New Zealand Family Adventure on a Budget

Day 1: City Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Auckland Sky Tower Visit

Begin your adventure with a visit to the Auckland Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city.
After exploring, walk to the nearby waterfront area.
NZD32, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch featuring classic deli dishes in a relaxed setting.
Travel by foot as it's centrally located.
NZD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Campervan Pick Up

Pick up your campervan from the rental location and hit the road.
Drive to your accommodation.
NZD150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Exploring Auckland's Waterfront

Spend the afternoon strolling along the waterfront, enjoying the views.
Park your campervan at the waterfront parking area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Depot

Dine at Depot where you can share small plates of local cuisine.
Quick drive from the waterfront.
NZD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Hobbiton Adventure

Hobbiton, North Island

8:00AM

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Depart early for Hobbiton, famous for its stunning set and scenery.
It's a 2-hour drive; enjoy the countryside views.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton set and learn about its filming history.
NZD79, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Green Dragon Inn

Grab lunch at The Green Dragon Inn for a truly immersive experience.
Right on the set, no travel needed.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Next, drive to Waitomo to explore its famous caves.
A scenic 1.5-hour drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Take a boat tour through the stunning glowworm caves, a highlight of New Zealand.
NZD55, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Waitomo Caves Cafe

Enjoy a hearty dinner at the cafe, overlooking beautiful landscapes.
Short drive from the caves.
NZD30, 1 hour
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Day 3: Geothermal & Gardens

Rotorua, North Island

8:00AM

Drive to Rotorua

Depart from Waitomo to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity.
A travel time of about 2 hours.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Explore the unique geothermal features of Te Whakarewarewa.
NZD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Choose from a variety of food options at this vibrant food court.
Just a short walk from the geothermal valley.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Redwoods Forest Walk

Spend the afternoon in the tranquil surroundings of the Redwoods Forest, perfect for hiking.
Easy drive to the forest area.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The White Rabbit

Savour delicious, locally-sourced dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Quick drive from Redwoods.
NZD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure Awaits

Taupo, North Island

8:00AM

Drive to Taupo

Set off for Taupo, home to beautiful lakes and views.
It's a 1-hour scenic drive.
NZD0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Huka Falls Visit

Marvel at the stunning Huka Falls, an easy walking distance from Taupo centre.
Park your campervan at the nearby park.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Lake Taupo

Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Taupo whilst enjoying the scenic views.
Walking from Huka Falls.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Bistro

Enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake's edge.
Located near the lake.
NZD30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Waitomo

Travel on to the breathtaking views of Cape Reinga.
Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Taupo Boat Harbour

Enjoy views of the harbour while dining at this popular eating spot.
Quick drive from accommodation.
NZD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cape Reinga & Scenic Drive

Cape Reinga, North Island

7:00AM

Early Morning Departure to Cape Reinga

Start early for Cape Reinga to explore the iconic lighthouse.
A day trip of about 4.5 hours from Taupo.
NZD0, 4.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Explore the breathtaking views of where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Visitor Centre Café

Grab a bite at the café for a quick meal before heading back.
Located at the visitor centre.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Bay of Islands

Enjoy the scenic drive to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
About 1.5 hours drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Bay of Islands

Spend your afternoon enjoying sandy beaches and kayaking in the bay.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Dockside Restaurant

Dine at this waterfront restaurant with an excellent view of the bay.
Quick drive from your kayaking spot.
NZD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wellington Wonders

Wellington, North Island

8:00AM

Drive to Wellington

Start your journey towards the capital city of Wellington.
It's about a 7-hour drive, so plan stops along the way.
NZD0, 7 hours

3:00PM

Arrive in Wellington

Check into your accommodation and refresh for an evening of exploration.
Park your campervan at the accommodation.
NZD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Wellington Cable Car Ride

Experience the stunning views of Wellington from the cable car.
A short drive from accommodation.
NZD6, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Cuba Street

Enjoy vibrant dining options with various local cuisines on Cuba Street.
Walking distance from the cable car.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: South Island Collage

Mount Cook, South Island

8:00AM

Ferry to Picton

Take an early ferry from Wellington to Picton to reach the South Island.
Ferry duration is 3 hours.
NZD62, 3 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Mount Cook

Arrive in Picton and drive about 4 hours to Mount Cook.
Enjoy the scenic route.
NZD0, 4 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mount Cook Village

Spend the afternoon strolling through Mount Cook Village and taking in the stunning views.
Park at the village parking area.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hermitage Hotel

End your day with a nice dinner featuring stunning views of the mountains.
Right at the village.
NZD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Fiordland Adventures

Milford Sound, South Island

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Leave Mount Cook early and travel to Milford Sound, known for its breathtaking scenery.
Around a 2-hour drive.
NZD0, 2 hours

9:00AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Take a scenic cruise through Milford Sound and witness towering cliffs and waterfalls.
NZD85, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Have a quick meal with beautiful views overlooking the sound.
Next to the cruise terminus.
NZD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Queenstown

Travel to Queenstown in the afternoon, a hub for adventure.
Drive time around 1.5 hours.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Queenstown Gardens

Unwind at the beautiful Queenstown Gardens and enjoy a leisurely walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fergburger

Indulge in one of the famous burgers Queenstown has to offer.
A short drive from the gardens.
NZD25, 1 hour
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Day 9: Queenstown Fun

Queenstown, South Island

9:00AM

Kayaking at Queenstown

Start the day with kayaking on Lake Wakatipu, a serene experience.
Rent kayaks from a nearby rental shop.
NZD50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vudu Café

Enjoy a delicious lunch break with a variety of options.
Short walk from the lake.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Adventure Activities

Choose from bungee jumping or skydiving for thrilling afternoon excitement.
NZD200, 3 hours

5:00PM

Queenstown Gardens Visit

Explore more of the gardens with their peaceful walking tracks.
Easily accessible.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cow

End the day with a comforting family meal at this rustic restaurant.
Short drive from gardens.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Scenic Lake & Hikes

Wanaka, South Island

8:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Depart from Queenstown and drive to Wanaka to enjoy its peaceful beauty.
Around a 1-hour drive.
NZD0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lake Wanaka

Take photos at the famous Wanaka tree before enjoying the lake views.
Park nearby for convenience.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Kai Whakapai

Enjoy a tasty brunch with local ingredients and smoothies.
Close to the lake.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hooker Valley Track

Embark on a scenic hike in the stunning Hooker Valley, perfect for families.
A bit of driving required to reach the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cow

Dine at The Cow, a charming Italian restaurant with pizza and pasta.
Return to Wanaka for dinner.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Nature's Wonders

Fiordland National Park, South Island

8:00AM

Drive to Te Anau

Set out for Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
It's around a 1.5-hour drive.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Fiordland National Park

Enjoy a day surrounded by nature, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Spend time visiting various lookout points.
Free, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Te Anau

Enjoy a meal in Te Anau after your day in the national park.
Easy drive into town.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Kaikoura Coast

Kaikoura, South Island

8:00AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Depart early to Kaikoura, known for whale watching.
Around 3 hours journey from Te Anau.
NZD0, 3 hours

11:00AM

Kaikoura Whale Watching

Experience the thrill of whale watching; it's an unforgettable experience.
NZD120, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch by the Waterfront

Savour fresh seafood at one of the local eateries by the water.
Walking distance from the whale watching setup.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Seal Colony

Check out the nearby seal colony for friendly encounters.
Short drive to the colony.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Final Dinner at The Craypot

Conclude your adventure with a delightful dinner highlighting local cuisine.
A short drive from the seal colony.
NZD50, 1.5 hours
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