Your Mumbai–Auckland journey will usually take around 16–22 hours with one connection, so plan to depart Mumbai on 21 December to arrive on Tuesday, 22 December. Confirm the current one-stop options, baggage allowance, and whether your connection requires a terminal change before booking. On arrival at Auckland Airport in Māngere, allow roughly 1–2 hours for immigration, biosecurity inspection, baggage collection, and customs—New Zealand is particularly strict about declaring food, medicines, and outdoor equipment.
For six people with luggage, pre-book a six-seat airport transfer or arrange a suitable rental vehicle; standard taxis may not fit both passengers and bags comfortably. A private transfer to central Auckland or Parnell generally takes 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic, with a higher evening cost. If collecting a rental car, expect additional time for the shuttle to the rental depot and paperwork. Keep the evening uncomplicated: check into your Airbnb, unpack essentials, and rest rather than attempting major sightseeing.
Once everyone has recovered, take a short taxi or rideshare to Viaduct Harbour for dinner. The waterfront is easy to stroll, and the marina views make it a pleasant first introduction to New Zealand without demanding much energy. Family-friendly choices include Soul Bar & Bistro for a polished meal or Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar for seafood in a relaxed setting; allow approximately NZ$35–60 per adult and NZ$15–30 per child, before drinks. Restaurant hours and late-December holiday availability vary, so reserve ahead and confirm the kitchen’s closing time.
Return to the Airbnb early, particularly if the children are tired or jet-lagged. Keep passports, travel documents, and valuables secured, and remember that Auckland’s summer evenings stay light until around 9pm, so there is no need to rush dinner.
Start at Sky Tower when it opens, ideally around 10:00am, before the city centre becomes busy. Allow about 1½ hours for the observation decks; adult admission is commonly around NZ$45–50, with children cheaper, though Christmas-period pricing can change. From most central Airbnbs, walk or take a short bus ride to Victoria Street West. If you are driving, avoid bringing the car into the centre unless your accommodation has parking—commercial parking can easily cost NZ$25–40 for several hours.
Walk downhill through Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki next. The gallery’s general collection is usually free, while special exhibitions may charge separately; allow around 1½ hours. The building is excellent for a family break, with lifts, toilets and indoor space if the weather turns wet. Check the holiday opening schedule in advance, as Christmas-week hours can differ. From the gallery, it is roughly a 15–20-minute downhill walk to Commercial Bay; with younger children, a short bus or taxi may be more comfortable.
Have lunch at Commercial Bay, where the food hall gives your group flexibility—Indian, Asian, burgers, seafood and vegetarian options are all easy to find. Budget roughly NZ$20–40 per person. After lunch, stroll west along the waterfront towards New Zealand Maritime Museum at Viaduct Harbour, allowing about 15 minutes on foot. Give the museum around two hours for its interactive galleries and waka displays. Typical admission is approximately NZ$25–30 for adults, with family tickets often better value; confirm the current price and 26 December opening hours before relying on the visit.
Finish with an easy walk around Wynyard Quarter, following the waterfront promenade towards North Wharf and letting the children use the playground. This is a good low-pressure end to the day rather than another formal attraction. You can have an early dinner here or return to your Airbnb and eat nearby. The walk from the museum takes roughly 10–15 minutes; buses and taxis are available back towards the city centre, while families using a car should collect it before evening parking restrictions or rates change. Keep the evening flexible—December daylight lasts well past 8:30pm, but the waterfront can become breezy, so bring a light layer.
Leave Auckland around 8:00am in your rental car, allowing roughly 3½–4½ hours door-to-door once you include a short family break, fuel, and holiday traffic. Take SH1 south, then SH5 toward Matamata; keep the fuel tank topped up before leaving Auckland and confirm that your Rotorua Airbnb has parking and luggage access. December is a busy period, so arrive at Hobbiton Movie Set at least 30 minutes before your pre-booked timed tour. The visit takes about 2½ hours, including the coach transfer from the visitor centre, and entry is not practical without an advance reservation.
After Hobbiton, allow about an hour to reach Rotorua, depending on traffic, then check in or drop bags at the Airbnb. Have a quick lunch en route or in central Rotorua before taking an easy 45-minute stroll through the Rotorua Government Gardens beside the lake. The landscaped grounds are ideal after the drive, with broad paths and plenty of space for children to stretch their legs. Parking near the gardens can fill during the Christmas holiday period, so use a marked public car park rather than relying on roadside spaces.
Walk or drive into central Rotorua for dinner at Eat Streat, a pedestrian dining strip with several family-friendly choices; expect approximately NZ$25–50 per person, depending on the restaurant and drinks. Because it is Christmas Eve, check individual restaurant opening hours and reserve a table if possible. Afterwards, head back toward the lakefront for a two-hour evening session at Polynesian Spa. Book the family-appropriate pools in advance and verify the children’s age restrictions—some pools and treatment areas are adults-only. Bring swimwear and towels, and leave a little buffer between dinner and your spa entry time; the evening will be much more relaxed if you are not rushing.
Have breakfast at your Airbnb and leave around 8:30am for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, roughly 25 minutes south of Rotorua by car via SH5. The site generally takes 2–3 hours, and the Lady Knox Geyser eruption is scheduled separately from the main walking area, so check the official timetable and arrive early enough for parking and entry. Christmas Day opening hours can differ, so confirm holiday operations and reserve tickets before setting out. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water; some paths are exposed to sun and the sulphur smell can be strong.
After Wai-O-Tapu, drive back toward Whakarewarewa Forest for the Redwoods Treewalk. Allow about an hour for the elevated walkway among the giant redwoods; it is easy for children, but pushchairs may be awkward on parts of the route. Parking can fill during the holiday period, so avoid lingering between activities. For lunch, continue into central Rotorua for the Rotorua Night Market only if the market is actually operating on this date—its schedule is not daily and public-holiday trading is especially variable. If it is closed, have a relaxed café lunch nearby rather than trying to fit in another major attraction.
Spend the afternoon at Te Puia, allowing around three hours for the geothermal valley, Māori carving and weaving demonstrations, and cultural presentation. Advance tickets are strongly recommended for this peak Christmas-period date; check the final entry time and any timed cultural performance when booking. From the forest area, the drive is only about 10 minutes, but allow extra time for traffic and parking around Whakarewarewa. Keep the afternoon unhurried—there is enough to see without adding another stop.
Finish with a gentle stroll along the Rotorua lakefront around sunset, about 10 minutes from Te Puia by car. Walk around the central waterfront and Government Gardens, then return to your Airbnb for an easy dinner. Many restaurants operate reduced hours or close on Christmas Day, so self-catering is the safest option; stock up the previous day and keep dinner simple. December sunset is late, so you can enjoy the lakeside light well into the evening without rushing.
Take a pre-booked domestic flight from Rotorua Airport to Wellington Airport, usually involving a connection in Auckland. Allow approximately 5–7 hours door to door for the airport transfer, check-in, possible connection, baggage collection, and getting into the city. For a family of six, arrange a large taxi, shuttle, or airport transfer in advance; do not rely on finding one immediately on Boxing Day. The same-day drive is technically possible but would take most of the day, so flying is the sensible choice.
After checking into your Airbnb in Te Aro or central Wellington, leave bags and take a short walk or taxi to Lambton Quay. Central parking is limited and expensive, so avoid using a rental car in this part of the city if possible. Ride the Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn and back—allow about an hour including queues and time for photographs. Boxing Day services can operate on reduced or holiday hours, so confirm the timetable before leaving Rotorua; fares are commonly around NZ$7–10 per adult return, with children usually cheaper.
From the upper cable-car terminal, walk downhill through Wellington Botanic Garden, allowing roughly 1½ hours for the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, shaded paths, and city viewpoints. Some garden facilities may have limited holiday hours, but the outdoor grounds are generally the main attraction. Continue downhill toward Te Aro for dinner on Cuba Street, about a 15–20-minute walk from the garden’s lower area. Choose a casual family-friendly spot such as Fidel’s Café, Dragonfly, or one of the food counters around Left Bank; expect approximately NZ$25–50 per person, more for drinks. Cuba Street is lively in the evening, but Boxing Day trading varies, so check restaurant hours and reserve a table where possible.
Begin around 9:30am at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa on Cable Street, allowing about three hours. It is an excellent rainy-day and family stop, with interactive natural-history displays, Māori and Pacific exhibitions, and enough variety for both adults and children. Entry to the main museum is generally free, although special exhibitions may charge separately; check the official programme before going because holiday-period hours and ticketed exhibitions can change. From most central Airbnbs, walk or use a short bus ride, and leave bags at your accommodation or use the museum’s facilities rather than carrying large luggage.
After the museum, walk roughly 15–20 minutes through the central shopping streets to the Wellington Cable Car lower station on Lambton Quay. Ride up to Kelburn and spend about an hour around the lookout area; allow extra time for queues, as this is a popular school-holiday activity. For lunch, choose a café near the upper station or Kelburn Village—budget approximately NZ$18–35 per person. Return by cable car, then stroll along the Wellington Waterfront toward Frank Kitts Park, pausing for public art, harbour views, and playground time. Keep the afternoon unhurried, since the next stop is easiest by taxi or rideshare rather than public transport with children.
Leave the waterfront around 3:30pm for ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary in Karori, allowing about 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic. A taxi or rideshare is simplest; buses are possible but make the transfer slower. Reserve entry ahead, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period, and allow roughly three hours for the sanctuary trails and wildlife-spotting areas. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light rain layer—the valley can feel cooler than the city, and sightings are never guaranteed. Afterward, return toward the harbour for an easy evening at Oriental Bay. Enjoy the beach, promenade, and sunset views, then pick up ice cream or another casual dessert nearby; swimming conditions and lifeguard presence vary, so treat it as a waterfront stroll unless local signage says otherwise.
Take a morning Wellington–Christchurch flight and allow roughly 3–4 hours door to door: getting to Wellington Airport, check-in and security, the flight, baggage collection, and the transfer into Christchurch. During the Christmas–New Year school-holiday period, arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and keep your day flexible in case of weather-related delays. At Christchurch Airport, use a taxi, rideshare, or pre-arranged accommodation transfer; central Christchurch is usually about 20–30 minutes away, while Riccarton is closer. Confirm that your Airbnb accepts luggage drop-off if the room is not ready, and check whether parking is included.
After settling in, make your first stop Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a calm introduction to the city after the flight. From central accommodation, it is an easy walk or a short taxi ride; from Riccarton, allow around 10–15 minutes by car. Spend about 1½ hours wandering beside the Avon River, keeping the pace gentle for the children and allowing time for the conservatories, lawns, and shaded paths. Entry is generally free, and the gardens are normally open during daylight hours, but check the seasonal closing time before setting out. Bring water and sun protection—late December can be bright even when the temperature feels mild.
Walk or take a short bus or taxi ride into Cathedral Square for Tūranga Christchurch Central Library. Allow about an hour to explore its striking interior, children’s areas, reading spaces, and city views; opening hours can change around the holiday period, so verify them on the library’s website before visiting. From there, it is a pleasant 5–10-minute walk to Riverside Market for dinner. Choose from stalls serving burgers, dumplings, Southeast Asian dishes, desserts, and local produce, budgeting approximately NZ$15–35 per person. Because this is the holiday period, confirm that the market is operating on this date and check its evening closing time; if it is closed, arrange a nearby restaurant through your Airbnb host rather than relying on walk-in availability.
Start around 8:30am with Christchurch Gondola in Heathcote Valley. From central Christchurch, allow about 20 minutes by car; buses are possible but less convenient for a family of six. The gondola ride and lookout experience take roughly two hours, including time for the panoramic views across Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps on a clear day. Book a timed ticket ahead for this busy holiday period, and check the wind forecast because operations can pause in strong conditions. Allow extra time for parking and the short queue at the terminal.
Drive about 10 minutes over the hill to Lyttelton Harbour for a relaxed late-morning walk. Stay around the compact village centre, browsing the harbourfront and local shops rather than trying to cover the whole port. Lyttelton Coffee Company is a useful stop for takeaway drinks or a light snack, although opening hours can vary between Christmas and New Year. Keep lunch casual here, or return toward central Christchurch if the children are ready for a fuller meal.
Head into the Central City, allowing around 20 minutes by car, and spend approximately 1½ hours at Quake City on Durham Street. This museum is particularly worthwhile for understanding the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes through personal stories, engineering displays, and recovered objects. Check its holiday opening hours before leaving the Airbnb, and allow time for central-city parking or use a paid Wilson car park nearby. Afterward, walk through New Regent Street, a short, colourful heritage strip with distinctive pastel façades and the historic tram corridor; 45 minutes is enough for photographs and a drink without tiring the family.
Finish at Little High Eatery, a convenient shared dining hall in the central city, around a 10-minute walk from New Regent Street. Its different food counters make it easy for adults and children to choose separately, with a practical budget of about NZ$20–40 per person depending on drinks and portions. Go slightly early, around 5:30–6:00pm, as the summer holiday period can make seating busy. Christchurch is generally easy to drive around, but walking between the final two stops avoids another parking change; return to your Airbnb after dinner and keep the evening light before the Lake Tekapo drive tomorrow.
Collect your rental car early and leave Christchurch around 8:00am, allowing roughly 3–3½ hours of driving time to Lake Tekapo, plus fuel, toilet stops and holiday traffic. Follow State Highway 1 south, then State Highway 8 inland through the Canterbury Plains and Mackenzie Basin. Keep water and snacks in the car, and download offline maps—mobile coverage can be patchy in parts of the route.
Break at Fairlie Bakehouse, about 1½–2 hours from Christchurch. Allow 30–45 minutes for a relaxed family stop and an early lunch: its savoury pies, sausage rolls and sweet slices are ideal for the road, generally around NZ$10–25 per person. Expect queues during the Christmas–New Year period, particularly late morning. Refuel in Fairlie if needed before continuing toward Tekapo.
Continue to Lake Tekapo and allow time for your Airbnb check-in, grocery top-up and a short rest. In the village, park near the main shopping area and wander along the Lake Tekapo lakeshore for about an hour. The turquoise water, Southern Alps backdrop and easy walking make this a good first afternoon without committing the children to a strenuous hike. The lake is exposed, so bring sun hats, sunscreen and a warm layer even in summer.
Walk on to the Church of the Good Shepherd, the small stone landmark on the waterfront. Spend around 30 minutes here, keeping to the marked public areas and being considerate if a service or private ceremony is taking place. The shoreline is especially attractive in the late afternoon; avoid climbing on the church structure or entering restricted areas. For dinner, self-catering at the Airbnb is usually the simplest option in this busy holiday week, as village restaurants can fill quickly.
After dinner, attend your pre-booked Dark Sky Project session, allowing approximately two hours. Book well ahead and check the specific children’s age requirements, session location, arrival instructions and cancellation policy—some experiences involve outdoor viewing and may not be suitable for very young children. Arrive early because parking and check-in can take longer over the New Year holiday period.
Bring warm jackets, closed shoes and extra layers even if the afternoon was hot; clear nights around Lake Tekapo can become very cold. Stargazing is weather-dependent, so confirm the session on the day and ask about the operator’s cloudy-night policy. Afterward, drive carefully back to your Airbnb: the roads are dark, wildlife can appear near the carriageway, and the following day’s Aoraki / Mount Cook Village excursion will be easier with an early start.
Leave Lake Tekapo around 8:00am for Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, allowing about 1½ hours each way on State Highway 8. The drive along Lake Pukaki is one of the South Island’s best stretches, but stop only at signed viewpoints and keep an eye on changing alpine weather. There are limited food options beyond Tekapo, so pack water, fruit, sandwiches and snacks; fill the car before leaving. On arrival, begin at the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre for roughly 45 minutes. It is useful for checking current track conditions, wind and rainfall before setting out.
Continue to the Hooker Valley Track for the late-morning walk. Allow three to four hours return, including family breaks and time at the viewpoints. The trail is exposed, with little shade, and conditions can change quickly, so wear sturdy shoes, carry layers and protect yourselves from the strong sun. The track may be busy during the holiday period; parking can fill, so avoid delaying your start. Children should stay close near stream crossings and windy viewpoints. If the full walk feels too demanding after the drive, ask at the visitor centre about current conditions before committing—do not assume every section is open.
After returning to the village, have a late lunch or coffee at The Hermitage Hotel, where large windows provide excellent mountain views. Allow about an hour and budget approximately NZ$20–45 per person; holiday-season service can be slower, so keep expectations relaxed. Because the return drive to Tekapo is another 1½ hours, do not linger too long if you want an evening walk. Parking around Mount Cook Village is limited but generally straightforward outside peak arrival periods.
Finish with the Kea Point Track, allowing 1½–2 hours at an easy family pace. It is a good shorter option after the Hooker Valley walk, with views toward Mount Sefton, the Hooker Valley and surrounding glaciers. Start early enough to finish well before darkness—alpine light fades quickly and there are no useful services along the trail. If the family is tired or weather worsens, skip the walk rather than rushing it, and return to Lake Tekapo carefully before dark.
Leave Lake Tekapo around 8:00am with breakfast and water packed from your Airbnb. The drive to Queenstown via State Highway 8 and Cromwell takes about 3½–4 hours of actual driving, but with the planned stops, fuel, toilets and 1 January holiday traffic, allow most of the day. Keep the rental car fuelled before leaving and share the driving if possible; the road is straightforward but tiring for one driver.
Make your first stop at the Lake Pukaki viewpoint, allowing around 30 minutes. On a clear morning, the turquoise lake and views towards Aoraki/Mount Cook are spectacular. Wind can be strong, and alpine weather changes quickly, so keep jackets accessible. Continue through Twizel and the Lindis Pass area towards Cromwell, stopping only at safe signed pull-offs rather than roadside shoulders.
Plan lunch at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, roughly halfway through the journey. Allow about an hour to wander among the preserved historic buildings and browse the small cafés and shops. A casual lunch will usually be around NZ$18–35 per person. Because it is New Year’s Day, opening hours may be reduced and popular cafés can fill quickly, so treat this as a flexible stop and carry snacks in the car. The precinct has convenient parking, but check any holiday signage before leaving the vehicle.
After lunch, continue towards Arrowtown, allowing roughly 1½ hours for the village and its gold-rush history. Park near the centre and stroll along Buckingham Street, where historic stone buildings now house cafés, galleries and small shops. This is an easy, low-effort walk after the long drive and gives the children room to stretch their legs. If everyone still has energy, follow a short section beside Bush Creek before returning to the car; avoid turning this into a longer hike if the afternoon is hot.
Drive from Arrowtown to your Queenstown Airbnb in central Queenstown or Frankton, usually about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm the property’s parking arrangement before arrival—central Queenstown parking is limited and some Airbnbs require a paid public car park or street-parking permit. Unload luggage promptly and avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle.
For dinner, walk to Fergburger in Queenstown Centre if you are staying nearby; from Frankton, drive or use a taxi rather than trying to park in the centre. Expect a queue, particularly on the New Year holiday, and allow about an hour from joining the line to eating. Burgers generally cost around NZ$15–25 per person. If the queue is too long for the children, order takeaway and eat back at the Airbnb, keeping the evening relaxed after the long road day.
Start around 9:00am at Skyline Queenstown Gondola on Brecon Street, walking from central Queenstown or arriving early by car. The gondola ride, lookout, photographs and a little time at the top will comfortably take 2–3 hours. Book tickets online in advance for this busy summer period, especially for six people; allow roughly NZ$50–70 per adult, with family and child pricing varying by date. If you add any paid activity at the summit, check age and height requirements before booking. Parking in central Queenstown is limited and often time-restricted, so walking or using a pre-booked taxi is easier than trying to park close to the gondola.
Walk downhill towards the waterfront and continue to Queenstown Gardens, allowing about an hour for the lakefront paths and the disc-golf area. It is an easy, low-effort break after the gondola, and the children can run around while the adults enjoy views across the water. Continue along the waterfront to Patagonia Chocolates for a light lunch, hot drinks and dessert. Budget approximately NZ$10–25 per person, depending on whether you choose a snack, café item or several desserts. Summer queues can be noticeable, so keep the order simple if you have a timed cruise later.
Return to Queenstown Bay for your pre-booked Lake Wakatipu cruise, allowing 1½–2 hours including boarding and waiting time. Check the exact departure point and arrive at least 20–30 minutes early; cruise availability, vessel type and prices vary, but a family outing commonly costs roughly NZ$50–100 per adult and less for children. Keep jackets available even in warm weather—the lake can be breezy, and the boat’s outdoor areas are usually the best place for photographs. After returning, settle at Queenstown Bay Beach for around 45 minutes. This is a lovely relaxed finish, particularly near sunset, though December–January daylight lasts late. For dinner, stay central and choose a table you can reach on foot; driving after evening drinks is not worthwhile, and central parking becomes more difficult as the night progresses.
Collect the family and leave Queenstown by about 8:30am for Wānaka, allowing 1½–2 hours including photo stops. Check the road conditions before departing: Crown Range Road is scenic but steep and winding, so use the longer route via Cromwell if weather is poor or anyone is uncomfortable with mountain driving. At Cardrona Alpine Resort, allow around two hours for the views and family activities. Summer operations vary, and some activities require advance booking, so check the resort’s operating calendar before setting out. Parking is generally straightforward, but arrive early during the busy holiday period.
Continue to Wānaka Lavender Farm, where a one-hour visit works well for families: stroll through the gardens, see the animals, and pick up lavender products. Summer opening hours and admission can change, so confirm them online before travelling; allow extra time if the children enjoy the animal areas. From the farm, drive into Wānaka town centre for lunch, roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Good practical choices include Big Fig Wānaka on Ardmore Street for generous casual meals or Federal Diner on Helwick Street for café-style food. Budget around NZ$18–35 per person, and expect queues around New Year—arriving before noon is sensible.
After lunch, take an easy walk along the Wānaka lakefront toward That Wānaka Tree at Roys Bay. Allow about 45 minutes for the short lakeside stroll, photographs, and time by the water; keep children close near the shoreline and note that parking around the lakefront fills quickly. Begin the return to Queenstown by approximately 4:00pm via Crown Range Road, aiming to arrive before dark. Allow 1½–2 hours with traffic, and confirm your Queenstown Airbnb’s parking arrangements in advance—central spaces can be limited. Fuel up before leaving Wānaka, and keep dinner simple after arrival; Erik’s Fish and Chips or Fergburger are convenient informal options, though both can have long holiday queues.
Leave your Wānaka Airbnb at least 4½–5 hours before the international flight, even though the drive to Queenstown Airport via Crown Range Road is usually around 1½ hours. The road is steep and winding, so check NZTA Journey Planner and local weather before leaving; if conditions are poor, use the longer route through Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge. Allow extra time for holiday traffic, fuel, a final luggage check and returning the rental car at the airport depot.
Keep passports, boarding confirmations, medication, chargers, valuables and the children’s travel essentials in one hand-carry bag rather than inside checked luggage. Take a photograph of the rental car’s fuel level and condition before handing over the keys, and confirm whether the rental company’s shuttle is required or whether the return area connects directly to the terminal. For a long-haul journey to Mumbai, arrive at least three hours before departure; check-in, baggage drop and security can take longer during the New Year travel period.
Once the car is returned, stay in the terminal rather than trying to add another outing. There are cafés and basic food options airside and landside, but prices are high, so use any remaining time to buy water and snacks after security where permitted. Recheck the flight screens for gate and connection information, and keep the family together through security—especially if passports or medicines have been distributed among several bags.
Your journey from Queenstown to Mumbai will typically take around 18–25 hours including connection time, depending on the airline and routing. Before boarding, confirm baggage tagging through to the final destination and make sure every traveller has the required transit and entry documents for the itinerary.
No packing list attached yet.