7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for New Zealand

Sunday December 24: Auckland

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Auckland. In the morning, visit the Auckland Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Auckland Domain park. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Rangitoto Island and hike to the summit for panoramic views. In the evening, explore the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

• Auckland Zoo: $20 per adult, $10 per child, 3 hours
• Auckland Domain: Free, 2 hours
• Rangitoto Island Ferry: $40 per adult, $20 per child, 4 hours
• Viaduct Harbour: Free, time varies

Monday December 25: Rotorua

Spend Christmas Day in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. In the morning, visit Te Puia and learn about Maori culture and see the famous Pohutu Geyser. Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi lunch. In the afternoon, relax at the Polynesian Spa and soak in the natural hot springs. In the evening, experience the magical Redwoods Treewalk illuminated with Christmas lights.

• Te Puia: $50 per adult, $25 per child, 3 hours
• Maori Hangi Lunch: $40 per person, 2 hours
• Polynesian Spa: $30 per adult, $15 per child, 3 hours
• Redwoods Treewalk: $20 per adult, $10 per child, 2 hours

Tuesday December 26: Wellington

Travel to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. In the morning, explore the interactive exhibits at Te Papa Museum. Enjoy lunch at the vibrant Cuba Street. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Botanic Garden and enjoy the panoramic views. In the evening, visit the Weta Cave, a must-visit for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

• Te Papa Museum: Free, 3 hours
• Cuba Street: Cost varies, 2 hours
• Wellington Cable Car: $7 per adult, $3.50 per child, 2 hours
• Weta Cave: Free, 2 hours

Wednesday December 27: Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and experience the rejuvenated city. In the morning, explore the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Hagley Park. In the afternoon, visit the International Antarctic Centre for a unique Antarctic experience. In the evening, take a leisurely punting tour along the Avon River.

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Free, 2 hours
• Hagley Park: Free, 2 hours
• International Antarctic Centre: $59 per adult, $29 per child, 3 hours
• Punting on the Avon: $30 per adult, $15 per child, 1 hour

Thursday December 28: Queenstown

Travel to the adventure capital of Queenstown. In the morning, take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park and get up close with native New Zealand wildlife. In the evening, take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River.

• Lake Wakatipu Cruise: $50 per adult, $25 per child, 3 hours
• Kiwi Birdlife Park: $40 per adult, $20 per child, 2 hours
• Shotover Jet: $99 per adult, $59 per child, 1 hour

Friday December 29: Franz Josef Glacier

Explore the stunning Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island. In the morning, take a guided glacier hike and marvel at the icy landscapes. Enjoy lunch in the nearby village. In the afternoon, relax in the Glacier Hot Pools and soak in the natural geothermal waters. In the evening, stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve.

• Guided Glacier Hike: $150 per adult, $75 per child, 4 hours
• Glacier Hot Pools: $30 per adult, $15 per child, 2 hours
• Stargazing Tour: $100 per adult, $50 per child, 2 hours

Saturday December 30: Waitomo

End your trip with a visit to the magical Waitomo Caves. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Glowworm Caves and marvel at the luminescent glowworms. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon, explore the Ruakuri Bushwalk and discover the native flora and fauna. In the evening, experience the thrill of black water rafting in the Waitomo Underground River.

• Glowworm Caves: $55 per adult, $28 per child, 2 hours
• Ruakuri Bushwalk: Free, 1 hour
• Black Water Rafting: $150 per person, 3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, where you can explore the enchanting world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Kids will love seeing the hobbit holes and imagining themselves in Middle-earth. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where you can observe native birds and learn about conservation efforts. Don't miss the interactive feeding sessions with the kaka and eels!

For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check https://kayak.com/in?a=kan_252520_563153&p=v1&lc=en&url=%2Fstays.