal in Newmarket or a picnic in Cornwall Park under the pōhutukawa trees—then give the children one last play on the Domain lawns or at the playground to wear off energy before the drive. Allow plenty of time for traffic and car-park return, then head to Auckland Airport with comfort stops as needed, aiming to arrive two hours before your domestic or three hours before international departure.
If your flight is later in the evening, relax in the airport’s family lounge or grab dinner at a child-friendly spot like The Departure Bar & Kitchen while the kids enjoy a final ice cream; use quiet boarding time to settle everyone with a story or favourite show. Arrive at your gate with plenty of time to spare, exchange warm goodbyes to Aotearoa and let the family reflect on highlights like Hobbiton, Waiheke and Rotorua as you prepare for home.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ellerslie Village / The Classic Café (brunch) | NZ$6-7 per flat white; NZ$12-25 per person for brunch |
| Countdown supermarket (groceries) | NZ$30-120 per day depending on family size and meals (estimate NZ$80 for initial shop) |
| One Tree Hill Domain (Maungakiekie) | Free |
| Auckland Botanic Gardens | Free (some special displays/exhibits may charge NZ$5-15) |
| Newmarket / Victoria Park Market | Window shopping free; food/stalls NZ$5-25 per person |
| Sky Tower (observation deck) | NZ$32 adult / NZ$15 child (ages vary) — family package approx NZ$80-95 |
| Viaduct Harbour waterfront lunch (Harbourside / Oyster & Chop) | NZ$15-35 per person |
| Short harbour cruise / Tall Ship sail (Viaduct) | NZ$20-45 per adult, NZ$10-25 per child |
| Wynyard Quarter playground / Silo Park | Free (food NZ$5-15) |
| Auckland Zoo | NZ$36 adult / NZ$19 child (approx) — family passes available NZ$90-120 |
| Western Springs Park | Free (possible NZ$10-30 for pedal boat hire if available) |
| MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) | NZ$20-30 adult, NZ$8-15 child |
| Devonport (ferry) | Ferry NZ$7-9 adult each way, NZ$3-5 child each way; activities food NZ$10-30 per person |
| Mount Victoria / North Head (Devonport) | Free |
| Takapuna Beach | Free (beach activities NZ$10-40 for rentals or lessons) |
| Mission Bay (Christmas Day) | Free (picnic/groceries NZ$20-60 depending) |
| Fullers Ferry to Waiheke (Auckland-Waiheke return) | NZ$42-56 adult return, NZ$16-28 child return (varies with operator and booking) |
| Oneroa Village & Oneroa Beach (Waiheke) | Free to explore; lunch NZ$15-40 per person |
| Mudbrick Vineyard / Cable Bay Winery (family visit) | Wine tasting NZ$10-25 adult; kids free on lawns; meals NZ$15-45 |
| Onetangi Beach (Waiheke) | Free (cafés NZ$10-30) |
| Waitakere Ranges - Arataki Visitor Centre | Free (park entry free; fee for some guided experiences NZ$10-40) |
| Kitekite Falls track | Free |
| Piha Beach / Lion Rock | Free (surf lessons NZ$40-80 per person) |
| Hobbiton Movie Set tour (Matamata) | NZ$109-129 adult, NZ$55-65 child (half-day tour pricing; family packages may apply; coach transfers extra NZ$50-100 per person roundtrip if using a tour operator) |
| Firth Tower Museum (Matamata) | NZ$5-10 per adult, children often free or low cost |
| Drive Auckland → Rotorua (return day trip) | Fuel & tolls NZ$60-120 roundtrip (depending on vehicle), or coach approx NZ$70-120 per adult return |
| Te Puia (Pohutu Geyser, Maori Arts) | NZ$65-95 adult, NZ$25-40 child (includes entry to some cultural demonstrations; family packages available) |
| Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland | NZ$35-50 adult, NZ$15-30 child |
| Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest / Treewalk | Forest free; Treewalk NZ$49-75 adult, NZ$25-40 child |
| Hangi & cultural performance (Tamaki / Mitai Maori Village) | NZ$130-200 adult, NZ$65-100 child (includes meal and performance) |
| Auckland War Memorial Museum | NZ$25-30 adult, NZ$10-15 child (donation-based for locals; tourists often pay) |
| NZ Maritime Museum | NZ$10-25 adult, NZ$5-12 child |
| Harbourside / waterfront dining (Harbourside, The Crab Shack, Soul Bar & Bistro) | NZ$20-45 per person |
| Family-friendly harbour cruise (New Year’s Eve / Viaduct) | NZ$40-120 per person depending on cruise (special event prices higher) |
| Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium | NZ$35-45 adult, NZ$18-25 child; combined experiences (penguin feed) extra |
| Mission Bay beachfront dining and rentals | Free beach; dining NZ$15-35 per person; rentals NZ$15-40 |
| Cornwall Park / Domain / Parnell Baths / Wintergardens | Free (Wintergardens free; small donations suggested) |
| Transport: car hire (14 days approximate) | NZ$45-120 per day depending on vehicle size and season — estimate NZ$700-1500 for 13 days (includes basic insurance); parking NZ$5-30 per day in city areas |
| Public transport (trains/ferries/buses alternatives) | AT HOP fares typically NZ$2.50-5 per short trip adult; cap and daily totals vary — allocate NZ$60-120 per person for 2-week moderate use |
| Accommodation (Ellerslie family-friendly base, 13 nights) | NZ$150-450 per night depending on property type (self-catered apartment to family hotel) — estimate NZ$1,950-5,850 total |
| Meals (family of 4 estimate) | NZ$80-220 per day (combination groceries, casual dining, 1-2 restaurant meals) — estimate NZ$1,040-2,860 for 13 days |
| Miscellaneous (souvenirs, parking, entry small fees, snacks) | NZ$150-400 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | NZ$6,200 - NZ$14,800 (range for a family of 4 for 13 nights / 14 days, including accommodation NZ$1,950-5,850, car hire NZ$700-1,500, attractions & tours NZ$1,000-2,200, meals NZ$1,040-2,860, ferries & local transport NZ$200-600, Hobbiton & Rotorua daytrip coach/fuel NZ$300-700, misc NZ$150-400). Lower end assumes self-catering apartment, selective paid attractions, and use of public transport; higher end assumes mid-range hotel, car hire, private tours and more on-site dining. |