Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in New Zealand

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Daily Bread

Start your family adventure with fresh pastries and artisan bread at Daily Bread, a local favourite.
Drive or walk from your accommodation in central Auckland.
NZD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Sky Tower Visit

Take a trip up to the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city, allowing the family to spot landmarks.
A 10-minute walk from Daily Bread.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to explore New Zealand's history and culture, featuring interactive displays for kids.
A 10-minute drive or 20-minute bus ride from Sky Tower.
NZD 40, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Glass Goose Bar & Eatery

Enjoy a hearty lunch with a family-friendly menu at the Glass Goose, ideal for refuelling after a busy morning.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Auckland Zoo

Spend the afternoon at Auckland Zoo, where kids can discover native wildlife and exotic animals.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
NZD 70, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Glasshouse

Wrap up your day with dinner at The Glasshouse, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious menu.
A 20-minute drive from Auckland Zoo.
NZD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Coffee Shop, famous for its extensive menu including pancakes and omelettes.
A 10-minute drive from your accommodation.
NZD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Rotorua

Leave Auckland and travel to Rotorua (approximately 3-hour drive) to experience its geothermal parks.
Rental car drive, enjoy scenic views.
NZD 30 (fuel), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Pig and Whistle

Stop for lunch at the Pig and Whistle, a charming bar serving hearty fare in a family-friendly environment.
Located in the city centre upon arriving in Rotorua.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Explore the stunning geothermal landscapes and Māori culture at Te Puia, featuring geysers and mud pools.
A short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
NZD 100, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine at Stratosfare Restaurant, offering delicious meals with breathtaking views of Rotorua's lake.
A 10-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD 150, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: Adventure at Waitomo

Waitomo, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel to energize for the day's adventures ahead.
At your accommodation in Rotorua.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Head out early to explore the glowworm caves, a magical experience for the whole family.
A 2-hour drive from Rotorua.
NZD 30 (fuel), 2 hours

11:30AM

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Embark on a guided boat tour inside the caves to see the enchanting glowworms lighting up the cavern walls.
Next to the main entrance, guided tours commence at set times.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Waitomo Homestead

Relax and refuel with lunch at the Waitomo Homestead, featuring local dishes and homemade treats.
Just a 5-minute drive from the caves.
NZD 75, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Ruakuri Cave

Another splendid cave experience, Ruakuri Cave offers stunning limestone formations and glowworms.
A 15-minute drive from Waitomo Homestead.
NZD 80, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Blackwater Rafting Café

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Blackwater Rafting Café, serving casual food just a stone's throw from adventure activities.
5 minutes drive back from Ruakuri Cave.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Waitomo

Day 4: Adventure in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Expresso Cafe

Grab breakfast at The Expresso Cafe, known for its coffee and delicious breakfast options to start your day.
A 10-minute drive from your accommodation.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Taupo

Hit the road to Taupo, a lakeside town offering exciting outdoor activities, only an hour away.
Drive south for approximately 1 hour.
NZD 15 (fuel), 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Huka Falls

Marvel at the breathtaking turquoise waters of Huka Falls, perfect for family photos and exploration.
A short 10-minute drive from Taupo’s centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Have lunch at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, which is perfect for families with a kid-friendly menu.
A 10-minute drive from Huka Falls.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Cruise on Lake Taupo

Embark on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Taupo, with fascinating stories from the captain and stunning views.
Drive 5 minutes to the boat ramp.
NZD 130, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Rendevous Restaurant

End your day with a family-friendly dinner at Rendevous Restaurant, known for its delicious local cuisine.
A quick 5-minute drive from the boat ramp.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 5: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation in Taupo to fuel up for the day ahead.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wellington

Leave Taupo and drive to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, which takes about 4 hours.
Rental car drive directly to Wellington.
NZD 60 (fuel), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cuba Street

Arrive in Wellington and explore the lively Cuba Street while enjoying lunch at one of its many cafés.
Cuba Street is the vibrant heart of the city.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Spend the afternoon at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, with interactive exhibits perfect for kids.
Just a 10-minute walk from Cuba Street.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Wellington on a Plate

Relish dinner at The Wellington on a Plate, showcasing local flavours in a family-friendly dining setting.
A 5-minute drive from Te Papa.
NZD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Travel to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Savour a quick breakfast at your accommodation in Wellington before setting off.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Christchurch

Set off for Christchurch, a scenic drive of roughly 4.5 hours through beautiful landscapes.
Rental car drive east to Christchurch.
NZD 80 (fuel), 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Curator’s House Restaurant

Enjoy a lovely lunch at the Curator’s House, known for its delicious meals and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in the Botanic Gardens.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Take a relaxing afternoon stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Adjacent to the Curator’s House Restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant

End the day with dinner at Fiddlesticks, known for its great menu and welcoming environment for families.
A quick 10-minute drive from the gardens.
NZD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 7: Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Christchurch before heading to Queenstown.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Travel to Queenstown, famed for its stunning scenery, taking about 6 hours.
Drive south through scenic routes.
NZD 100 (fuel), 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Grab a iconic Kiwi burger at Fergburger, a must-visit in Queenstown, with options for both kids and adults.
Located in the famous Queenstown town centre.
NZD 70, 1 hour

4:30PM

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Take the Skyline Gondola for amazing views and enjoy the thrill of the luge rides with the family.
A short drive or 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
NZD 150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Finish off your New Zealand adventure with pizza and pasta at The Cow, an enchanting family-friendly venue.
Only a quick 5-minute drive from the gondola.
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About new zealand

Trip Packing List: New Zealand (Late February — Summer, warm days, cooler nights)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: New Zealand in Winter (June–August)
Packing List
New Zealand Weather in June: A Guide to the Kiwi Winter
Weather Guide
New Zealand Weather Guide: Year-Round Climate & Local Insights
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting New Zealand
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your new zealand Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go