10-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip in New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the bustling Giapo, known for its creative takes on classic breakfast dishes.
Located in the Central Business District of Auckland.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Auckland Zoo

Explore wildlife at Auckland Zoo, home to over 140 species and a great attraction for families.
A short 10-minute drive from the cafe.
NZD 30 (adult), NZD 15 (children), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at La Zeppa

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at La Zeppa, famous for its share plates and rooftop garden.
10-minute drive back to the city center.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Auckland Sky Tower

Take the lift up the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
A quick 5-minute drive from lunch.
NZD 32 (adult), NZD 15 (children), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Walk Through Victoria Park

Unwind with a stroll in Victoria Park, a family-friendly park with playgrounds and beautiful walks.
A short 5-minute drive from the Sky Tower.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Depot

End your day with a relaxed dinner at Depot, famed for its fresh NZ seafood and lively atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the park.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Little Darling

Fuel up for the drive with breakfast at Little Darling, which offers delicious coffee and baked goods.
15-minute drive from your hotel.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Rotorua

Hit the road and enjoy the scenic 3-hour drive to Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders.
Follow State Highway 1 and then take State Highway 5.
GasNZD 40, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Arrival and Lunch at Eat Streat

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Eat Streat, a vibrant dining area with various options.
A short drive from your accommodation.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Te Puia

Discover the geothermal wonders and Maori culture at Te Puia, home to geysers and mud pools.
10-minute drive from Eat Streat.
NZD 55 (adult), NZD 30 (children), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Relax in a Thermal Spa

Unwind at the Polynesian Spa, where you can soak in natural hot mineral pools.
5-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD 40 (adult), NZD 20 (children), 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Stratus Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner overlooking the lakes at Stratus Restaurant, known for its fresh local cuisine.
Approx. 10-minute drive.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cavell's Café

Start your day with breakfast at The Cavell's Café, known for its delicious baked goods and coffee.
From your hotel, it's about a 10-minute drive.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hiking at Redwoods Treewalk

Enjoy a tree-top walk among the towering Redwoods, a family-friendly and scenic experience.
15-minute drive from the café.
NZD 35 (adult), NZD 20 (children), 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park

Explore Wai-O-Tapu, known for its colorful geothermal pools and unique landscape.
Approx. 30-minute drive from the Redwoods.
NZD 40 (adult), NZD 25 (children), 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at the Wai-O-Tapu Café

Grab lunch at the café located within the park, featuring light meals and fresh snacks.
On-site, so just walk over after your tour.
NZD 35, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Agrodome

Experience an interactive farm show and learn about country life in New Zealand at Agrodome.
Approximately a 20-minute drive from Wai-O-Tapu.
NZD 45 (adult), NZD 25 (children), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Consider ending your day with a sophisticated dinner at Atticus Finch, known for its farm-to-table ethos.
A short 15-minute drive back to the city center.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Tongariro National Park

Rotorua to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Laurie’s Kitchen

Enjoy a warm breakfast at Laurie’s Kitchen before embarking on your journey to the National Park.
A short drive from most Rotorua hotels.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Tongariro National Park

Drive to the stunning Tongariro National Park, approximately 1.5 hours away, surrounded by natural beauty.
Follow the State Highway 1 towards the National Park.
GasNZD 30, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Embark on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s best day hikes.
Start at the Mangatepopo car park.
Free, 7 hours

6:00 PM

Check-In and Refresh

Check into your chosen accommodation in the park and relax after the hike.
Accommodation options range from lodges to campsites.
1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Powderkeg

Dine at The Powderkeg, known for its hearty meals and warm atmosphere after a long hike.
On-site or nearby your accommodation.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wellington Bound

Tongariro National Park to Wellington, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast from your lodge before heading out.
Breakfast included with most lodges.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Wellington

Head down to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, just over 4 hours away.
Take State Highway 1 towards Wellington.
GasNZD 60, 4.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Wellington Waterfront

Enjoy lunch at a waterfront café, offering stunning views of the harbor.
Located directly in the city center.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Te Papa Museum

Visit the national museum, Te Papa, where you can learn about New Zealand’s culture and history.
A short walk from the waterfront.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Take the cable car up to Kelburn for spectacular city views and access to the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
5-minute walk from Te Papa.
NZD 9 (adult), NZD 4.50 (children), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Falkirk

Enjoy dinner at Falkirk, a family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu close to the cable car station.
10-minute drive or a walk back into the city center.
NZD 65, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sweet Mothers Kitchen

Start your day with breakfast at Sweet Mothers Kitchen, known for its tasty huevos rancheros.
Located in the heart of Wellington.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Zealandia

Visit Zealandia, a beautiful eco-sanctuary featuring native wildlife and nature trails.
A short 15-minute drive or public transport ride away.
NZD 21 (adult), NZD 12 (children), 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Botanical Gardens Café

Have lunch at the café set within the stunning Wellington Botanic Gardens.
5-minute drive or a lovely walk back.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Weta Workshop

Tour the famous Weta Workshop and learn how the magic of film comes to life.
15-minute drive from the gardens.
NZD 45 (adult), NZD 20 (children), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Stroll along Oriental Bay

Take a relaxing walk along Oriental Bay, where you can enjoy the picturesque beach views.
20-minute drive back towards the city.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Grill by Sean Connolly

Enjoy a great dining experience at The Grill where steaks and wine steal the show.
A 10-minute walk back into the city center.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Wellington to Picton

Wellington to Picton, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café L'affare

Enjoy a delicious coffee and a light breakfast at Café L'affare before your journey.
Located within Wellington.
NZD 35, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ferry to Picton

Take the scenic ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, a picturesque town in the Marlborough region.
Ferry terminal in Wellington.
NZD 60 (adult), NZD 30 (children), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Seabreeze Café

Grab lunch at the Seabreeze Café located right at the marina with refreshing views.
Located in the town center of Picton.
NZD 40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Picton Foreshore

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walk along the Picton Foreshore, where you can enjoy views of the harbor.
Easily accessible from the café.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Queen Charlotte Sound

Consider taking a guided kayak tour around the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound.
Available through local tour companies.
NZD 75 (per person), 2.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Le Cafe

Dine at The Le Cafe, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and quality meals, perfect for families.
5-minute drive from the Foreshore.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Picton to Nelson

Picton to Nelson, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Accommodations

Start your day with breakfast included at your accommodation in Picton.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Nelson

Embark on a drive to Nelson, a vibrant artsy city known for its beaches, just an hour away.
Follow Queen Charlotte Drive.
GasNZD 15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore the Nelson Market

Visit the Nelson Market, open on Saturdays, where you can taste local produce and crafts.
Located in the city center.
Free to explore., 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Workshop

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Workshop, featuring craft beer and local flavors.
Short walk from the market.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum

Discover the intersection of art and automotive history at this unique museum.
10-minute drive from lunch.
NZD 20 (adult), NZD 10 (children), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Beach Time at Tahunanui

Relax and enjoy some family time on the sandy shores of Tahunanui Beach.
15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Boat Shed

End your day with dinner at The Boat Shed, an iconic waterfront restaurant known for fresh seafood dishes.
A 10-minute drive from the beach.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Fly to Queenstown

Nelson to Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Urban Oyster Bar

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Urban Oyster Bar before flying to Queenstown.
Located within the city center of Nelson.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Fly to Queenstown

Catch a direct flight to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.
From Nelson Airport.
NZD 100 (per person), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ferg Burger

Grab a world-famous burger at Ferg Burger on arrival in Queenstown.
Located in the city center.
NZD 25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Unwind by the scenic Lake Wakatipu while taking in stunning views of the Remarkables.
Nearby the Ferg Burger.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, ideal for family picnics and walks.
A short walk from the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Gondola Ride at Skyline Queenstown

Take the gondola ride for breathtaking views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
15-minute walk from the gardens.
NZD 44 (adult), NZD 22 (children), 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view at the Skyline Restaurant, featuring a buffet of local flavors.
Ontop of the Skyline Gondola.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Adventurous Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Dueling Pianos

Fuel up at The Dueling Pianos with a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day.
Located near the city center.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Experience thrilling jet boating while navigating through the stunning Shotover River canyons.
Available through local tour companies.
NZD 139 (adult), NZD 79 (children), 1 hour

11:00 AM

Relaxing at Onsen Hot Pools

Unwind in the private hot pools overlooking the beautiful Shotover River.
15-minute drive from town.
NZD 60 (per person), 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Cow Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at The Cow Restaurant in the heart of Queenstown.
Approximately 10-minute drive back to the city center.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Warbirds Over Wanaka

Explore the fascinating aviation museum featuring historic aircraft.
30-minute drive out of Queenstown.
NZD 20 (adult), NZD 10 (children), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Amisfield Winery

End your trip with dinner at this winery, known for local wines and a gorgeous setting.
20-minute drive from the museum.
NZD 80, 2 hours
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