How many days do you need in New zealand?

This itinerary covers 7 days in New zealand, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for New zealand?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to New zealand. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Auckland Zoo

Start your family adventure at Auckland Zoo, where you can see a wide variety of animals from around the world.

Adults: $25, Children: $12, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Viaduct Harbour

Head to Viaduct Harbour for a delicious waterfront lunch with various dining options suitable for the whole family.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about New Zealand's history and culture through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays.

Adults: $25, Children: Free, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Wynyard Quarter

End the day with a relaxing dinner at Wynyard Quarter, offering a range of family-friendly restaurants with beautiful views of the harbor.

Varies, 1-2 hours

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Day 2: More of Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

Spend the morning exploring Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium to see marine life up close through unique underwater tunnels.

Adults: $39, Children: $22, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ponsonby Central

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ponsonby Central, a trendy food hub with a variety of eateries catering to all tastes.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sky Tower

Head to the Sky Tower for panoramic views of Auckland from the observation deck and maybe even try the Skywalk for an adrenaline rush.

Adults: $32, Children: $13, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mission Bay

Wrap up your day with a relaxing dinner at Mission Bay, a beachside suburb known for its picturesque views and dining options.

Varies, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 3: Adventure in Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

Te Puia Geothermal Valley

Explore Te Puia Geothermal Valley to witness bubbling mud pools, geysers, and learn about Maori culture through traditional performances.

Adults: $54, Children: $27, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Enjoy a meal at Eat Streat, a vibrant street lined with restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisines.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Redwoods Treewalk

Embark on the Redwoods Treewalk for a magical stroll among the towering trees, illuminated at night for a magical experience.

Adults: $30, Children: $15, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant

Indulge in a buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant atop the Skyline Rotorua with stunning views of the city lights below.

Adults: $85, Children: $45, 1-2 hours

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Day 4: Family Fun in Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

9:00AM

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see native wildlife up close, including kiwi birds, and enjoy interactive animal encounters.

Adults: $40, Children: $20, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fat Dog Cafe

Have a casual lunch at The Fat Dog Cafe, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious comfort food options.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Polynesian Spa

Relax and unwind at the Polynesian Spa, where both adults and children can enjoy geothermal hot pools and spa treatments.

Adults: $30, Children: $15, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Enjoy another delightful dinner at Eat Streat, exploring a different restaurant for a variety of culinary experiences.

Varies, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 5: Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Skyline Queenstown

Start your day at Skyline Queenstown for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, and enjoy fun activities like luge rides.

Adults: $44, Children: $29, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Treat yourselves to the famous Fergburger for lunch, a must-try in Queenstown known for its delicious gourmet burgers.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Queenstown Gardens

Stroll through the picturesque Queenstown Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the town perfect for family walks and relaxation.

Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pier 19

Enjoy a waterfront dinner at Pier 19, offering fresh seafood and other delectable dishes with stunning lake views.

Varies, 1-2 hours

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Day 6: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

9:00AM

Shotover Jet

Experience the thrill of a Shotover Jet boat ride through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, a must-do activity in Queenstown.

Adults: $149, Children: $79, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cow Restaurant

Have a cozy lunch at The Cow Restaurant, known for its charming alpine ambiance and hearty Italian cuisine.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kiwi Birdlife Park

Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to learn about New Zealand's unique bird species, including the iconic kiwi, through conservation efforts and educational experiences.

Adults: $45, Children: $23, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Grille by Eichardt's

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at The Grille by Eichardt's, offering fine dining with a view of Lake Wakatipu for a memorable evening.

Varies, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 7: Discover Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Begin your day at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the city with a variety of plant collections and peaceful walking paths.

Free, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Market

Savor a diverse lunch experience at Riverside Market, where you can try different cuisines from local vendors in a vibrant setting.

Varies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Punting on the Avon River

Enjoy a relaxing punt ride along the tranquil Avon River, taking in the scenic views and learning about the city's history.

Adults: $30, Children: $15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at 27 Steps

Conclude your New Zealand adventure with a farewell dinner at 27 Steps, a cozy restaurant known for its seasonal menu and warm hospitality.

Varies, 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Christchurch

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Auckland

8:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: More of Auckland

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Adventure in Rotorua

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Family Fun in Rotorua

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Explore Queenstown

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Adventure in Queenstown

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Discover Christchurch

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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