14-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for New Zealand

  1. Day 1: Auckland
    Arrive at Auckland International Airport

    City Exploration

  2. Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
    Distance: 229 km | Driving Time: 3 h

    Thermal Wonderland

  3. Day 3: Rotorua
    Pohutu Geyser & Te Puia

    Māori Culture

  4. Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo
    Distance: 82.4 km | Driving Time: 1 h

    Huka Falls & Craters of the Moon

  5. Day 5: Taupo to Wellington
    Distance: 359 km | Driving Time: 4h 30m

    City & Museum Visit

  6. Day 6: Wellington
    Mount Victoria Lookout & Te Papa Museum

    Marine Wildlife

  7. Day 7: Wellington to Nelson
    Ferry Distance: 92.1 km | Ferry Time: 3h 30m

    Beaches & Art

  8. Day 8: Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park
    Distance: 61 km | Driving Time: 1h 15m

    Sailing & Hiking

  9. Day 9: Nelson to Greymouth
    Distance: 280 km | Driving Time: 3h 40m

    Pancake Rocks & Arthur's Pass

  10. Day 10: Greymouth to Franz Josef Glacier
    Distance: 170 km | Driving Time: 2h 30m

    Helicopter Ride & Glacier Trek

  11. Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka
    Distance: 285 km | Driving Time: 3h 30m

    Lake Wanaka & Puzzling World

  12. Day 12: Wanaka to Queenstown
    Distance: 68.8 km | Driving Time: 1h 10m

    Skyline Gondola & Thrill Rides

  13. Day 13: Queenstown
    Milford Sound Tour

    Fjord Exploration

  14. Day 14: Fly Home
    Queenstown to Auckland, Flight Time: 1h 50m

    Departure

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Te Puia (1.5-2 hours, $50 per adult)
  • Huka Falls (1-2 hours, free)
  • Craters of the Moon (1 hour, $10-$15 per adult)
  • Te Papa Museum (2-3 hours, free)
  • Sailing & Hiking Tour (1 day, $120-$150 per adult, $60-$75 per child)
  • Glacier Helicopter Tour & Trek (1 day, $500-$600 per person)
  • Skyline Gondola & Thrill Rides (3-4 hours, $40 per adult, $30 per child)
  • Milford Sound Tour (1 day, $150-$200 per adult, $75-$100 per child)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1,015 - $1,435 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to the Waitomo Caves or consider a hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If you have less time, consider cutting your time in Nelson or skipping the Franz Josef Glacier trek. Remember to check the weather and road conditions before embarking on any road trips.

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