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10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in New Zealand

Viewed by 80 travelers

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Glass Monkey

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and local brews, perfect for fueling your adventure.
Head to the city center by car for a quick 15-minute drive.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Sky Tower Visit

Head to the iconic Sky Tower for stunning views of Auckland's skyline and a family-friendly glass floor experience.
Drive for 5 minutes to the Sky Tower.
NZD 60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery

Enjoy some famous Kiwi cuisine with a shared platter of fish and chips and sliders.
Walk to Depot Eatery which is nearby, about 5 minutes away.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Discover New Zealand's history and culture at this fantastic museum which has interactive exhibits for kids.
Drive 15 minutes to the museum.
NZD 28, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hello Beasty

End your day with Asian-fusion dishes in a fun, vibrant atmosphere that kids will love.
A short 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Caving Adventure

Waitomo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hamurana Lodge

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the lake and a selection of local loaves and spreads.
Drive 2.5 hours to Waitomo, departing early.
NZD 90, 1 hour

10:00AM

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Marvel at the magical glowworms on a guided tour through the scenic caves, which are enchanting for the whole family.
Location is a 5-minute drive from breakfast spot.
NZD 160, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Waitomo Homestead

Savor hearty sandwiches and salads with a local flair after your cave adventure.
Drive for 10 minutes to reach the café.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Waitomo Adventures

Choose between caving, abseiling, or zip-lining in the stunning New Zealand countryside to get your adrenaline pumping.
It’s a short 5-minute drive.
NZD 240, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Black Water Rafting Co.

Finish your day with a family-friendly dinner, featuring gourmet pizzas and local beers.
5-minute drive back to town.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Waitomo

Day 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pig & Whistle

Enjoy a classic Kiwi breakfast, including free-range eggs and local bacon to set you up for the day.
Drive 1 hour to Rotorua in the morning.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Explore the geothermal wonders and discover Māori culture while watching the famous Pohutu geyser.
It's a 10-minute drive from the café.
NZD 110, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Baobab

Enjoy relaxed dining with pizzas and salads, perfect for refueling for the afternoon activities.
Just a 5-minute drive.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village

Learn about Māori culture and enjoy traditional performances and a guided tour of the thermal village.
Short 10-minute drive to the village.
NZD 80, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in the natural mineral springs and let the kids splash around in the family pools.
Just a quick 5-minute drive from the cultural site.
NZD 120, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Eat Street

Chow down on a variety of cuisines at this vibrant street lined with eateries offering something for everyone.
Drive 5 minutes to reach the lively eatery area.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Lake Activities in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Storehouse

Start your day with fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee for a delicious treat.
Drive 1 hour from Rotorua to Taupo.
NZD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Lake Taupo Walk

Explore the stunning lake views while taking an easy family-friendly walk along the shoreline.
Walk from the café to the lakeside, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Scenic Boat Cruise

Enjoy a family cruise on Lake Taupo, taking in the views of the famous Maori rock carvings.
The cruise dock is just a 10-minute drive away.
NZD 180, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Edgewater Restaurant

Opt for lakeside dining with delicious lunch specials that cater to all tastes.
5 minutes from the boat cruise ending point.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Huka Falls Visit

Witness the powerful Huka Falls and take a short walk around the viewing platforms to capture the moment.
Drive 15 minutes to Huka Falls.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Brantry

Indulge in a family-friendly menu that uses local ingredients and offers some amazing kid-friendly options.
Drive back to town, taking about 10 minutes.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 5: Cultural Day in Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fidel's Cafe

Enjoy a breakfast feast with fresh, locally sourced produce in a busy café atmosphere.
Drive 4 hours to Wellington starting early.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Wellington Cable Car

Ride the iconic cable car and take in scenic views of the city as you ascend to the botanical gardens.
Start from the city and walk for 15 minutes to the cable car station.
NZD 30, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Green Man

Have a casual lunch featuring a mix of Kiwi favorites and hearty portion sizes for the whole family.
A short 10-minute walk from the cable car station.
NZD 85, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum with interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.
A quick 15-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wellington Waterfront Walk

Take an easy walk along the waterfront, enjoying local art installations and a coffee break.
About a 10-minute walk from Te Papa.
Optional NZD 20 for coffee., 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Coco at The Roxy

Savor culinary excellence and a charming atmosphere in a beautifully restored theater.
Drive 10 minutes to the restaurant.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Sunny Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Streat

Start with a delicious smoothie bowl and coffee to get energized for the day.
Drive 2.5 hours to Nelson in the morning.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum

A unique museum showcasing incredible wearable art and vintage cars that inspires both kids and adults.
Drive for 15 minutes from breakfast.
NZD 70, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Boat Shed Café

Dine by the waterfront on fresh seafood dishes and lighter fare while enjoying panoramic harbor views.
Just a 15-minute drive.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Nelson Market

Browse local arts and crafts, offering kids a chance to find souvenirs and try some local snacks.
A short 5-minute drive to the market.
Free for admission., 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Urban Oyster

Complete the day with dishes that celebrate local produce, and delightful seafood options for everyone.
Drive 10 minutes from the market.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson

Day 7: Glacier Excursion

Franz Josef, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Landing

Enjoy a breakfast featuring homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee before heading south.
Drive approximately 5 hours to Franz Josef.
NZD 90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Experience a guided walk on the famous glacier, an unforgettable family adventure suited for all ages.
Drive 15 minutes from your accommodation.
NZD 240, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Ice Bar

Warm up with comfort food, such as burgers and pasta dishes, after a long day of exploration.
Easy 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef

Day 8: Cultural and Natural Wonders

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine Laboratory

Savor fresh pastries and specialty coffees in a laid-back café setting as you prepare for the day’s adventure.
A scenic 4-hour drive to Christchurch.
NZD 80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through beautiful gardens and the adventure playground, perfect for kids to enjoy.
A short 10-minute drive to the Botanic Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Press Café

Indulge in tasty soups and sandwiches, ideal for a casual family meal.
Just 5 minutes by car.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Canterbury Museum

Explore fantastic exhibitions featuring natural history and Maori artifacts that fascinate all ages.
A short walk of about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant

Wrap up the day with delicious dishes created with local ingredients in a beautifully designed restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes.
NZD 140, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 9: Relax at Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Akaroa Bakery

Indulge in fresh pastries and home-baked goods for a relaxed start to your day.
Drive 1.5 hours to Akaroa.
NZD 80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Akaroa Dolphin Swimming Tours

Embark on an unforgettable tour swimming with the friendly Hector's dolphins, a true highlight for the family.
Meet at the boat launch in a 10-minute walk distance.
NZD 250, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The HarBar

Enjoy a casual lunch by the waterfront, featuring fresh fish and chips that kids adore.
A quick 5-minute stroll back.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Akaroa Beach

Unwind at the beach for some toddler like fun activities and swimming in the safe waters.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Trading Rooms

Enjoy fresh local produce and seafood with a view as the sun sets over the harbor.
A 5-minute walk from the beach.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Akaroa

Day 10: Thrill in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Dig into delicious breakfast bowls and pastries for a filling start to your finale in Queenstown.
Drive 2.5 hours to Queenstown.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

SkyJump Adventure

Experience an adrenaline rush with a family-friendly bungee jumping experience (viewing option available for the little ones).
A short 5-minute walk from breakfast.
NZD 250, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Savor iconic burgers that are fully customizable and sure to satisfy everyone's cravings.
A 10-minute stroll through the lively streets.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kawarau Bridge Bungy

Witness the famous bungy jump from the bridge or take a thrilling ride on a jetboat through the canyon.
Drive 25 minutes to the breathtaking Kawarau Gorge.
NZD 130, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bunker

Enjoy a delicious dinner in a cozy setting, focused on modern Kiwi cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Drive back to Queenstown for about 30 minutes.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
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