12-Day Family Friendly Adventure Itinerary in New Zealand on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive and Explore

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your journey with a delicious breakfast at Federal Delicatessen, known for its hearty offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Auckland.
NZD30, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Auckland Sky Tower

Take in stunning panoramic views of the city from the Auckland Sky Tower, a highlight for any visitor.
Drive to the Sky Tower car park.
NZD32, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery

Savour some shared plates at Depot Eatery, a casual and lively spot serving delicious local cuisine.
Short drive from the Sky Tower.
NZD60, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Pick up campervan

Collect your campervan from the rental service and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Short drive to the rental location.
NZD90, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Drive to Hobbiton

Begin your journey towards Hobbiton, the magical movie set from The Lord of the Rings.
Drive for approximately 2 hours to Hobbiton.
Fuel cost NZD20, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Hobbiton Movie Set

Enjoy a hearty meal at the Green Dragon Inn after your tour around the Hobbiton set.
Onsite dining.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Camping near Hobbiton

Settle in and relax at a nearby camping ground, ready for tomorrow's adventures.
Look for local campgrounds.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hobbiton and Head to Waitomo

Hobbiton and Waitomo, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at camp

Prepare a simple breakfast in your campervan to fuel up for the day.
Campground facilities for cooking.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Take a guided tour around Hobbiton, exploring the iconic filming locations.
Onsite tour meeting point.
NZD75, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Travel south to Waitomo Caves, known for its stunning glowworm displays.
Drive for approximately 1.5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD15, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Waitomo Homestead

Enjoy a meal at Waitomo Homestead, ideal for refuelling before more adventures.
Short drive from the caves.
NZD50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Waitomo Caves

Join a guided tour to explore the stunning caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Meet at the cave entrance.
NZD80, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to Rotorua

Set off for Rotorua to experience its unique geothermal features.
Drive for approximately 2 hours.
Fuel cost NZD20, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Fat Dog Café

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Fat Dog Café, perfect for families.
Located within Rotorua.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Camping in Rotorua

Find a local camping ground to rest for the night.
Look for campgrounds in Rotorua.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Geothermal Wonders

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared in your campervan to kickstart your day.
Campground facilities for cooking.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Explore the wonder of Te Whakarewarewa, where mud pools and geysers abound.
Short drive to the site.
NZD50, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Redwoods Forest Treetop Walk

Experience the Redwoods Forest by walking through the treetops on an elevated walkway.
Drive for about 15 minutes.
NZD50, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Fat Kiwi

Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Fat Kiwi, a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
Drive back through Rotorua.
NZD50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Drive to Taupo

Travel on to Taupo, famous for its stunning lake views and outdoor activities.
Drive for approximately 1 hour.
Fuel cost NZD15, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Huka Falls

Visit the magnificent Huka Falls, where the Waikato River cascades over rocky outcrops.
Drive for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Taupo's Thai Delight

End your day with an authentic Thai dinner at the highly-rated Thai Delight in Taupo.
Conveniently located in Taupo.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Camping in Taupo

Find a campsite near the lake to rest for the night.
There are several campsites around Lake Taupo.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wellington Bound

Taupo to Wellington, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Make a simple breakfast in your campervan before heading out.
Campground facilities available.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Wellington

Set off for the capital city, Wellington, known for its vibrant culture and stunning views.
Drive for approximately 4.5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD40, 4.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Wellington Waterfront

Grab lunch at one of the eateries along the lovely waterfront of Wellington.
Multiple restaurants to select from.
NZD60, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Wellington Cable Car

Ride the Wellington Cable Car for breathtaking views of the city and harbour.
Cable car station located in the city centre.
NZD10, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary

Visit Zealandia to experience New Zealand's unique wildlife in a stunning natural environment.
Short drive to Zealandia.
NZD30, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Temperance

Enjoy a meal at The Temperance, offering a great selection of traditional pub meals.
Located in downtown.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Camping in Wellington

Find a campsite just outside the city to rest for the night.
Campsites available in nearby areas.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey South

Wellington to Mount Cook, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campground

Enjoy breakfast from your campervan before departing for Mount Cook.
Campground facilities for cooking.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Head south to the stunning Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak.
Drive approximately 4.5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD40, 4.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Stop for lunch at The Hermitage with a magnificent view of the mountain.
Onsite restaurant.
NZD80, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Scenic Hooker Valley Track

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track for stunning views of mountains and glaciers.
Access to the track is near The Hermitage.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

Learn about the local ecology and geology at the visitor centre.
Short drive from the track.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at campsite

Prepare a simple meal at the campsite to enjoy with mountain views.
At your campsite.
NZD15, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Camping in Mount Cook

Settle for the night in the Mount Cook camping area.
Explore local campsites.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Queenstown Adventures

Mount Cook to Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Start your day with breakfast made in your campervan.
Campground cooking facilities available.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Queenstown

Travel to Queenstown, known for its adventure sports and stunning scenery.
Drive approximately 3 hours.
Fuel cost NZD30, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Try the world-famous Fergburger for an experience you won't forget.
Located in Queenstown.
NZD60, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Kiwi Park Queenstown

Visit the Kiwi Park to encounter native wildlife, including kiwis, in this family-friendly environment.
Short drive within Queenstown.
NZD25, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Take part in kayaking or paddleboarding on the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
Rent equipment at the lakefront.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Vudu Café

Enjoy freshly made meals at Vudu Café, great for families.
Conveniently located in Queenstown.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Camping in Queenstown

Find a nearby campsite to rest for the night.
Explore campgrounds in Queenstown.
NZD45, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Scenic Wanaka

Queenstown to Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Prepare a hearty breakfast in your campervan to start the day.
Campground facilities available.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Wanaka

Head over to Wanaka, a charming town surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Drive for about 1 hour.
Fuel cost NZD10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Wanaka Lavender Farm

Enjoy the scented beauty at Wanaka Lavender Farm, perfect for family photos.
Short drive to the farm.
NZD15, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at the Big Fig

Savour some wholesome food at The Big Fig, which offers kitchen-to-table meals.
Close to Wanaka's centre.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Explore Lake Wanaka

Take a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Wanaka and snap some family photos!
Lakefront walking paths.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Make a scenic drive to Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, a picturesque site.
About 1 hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at a local café

Find a local café to enjoy dinner, sampling the regional cuisine.
Various options in Lake Tekapo.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Camping near Lake Tekapo

Settle for the night at a campground near Lake Tekapo.
Look for campgrounds in the area.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Fiordland Exploration

Lake Tekapo to Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Enjoy breakfast at your campsite before exploring Fiordland.
Cook in your campervan.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Fiordland National Park

Travel to Fiordland National Park for spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities.
Drive for approximately 2.5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD25, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Take a stunning cruise on Milford Sound to see waterfalls and wildlife.
Board the boat at Milford.
NZD90, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Enjoy a post-cruise lunch at the local café with scenic views.
Onsite café at Milford Sound.
NZD50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Scenic drive around Fiordland

Take a leisurely drive around the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland National Park.
Follow the scenic routes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at a campsite

Prepare dinner at your campsite, sharing stories of your day’s adventures.
At your campsite.
NZD20, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Camping in Fiordland

Rest for the night at a designated camping area in Fiordland.
Locate a campground nearby.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Adventures in Queenstown

Fiordland to Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Fuel up with breakfast in your campervan as you prepare to return to Queenstown.
Cook at campsite.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Queenstown

Return to Queenstown for another adventure-filled day.
Drive approximately 2 hours.
Fuel cost NZD20, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Queenstown Gardens

Explore the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, ideal for families.
Located near the centre of Queenstown.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mama's - Queenstown

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with a wide menu at Mama's.
Conveniently located in Queenstown.
NZD60, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore local shops & cafés

Spend the afternoon exploring Queenstown’s charming shops and cafés.
Walking distance from the Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Partake in another session of kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Wakatipu.
Equipment rental at the lakefront.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Cow

Enjoy a pizza dinner at The Cow, a local favourite.
Central location in Queenstown.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Camping in Queenstown

Locate a campsite nearby to rest for the night.
Find a nearby campground.
NZD45, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Coastal Wonders

Queenstown to Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Prepare a simple breakfast in your campervan before a long drive.
Campground cooking facilities.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Travel towards Kaikoura, famous for its marine wildlife.
Drive approximately 5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD45, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Green Room Café

Savour a delicious lunch at The Green Room, known for fresh local ingredients.
Located in Kaikoura.
NZD50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a tour to go whale watching and experience the amazing marine life in Kaikoura.
Meet at the tour agency.
NZD100, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Pier Hotel

Enjoy dinner while overlooking the harbour at The Pier Hotel.
Located in Kaikoura.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Camping in Kaikoura

Settle down at a campervan park in Kaikoura for a restful night.
Various campgrounds are available.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Explore Christchurch

Kaikoura to Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Prepare breakfast in your campervan before heading to Christchurch.
Campground cooking facilities available.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Christchurch

Travel to Christchurch for its unique blend of culture and scenery.
Drive approximately 2 hours.
Fuel cost NZD20, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Bicycle Thief, a popular eatery in Christchurch’s heart.
Located near the city centre.
NZD60, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, a perfect family-friendly outdoor space.
Short drive or walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Quake City

Visit Quake City to learn about Christchurch’s earthquake history and resilience.
Located within the city.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at Little High Eats

Enjoy a casual dinner with a variety of food stalls at Little High Eats.
Located in the city centre.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Camping in Christchurch

Find a campsite to stay overnight in Christchurch.
Explore local campgrounds.
NZD40, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Conclude at the Coast

Christchurch to Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at campsite

Prepare a simple breakfast in your campervan before driving.
Cooking facilities available.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Head back to Kaikoura for one last view of the beautiful coastline.
Drive approximately 2.5 hours.
Fuel cost NZD25, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Seal Colony at Cape Foulwind

Take a short detour to see the seals at Cape Foulwind, an amazing natural sight.
Drive for about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at the local café

Enjoy a final lunch at a local café, reflecting on your trip.
Cafés in Kaikoura.
NZD50, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hokitika Gorge

If time permits, head to Hokitika Gorge for a quick visit and stunning turquoise waters.
About 2 hours drive from Kaikoura.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Drive back to Christchurch

Begin your journey back to Christchurch to conclude your amazing New Zealand adventure.
Drive for about 2.5 hours back to Christchurch.
Fuel cost NZD30, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner in Christchurch

Enjoy a farewell meal at a nice restaurant in Christchurch to celebrate your trip.
Choose a local restaurant.
NZD80, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability