Viewed by 72 travelers

A Week in New Zealand: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Friday, November 17: Auckland

Start your trip in the bustling city of Auckland. In the morning, visit the Auckland Zoo and get up close with native New Zealand animals. In the afternoon, head to the Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Wrap up the day with a relaxing stroll along the waterfront in Viaduct Harbour.

  • Auckland Zoo: NZD 50 per adult, NZD 25 per child; estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Sky Tower: NZD 32 per adult, NZD 13 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Viaduct Harbour: Free; estimated time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, November 18: Rotorua

Embark on an adventure in Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders. Start your morning with a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you can witness the colorful geothermal pools and bubbling mud. In the afternoon, head to the Redwoods Forest for a family-friendly hike among towering trees. In the evening, relax in the Polynesian Spa and enjoy a rejuvenating thermal soak.

  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: NZD 32 per adult, NZD 11 per child; estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Redwoods Forest: Free; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Polynesian Spa: NZD 35 per adult, NZD 18 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
Sunday, November 19: Waitomo

Explore the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo. Start your day with a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll witness the enchanting glowworms illuminating the caverns. In the afternoon, take an exciting black water rafting adventure through the Ruakuri Cave, floating under thousands of glowworms. End the day with a visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi House, where you can see New Zealand's iconic kiwi birds up close.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves: NZD 55 per adult, NZD 28 per child; estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting: NZD 155 per adult, NZD 95 per child; estimated time spent: 4 hours
  • Otorohanga Kiwi House: NZD 20 per adult, NZD 10 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
Monday, November 20: Queenstown

Arrive in the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Start your day with a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River. In the afternoon, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park, where you can learn about New Zealand's unique wildlife.

  • Shotover Jet: NZD 149 per adult, NZD 79 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Queenstown Gondola: NZD 44 per adult, NZD 22 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park: NZD 54 per adult, NZD 25 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
Tuesday, November 21: Milford Sound

Embark on a scenic day trip to the stunning Milford Sound. Start your day with a scenic coach ride through Fiordland National Park, marveling at the majestic landscapes. Board a cruise and sail through the pristine waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and penguins. Return to Queenstown in the evening.

  • Milford Sound Coach and Cruise: NZD 199 per adult, NZD 99 per child; estimated time spent: full day
Wednesday, November 22: Christchurch

Head to the picturesque city of Christchurch. Start your day with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where you can experience a simulated Antarctic storm and meet penguins. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and take a punting tour along the Avon River. End the day with a stroll through the vibrant and creative Re:START Mall.

  • International Antarctic Centre: NZD 59 per adult, NZD 29 per child; estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Free; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Punting on the Avon: NZD 30 per adult, NZD 10 per child; estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Re:START Mall: Free; estimated time spent: 1 hour
Thursday, November 23: Wellington

End your New Zealand adventure in the vibrant capital city, Wellington. Start your day with a visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, and delve into New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the Weta Workshop, known for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings. End your trip with a scenic walk along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the city's vibrant culinary scene.

  • Te Papa Tongarewa: Free (donations appreciated); estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Weta Workshop: NZD 28 per adult, NZD 14 per child; estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Waterfront Promenade: Free; estimated time spent: 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring New Zealand, make sure to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, where you can step into the magical world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua, where you can experience traditional Maori culture and enjoy a Hangi feast. Locals love the coastal town of Akaroa, near Christchurch, for its stunning scenery, French heritage, and opportunities for wildlife encounters, including swimming with dolphins.

For checking hotel and flight prices, click here.

0